What to Donate to Animal Shelters: A Full Guide

This is the full guide on what to donate to animal shelters. Maybe you feel moved to donate to your local shelter but don’t know what to donate. Fear not, we went through the trouble of reading many donation lists from shelters all across the USA, to make one master list.

Below you can find a thorough review of items animal shelters need. We organized them into six categories: Food, Hygiene, Toys, Training, Medical, and Pet management. To make your life even easier, we give you links to good options that are shelter-approved, affordable, and probably have next-day shipping.

Jump links

What to donate to animal shelters:

• Food
• Hygiene basics
• Training items
• Toys
• Medical essentials
• Pet management items
• Cleaning aids
• Administration objects

If you want to do something kind and donate to an animal shelter, but don’t know about a trustworthy one that will make the best use of your donation, you can go here and find out the best animal shelters according to Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is a nonprofit organization that provides information to donors on the financial health, accountability, and transparency of other charitable organizations.

Now, let’s dive in:

What to donate to animal shelters:

Food

Food is one thing shelters are always in need of, this is something you can never go wrong with (Unless you decide to bring already-opened food, which is a big NO).

Different shelters might require that the food doesn’t have any artificial dyes. So below, we list affordable and positively reviewed pet food options, with no artificial dyes.

The shelters need food for the different life stages of their pets. They have seniors, young adults, and puppies. So when you think of donating food, try to give a mix. It’s better to have a little for everyone, than a lot for one group and none for the other.

For dogs

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For cats

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Pet food for the pets they accept besides dogs or cats

Depending on the shelter you donate to, they might have other rescues such as bunnies. It’s important to ask about the kinds of animals at the shelter if you plan to include them all in your donation.

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What to donate to animal shelters: Hygiene basics

Hygiene is a basic and necessary thing that every pet should have access to. Therefore hygiene-related things are a must on a list about what to donate to animal shelters.

Cat litter

If you are going to donate cat litter, it would be better to reach out to the shelter you are going to gift it to and ask if they prefer clumping or non-clumping litter. During our research for this blog post, we saw that some shelters’ donation checklists asked for one, and another shelter asked for the other. It’s just a matter of preference.

Clumping cat litter

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Shredded office paper

Shredded paper can be used as bedding to keep the animals warm. It can also be used to put underneath the litter in cat litter boxes to absorb moisture. Your local shelter will always be grateful to receive your shredded paper, just make sure it doesn’t have dyes or ink that is easily transferable to the touch.

Newspaper

Newspaper can be used as an inexpensive pee station due to its ability to absorb moisture. If you still get them, make a designated location in your house to dispose of them after reading, that way at the end of the month you just have to take the batch down to your local shelter.

Dental hygiene

Dental hygiene products can be expensive, especially if you have a lot of pets. Therefore, donating some to the shelter of your choice could be an incredible gesture. The ones in treat format are easier to manage when there are a lot of pets to tend to at the same time.

Greenies

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What to donate to animal shelters: Training items

When planning what to donate to animal shelters, remember that training is a significant factor in upping the odds of a dog getting adopted. Also, there are pets with behavioral issues arriving at shelters all the time, which are in no condition to be adopted yet. Training can rehabilitate dogs that have been through stressful and/or abusive circumstances, giving them another chance to find a loving home and start their lives over.

Some training equipment most frequently requested by shelters are:

Food puzzles and slow feeders

Some dogs struggle to eat at a pace that’s safe from choking and upsetting their stomach—especially dogs who come from a place of food insecurity.

Slow feeders are something you can use as a tool in dog training to help address several common behavioral issues related to eating too quickly. These include:

• Gulping Food: Dogs that gulp down their food too quickly can be prone to issues like bloating, choking, or vomiting. Slow feeders force the dog to eat more slowly, reducing the likelihood of these problems.
• Food Aggression: Dogs that feel the need to eat quickly may become possessive or aggressive around food, especially in multi-dog households. Using slow feeders can remove the urgency around mealtime, reducing the likelihood of food-related aggression.
• Digestive Problems: Eating too quickly can lead to digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, or diarrhea. Slowing down the eating process allows for better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Slow feeders can be especially useful for puppies and young dogs who are still learning how to eat properly. They can also be a helpful tool for dogs who are on a weight loss program or need to maintain a healthy weight.

Teaching a dog how to eat properly it’s a must for their well-being.

