The season of giving is officially here, and I’m sure that you’ve been working on stocking up on pet supplements, toys, treats, and accessories for your beloved cat or dog.

Your pet is so lucky to have you as a pet parent!

Unfortunately, though, while your pet is lucky and is cozy and warm at home playing with new toys, there are thousands of shelter cats and dogs that will be spending the holidays behind bars.

I know firsthand that the pets in those shelters would greatly appreciate any pet supplies donations you are able to give.
Over the next few weeks, when you’re out shopping for your pets, I encourage you to think about all the cats and dogs who will be spending the holidays in a shelter without pet parents.

If it breaks your heart, you’re not alone. It breaks my heart, too.

But through donations, we can bring some joy, love, and delicious treats to animal shelters in need.
I’ve put together a list of items I know shelters (and the pups and kitties in them!) will be grateful for.

Keep reading to discover the best pet supplies items to donate to your local charity.

Dog and Cat Food

Pet food is expensive, and any shelter will appreciate being gifted with bags of dog and cat food.

I know I’m typically not one to promote dry, bagged pet foods as I know fresh, all-natural diets, like The Original CrockPET Diet, are so much better for your pet’s health. But I’m going to make an exception here.

Fingers crossed that the pets in the shelters will only have to eat commercial pet food for a short amount of time until they are adopted by a loving family, like yours!

I do however recommend that, if you’re purchasing commercial pet foods for your local shelter, that you pick brands that…

• Are grain-free.

• Contain a limited number of ingredients.

• Are recommended as a dry food of choice by your vet or dog food advisor.com

Pet Toys

There’s nothing better than a fun new toy to play with, chase, or chew!

While you’re out shopping, pick up a few extra pet toys to donate to your local shelter this year.

Durable toys, like Kong brand toys, will be sure to keep both cats and dogs happy for a long time. And better yet, these toys can be stuffed with yummy treats!

Antlers also make a great chewing toy.

You can easily find deer and elk antlers online or at your local pet store. Or, if you live in a wooded area, you might be able to find them while taking a walk through the woods.
Antlers are a safe and healthy bone option. The best part…as a dog chews, she ingests important nutrients from the antler marrow.

Chewy.com is a great place to purchase antlers that are safety harvested in the USA for a reasonable price.

Some pups and kitties are sweet and gentle and would love nothing more than a new toy to cuddle.
You can find plushy, snuggly toys at just about any pet store you visit.

Tip: If you visit yard sales or secondhand stores, you can almost always find stuffed animals that cost next to nothing. Just be sure to give them a wash before you bring them to your local shelter.

Blankets and Pet Beds

It’s important that all cats and dogs have a clean and cozy place to sleep.

And most pet shelters do their best to provide fresh blankets, towels, and pet beds to all the pets they care for. But that also means shelters end up doing a lot of pet laundry.

Help out your shelter this year and donate new or gently used blankets, pet beds, or towels.
Many dollar stores carry nice fleece throws and towels that are the perfect size for kitties and small dogs, so be sure to check out your local dollar store!

If you want to mix it up, bring some laundry detergent to a shelter. It’s an item most people don’t think to donate, but with the number of blankets and towels that need to be washed on a daily basis, it’s a much-needed item.

Donate Your Time

If you’re unable to donate financially this year, don’t worry. You can still give back as a volunteer by donating your time.

And let’s be honest…while pets love toys and treats, what they want most is your love.

Call up your local pet shelter and see what you can do to help. Most places can use assistance with dog walking, cleaning cages, and socializing pets.

I know for sure that I can’t turn down an opportunity to get some extra puppy or kitty snuggles!

Where to Donate Pet Supplies

If you already have a local shelter you want to help out, that’s great! I know they will appreciate anything you can do to assist them.

If you’re not sure where you’d like to donate though, I’ve put together a list my favorite pet charities and shelters that I hope you’ll check out.

Each and every one of the places on this list deserves our support. If you feel moved to give back, I encourage you to give to one of the organizations on this list.

Guide Dogs for the Blind

This organization helps trains dogs to be service dogs for the blind Find out more by visiting their website.

The Warrior Dog Foundation

Warrior Dog Foundation is all about giving back to the Special Operations K-9 Community. Find out more on their website.

SPCA

Small local shelters like the SPCA need money to provide basic care for pets. Find out more about my local SPCA on their website, or do a Google search to find your local SPCA.