Donations of Used Items: What Cincinnati Animal CARE Can and Can’t Accept

Donating Used Items: What Cincinnati Animal CARE Can and Can’t Accept

At Cincinnati Animal CARE, we are incredibly grateful for the generous donations we receive from our community. Your contributions help us provide essential care and comfort to the animals in our shelter. However, it’s important to know which used items we can accept and which ones we cannot. Understanding these guidelines ensures that your donations have the greatest impact! Here’s a detailed breakdown of what we can and can’t accept, along with suggestions for alternative donation destinations. Physical donations can be delivered to 3949 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45223 in Northside!

Donations We Cannot Accept:

1. Pillows and Mattresses

Unfortunately, we cannot accept pillows, sleeping bags, large comforters, or mattresses due to the difficulty in properly sanitizing and storing these items on-site. Instead, consider donating them to local homeless shelters or organizations that support families in need.

2. Human Clothing

We do not accept human clothing, including shoes and hats, as these items are not suitable for animal care. Thrift stores like Goodwill or The Salvation Army are great alternatives for donating clothing and other personal home goods.

3. Human or Animal Furniture

Large furniture items are not suitable for our shelter environment due to space constraints and lack of storage available on-site. Items like cat towers, large scratchers, large dog beds, and pets stairs are not needed at this time. Consider donating furniture to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or local charities that help furnish homes for pet parents in need!

4. Expired or Opened Medication

We cannot accept any expired or opened medications. This policy ensures the safety of our animals and compliance with medical guidelines. You can dispose of these items safely through community pharmaceutical disposal programs or certain pharmacies that offer take-back services.

Donations We Can Accept

1. Towels and Blankets

We gladly accept gently used towels and blankets! These items provide warmth and comfort to our animals, especially during colder months. They are used in kennels, for drying after baths, and for cozy bedding. Please ensure they are clean and free of holes or excessive wear.

2. Pet Carriers and Crates

Gently used pet carriers and crates are always needed. They are essential for transporting animals safely to and from the shelter, vet appointments, or foster homes. Crates also serve as secure, comfortable spaces for animals to rest.

3. Leashes, Collars, and Harnesses

We welcome donations of gently used leashes, collars, and harnesses. These items are crucial for daily walks and ensuring our animals get the exercise they need! Please ensure they are in good condition and free of fraying or broken parts.

4. Food and Water Bowls

We accept clean, used food and water bowls. Stainless steel bowls are especially preferred as they are easy to sanitize and more durable. We will accept other types of bowls as well to share with our community and foster families.

5. Dogs and Cat Toys

Gently used toys are greatly appreciated! Toys help keep our animals mentally stimulated and happy. We particularly appreciate durable toys that can withstand rigorous play for dog at the shelter! We also share our toy donations with our foster families and pet families in the community.

6. Opened Bags of DRY Pet Food

We are able to accept open bags of dry cat and dog food, as long as the food is still fresh and in good condition. This helps us provide for the animals in our care, in foster homes, or contribute to our community pet food pantry.

Here’s a list of donations for used items that we can accept:

Bedding and Textiles

• Fleece throw blankets
• Towels
• Flat sheets
• Paper towel and toilet paper rolls

Pet Housing and Carriers

• Dog crates
• Baby gates
• Cat carriers
• Rabbit enclosures
• Aquarium setups

Clothing and Accessories

• Dog clothes
• Medical recovery cones

Leashes and Restraints

• Leashes
• Harnesses
• Collars
• Tie-outs
• Dog seatbelts

Feeding Supplies

• Dog bowls
• Collapsible dog bowls
• Open packs of puppy pads
• Cans of wet food (unopened)
• Open bags of dry food
• Supplements
• CBD treats/supplements

Toys and Enrichment

• Toys
• Cat trees

Cleaning and Grooming Supplies

• Open latex gloves
• Shampoo
• Poop bags

Storage and Carrying

• Tote bags
• Drawstring bags

Here’s a list of donations we always need more of:

If you’re out and about grocery shopping or shopping for your personal pets and see one of the following items, know that the animals at Cincinnati Animal CARE are always in need of the following!

Treats and Food:

• Pork chomps, bully sticks and other long lasting chews
• Peanut butter
• Wet food (dog, cat, puppy, sensitive stomach)
• Canned chicken and canned pumpkin
• Hot dogs
• Easy Cheese / Cheese Whiz
• Other dog and cats treats

Shelter Supplies:

• Latex gloves
• Bleach
• Paper towels
• ZipLoc Bags

The Importance of Donating Used Items

Donating used items to Cincinnati Animal CARE not only helps us manage resources effectively but also reduces waste and promotes sustainability. Your contributions provide comfort and care to animals waiting for their forever homes, allowing us to allocate more funds toward medical treatments, food, and other essential services.

How You Can Help

Before donating, please take a moment to check the condition of your items and clean them if necessary. This small effort can make a significant difference in the ease of integrating these donations into our daily operations!

By following these guidelines, you ensure that your donations are used efficiently and effectively. If you have items that we cannot accept, consider donating them to the alternative organizations mentioned. Together, we can create a supportive community network that benefits both people and animals in need.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Every donation, big or small, helps make a difference in the lives of the animals we care for! To make a monetary donation or shop our Amazon or Chewy wishlists instead, please visit our donate page.