Slow feeder

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Clickers

Clicker training is a positive reinforcement-based training technique where you use a small device called a clicker to signal to dogs that they have performed the desired behavior correctly.

Clicker training works by pairing the sound of the clicker with a reward. When dogs perform the desired behavior, the trainers click the clicker and then give the dogs a treat. Over time, dogs learn to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward and begin to perform the desired behavior in anticipation of the reward.

You can use clicker training to teach dogs a wide variety of behaviors, from basic obedience commands to complex tricks.

Clicker

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Gentle leaders

As we mentioned earlier, most dogs arriving at shelters, are not properly trained. They may have some reactivity due to trauma or lack of exposure to people and other dogs. They also might pull a lot on walks, presenting the hazard of running away if the walker drops the leash from them pulling too hard.

Gentle leaders consist of a nose loop and a neck strap that work together to give the handler better control over the dog’s head. This makes it easier to redirect their attention from people or other dogs and keep them from pulling on the leash.

Shelters use it as an alternative to traditional collars and choke chains, which can be harsh and uncomfortable for dogs. They consider them to be a more humane and effective way to control pulling and other unwanted behaviors in dogs, as they work by redirecting the dog’s attention rather than punishing them for bad behavior.

Gentle leader

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High-value dog treats

Shelters use treats to mark good behavior and promote the dog repeating said behavior in order to get the reward again. Therefore, it is important that they are high-value, which means something that the dog will absolutely die for, something that appears in their dreams, something they salivate over.

Dog treats

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Human food that can be used as dog treats (canned chicken, chicken baby food, hot dogs)

Even though the treats we showed above are the number one training treats, which means the dogs react well to them, nothing gets a dog salivating like human food does. Sometimes, a dog just wants a little chicken, and it will do whatever you ask just to get it.

So next time you are planning what to donate to animal shelters of your choice, make sure to include a little human treat. Just make sure that it’s safe to eat, there can’t be vegetables and fruits that are toxic to dogs or bones (they can tear their intestines).

Agility course/training props

Not going to lie, we were as surprised as you to find out shelters ask for this. It was definitely something we didn’t think we’d be adding to the list of what to donate to animal shelters.

Don’t worry, they are not doing competition training. Agility courses are a great way to improve a dog’s overall fitness, coordination, and agility, as well as provide mental stimulation and a fun challenge for both the dog and its handler. With a lot of dogs in one space, you can never run out of things to stimulate them and drain their energy.

Agility training can also help to strengthen the bond between the dog and its handler, as it requires a high level of communication and cooperation between the two. Therefore, it can be a good activity to do in order to bond with the new dogs.

Affordable agility course

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What to donate to animal shelters:

Toys

With a lot of pets to keep entertained, toys are something every shelter would be grateful to get, except if they are the wrong kind of toys. Here we leave you with shelter-approved toys you can buy to donate. You’ll never get it wrong again. You are very welcome.

Soft toys that can be laundered

Definitely don’t just buy the first cute stuffed animal you see and bring it into the shelter as a buddy to one of the dogs. They can be a hazard if they are easy to destroy, dogs can eat the insides and end up with intestinal obstruction. Something that a lot of the time, requires surgery to solve. Suddenly something gifted with the intention of helping can become a new problem and expense to the shelter.

Also, you have to make sure that they are not only safe but easy to wash, for obvious reasons.

Safe and washable soft dog toy

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Non-porous toys that can be sanitized

A non-porous dog toy is a type of toy that does not have any small holes, cracks, or crevices that could absorb or trap bacteria, dirt, or other debris. This means that the toy is easy to clean and sanitize, and is less likely to harbor harmful bacteria or germs that could make your dog sick.

Examples of non-porous dog toys include solid rubber balls, nylon bones, and hard plastic toys. These toys are a great option for dogs who are aggressive chewers or like to play rough since they are typically made from durable and long-lasting materials.

Sanitizable non-porous dog toy

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Wand toys

We don’t want to leave the cats behind. They deserve to have fun too!

Wand toys are designed to stimulate a cat’s natural hunting instincts by mimicking the movements of prey animals. The cat’s handler can wave the wand around, making the toy move in unpredictable patterns that encourage the cat to jump, pounce, and swat at the toy. This type of play is not only mentally stimulating for the cat, but it also provides a great form of exercise that can help to keep the cat healthy and active.

Best affordable wand toy

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Cardboard cat scratchers

We know cats love to scratch things. To keep them from scratching (and destroying) the wrong thing, shelters need scratchers. They are a must on the list of what to donate to animal shelters.

