9 necessity donations animal shelters need this holiday season
Or shop from retailers that donate part of their sales to shelters.
With shelter representatives at 17 of the largest no-kill shelters across 10 states and the province of Ontario, Fetch knows the time, commitment and resources it takes for these organizations to help connect dogs and cats with their forever homes and families.
Our shelter partners could use your help fulfilling their holiday wish lists this December. It's as easy as donating things around the house you're not using or adding grocery store items to your checklist or online cart. We know budgets are tight these days, but even the smallest donations can impact pets in need.
"About 1000 animals are adopted a month from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, with the team working extra hard to promote adoptions of big dogs because they tend to get overlooked most," Cass Carter, a Fetch shelter representative, explained.
When asked what kind of donations are most needed, Carter shared that the shelter's first priority for pets is meeting their basic needs. And because these pets come from all different walks of life, that care includes providing a health assessment, appropriate medical care, food, shelter and bathing.
"The most versatile donation you can make is a financial contribution that allows the shelter to purchase what's most needed at the time. But there are many additional ways that you can give, especially during the holiday season," Carter adds.
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It's always encouraged to call your local shelter to see what they may need, but Carter reminds us that many shelter staff members are especially busy right now wearing many hats.
So if you can't get a hold of your local shelter, check out their website to see if they have a wish list posted. Or check out Carter's recommendations of common items shelters often need:
- Dawn dish soap
- KMR or Breeder's edge formula for kittens and nursing supplies - 2 oz and 4 oz bottles and "mini miracle" nipples
- Extra unused items that might be sitting around your house, like towels or small blankets (no holes)
- Extra leashes (small sizes are most needed)
- New zip lock bags
- Unopened bag(s) of cat litter
- Puppy pads
- Kitten chow
- Timothy hay (for bunnies)
- Full wishlist for Tampa Bay available here
If you are looking for a shelter that needs support, consider our shelter partner, The Oregon Humane Society, out of Portland — they just expanded their facility with a brand new building and have a list of retail partners on their site that donate part of their sales to Oregon Humane. Treat yourself, and treat a pet in need at the same time!
With December festivities in full swing, we invite you to clean out a closet, buy something off of your local shelter's wishlist or give a cash donation to help houseless pets.
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