August 1st is “DOGust” – the universal birthday for shelter dogs everywhere. Celebrate by giving your adopted fur-baby a special treat AND give one to shelter dogs still in need. The following are some great ideas of birthday gifts that will help the dogs at your local shelters. Have other ideas? List them in the comments!
#1 – Toys
Anything to enrich the life of a shelter dog is always appreciated! Toys are expensive and don’t always last that long, so a bag full of toys will be very welcome at your local shelter. (HINT: shop the clearance bins at your local pet store). Activity toys are especially useful, as they give the dogs something to do while they eat their meals.
#2 – Treats
Another item that shelter dogs just crave are the special treats they may have never had before. Just think about how good those treats taste to a dog rescued from a puppy mill or off the streets! Shelters especially appreciate treats with few ingredients for dogs with allergies and sensitive tummies.
#3 – Cleaning Supplies
Small shelters can use any donations they can get, and the dogs will appreciate a clean living space. It also helps them get adopted – people like to see a clean shelter.
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#4 – Leashes, collars, and harnesses
Another great gift, donate leashes, collars, and harnesses for when the dogs go on walks or to events. It can also help with adoption – getting them used to a collar and walking on leash is a big plus when it comes to adoptability!
#5 – Medical Cones
These cones wear out so quickly and shelters often have need for many of them at a time. Donating a bunch of these to them will be a huge help. The dogs will be happy because they will heal faster which means they can be adopted sooner!
#6 – Beds
These are another gift that shelters can’t get enough of! For some of these dogs, this may be the first bed they have ever had. It’s an amazing gift to give a dog – comfort, warmth, security.
#7 – Gift cards
Not sure what your shelter needs most? Gift cards to your local pet stores, hardware stores, even Target or Amazon, can really help a shelter buy what the dog’s need most. Ask your co-workers to all skip coffee a few days next week and instead, put the money in a jar for your local shelter. You will be surprised at how much you will be able to give!
#8 – “Adopt me” bandanas
I’ve been told this is a big expense for shelters but it really does help get the dogs adopted, especially when they were them to events and outings. Whether you make them or buy them, you will be helping these dogs find a home and what could be a better birthday present.
#9 – Adopt!
Of course, you can always adopt a dog on August 1! If you’ve been looking for a dog, why not give one a new home on her “birthday.”
#10 – Towels
Towels are another necessity that all shelters need. They don’t just use them for cleaning dogs, but also as bedding, carrying injured or stressed dogs, etc. So they are a useful gift the dogs will be grateful for as well as the humans.
#11 – Dog Food
Also something shelters always need and of course, the dogs love this gift! Ask yours if they have a preferred brand or flavor (though most shelters will take any food they can get).
#12 – Dishes
Water and food bowls are another thing a shelter or rescue can never have too many of and the dogs of course appreciate getting food and clean water
#13 – Grooming Supplies
A well-groomed dog is more likely to be adopted, so giving them grooming supplies such as shampoos, clippers, brushes, etc., helps get a rescue dog adopted for his birthday.
Toledo, United States.
