Crafting for Shelter Pets
- Traci Wilkerson Steckel
- Jul 23, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 20
July 21st is "Craft For Your Shelter Day," a day that you crafty folk can give back through your love of crafting to benefit a local shelter or rescue of your choice. Actually, the entire month of July is open for this great way to give back!
Shelters and rescues go through MANY beds, blankets, leashes, collars, and toys as they see thousands of pets come through their facilities each year. I like to call these items "behind-the-scenes items" because people don't always think of them as expenses for the facility. Since they rely on donations, cash is great. Still, these behind-the-scenes items are just as necessary to keep them thriving and will allow them to use their funds on more vital bills, such as keeping the lights on and paying medical expenses for the animals in their care.
So, if you have some material just lying around that you're not sure what to do with, give a local shelter or rescue a call to see if they would accept homemade items, and ask which ones they need most. Once they give you the go-ahead, get that sewing hat on and get to crafting for shelter pets tonight!
Some of the items you might be making are beds, blankets, pillow covers, leashes and collars, and even "Adopt Me" bandanas for the pets to wear at adoption events. Toys are also great craft items, but they are sewn with enough reinforcement so there are no loose pieces or small parts that can be ripped off, which could pose a choking hazard. Never use buttons or small plastic pieces, and it is best to create simple yet hardy items like a braided rope toy for dogs and a tassel tied to a dowel for kitties.
If you do not have material lying around, call some local fabric stores and let them know what you are doing. They may be willing to donate some scraps to you. If this isn't convenient, you may already have something at the bottom of your closet, like a Goodwill bag with old clothes, towels, and blankets you can use. Don't forget to wash them before crafting them up!
Here are some great ideas and instructions for crafting items for birds, cats, dogs, rabbits, and small animals. Remember, be sure to ask the rescue or shelter which items they will accept before you get your crafting for shelter pets on!
Use hashtag #TracisPaws, and we'll feature your photo tomorrow!
Comments