Shelters often prefer cardboard cat scratchers for several reasons. First, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, which makes them a cost-effective option. Additionally, cardboard scratchers are lightweight and easy to move around, so they are convenient for shelters when they need to clean or rearrange their space.

Cardboard cat scratchers are eco-friendly and can be recycled when they are no longer usable, which is an important consideration for many animal shelters that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Cardboard cat scratcher

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What to donate to animal shelters: Medical essentials

Spaying/neutering for one animal

Spaying means surgically removing the reproductive organs of a female animal to prevent pregnancy, while neutering means the surgical removal of a male animal’s testicles to prevent him from impregnating a female. If you’ve heard someone say that their animal is “fixed” or “altered” that means the animal has been spayed or neutered. 

Spaying and neutering have various benefits for both male and female animals, such as reducing the risk of certain health problems and behaviors associated with mating, decreasing the tendency to roam, bite, and display inappropriate sexual behaviors, and avoiding the expenses related to unexpected litters.

However, one side of spaying and neutering that is not so nice, is that when you have a lot of pets that need to get the procedure, the costs can add up pretty quickly. Therefore, if you decide to sponsor one or two surgeries you will be alleviating the shelter’s financial burden in a very meaningful way.

Sponsorship of medical care for one animal

Maybe you feel compassion for rescues and have the financial means to care for a pet, but don’t have the time or emotional resources required to do so. This is a common predicament a lot of people find themselves in. In this case, the best option is to sponsor an animal at the shelter by covering all of its expenses like food, toys, medicine, winter clothes, etc.

A lot of shelters will have this option available because it allows them to take in more animals. Also, many shelters provide opportunities for sponsors to visit and spend time with the animals they are supporting. This can help the animals become more socialized and comfortable with people, and help you become more ready to adopt in the future.

Definitely consider sponsoring an animal when thinking about what to donate to animal shelters.

Vaccinations for one animal

Vaccines are another thing that can become very costly for a shelter but is mandatory to carry out. Shelters need to keep the pets under their care up to date with their vaccines. This helps guarantee the safety and health of both the pets and the humans that come in contact with them.

You can offer to pay for a year’s worth of vaccines for one animal or just for one of the most expensive vaccines, either way, this gesture will go a long way.

Latex and/or rubber gloves

Shelters may use latex and/or rubber gloves for a variety of reasons related to the care and handling of animals. A lot of them, offer medical services in-house.

Overall, latex and/or rubber gloves are useful for shelters to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for animals and humans alike. They help prevent the spread of disease and protect against injuries. Also, they ensure that cleaning and disinfecting protocols are carried out safely and effectively.

However, some people may be allergic to latex, so a latex-free glove option is more inclusive and safe.

Latex free gloves

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Gauze pads

You might be surprised to find this on a list of what to donate to animal shelters. However, shelters may need gauze pads for a variety of reasons related to the care and treatment of animals.

They are amazing for cleaning and dressing wounds. Sometimes, when animals arrive at the shelter, they have injuries or wounds. Gauze pads are a soft and absorbent material that can be used to gently clean and cover wounds. They help to prevent infection and promote healing.

Another reason shelters may use gauze pads is to administer medication or other treatments. They can use them to apply ointments or creams to the skin or to clean and dry areas where medication has been applied.

Gauze pads can also be useful for cleaning the ears or eyes of animals, particularly if they are experiencing discharge or other symptoms. They are gentle enough to use on sensitive areas like the ears and eyes and can help to remove debris or discharge that can cause irritation or infection.

Good quality affordable gauze pads

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Pill pockets

Sometimes it can be hard to administer the medicine some pets need, and pill pockets help a lot. Below is the most repeated option on shelters’ wishlists.

Pill pockets for dogs

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What to donate to animal shelters:

Pet management items

There are some things that shelters need to manage the number of pets they have to take care of every day. These things might not be individual things, but communal to all pets in the shelter that may need them at a given time. We leave you a list below:

Pet crates and carriers

Preferably plastic, and new or gently used – they are unable to use items that are rusted or have any broken pieces.

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Leashes/Harnesses/Collars

Preferably no retractable leashes as they are hard to handle with a dog who is not trained to walk properly yet. They also can be unreliable, the brand determines if they are going to break with short use and most people just don’t know which ones are the good ones.

