5 simple, impactful ways you can support shelters and rescues
If you're like us, you wish you could adopt all the dogs looking for their forever homes. But when you've already got a full house and that's not possible, you probably wonder what else you can do to help these dear pups while they wait for a home of their own.
For dog lovers, supporting animal shelters is a tangible way to give back and make a meaningful difference in countless dogs' lives. We all know shelters play a vital role in rescuing, caring for, and rehoming dogs who need that bridge and boost to a forever family.
But how can you help animal shelters do their good work?
Of course, monetary donations are always needed, but another one of the simplest and most impactful ways to help is by donating essential supplies.
How do you know what supplies are truly useful and make the dogs' lives better? Let's jump into the what and why of supplies shelters can use most to help rescue dogs thrive and be at their best for adoption to the families they want and deserve.
First, why shelters are so important
Animal shelters and rescues are literally a lifeline for abandoned, stray, and surrendered dogs. Across the U.S., there are approximately 3,500 animal shelters with nearly 6.3 million companion animals annually. Without them, millions of animals wouldn't have access to food, shelter, or medical care.
But the truth is, running an animal shelter is no small feat. Many operate on limited budgets and rely heavily on donations and volunteer efforts to keep their doors open. The supplies you donate not only support daily operations but also can hugely enhance the quality of care and the experiences dogs are able to have while they're waiting to meet their lifetime families.
When what you give increases a dog's health, happiness, play and training opportunities, that dog becomes more adoptable. And that's everyone's goal!
Wondering what you can contribute? Here's a breakdown of the most-needed items.
Essential supplies dogs love and animal shelters need
Animal shelters need a wide variety of supplies to meet the daily needs of the dogs they care for. Here's a list of some of the essentials you can donate to keep all the good work of animal shelters happening:
1) Food, treats, and chews
Food: Proper nutrition is the foundation for every dog's health and well-being. Animal shelters often welcome donations of new bags or cans of pet food. It's a good idea to check with your local shelter to see if they have foods they need and use consistently for puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs, and dogs with any special needs. They usually have planned nutrition for their dogs to not mix it up too much and keep all the pups' digestive systems healthy.
Treats: Animal shelters and dogs can never have enough treats. They're a key part of positive training in learning everyday cues, polite leash walking, potty training, and so many other everyday happenings for dogs. Many rescues and shelters have a wishlist of treats they like to use with their dogs; again, always good to check to be aware of any preferences or restrictions. Treats are food too, and it's a good idea to make sure they're nutritious. Dog pros also usually prefer either small or soft, easily breakable treats for training that benefits from frequent rewards in small bites.
Chews: Shelters need natural chews (like bully sticks) for dogs to enjoy during their downtime. The act of chewing helps reduce stress and boredom, which makes for happier and healthier pups. It's key that these chews are healthy options to safely give dogs the mental stimulation they need. All dogs and especially dogs in shelters love having a long-lasting chew of their own to self-soothe and satisfy their instinctive need to chew.
A couple of our favorites -- and more importantly, dogs' and rescues' favorites:
All natural and made with only three healthy ingredients, our yak chews can last for many happy chewing sessions. Their hard texture that softens with saliva helps clean teeth while providing good nutrition and calming chewing.
Yak chews' health benefits and popularity with dogs are one reason we created our Chews for Change program. Every time you buy one for your own dog or to donate, we give one to a shelter dog. Together we're doubling the good!
Mighty Paw Bully Sticks are single-ingredient, high-protein, all beef chews that are also long-lasting, giving shelter pups plenty of mental stimulation and the natural calm that comes with chewing. Plus the bonus of helping keep teeth clean and healthy!
2) Healthful supplements
An important part of nutrition and wellness, healthful supplements can support dogs in specific ways. They can be an extra benefit that might not make it into a rescue's tight budget, so they make a wonderful donor gift.
Here are a few suggestions of supplement chews (that taste like treats!) designed with veterinarians, to help dogs feel and be their healthiest:
A calming blend of natural ingredients (melatonin, chamomile, and L-tryptophan) to promote relaxation and calm behavior in dogs in stressful situations. Perfect for the shelter environment or during times of transition.
Supports dogs with allergies or itchy paws and skin by boosting the immune system with Omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin, and turmeric in a tasty chew.
