8 Fun and Affordable Crafts to Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter

National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day, celebrated on July 21st, is a fantastic opportunity to show love and support for our furry friends. Creating crafts for shelters not only brings joy to the animals but also provides them with much-needed supplies and comfort.

In this article, we’ll explore eight fun and affordable crafts that you can donate to your local animal shelter. These crafts are not only easy to make but also provide significant benefits for the animals waiting for their forever homes.

1. DIY Cat Toys

Cats are naturally curious and love to play. Making toys for them is easy and inexpensive, and these homemade options will keep them entertained for hours:

• Sock mice. Got some old socks lying around? Turn them into adorable sock mice by filling them with catnip and soft fabric or packing paper. Cats will go wild for these simple yet engaging toys.
• Feather wands. Use a stick, some string, and a few feathers to create a feather wand. It’s like a magic wand, but for making cats happy!

2. Handmade Dog Toys

Dogs love to chew and tug, and handmade toys are perfect for keeping them entertained and active. Here are some ideas to try:

• Tug-of-war rope. Old T-shirts or fleece strips can be braided into a sturdy tug-of-war rope. It's a great way to recycle and gives dogs a fun toy to play with.
• Tennis ball treat dispenser. Cut a small hole in a tennis ball and fill it with treats. Dogs will have a blast figuring out how to get the treats out.

3. Pet Beds and Blankets

Every pet deserves a cozy place to rest. These simple crafts can provide just that, ensuring the animals are comfortable while they wait for adoption:

• No-sew fleece blankets. Use fleece fabric to create warm, comfy blankets without sewing. Just cut and tie the edges – it's as easy as pie!
• Pillowcase beds. Stuff an old pillowcase with soft fabric scraps and sew it closed. This quick and cozy bed is perfect for any pet.

4. Enrichment Toys

Keeping pets mentally stimulated is vital for their well-being, especially in a shelter environment. These creative toys can help achieve just that:

• Cardboard cat castle. Use cardboard boxes to build a multi-level castle for cats to explore. It's like their very own kingdom made from your recycling bin.
• Snuffle mats. Create a snuffle mat by tying fleece strips to a rubber mat. Treats can be hidden within the strips, so the pets can sniff them out. It's a fun way to keep them busy and mentally engaged.
• Treat-dispensing toys. Make a treat dispenser using an empty plastic bottle. Measure the size of the treats and cut two holes in the bottle, slightly larger than the treats so they can fall out when nudged. Fill the bottle with treats and replace the lid tightly. Pets will enjoy figuring out how to release the tasty rewards.

5. Upcycled Feeding Stations

Feeding time can be made special with these creative ideas that also promote sustainability:

• Decorated food bowls. Take plain ceramic bowls and personalize them with pet-safe paint. Add fun pet-themed designs for a special touch.
• Raised feeders. Use small wooden crates or boxes to elevate feeding bowls. It's an easy way to create a stylish and functional feeder that’s kind to pets’ necks.
• Furniture feeding stations. Repurpose old furniture like nightstands or stools. This gives them a new life and purpose as feeding stations.

6. Pet Apparel

Who says pets can’t be fashionable? These simple apparel items are both cute and practical, providing warmth and style:

• Bandanas. Sew colorful bandanas from fabric scraps. They're quick to make and add a dash of style to any pet.
• Sweaters. Knit or crochet small sweaters for pets using soft, washable yarn to ensure comfort and ease of care. It’s like giving them a warm, comforting hug.

7. Comfort Items

Help pets feel safe and secure with these comforting crafts. These items can provide much-needed relaxation and security for animals in shelters:

• Stuffed animals. Sew small stuffed animals using soft fabric and stuffing. Pets will love snuggling with their new cuddly friends.
• Comfort wraps. Sew soft fabric into wraps that can be placed around pets. This adds warmth and a sense of security.

8. Volunteer Craft Ideas

Getting the community involved can increase support and resources for shelters. Get others involved in crafting for a cause with these simple ideas:

• Assembly kits. Prepare kits with all the materials and instructions needed for volunteers to create crafts at home. It's a great way to engage the community and get more people involved in helping.
• DIY craft days. Organize craft days at the shelter where volunteers can come together to create items. It’s a fun, social way to support the animals and make new friends.

How Can You Contribute?

Crafting for animal shelters is a wonderful way to give back and make a difference in the lives of pets. By participating in National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day on July 21st, you can provide joy and comfort to animals in need.

Whether you're a crafting pro or a beginner, there's something for everyone. So, grab your supplies, gather some friends, and start crafting for a cause. Your local shelter – and the pets – will thank you!

Interested in bringing a shelter pet home? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues to find your perfect pet today.