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Stainless steel feeding dishes

These were pretty common amongst the shelters’ wishlists because they are easy to clean and last a long time. Also, with a bunch of new pets coming in all the time, you can never have enough feeding dishes.

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Stainless steel buckets

The pets get thirsty and the best way to always keep water on hand is with big containers like buckets or bins available at different spots.

Stainless steel bin

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Litter boxes

It is important for cats to have a safe place for them to go potty. Cats can be really territorial creatures, so having a lot of litter boxes is key for animal shelters.

Odor control affordable litter box

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Pet beds

Shelters want to provide a comfortable and safe sleeping area for the animals. Truthfully, they can be stressful and overwhelming environments for animals, so having a cozy and comfortable place to rest can help to reduce stress and make them feel more at home, secure, and comfortable in the shelter.

However, when thinking about donating a bed to a shelter, there are a few things to consider. The main one is functionality, you want to donate a bed that’s not only comfortable but easy to clean and get out of the way when needed. The most solicited ones by shelters were raised cot beds for dogs and mounted beds for cats.

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Waterproof pet blanket

Waterproof pet blankets are great for animal shelter donations because animals that arrive in shelters may not be housetrained or may have accidents due to stress, which can result in wet messes. A waterproof pet blanket can help to protect bedding or other surfaces from moisture or spills, making it easier to keep the animal’s living area clean and hygienic.

Also, the waterproof layer can help to protect against rain or other weather elements, keeping the animal dry and comfortable even when exposed.

Machine washable waterproof blanket

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Debatable

There was a list of things that some shelters added to their wishlists that others said they didn’t accept, these are:

• Hand towels
• Washcloths
• Big towels
• Bound carpet samples
• Clean bedding: sheets, pillowcases, blankets – No larger than twin size.

So make sure to call ahead and make sure these things are allowed before bringing them to any shelter as a donation.

What to donate to animal shelters: Cleaning aids

Something that you may not think of when planning what to donate to animal shelters is that they need things that are not pet related to keep the shelter running and service the pets. We collected a list of cleaning supplies and equipment that was present in almost all of the animal shelter wishlists researched to make this blog post.

Now, on this topic, we are not going to leave links because most of these things you can probably find cheaper and on sale at your local Costco. With the exception of the cleaning equipment, because we did find some affordable options online that may be a better bet (check the end of the list).

Here’s the list:

• Liquid hand soap
• Liquid dish soap
• Dishwasher detergent
• Bleach
• Laundry detergent
• Distilled water.
• Glass cleaner
• Arm & Hammer cat litter deodorant
• Febreze
• Brillo pads
• Paper towels
• Gallon-sized Ziplock bags
• Heavy-duty garbage bags (50 gallons)
• Brooms

Vacuum cleaner

As you can imagine, there are a lot of hairs at shelters so a vacuum is a must for upkeeping. You may think that a vacuum is quite an expensive gift, but we found this really good one for only 100 dollars. Your chosen shelter will surely thank you for it.

Affordable vacuum

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Power Washer

Outdoor areas such as dog runs or kennels can quickly become dirty and soiled with feces, urine, and other waste materials, making them unsanitary and potentially hazardous to animal health. Power washing can help to quickly and effectively clean these areas, removing all traces of waste and ensuring that the environment is clean and safe for animals.

Affordable power washer

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What to donate to animal shelters: Administration objects

Something that we didn’t think of when pondering about the things a shelter might need, was office supplies or monthly payments for utilities. This is another one of those things that are not pet related but still necessary to keep a shelter running.

The items that were repeated the most on shelters’ donation wishlists are listed below. We also didn’t put links in this category because it is cheaper to buy these things locally on a single trip to the store.

Administration things that should be on the list of what to donate to animal shelters:

• Post-it Notes
• Pens
• Copier paper
• First-class postage stamps
• Dry-erase markers
• File folders (specifically two-pocket folders)
• Printer Ink Cartridge
• Toilet paper
• Kleenex
• Paper Shredder
• Paper (printer/copier)
• Adjustable Chair with wheels
• 4 Drawer File Cabinet
• Exterior Painting
• Interior Painting
• Monthly electric bill

Conclusion

We hope this animal shelter donation checklist proves to be useful to you time and time again. If a friend wants to donate to a shelter but doesn’t know what to donate to animal shelters, you can send them this link.

If you want to know about some donation-worthy shelters, you can go here and see the highest-rated animal shelters by Charity Navigator, a tool to examine the quality of non-profits. You can read about the work these outstanding shelters do, and where they are located.