Animal shelters are generally non-profit enterprises, and they rely on donations from the community to take care of all the animals that come their way. Animal shelters also help set up the people who adopt the animals with the right supplies. In addition to time, there are specific supplies you can donate as well.

#1: Money

One of the best things to donate is money. Most shelters operate on a tight budget, and any extra money helps. With a cash donation, they can use the money in a way that best serves the needs of the pets they care for. Gift cards to pet supply stores, office supply stores, and home improvement stores can also help them purchase the supplies they need to take care of the pets and run their operations.

#2: Toys

The animals in the care of a shelter need something to do all day, and toys can help keep homeless cats and dogs entertained. When you donate toys, ensure that they are safe and non-toxic. Donate toys from brands known for being durable.

Stay away from stuffed animals, which can easily be torn apart. Stay away from squeaking toys as well, as the squeaky part can easily be swallowed by a pet that chews the toy apart and requires a high degree of supervision that isn't always possible in a shelter situation.

#3: Food

The bulk of most shelter's budget goes towards food for the animals there. You may want to contact the specific shelter you want to help and find out what food they need. They may need special food for pets on special diets. Or they may need actual food items, such as fresh vegetables or canned tuna for the pets in their care.

Make sure all the food you donate is not expired and hasn't been recalled.

#4: Towels and Blankets

Almost every pet wants to have someplace to cuddle up and relax that is their own. That is why donations of towels and blankets are so appreciated. Towels can be used to clean things up, and they can be used to line cages or bedding. Blankets can be used for bedding to keep the animals warm.

Towels and blankets don't have to be brand-new, but they should still be in decent condition.

#5: Grooming Supplies

Next, you can donate grooming supplies, such as pet-safe shampoos, brushes, nail clippers, combs, and hair cutting scissors. This will allow the shelter to clean up all the pets that come their way, getting them ready for the adoption process.

#6: Flea and Tick Treatments

Finally, many pets that end up in shelters are infested with fleas and ticks. Even if they are not infested, they need protection against other pets that are. Flea and tick treatments are in high demand and will be greatly appreciated.

If you have a local animal shelter in your area, find out what they would like to have donated. Common donations include money, gift cards, pet toys, food, towels and blankets, grooming supplies, and feal and tick treatment. You can pick up many of these supplies at your local pet supply store and drop them off at your local shelter. For more information about supplies and donations for pets, contact a local facility.