Did you adopt your pet from a shelter? For quite a few of those, the answer to that one is a yes. We think that every pet deserves a second chance, and are always happy to see pets getting adopted into loving homes. Shelters really do fill a huge gap when it comes to animal welfare. While there’s still room for progress and lots of work to be done, they have helped millions of homeless pets get adopted. Of course, they rely heavily on donations and support from their local communities. One thing you can do to help? Make things for their furry wards! Read on as a local Wichita, KS vet lists a few things that you can make for your local shelter.

Why Do Shelters Need Crafts?

Shelters are always in need of a few things. Basic supplies, like food, litter, and towels are usually at the top of their wish lists. However, they can also use comfort items. Many of these items are things you can easily make at home. This is a great way to upcycle things you aren’t going to use any more, like that pair of jeans that don’t fit anymore or the tee shirt with a hole in the middle. These can also make great kids’ projects! 

Homemade Things For Cats

While kitties do all have their own unique tastes, there are quite a few things that are almost universally appreciated by our feline overlords.

Here are a few ‘pawsible’ options:

Catnip Mice

If we were able to ask our feline pals what their favorite toys are, catnip mice would probably be at (or at least near) the top of the list. This is a really easy one because you can use almost any sort of fabric scrap. Plus, catnip is cheap if you buy it in bulk … and even cheaper if you grow your own.

As to making the mice, that’s pretty simple. Actually, they don’t even have to be mice. Fluffy really doesn’t care what shape her toys are!

Start by cutting two pieces of fabric to the same shape. Stack them on top of each other, with the outsides facing each other. Next, you’ll sew the edges closed. You want to leave a small hole. When this is done, turn it right-side out again, and then fill it with catnip, using that hole you left. When it’s sufficiently stuffed, close the hole up.

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

Cat Towers

Cat towers are great for kitties, as they serve several purrposes. They offer our feline pals napping spots and a place to do their nails. Kitties also get some exercise climbing up and down. Plus, Fluffy often feels more secure in high places.

There are quite a few ways to make these. You can upcycle an old bookshelf or stepladder. If you’re crafty and ambitious, you can make one out of a real tree, lumber, or PVC pipe.

You’ll want to make sure there are no sharp edges or splinters. Then, add smooth planks to make kitty lounging spots. Wrap the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope. Voila!

Cardboard Boxes

We all know that our feline pals really love boxes. Box castles are almost always a hit with our feline pals. You can make these as simple or elaborate as you want! You may need to reinforce it with extra cardboard to make sure it’s sturdy enough.

Ask your Wichita, KS vet for more information on kitty toys and purrniture.

Homemade Gifts For Shelter Dogs

Toys are very important for Fido’s mental and emotional health. They can really help soothe and comfort shelter dogs.

Here are a few options:

Rope Pull

For this one, you would want to cut an old T-shirt or towel into thin strips. If you want to make it look nice, use a few different pieces of clothing. However, Man’s Best Friend won’t really care what his toy looks like.

Once you have the strips sorted, start braiding them together. Next, braid those braids together. When it’s the thickness you want, tie it off in a large knot.

There are also some variations on this: you can make them into circles, or braid in things like sweet potato jerky pieces. Another option is to work a tennis ball in. 

Bedding

Beds are also often in high demand from shelters. There are quite a few ways to make these as well. The simplest is to just cut two blankets to the same size. As with the catnip mouse, you’ll put them together, with the outsides facing in, and sew the openings closed, leaving a small hole. Use a soft, safe stuffing to fill it. If you want to get a bit more detailed, you can add another piece of material to add thickness between the top and bottom.

Another option is to upcycle a sweater. Start by sewing the torso into an O shape. Leave the neck open, but sew the waist up. Next, sew the wrist holes closed, and sew the arms to the torso. You want them to meet at the bottom, so keep this in mind when you’re folding and pinning. Use the neck hole to stuff the bed, then close it up.

Homemade Crafts For Smaller Animals

Don’t forget about the little furballs! Shelters also get lots of smaller animals. These guys also need toys … particularly chew toys!

Here are a few options for the littles:

Pet Tents

Guinea pigs love to snuggle up in Cozies, which are basically tiny tent beds. You can make these out of an old tee shirt or baby blanket, using a few wire hangers.

Cardboard

The tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls can make fun toys. There are quite a few things you can do with these. One option is to cut them into rings and reassemble them into little balls. You can also stuff them with plain paper. 

You do want to be careful with the glue on these, though. Ask your Wichita, KS vet and the shelter for information. 

Boxes

Here’s an easy one: just build a little castle for your tiny furball out of tissue boxes or shoeboxes. Just remember to remove any staples! 

Tips For Donating Crafted Goods To Shelters

Every shelter has their own wish list and policies. Always reach out before donating or even purchasing goods. You don’t want to find out at the last minute that they don’t accept the item you were planning to bring! 

Keep in mind that crafts aren’t the only way to help shelters out. Financial donations are always extremely helpful. Your shelter may also need food, medicine, litter, or litterboxes more than they need toys. 

Another way to help? Consider volunteering or even fostering. This can be a fulfilling and meaningful way to really make a difference. 

Finally, make sure not to offer anything that could be dangerous. Anything with small parts or sharp edges is a no, as are items that are covered in varnish, glitter, or dye. Items with ropes or strings are also unsafe. Ask your vet for more information. 

Make An Appointment At Our Wichita, KS Animal Clinic

Is your pet due for an appointment, vaccines, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your local Wichita, KS pet hospital, we are always happy to help.