Holiday Supply Wish List for Animal Shelters

December is one of the most important months of the year for animal shelters. Not only is it peak giving season, but it’s also when winter weather, increased intakes, and tightening year-end budgets start putting pressure on already stretched resources. Building a thoughtful, strategic holiday supply wish list for animal shelters can help your organization receive the items it truly needs, and make it easier for donors to support your lifesaving work.

A clear list empowers the community to give with confidence, reduces supply gaps during the busiest winter months, and helps shelters stay prepared for emergencies. Whether you’re updating your online wish list or organizing holiday shelter drives, below are the essential categories and items every shelter should consider requesting in December.

Why a December-Specific Wish List Matters

Winter brings challenges that differ from any other season. Your animal shelter wish list should reflect those needs.

Cold-weather needs are urgent and unique.

Shelters often need warm bedding, heating solutions, and weather-resistant supplies to protect pets from harsh temperatures. Many animals entering care in winter months, especially seniors, short-haired breeds, or injured pets, lack basic insulation or warmth.

Community generosity is highest in December.

The holidays naturally encourage giving, and supporters are actively looking for ways to help. By curating a clear, actionable shelter donation wish list, you capture that seasonal momentum and direct it toward your most pressing needs.

Budgets tighten and inventory dips.

With annual funding cycles ending, shelters often face shortages right when demand grows. End-of-year inventory gaps are common, and a targeted December list helps bridge those shortfalls.

It encourages long-term donor habits.

Supporters introduced to giving through holiday donations are more likely to continue supporting your organization throughout the year. December is a powerful time to cultivate future sustaining donors.

Essential Winter & Holiday Shelter Supplies

Your animal shelter donations list should cover both everyday essentials and winter-specific needs. Organizing these items into clear categories makes the list user-friendly and encourages supporters to choose items they feel confident providing.

A. Cold-Weather Care Items

These are among the most important shelter winter supplies, especially for regions with harsh climates:

Heated pads, blankets, and fleece bedding
Pet sweaters and coats for small, senior, or short-haired dogs
Heat lamps or safe, shelter-approved warming devices
Weatherproof booties to protect paws from ice and salt
Straw for outdoor or community cat colony shelters

These items directly support animal comfort and prevent cold-related illness, making them ideal for holiday donors who want to give something tangible and immediately helpful.

B. High-Priority Daily Use Items

While these may not feel “holiday-themed,” they are the backbone of shelter operations and perfect for in-kind donations for shelters:

Cleaning supplies (bleach, detergents, gloves, disinfectants)
Food and water bowls
Leashes, collars, and slip leads
Cat litter and litter boxes
Laundry detergent and paper towels

These basics are often bought weekly, sometimes daily—so donations can significantly reduce operational costs.

C. Medical Supplies

Medical items are excellent pet shelter holiday donations, especially when winter brings respiratory illnesses, parasites, and seasonal injuries.

First-aid materials
Parasite prevention products and dewormers
Medicated shampoos
Syringes, gloves, and wound care supplies

Because these items can be expensive, receiving them through donations can free up funds for emergency veterinary care.

D. Enrichment & Comfort Items

December is also a great time to lean into enrichment, especially since many donors enjoy giving gifts that feel festive or “fun.”

Toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive play items
Durable chews for stress reduction
Cat trees and scratching posts
Holiday-themed enrichment (plush toys, seasonal puzzles, pet-safe treats)

These items support animal well-being, reduce kennel stress, and improve adoptability.

E. Food & Treats

Food donations are always welcome, and they’re especially important in winter when animal shelter supplies can run low.

Wet and dry dog and cat food
Puppy and kitten growth formulas
Prescription or special diet foods
High-value treats for training or enrichment

Food-related items are also easy for community members to purchase and donate during holiday shelter drives.

Large or High-Impact Donations to Request

Some donors, particularly local businesses, philanthropists, or longtime supporters, look for meaningful ways to give toward the end of the year. December is an excellent opportunity to highlight high-impact needs.

Crates and carriers
Stainless steel kennel panels or upgrades
Commercial washers and dryers
Outdoor shelter structures or kennel covers
Tablets for volunteer check-in or foster coordination
Donations toward emergency veterinary bills

Feature these items prominently on your wish list or year-end giving page. Even if donors cannot purchase the full item, many may contribute toward the cost.

Money, Gift Cards, and Non-Physical Gifts

Don’t underestimate the power of monetary giving during the holidays. For many supporters, cash gifts are easier and more accessible than shopping for items.

Gift cards (Walmart, Target, Amazon, Chewy, pet supply stores)
Monetary donations for emergency medical care
Sponsorships for long-stay or special-needs pets
“Sponsor a Holiday Meal” programs for dogs or cats in your care

These options provide critical flexibility for shelters and make giving feel personal and impactful.

Seasonal Volunteer & Support Requests

A December wish list can go beyond physical items; this is also when shelters need hands-on help.

Consider adding a volunteer-focused section to your wish list:

Holiday foster homes for pets who need quiet, warm places to decompress
Extra winter dog-walking volunteers
Volunteer drivers to help transport pets to medical appointments
Donor-sponsored support for year-end adoption events

These requests help the community understand that giving isn’t limited to buying supplies; time and service are invaluable gifts.

How to Market Your Holiday Wish List

To get the most out of December’s giving spirit, promote your list in ways that make donating easy and rewarding.

Keep it short, clear, and tiered by urgency.

Use categories like “Urgent Needs,” “Daily Essentials,” and “Holiday Comfort Items.”

Show dogs using donated winter coats or cats enjoying donated toys.

Use Amazon, Chewy, or Walmart wish list links.

Online lists remove barriers and ensure donors choose shelter-approved products.

Short lists increase donor follow-through.

Promote matching gift opportunities.

If a donor, sponsor, or local business is willing to match gifts, highlight it heavily.

Partner with local businesses for donation drop boxes.

Pet supply stores, grocery stores, coffee shops, and craft markets are great partners during the holiday season.

Plan Ahead and Spread the Word

Thoughtfully creating and promoting a holiday supply wish list helps ensure you have the resources necessary to support pets through the coldest, busiest months of the year. It not only boosts year-end giving but also deepens community engagement and establishes donor relationships that last beyond the holidays.

By planning ahead and communicating your needs clearly, you empower supporters to make meaningful contributions, and help your shelter enter the new year stronger, stocked, and better equipped to care for the animals who need you most.