- 1Clean thoroughly inside and out with pet-safe disinfectant
- 2Remove all bedding, food bowls, and accessories
- 3Check latches and doors for proper function - repair if possible
- 4Wipe down metal crates to remove rust or debris
- 5Ensure all pieces are present (doors, pins, trays)
- 6For airline carriers, verify IATA compliance labels are intact
- 7Take photos before donation if tax deduction is desired
- Animal shelters and humane societies
- Rescue organizations (especially transport-focused rescues)
- Veterinary clinics and emergency animal hospitals
- Foster networks and pet adoption agencies
- Wildlife rehabilitation centers (certain sizes)
- Facebook marketplace (free/cheap to other pet owners)
- Craigslist free section (high demand for working carriers)
Shelters and rescues desperately need carriers and crates for animal transport (vet visits, adoptions, transfers between facilities). Airline-approved hard carriers are especially valuable. Even damaged crates can be repaired by handy shelter volunteers.
Pet carriers are durable goods designed for 10-20 years of use, but many are discarded after single-pet ownership. Donating prevents 30-50 lbs of plastic/metal per carrier from landfills. Shelters reuse carriers for hundreds of animals over years, maximizing resource efficiency and preventing manufacture of new carriers.
Accepted
- Hard plastic airline carriers (small to XL)
- Wire dog crates (all sizes, folding or stationary)
- Soft-sided carriers for small dogs/cats
- Cardboard carriers (disposable, for transport)
- Cat carriers and small animal cages
- Airline-approved IATA certified carriers
Not Accepted
- Carriers with broken latches creating escape risk (unless shelter accepts for repair)
- Crates with sharp edges or protruding wires
- Moldy or unsanitary carriers beyond cleaning
- Carriers missing essential parts (doors, bottom trays)
Estimated value: No cash value for donation; potential resale value $10-$100+ depending on size/brand; tax deduction $15-$150 based on size and condition
Will shelters accept carriers with minor damage or missing parts?
Usually yes! Call ahead to confirm. Many shelters have volunteers who repair carriers - they can replace latches, doors, or bottom trays. Even crates with bent wires can often be straightened. Shelters are resourceful and prefer repairing to buying new. Worst case: shelter uses for parts to repair other carriers.
What's the difference between donating and selling my used carrier?
Donating: 1) Immediate tax deduction (potentially higher value than sale price), 2) Supports shelter operations, 3) No hassle of listing/meeting buyers, 4) Feels good helping animals. Selling: 1) Immediate cash ($10-100), 2) Takes time and effort. Consider: high-quality airline carriers sell well ($40-100); basic carriers easier to donate. Many people donate large items and sell premium branded carriers (Petmate Sky Kennel, Gunner Kennels).
Can I donate a carrier my pet outgrew but barely used?
Perfect for donation! Gently used carriers are ideal because they last years in shelter use. Puppies outgrow carriers quickly, resulting in barely-used small carriers - these are in high demand because shelters handle many small dogs and cats. Clean it up and donate immediately - it'll likely be used within days.
Do wildlife rehabilitation centers accept pet carriers?
Yes, but size matters. Wildlife centers primarily need: 1) Medium carriers (for raccoons, possums, small foxes), 2) Large carriers (for large birds, small deer), 3) Airline carriers (secure, easy to sanitize). They rarely need XL dog crates. Call ahead - many wildlife centers have specific size needs based on local species. Cat carriers work well for many wildlife rescues.
Should I donate my carrier or give it to a friend who just got a pet?
Both are great! If you have a friend in need, that's direct reuse - excellent! But if you don't know anyone, don't let the carrier sit in storage hoping to find someone. Shelters use carriers immediately and constantly. Every donated carrier helps shelter operations and makes one less carrier shelters must purchase. If the carrier sits unused in your garage for months, donate it - the need is immediate.