Homemade Dog Gifts for a Shelter

You would like to give some gifts to the local animal shelter, but you're looking to give something more personal or maybe you don't have much cash. Homemade doggie gifts will be appreciated--maybe more so--since you can customize them for the shelter.

  1. Biscuits and Treats

    • Dogs love biscuits and other edible treats. You can bake batches of them inexpensively. If your shelter has dogs on special diets (such as those with allergies), you can ask the shelter workers what ingredients certain dogs are allergic to and make treats without them.
      Purchase small cookie cutters or dog bone cookie cutters at either a kitchen supply store or a pet supply store. Find festive bags at the local dollar store and wrap up the biscuits as presents.

    Sew What?

    • If you're a crafty person who is good with crocheting or a needle and thread, try making soft dog toys without stuffing, dog socks that will help keep bandages on, or even dog booties for those cold days.

    Dog Beds

    • You can make an easy dog bed by buying a four inch deep foam pad the size you'd like and covering it with heavy duty fabric. To measure out the fabric, plan on using two times the width, plus 10 inches wide by two times the height, plus ten inches long. Add a zipper or Velcro to the end of the cover so it can be easily removed for cleaning.