Crafts to Make for Your Local Shelter

Have you ever adopted a pet from a shelter? Many of you would likely answer yes to that question. We think every animal deserves a second chance and are always delighted to see homeless animals find loving homes. Shelters fill a big gap in the field of animal welfare. While there is clearly room for improvement and much more work to be done, they have helped millions of homeless pets get second chances. Shelters rely heavily on donations and assistance from the community. What can you do to help? Create stuff for their furry buddies! Continue reading for suggestions from a local Exeter, CA veterinarian on how to produce some goods for your local shelter.

Why Do Shelters Need Crafts?

Shelters continuously need certain items. Basic necessities like food, litter, and towels are often at the top of their wish lists. However, they can use comfort items, like toys and bedding, as well. A variety of items can be easily created at home. This is a fantastic method to upcycle stuff you won’t be using again, such as a pair of pants that don’t fit or a tee shirt with a hole in the center.

Cat-themed DIY projects

While each cat has unique preferences, there are some things that are almost universally enjoyed.

Below are some ‘pawsible’ options for things you can make kitties: 

Catnip Mice

If we asked our feline companions what their favorite toys are, catnip mice would probably be at (or near) the top of the list. This one is fairly simple because you can use almost any type of fabric remnant. Buying catnip in quantity is typically quite economical. It’s even cheaper to grow your own.

Making the mouse is fairly simple. Actually, they don’t have to be mice. Fluffy does not care what shape her toys are!

Begin by cutting two pieces of fabric into the same shape. Stack them with the outsides facing each other. Next, sew the edges closed. You want to leave a small hole. When you’re finished, turn it right side out and insert catnip into the hole you left. Sew up the hole once it has been appropriately packed. Voila!

If you want to make a lot of these, use a cookie cutter to outline the shapes. You can also make a cardboard outline.

Cat Towers

Cat towers are wonderful for cats because they serve various purposes. They offer napping areas for our feline companions and a location for them to do their nails. Kitties get some exercise climbing up and down. Furthermore, our feline pals typically feel safer in high places. This is a good way to make life a bit more comfortable for shelter kitties.

There are various ways to make these. You may reuse an old bookcase or stepladder. If you’re imaginative and daring, you can make one out of a real tree, lumber, or PVC tubing.

Check for sharp edges and splinters. Then, use smooth planks to create kitty resting spots. Wrap the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope. Voila!

Cardboard Box Castles

We’re all aware that our feline buddies enjoy boxes. Box castles are virtually always popular with our feline pals. You may make these as simple or complex as you like! You may need to fortify it with more cardboard to ensure it is sufficiently sturdy.

Homemade Gifts for Shelter Dogs

Toys are critical to Fido’s mental and emotional well-being. They can also help shelter pets become calmer and more relaxed.

Here are a few options.

Rope Pull

For this one, cut thin strips from an old T-shirt or towel. Use a variety of colors to make it look good. (Fido won’t care, but it won’t hurt!)

Once you’ve split the strips, start braiding them together. Next, braid the braids together. When it reaches the proper thickness, tie it off in a big knot.

There are some variations on this, such as making them into circles or weaving in sweet potato jerky chunks. Another option is to insert a tennis ball. Just stick to safe objects.

Bedding

Beds are also in high demand in shelters. There are various methods for making these as well. The simplest method is to cut two blankets into the same size. As with the catnip mouse, arrange them with the outsides facing in and sew the gaps together, leaving a little hole. Fill with soft, nontoxic stuffing. If you want to be a bit more specific, add another piece of material to increase the thickness between the top and bottom.

Another easy possibility is to upcycle a sweater. Start by sewing the torso into an O shape. Leave the neck open, but sew the waist up. Next, close the wrist openings and secure the arms to the body. Remember to fold and pin them so that they meet at the bottom. Stuff the bedding into the neck opening and close it.

Toys for Small Animals

Shelters also house a variety of smaller animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. There are also some simple things you can do to assist these little guys, even if you do not have (or want) one of your own.

Toys, particularly chew toys, are vital for these pets.

Here are some options for the little ones:

Pet Tents

Guinea pigs adore curling up in Cozies, which are basically small tent beds. You may make one using an old T-shirt or baby blanket and some wire hangers or pipe cleaners. (These also work for cats: you just need larger ones.) 

Cardboard

Toilet paper or paper towel roll tubes can be recycled as toys. You can do a variety of things with them. One approach is to cut them into rings, which are then reassembled into small balls. You might also stuff them with plain paper.

Just be careful with the glue on these. For further information, please contact your veterinarian or the animal shelter.

Boxes

Here’s an easy idea: Use tissue boxes or shoeboxes to build a miniature fortress for your tiny furball. Remember to remove all staples!

Tips For Donating Crafted Goods To Animal Shelters

Each shelter has a unique wish list and restrictions. Always inquire before giving or making anything. You don’t want to find out at the last minute that they won’t accept what you planned to send!

Remember, crafts are not the only method to support shelters. Financial donations are often quite beneficial. Your shelter may need more food, medicine, litter, or litter boxes than toys.

Another way you can help? Consider volunteering or fostering. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to make a real difference. You may find this very gratifying. Helping animals is incredibly rewarding!

A final note? Just take care not to offer something potentially dangerous. Anything with little pieces or sharp edges is unsafe, as are items coated in lacquer, glitter, or dye. Items like ropes and cords can also be dangerous. The shelter may already have policies and guidelines in place. For more information, contact your local veterinarian in Exeter, CA.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Exeter, CA Animal Clinic

Is your pet due for an appointment, vaccines, or parasite treatment? Please contact us at any time. As your local Exeter, CA pet hospital, we are committed to providing exceptional care.