By Sandy Robins

It’s that time of year again—gift-giving time. An estimated 154 million pet owners are expected to splurge on toys, treats, and accessories for that furry, finned, or feathered friend or family member.

While you’re shopping for that special something to be ripped open under the tree, spare a thought for thousands of animals in shelters across America. By adding something to your list and donating it to your favorite animal charity, you can help make the holidays more comfortable and enjoyable for the abandoned and unwanted.

“The simplest toy can improve an animal’s demeanor, reduce stress and increase its chances of finding a loving home,” says champion animal campaigner Justin Rudd. “Dogs are especially fond of heavy duty chew toys.”

Rise to the Challenge

Rudd, of Long Beach, California, heads an organization called Haute Dogs. Every year he organizes a huge gift drive called Operation Santa Paws, collecting sacks of items which teams of volunteers deliver to numerous shelters in southern California just before the holidays.

You can follow by example, either by making your own donations, or by starting a similar program in your area. You can organize friends and fellow animal supporters, or go all out, and set up collection bins in stores and offices in your area. Even kids can get involved, through their teams, clubs, or school groups.

Shelter Wish List

But what to donate and what to ask others to contribute? We asked Kevin Morrissey, Director of Communications for PAWS Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, and Oscar Rincon, Senior Director of Shelter Operations of the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, to compile a list highlighting some of the gifts that their shelters would love to receive this time of year.

Here’s the wish list they came up with:

Dog Specific Items
• Collars
• Leashes
• Gentle leaders
• Bath towels
• Washable comforters, blankets, and rugs
• Combs
• Toys (all size dogs)
• Agility equipment
• Dog beds (all sizes)
• Puppy and dog food (unopened)
• Treats
• Water and food bowls
• Soft-sided airline dog carriers
• Crates (all sizes)

Shelters also typically need equipment and supplies—less festive perhaps, but just as necessary to help them provide quality, caring support for the animals they house. Examples of items which are most appreciated:

• Large plastic garbage cans and 30-gallon trash bags
• All-purpose cleaning materials and odor removers
• Paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper
• Mops and buckets with wringers
• Plastic water pitchers, plastic utensils
• Large plastic storage containers
• Rolling storage carts
• Office supplies such as folders, pens, small notebooks, stamps, and paper
• Baby weighing scale
• Pet store gift certificates

Good Used Items Make Great Gifts

Remember that animal shelters gratefully accept good used items too. “Good” means good enough for your own dog, not stuff headed for the trash. And don’t forget to launder house wares such as towels, linen, bedding, and pet beds before donating! “In fact,” says Kevin Morrissey of PAWS, “the only thing shelters never take are opened bags of food.”

This Christmas, Los Angeles TV personality Jillian Barberie, who hosts a daily adoption segment on the popular Good Day LA morning show, donated her almost new computer and flat screen monitor to her local animal shelter. “I wasn’t using it and they have put it to very good use,” says Barberie. She and her husband, actor Grant Reynolds, are pet parents to a menagerie of adopted dogs and cats. “People are always asking me how they can help. Start by looking around your home and itemizing things you no longer need. If you are planning to remodel the kitchen, shelter caregivers always appreciate outgoing microwaves and refrigerators. And if you don’t have anything useful, there’s always money…”

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

Many shelters offer sponsoring programs whereby your donation will provide a specific pet with food, shelter, and critical veterinary care and until they find a new family. In return, you will receive a color photograph and information about your pet along with a certificate of appreciation. If that personal connection appeals to you, check with local shelters in your area to see what’s available. You could also make this donation in the name of someone in your life as a special gift to, or in memory of that person.

Finally, never give a dog, or other type of pet as a gift without making absolutely sure the recipient wants a pet and truly understands the commitment. Sadly, many dogs land in shelters after the holidays because they were not wanted in the first place.

And remember, you don’t have to wait until Christmas to help shelter pets. Make it your New Year’s resolution to volunteer at your local shelter in the months ahead. Love and goodwill are free—you may even discover that you are receiving more than you’re giving.