(Photography: Canva)
If you’ve been doing a clean-out or are looking for a simple way to give back, now’s the perfect time to help your local animal shelter through donations. Across Australia, rescue groups are calling for donations as they care for thousands of cats and dogs waiting for their forever homes.
From towels and bedding to toys and food, even the smallest contribution can make a big difference and you don’t need to spend a dollar.
Here are some of the shelters currently in need and what you can drop off to help.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Shelters across Australia need donations as they’re running low on essentials like toys, bedding, food, and enrichment items.
- Even small contributions make a big difference.
- Check each shelter’s wishlist before donating. They update their needs regularly so visit their website or social page to ensure your donation is useful and welcomed.
Animal shelters that need your donations
1. Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre
Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre is currently looking for cat enrichment toys to keep their feline residents happy, active and stress-free while they wait to be adopted.
“We can have up to 180 cats in our care at any given time, and right now we’re running low on enrichment toys that help keep them happy, active, and mentally stimulated while they wait for their forever homes,” they said on their Facebook.
Here’s a few things you could donate that will help with enrichment:
- Ping pong balls
- Cat wands
- Spring toys
Donations can be dropped off or delivered to them at 20 Owen Street, Glendenning.
2. RSPCA
From enrichment toys to everyday essentials, RSPCA shelters regularly update their wishlists with items they urgently need to care for animals across the state.
“There are so many ways to help our animals in need, and donations of goods and products is one of them. Before you begin your spring clean, we’d love to share a simple guide on the items we can and can’t accept at our shelters,” they said on Instagram.
“With limited storage and strict safety requirements for our animals, not all items are suitable for donation. Items we’re unable to accept also create extra costs and unnecessary waste. So, to minimise our environmental footprint and prioritise the safety of the animals in our care, donations of goods and products are limited to items they truly need whilst they wait for their forever homes.”
Here are a few things they accept:
- Clean towels
- Clean blankets
- Clean flat sheets
- Unopened pet food and treats (not expired)
- New pet hard toys
- New pet soft toys without buttons or glass eyes
- Collapsible dog crates
- Hard plastic cat carriers
3. Maggie’s Rescue
Maggie’s rescue is a volunteer-run rescue that supports animals in foster care.
“As a small animal rescue, Maggie’s is incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity and support of our local community to help continue to enrich the lives of animals in our care,” they wrote on the website.
Here are a few things they’re in need of:
- Cat and dog food
- Kitten formula
- Flea and worming treatment
- New or in good condition enrichment toys
- Bowls
- Litter trays
- Syringes and nipples for bottle feeding
- Scales (measured in grams)
- Washed cat or dog beds
They do not accept blankets, towels or linen.
Donations can be dropped off at their office in Marrickville’s Addison Road Community Centre.
4. Strathfield Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
Sydney’s only charity pound, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home have been finding new homes for lost and abandoned pets since 1946. Now, they need your help and donations.
“We’re running really low on bedding and could really use your help. Blankets and doonas are what we need most right now, but sheets and towels are just as helpful to keep our animals warm, clean and comfortable. And if you have any spare toys, we know they’ll be very loved too,” they said on Instagram.
Donations can be dropped off any day of the week during business hours at 442–446 Liverpool Road, Strathfield South.
