Have you ever adopted a pet from a shelter? Many of you would probably say yes to that question. We think that every living being deserves a second chance, and are always happy to see shelter pets getting adopted into loving homes. Shelters fill a significant void in animal welfare. While there is still space for improvement and more work to be done, they have helped millions of homeless dogs find loving homes. As you probably know, shelters rely largely on donations and support from their communities to keep their doors open. One thing you can do to help? Make items for their furry companions! Continue reading as a local veterinarian suggests a few items you can make for your local Mt. Airy, MD shelter.
Why Do Shelters Need Crafts?
There are some things that shelters always need. Basic items such as food, litter, and towels are typically at the top of their wish lists. However, they can also make use of comfort goods, such as toys and bedding. Many of these things can be made at home. This is a terrific method to upcycle items you won’t be using anymore, such as a pair of pants that no longer fit or a tee shirt with a hole in the middle.
Cat-Related Diy Projects
While each cat has their own distinct preferences, there are a few things that are practically universally liked by our adorable feline pals.
Here are some ‘pawsible’ options:
Catnip Mice
If we could ask our feline friends what their favorite toys are, catnip mice would likely be at (or near) the top of the list. This is a very simple one because you can use practically any type of fabric or remnant. Purchasing catnip in bulk can help make this very cost-effective. It’s even cheaper if you cultivate your own!
Making the mouse is quite straightforward. (Actually, they do not have to be mice. Fluffy is not concerned with what shape her toys are!)
Start by cutting two pieces of fabric into the same form. Stack them so that the outsides face each other. Next, stitch the edges shut. You want to leave a tiny hole. When you’re done, turn the right side out and fill it with catnip via the hole you left. When the hole is adequately packed, sew it closed.
If you want to create a lot of them, use a cookie cutter to outline the shapes. You can also create a cardboard outline.
Cat Towers
Cat towers are ideal for kitties since they serve multiple uses. They provide napping spots for our feline friends as well as a space for them to do their nails. Kitties get some exercise climbing up and down, which is also a good thing. Plus, they often feel safer in high locations.
There are several ways to produce these. You can repurpose an old bookcase or stepladder. If you’re creative and adventurous, you can create one from a real tree, lumber, or PVC pipe.
Check for sharp edges and splinters. Then, lay smooth planks to create kitty lounging areas. Wrap the entire thing in carpet or sisal rope. Voila!
Cardboard Boxes
We all know that our feline companions adore boxes. Box castles are almost always popular with our feline friends. You may design these as simple or intricate as you like! You may need to reinforce it with more cardboard to ensure it is strong enough.
Homemade Gifts for Shelter Dogs
Toys are essential for Fido’s mental and emotional well-being. They can also significantly help calm and relax shelter pets.
Here are a few choices:
Rope Pull: For this one, cut an old T-shirt or towel into thin strips. If you want to make it look good, wear a variety of clothes. Man’s best friend, on the other hand, is unconcerned about the appearance of his toy.
Once you’ve separated the strips, begin braiding them together. Next, braid the braids together. When it’s the desired thickness, tie it off in a large knot.
There are some variants to this, such as making them into circles or braiding in sweet potato jerky chunks. Another approach is to put in a tennis ball.
Bedding: Beds are also in high demand in shelters. There are several ways to make these as well. The simplest solution is to cut two blankets to the same size. As with the catnip mouse, place them together with the outsides facing in and sew the gaps together, leaving a little hole. Fill it with soft, safe stuffing. If you want to be a little more detailed, you can add another piece of material to act as the side and increase the thickness between the top and bottom.
Another option is to upcycle a sweater. Begin by stitching the torso into an O shape. Keep the neck open, but sew the waist up. Next, seal the wrist openings and attach the arms to the body. You want them to meet at the bottom, so keep that in mind as you fold and pin. Stuff the bedding into the neck hole, then seal it.
Crafts For Smaller Animals
Don’t forget about those little furballs! Shelters also receive a lot of smaller animals. Even if you only have dogs or cats, you can still show a little love for the little guys.
Here are some alternatives for smaller animals:
Pet Tents: Guinea pigs enjoy snuggling up in Cozies, which are essentially miniature tent beds. You can construct this using an old tee shirt or baby blanket and a few wire hangers.
Cardboard: Toilet paper or paper towel roll tubes can be repurposed as toys. There are several things you can do with them. One method is to cut them into rings and then reassemble them into small balls. You might alternatively stuff them with plain paper.
Paper: You can also make plenty of items out of paper, such as crumpling it into balls, cutting it into shreds, or folding it into shapes. Then, put it into a small, safe box or basket.
Boxes: Here’s a simple idea: make a miniature fortress for your tiny furball out of tissue boxes or shoeboxes. Remember to remove any staples!
Ask your Mt. Airy, MD vet for more information about safe toys for smaller animals.
Tips For Donating Crafted Goods To Shelters
Each shelter has its own wish list and policies. Always check before donating or purchasing items. You don’t want to find out at the last minute that they won’t take the thing you planned to bring!
Remember that crafts aren’t the only way to help shelters out. Financial donations are usually highly beneficial. Your shelter may require more food, medicine, litter, or litterboxes than toys.
Looking for another way to help? Consider volunteering or fostering. This can be a rewarding and meaningful method to truly make a difference.
Finally, never offer something potentially hazardous. Anything with little bits or sharp edges is unsafe, as are goods coated in lacquer, glitter, or dye. Items with strings or cords are also dangerous. Contact your Mt. Airy, MD veterinarian for further information.
Book An Appointment At Our Mt. Airy, MD Animal Clinic
Is your pet due for an appointment, vaccinations, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Mt. Airy, MD pet hospital, we are always delighted to assist.
