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 that every animal deserves a second chance, and we are always delighted to see homeless pets find loving homes. Shelters fill a big gap in the field of animal welfare. While there is clearly room for improvement and plenty more work to be done, they have helped millions of homeless animals find loving homes. This is one reason we work with so many rescues, including the Anti-cruelty Society of Chicago. 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 Plano, IL veterinarian on how to produce some goods for your local shelter.

Why Do Shelters Need Crafts?

Shelters are continuously in need of certain items. Basic necessities like food, litter, and towels are often at the very top of their wish lists. They can, however, use comfort items. Many of these things can be simply created at home. This is a fantastic strategy for upcycling stuff you won’t be using again, such as a pair of pants that no longer fit or a tee shirt with a hole in the center.

Cat-Themed Diy Projects

While each cat has unique preferences, a few things are almost universally enjoyed by our meowing feline overlords.

Below are some ‘pawsible’ options:

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 to make 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 do not need 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 kitties 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, cats typically feel safer in high places. That can go a long way toward helping Fluffy feel more comfortable in a shelter.

There are various ways to make these. You could 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 reinforce it with more cardboard to ensure it is robust enough.

Homemade Gifts for Shelter Dogs

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

Here are a few options.

Rope Pull

For this one, cut tiny pieces from an old T-shirt or towel. Use a variety of colors to make it look good.

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 cutting 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 detailed, add another piece of material to increase the thickness between the top and bottom.

One 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, secure the arms to the body. Fold and pin them so that they meet at the bottom. Close the wrist openings, stuff the bedding into the neck opening, and close it.

Toys for Small Animals

Don’t forget about the small furballs! Shelters also get a lot of smaller animals.

Shelters also house various smaller animals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs. There are also some simple things you can do to assist them, 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.

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 take care with the glue on these: some types may be unsafe. 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 aren’t the sole way to support shelters. Financial donations are often quite beneficial. Your shelter may need more food, medicine, litter, or litter boxes than toys. Finally, avoid supplying something potentially dangerous. Anything with little pieces or sharp edges is not going to be safe, as are items coated in lacquer, glitter, or dye. Items like ropes and cords are also dangerous. For more information, contact your local Plano, IL veterinarian.

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 fulfilling!

Schedule an appointment at our animal clinic

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