- 1Wash fabric items thoroughly with pet-safe detergent
- 2Wipe down leather items with damp cloth and leather conditioner
- 3Check for wear - ensure buckles, snaps, and D-rings are functional
- 4Remove any ID tags or personalization
- 5Test clasp function - replace if weak or damaged
- 6Bundle similar items together (all leashes, all collars, etc.)
- 7Place in clean plastic bag or container for transport
- Animal shelters and humane societies
- Rescue organizations and foster networks
- PetSmart Charities donation bins
- Petco Foundation donation centers
- Training facilities and dog daycares (for backup supplies)
- Veterinary clinics (some redistribute to shelters)
- Community pet supply drives
Shelters use collars and leashes daily for walking, behavior training, and sending animals home with adopters. Gently used items are highly valued. Remove personal identification but leave reflective strips or safety features intact. Retractable leashes in working condition are especially appreciated.
Pet owners replace collars and leashes frequently as pets grow or preferences change, generating 15,000 tons of waste annually. These items are designed for 5-10 years of use but often discarded after 1-2 years. Donation extends lifespan dramatically - a single donated collar may serve 10-20 shelter dogs during their adoption journeys, preventing manufacture of new items.
Accepted
- Nylon collars (all sizes, flat or martingale)
- Leather collars and leashes
- Standard 4-6 ft leashes
- Retractable leashes in working condition
- Harnesses (front-clip, back-clip, no-pull styles)
- Gentle leaders and head halters
- Cat harnesses and leashes
- Slip leads and training leashes
Not Accepted
- Collars with broken buckles or frayed to unsafe condition
- Retractable leashes with broken retracting mechanism
- Shock/prong collars (many shelters use positive reinforcement only)
- Items with sharp edges or metal spurs
- Heavily chewed leather items compromising strength
Estimated value: No cash value; donation tax deduction of $3-$20 per item depending on type and quality
Can I donate a collar with my pet's name embroidered on it?
Yes! Shelters can still use personalized collars. They typically cover or remove nameplates/embroidery before use. Some shelters creatively repurpose: cutting off name sections, using permanent marker to cover names, or using for temporary identification during animal care. Don't let personalization stop you from donating - it's an easy fix for shelters.
Are retractable leashes useful to shelters, or should I only donate standard leashes?
Retractable leashes are valuable IF in working condition! Shelters use them for: 1) Small dog adoptions (nice send-home gift), 2) Allowing timid dogs more exploration space, 3) Volunteer walking programs in safe areas. However, test the lock mechanism first - broken retractable leashes are useless. Standard 4-6 ft leashes are most versatile and always needed in highest quantities.
What should I do with a leash that's slightly frayed but still functional?
Donate it! Shelters assess all donations and make judgment calls. Slightly frayed leashes are fine for: 1) Temporary use during shelter stays, 2) Short walks around shelter property, 3) Small dogs with less pulling force, 4) Training scenarios. Shelters discard items they deem unsafe - better to let them decide than throw away something useful. Only avoid donating if fraying is severe enough to risk breaking during use.
Do shelters prefer certain types of collars or leashes?
Most-needed: 1) Martingale collars (prevent escape for nervous dogs), 2) Standard flat nylon collars in medium/large sizes, 3) Durable 6 ft leashes (standard for dog walking), 4) Front-clip harnesses (reduce pulling), 5) Slip leads (quick on/off for kennel cleaning). Less needed: Designer collars, very small sizes (fewer small dogs), cat leashes (low adoption use). But donate anything functional - all items find use eventually!
Can I donate a harness that doesn't fit my dog correctly?
Absolutely! Every dog is shaped differently - a harness that doesn't fit your dog may fit dozens of shelter dogs. Shelters see hundreds of different breeds, sizes, and body types monthly. That oddly-sized harness will find its perfect match. Include size information if available (S, M, L, or weight range) to help shelter staff match to appropriate animals.