Mobility support for joints and hips -- especially helpful for older dogs. Loaded with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM to lubricate joints, support connective tissues, and promote overall joint health.
3) Toys and enrichment
Dogs thrive on exercise and play -- both physical and mental. That's especially true of dogs while they're in a shelter environment.
Donating toys and enrichment tools can help make the most of shelter dogs' exercise and play times with volunteers or downtime entertaining themselves. Toys provide dogs with physical exercise, mental engagement, and stress relief. Even the simplest pet toys and enrichment items can make their days brighter while they're awaiting their forever homes.
A few favorites:
Licking instinctively satisfies and soothes dogs while providing mental stimulation. Our lick mats are designed with various textures for licking a spreadable treat like healthful peanut butter or wet food and have suction cups on the back to stick to any surface. Plus, licking the mat is a dental health bonus, cleaning tongue and gums in the process!
The lick bowl gives dogs the same benefits as a lick mat and serves as a fun treat dispensing toys in wobbly mode or a slow feeder for meals in stable mode.
What's better than fetching a frisbee for some good leg-stretching fun?! Ours are super light but durable, flexible nylon fabric and come two to a pack so you can make two shelter dogs active and happy at once!
Pro tip: to make giving even easier, we created a special bundle for shelters that combines three of the shelter favorites from above:
4) Walk and exercise gear
Rescue organizations always need durable, safe, and comfortable gear for training and walking exercises. Having proper gear makes activities easier and likely to happen more -- keeping rescue pups happy (and better trained for adoptability)!
Here's a list of solid essentials designed with trainers for functionality, safety, and good value:
Constructed from high-quality, weather-resistant material, it stands up to repeated stress from adventurous activities. The neoprene padding provides cushioning to keep dogs comfortable through active play and exercise.
Combines the functionality of a standard collar with the safety features of a martingale collar, making it a favored choice among dog trainers.
With two handles, this leash lets shelter volunteers switch seamlessly between giving dogs some slack or holding them close in high-traffic areas. It's a great way to have both control for the walker and freedom for the pup!
Fully adjustable for safety, weatherproof, and padded for maximum comfort. The sport harness has dual clips for the leash -- one on the chest/front, one on the top/back -- so it can be used either way depending on each dog's walking/training style.
5) Bedding and Blankets
Cozy bedding gives much-needed comfort for shelter animals, mirroring the safety and security of a home environment. Donating your used blankets or old towels gives them a wonderful new purpose. When it comes to dog beds, check with your shelter for any preferences in type or materials to be sure they're useful in that particular shelter setting.
And finally, bonus donating tip:
Remember, shelters can always use everyday cleaning supplies. Every pet owner knows that with dogs (especially puppies) comes a need for plenty of paper towels, pet-safe cleaners and disinfectants, trash bags, garbage bags, and of course, poop bags.
Cleanliness is crucial in shelters to prevent the spread of any illness and to create a hygienic space for everyone. These supplies help shelter staff and volunteers maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
How and where to donate
Before donating, it's a good idea to check the specific requirements of the shelter you're supporting. While many shelters accept new and gently used items, there may be restrictions for health and safety reasons.
There are a number of ways to connect with organizations that can use your help:
- Local animal shelters: Nearby shelters are a great way to connect directly and build an ongoing relationship. (You may decide to get involved and contribute in additional ways by volunteering time, helping with adoption events, or transporting animals.)
- National organizations: Groups like the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society coordinate donation drives and distribute items to shelters in need.
- Community events: Watch for pet supply drives organized by local businesses or rescues in your area.
Every donation—no matter how big or small—can make a real difference for a rescue dog. Whether you donate supplies, donate money, or donate your time and talents, you are helping dogs be happier and healthier and become more adoptable. Donations directly improve the living experience at shelters, making dogs feel more at home while awaiting their forever families.
Donors like you create a positive ripple effect of change!
Here's to the joy of helping shelters and precious rescue dogs!
We believe in helping dogs live their healthiest, happiest, and fullest lives and supporting you in making that happen. Whether that's for your own pup or the many dogs you want to support while they're in shelters awaiting their forever homes.
And whether for your dogs or adoptable dogs, we're dedicated to finding ways to help you bring more joy and wellness to them every day and in every adventure.
That's why we're committed to bringing you high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your dog and all dogs happy and living their best lives.
