As the winter chill sets in, nothing beats getting cosy with our furry best friends. While our pets are enjoying the royal treatment at home, it’s also a good time to spare a warm thought for those currently waiting for their forever families in local pet shelters.
Pet shelters do amazing work year-round, providing safe havens, endless love, and dedicated care to animals in need. However, the colder months often bring a few extra challenges. Keeping large groups of abandoned pets safe, warm and stimulated requires a lot of resources. Donations are often the only way these organisations can keep their doors open.
While adopting another pet isn’t always an option, a simple gesture of kindness can completely transform a shelter pet’s winter experience. Consider the ways you can help with our list below.
1. Warmth for winter
Shelters need: Kennels, beds and blankets
Warmth is a top priority and sturdy kennels are always in high demand. A well-built kennel acts as a barrier against the cold wind, giving dogs a snug retreat.
Cats enjoy the closed-off comfort of igloo style beds and plush materials. A variety of sizes come in handy as some cats like to cuddle up together while others prefer to be alone.
Kennels and beds require soft blankets not only for warmth, but also for a sense of security and emotional comfort.
You can find a variety of kennels, beds and blankets at The Queen Pet Shop. If you aren’t sure which shelter you can donate to, our staff members will help you find a reputable organisation nearby.
2. Food for fuel
Shelters need: a variety of pet food
Shelters fly through their food reserves fast as the number of animals they care for constantly fluctuates. Donating a bag of dog or cat food is one of the most practical and appreciated gifts you can give.
Dogs and cats of all ages end up in shelters, so consider puppy and kitten food options as well as multistage foods. You can find a variety of brands when you shop at The Queen Pet Shop in store or online, including Montego, Jock and Boelie’s Bites Budget.
If you buy pet food online, consider setting the delivery address to a shelter you would like to support and surprise them with a helpful donation.
3. Safety priority
Shelters need: collars and leads
Pets aren’t meant to be kept indoors all day and walks are important for their health and stimulation. While cats can move around in cattery enclosures, shelters often rely on volunteers to assist with walking dogs.
For this reason, collars and leads are much needed but often overlooked items in need. A good quality collar and lead that can handle wear and tear are essential for safe walks. Rogz offers an excellent variety of options.
4. Help with hygiene
Shelters need: cat litter, litter boxes and grooming products
Keeping animals healthy means taking care of their hygiene. Shelters require a variety of litter boxes and litter to meet the needs of many cats and kittens. Without the right littler box setup, cats can develop urinary issues and behavioural problems which makes adoption more difficult.
Fur babies also need to be groomed and washed to keep matted fur, ticks and fleas under control. Pets often arrive at shelters in bad condition and need to be groomed to avoid the spread of parasites.
The next time you’re shopping for your pets, consider cleaning products and hygiene basics for fur babies in need.
5. Extra essentials
Shelters need: scratch posts, toys and winter clothes
Mental stimulation is important for all pets, including those waiting for forever homes in shelters. Cat trees, scratch posts chew toys and balls can brighten the lives of animals and keep them in good spirits.
Look for durable options that can be shared between pets. The Kong range of toys are made to last and satisfy a dog’s natural instinct to chew. With a variety of options to choose from, shelter dogs are less likely to turn their beds and blankets into chew toys. Let’s team up this winter to ensure that every furry friend gets to experience a touch of the royal treatment. Visit The Queen Pet Shop for everything you need.