10 Things to Donate to an Animal Shelter

This week marks Animal Shelter Appreciation Week! In honor of the occasion, learn how you can appreciate your local shelter by finding other ways to make a difference outside of just pet adoption!

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter isn't the only way to make a difference in the animal world. If you simply don't have the time or space to adopt, shelters can always use donations of items that help the shelters run smoothly.

The next time you're looking to make a donation, consider the following items:

1. Cleaning supplies:  It takes a lot to keep those cages clean and sanitized for the animals, so supplies like bleach, laundry detergent and Windex are good donation ideas.

2. Blankets, sheets and towels: Shelters really do a lot to try to make the animals feel at home and welcome, so items like blankets, sheets and towels to help keep the animals comfortable and warm are a good idea.

3. Office supplies: While general pet supplies are always good, there are plenty of other business operations that go on in an animal shelter, and office supplies like phones, paper, pens, printers, etc. are always in need.

4. Building supplies: If you can, shelters always appreciate donations of building materials they need, like fences, crates and dog runs.

5. Food: Most shelters have "wish lists" where you can find out exactly what types of food (and other items) they are in need of. The next time you're shopping for your own pet, why not pick up a couple of extra cans of food for your neighborhood shelter, as well?

6. Wedding favors: Getting married? We love the ASPCA idea of making a charitable donation in lieu of a standard wedding favor.

7. Batteries: Some shelters use batteries (inquire as to which size they need most) to run their microchip scanners, and for other odds and ends in the shelters as well.

8. Plastic bags: Sure, they don't cost a lot, but shelters have a never ending need for plastic bags (without holes!) to clean up after our furry friends.

9. Latex and rubber gloves: Shelter workers will thank you immensely when you donate these items that help keep them safe and clean while working with the animals.

10. Cash: Of course, cash is always appreciated as well, as it can be put towards the areas where the shelter is most desperately in need.  

Tell us--what other items have you donated to animal shelters? Share in a comment!