- 1Wash all toys thoroughly with pet-safe detergent
- 2Inspect for damage - small tears are acceptable for shelter donation
- 3Remove batteries from electronic toys before recycling
- 4Separate by material type: fabric, rubber, plastic, rope
- 5Discard toys with sharp edges, exposed stuffing, or choking hazards
- 6Bundle small toys together in a bag for easier shelter sorting
- 7Check for recalls - recalled toys should not be donated
- Local animal shelters and humane societies
- Rescue organizations and foster networks
- PetSmart Charities donation bins
- Petco Foundation donation centers
- Veterinary clinics (some accept for shelter redistribution)
- TerraCycle pet toy recycling program (select brands)
- Facebook groups - rescue supply exchanges
Animal shelters accept gently used toys year-round, especially during adoption events. Hard rubber toys (Kong-style) last longest and are most needed. Avoid donating plush toys with small parts that could be choking hazards for shelter animals.
Americans spend $7 billion on pet toys annually, with millions ending up in landfills after brief use. Donating extends toy lifespan by 2-5 years, preventing 150,000 tons of plastic from ocean pollution. Rubber toys can take 50-80 years to decompose; donation or recycling prevents this waste.
Accepted
- Hard rubber toys (Kong, Nylabone-style)
- Rope toys and tug toys
- Fabric squeaky toys in good condition
- Cat toys (feathers, balls, mice)
- Interactive puzzle toys
- Durable plastic toys without damage
Not Accepted
- Toys with exposed stuffing or sharp edges
- Electronic toys with non-removable batteries
- Recalled products (check CPSC database)
- Heavily chewed toys that pose choking risks
- Toys with toxic materials or unknown origins
Estimated value: No cash value, but donation tax deduction of $5-$30 per bag depending on quantity and condition
Will shelters accept used pet toys, or do they only want new items?
Most shelters gladly accept gently used toys! Shelters operate on tight budgets and rely heavily on donations. Clean, safe toys provide essential enrichment for shelter animals. New toys are always welcome but not required. Call ahead to confirm acceptance policies - some shelters have specific needs or restrictions.
What should I do with heavily chewed dog toys that can't be donated?
If too damaged for donation, try these options: 1) Check if the manufacturer has a take-back program (West Paw, Planet Dog, and Kong offer recycling for their products), 2) Repurpose rubber toys as garden markers or DIY projects, 3) Hard plastic toys may be recyclable through curbside #2 or #5 programs if cleaned, 4) Fabric toys can be composted if 100% natural fibers (cotton, wool), 5) Last resort: dispose in trash.
Can I donate pet toys my dog never used?
Absolutely! Unused toys are perfect for shelter donation. Many pets have preferences and won't use certain toys - shelters appreciate these because they're like-new. Keep original packaging if possible, but unwrapped new toys are also accepted. Shelters often give new toys to newly adopted animals as 'go-home' gifts.
Are there specific toys that shelters need most?
Yes! Shelter wish lists typically prioritize: 1) Durable Kong-style rubber toys (withstand heavy chewing), 2) Rope tug toys (cheap, enriching, replaceable), 3) Cat wand toys and laser pointers (staff use for enrichment), 4) Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys (combat boredom), 5) Tennis balls (always in demand). Avoid: plush toys with small parts, noisy electronic toys, anything easily destroyed.
Can I recycle squeaky toys with the squeaker inside?
For donation, squeakers are fine - shelters want them! For recycling, you should remove the squeaker first. Cut open fabric toys, remove plastic squeaker, recycle fabric if natural fiber (or compost), recycle squeaker with #2-#5 plastics if accepted locally. Many recycling programs request separation of mixed materials for better processing.