Running an animal shelter comes with a constant need for resources. A well-thought-out donation wish list helps you gather what’s essential for your day-to-day operations while making it easier for supporters to contribute. Focusing on seasonal and holiday-specific needs can also help you remain well-prepared year-round.

Why Animal Shelter Wish Lists Matter

Wish lists play a vital role in streamlining donations for shelters. They guide donors on what is needed most, fostering trust and ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. By keeping your lists updated, categorizing items by priority, and making it easily accessible, your an ensure that donations meet your evolving needs. Clear descriptions and contact points make the process seamless for donors.

Image	Title	Summary	Link
	Winter Wishlist	This winter, you can make a big difference for shelter pets in need. From cozy blankets and nourishing food to fun toys and treats, every item on our …   This content requires Free or Pro Membership to view. Not a member? Join Today or Upgrade Your Account.   …	Access
	Wish List	Our shelter has a wish list filled with items that make a big difference in the lives of our pets. From cozy blankets and toys to essential supplies l…   This content requires Free or Pro Membership to view. Not a member? Join Today or Upgrade Your Account.   …	Access
	WishList Wednesday	It’s Wishlist Wednesday! Help us make tails wag and kitties purr by donating items from our wish list. Every contribution counts! Here’s what we’re…   This content requires Free or Pro Membership to view. Not a member? Join Today or Upgrade Your Account.   …	Access
	Our Wishlist	Help us keep our furry friends comfortable and well-cared for! Our animal shelter is in need of essential supplies to keep the animals happy and healt…   This content requires Free or Pro Membership to view. Not a member? Join Today or Upgrade Your Account.   …	Access

General Donation Wish Lists for Cats and Dogs

Every shelter relies on a core set of items to function effectively. These essentials should form the foundation of your wish list:

• Daily Essentials
  • Pet food (dry and wet for dogs, cats, or other animals in your care)
  • Cleaning supplies (bleach, paper towels, trash bags, disinfectants)
  • Linens (towels, blankets, bedsheets, and bedding)
• Medical Supplies
  • Flea and tick treatments, dewormers, and heartworm prevention
  • First-aid kits, bandages, syringes, and other veterinary essentials
  • Prescription pet foods (often needed for specific health conditions)
• Animal Comfort
  • Collars, leashes, harnesses
  • Toys (chew toys, scratching posts, interactive toys)
  • Beds, crates, and kennels
• Office Supplies
  • Printer paper, pens, folders, and other administrative tools
  • Gift cards for local pet stores or big-box retailers
• Other
  • Laundry detergent, dish soap, and large storage bins

Examples of Creative Donation Requests

• Old furniture for office or storage use.
• Used but clean pet toys in good condition.
• Expired gift cards (some stores still allow partial use).
• Bulk items like large bags of food or litter.

Make your list(s) easily accessible on your website and in printed materials so donors know exactly what to bring.

Tips for Success:

• Post wish lists on your website and social media with direct links to purchase items.
• Engage donors by sharing photos and updates on how donations are used.
• Set up a dedicated donation drop-off area at your shelter.
• Create a tiered list (e.g., high-priority, medium-priority, and wishlist items) to help guide donors.
• Partner with local businesses to display donation wish lists in pet stores and vet clinics.

Seasonal Shelter Donation Wish Lists

Tailoring your wish list for the seasons can help address specific challenges that arise throughout different times of the year. Here are item ideas for seasonal needs:

• Winter
  • Pet coats, sweaters, and booties to keep animals warm
  • Space heaters or heated pads for animals in outdoor or unheated areas
  • Extra blankets and bedding to ensure comfort during colder months
• Spring
  • Supplies for newborn animals: kitten or puppy formula, bottles, and heating pads
  • Gardening tools for maintaining shelter grounds
  • Cleaning products to prepare for increased intakes during warmer months
• Summer
  • Cooling mats, fans, and water bowls to combat heat
  • Pet-safe sunscreen, especially for dogs with short or light-colored fur
  • Flea, tick, and mosquito prevention to keep animals healthy
• Fall
  • Rain gear for dogs, such as raincoats and extra towels for wet days
  • Supplies to prepare for winter, including insulated outdoor shelters for feral cats
  • Festive toys and treats for upcoming holiday fundraisers

Add Climate-Specific Needs

• Shelters in colder regions may need snow shovels, de-icing salt (pet-safe), and outdoor cat shelters.
• In warmer areas, prioritize portable cooling devices and insect repellents.

Seasonal Tips for Success:

• Promote seasonal items with countdown-style social media campaigns (e.g., “Help Us Stay Warm—Donate by Dec 1!”).
• Create seasonal drives that encourage group participation, such as “A Blanket for Every Pup” during winter.
• Work with local businesses to set up collection boxes for specific seasonal items.

Holiday-Specific Wish Lists

Holiday-specific wish lists encourage community engagement during festive seasons. By aligning wish lists with popular holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, shelters can inspire targeted giving and host themed events to boost visibility. Here are a few ideas:

• Thanksgiving
  • Pet-safe foods like canned pumpkin and plain sweet potatoes
  • Festive collars or bandanas to make animals photo-ready for adoption events
  • Gift cards to stock up during holiday sales
• Christmas and December Holidays
  • Stocking stuffers like small toys, treats, or grooming items
  • Donations for adoption gift packages (collars, food, or starter kits for new pet parents)
  • Warm bedding and winter essentials
• Valentine’s Day
  • Heart-shaped toys or themed treats
  • Supplies for shelter-hosted events, like pet photo booths
• Halloween
  • Pet costumes for adoption promotions and social media campaigns
  • Themed toys or treats for animals in your care

Planning Holiday Drives

• Create themed donation bundles (e.g., “Winter Warmth Kits” with blankets, sweaters, and heaters).
• Organize adoption promotions during holidays and tie them to specific wish list items (e.g., “Adopt a Pet and Donate a Blanket”).
• Use social media to promote holiday-specific needs with photos and stories of animals benefiting from the donations.

Tips for Holiday Wish List Success:

• Launch a holiday donation calendar where donors can contribute specific items each day.
• Host a themed fundraising event tied to the wish list (e.g., “Stuff the Stocking” toy drive).
• Encourage corporate sponsorships to match holiday donations.

Conclusion

Thoughtful and well-organized wish lists can help your shelter stay equipped. By timing and including seasonal and holiday-specific needs, you can ensure donors can meet your critical demands throughout the year.