Usually, when we think about giving to worthy causes, cash, clothing, and household items are top of mind. But if your pet has outgrown its comfy sleeping spot, then it’s helpful to know where to donate dog beds.
There are endless possibilities of places to donate dog beds, some of which you might not have even considered. So, we’re going to give you the rundown on charitable organizations and other recipients that will make good use of a hand-me-down pet bed. You’re about to make another furry friend very happy (and comfortable!).
- Charitable donations
- Other ideas for dog bed donations
- Beyond charities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Donate Dog Beds to a Variety of Charities
If you’re wondering where to donate dog beds, the word charity is most likely top-of-mind. But before you make a beeline to the closest donation box, consider some other worthwhile causes.
Animal Shelters
Local animal shelters appreciate dog bed donations as they have dogs of all ages, shapes, and sizes passing through daily. They’re perfect for giving these beautiful creatures a safe and secure place to sleep that feels much more comforting than the floor or cage.
Additionally, though, older dogs benefit from having beds. Did you know that dog beds prevent calluses and help with arthritic conditions?
Foster Parents
Pet foster parents are like angels on this earth. They take care of and sometimes grow attached to pets waiting for their forever homes.
To locate foster dog parents in your area, you can contact local charities and animal shelters. You’ll find that the smaller organizations without proper facilities on site have a volunteer collective of foster families who could use dog beds in a range of sizes.
Donate Dog Beds to Shelters
Many people don’t think about this, but homeless or women’s shelters for domestic violence are housing entire families, including the fur babies.
So, instead of donating a dog bed to a reseller, consider contacting one of your local shelters and make arrangements for a drop-off. You’ll find that women’s shelters aren’t publicized for safety reasons. But you can contact your area domestic violence advocacy group, and they should accept your kind gift.
Other Non-Profits That Accept Dog Bed Donations
Worthy organizations accepting non-cash donations vary depending on where you live. But, for the most part, you should easily locate some of the more prominent charities.
- Goodwill
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
You might also want to consider a charity that works directly with incredible dogs.
Other Places to Donate Dog Beds
Charities are ideal if you want to donate dog beds. But we’ve got some other ideas for you as well.
Donate Dog Beds to Your Vet
We mentioned vets above with guide dogs and service dogs. But, this time, we’re talking about your friendly veterinarian’s office.
Who else knows more about pet families in need?
Passing it on to Patients
If you’re a dog parent, you know how expensive it can be to properly take care of your little furry one. So, your veterinarian can pass along your generous gift to a patient that could use it. Even dogs that don’t typically sleep on a bed might benefit after surgery or as they get older.
Or, how about a family with an unexpected litter on the way?
Family or Friends
Don’t be afraid to ask family or friends if they could use a dog bed. It doesn’t have to be considered as charity. You could let them know they’re doing you a favor by clearing out some space in your home.
Senior Centers
Another place to donate dog beds isn’t a charity, but senior centers are filled with retirees on a fixed income. Some of them could definitely benefit from a quality dog bed for their pet.
Just call or shoot an email to your nearest center and the main office should handle donations or at least offer to put a flyer.
Before You Donate a Dog Bed
There’s a quick checklist you’ll want to address before you donate dog beds to a charity or even a family member.
You wouldn’t want to donate dirty clothes that you just wore. Similarly, it’s not proper to gift a dog bed without giving it a little love and care first.
- Review the tag to ensure that the bed is non-toxic. Just because your dog didn’t chew on it doesn’t mean that others won’t.
- If you’re donating a dog bed that’s in pristine shape, you might just want to give it a once-over to make sure it’s clean and fur-free.
- Instead, if the bed has seen better days, consider purchasing a cover before you donate it. Otherwise, your kind gesture might be for nothing. There are plenty of inexpensive covers on Amazon. Or, if you’re handy, you can whip something up yourself.
Also, if you plan to donate your dog bed to a shelter, take an inventory of any other unused items you can contribute. Shelters and animal societies can also use leashes, food, carriers, etc.
FAQs About Where to Donate Dog Beds
Do all animal shelters accept dog bed donations?
No, but most are more than happy to accept them. You’ll find that shelters have a list of items they can take, and you should be able to find it online. If they’re overstocked with dog beds, they can still point you in the right direction.
How do I know the best place to donate dog beds near me?
Requests for dog beds aren’t as prevalent as clothing, cars, and household merchandise. So, our advice is to decide who you think would benefit the most – a needy family through your veterinarian, the local humane society, a senior center, women’s shelter, or any of the other places we’ve recommended, and then just contact them. Just because they’re not putting out the call doesn’t mean they wouldn’t greatly appreciate your generous donation.