There are millions of cats, dogs and small animals that live in shelters across Canada. A lot of these shelters are always in need of donations to keep helping animals.
Next time you are at the pet store, consider purchasing an item or two and dropping it off at your local shelter.
Here is a list of supplies most shelters are always in need of.
(Please call your local shelter before-hand to see what items they are in desperate need of)
Animal supplies
- Cat Treats (new/unopened bag)
- Dog Treats (new/unopened bag)
- Prescription diet pet food: low residue, hypoallergenic diet – new/unopened bags only
- pee pads
- cat and dog beds (new)
- Non-clumping cat litter
- Pine shavings (for small animals)
- Canned cat food (for the kittens)
- Leashes (to take the shelter dogs on walks)
- Cat and dog toys
- Litter boxes
- Scratching posts
Cleaning supplies
- Disposable gloves (powder free)
- Bounce dryer sheets
- Household rubber gloves
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwasher tabs
- Dish soap
- Garbage bags
- Scrub brushes
- Paper towel
- Mops/brooms
- Sponges
- Dustpans
- Bucket
Other
- Money – kind of obvious, but shelters need money to pay for surgeries, medication, supplies etc..
- Canadian Tire money – A lot of Canadian shelters will accept Canadian Tire money, as this can be used to buy cleaning/pet supplies.
- Air Miles – The Ottawa Humane Society uses Air miles to purchase prizes that are raffled or sold — raising money for animals in need. You can download and print the OHS Air Miles card here.
- Volunteers – Most shelters welcome volunteers. Volunteers are always needed to work in the office, walking dogs, and even foster animals.
- Foster families – Fostering a pet is not only a rewarding experience, but it’s a great way to help out your local shelter from the comfort of your own home.
- Used blankets/towels – These are used for the sick animals after surgeries or births.
- Old newspaper – Shelters use newspapers in the bottoms of cages. They get soiled quickly, so they’re in constant demand.
- Plastic shopping bags – Plastic bags can be used to clean up dog messes while on walks.
(Please call your local shelter before dropping off supplies to see what items they are in desperate need of)
