Celebrate National Craft for Your Local Shelter Day: Make a Toy, Make a Tail Wag!
Bring a little joy to shelter pets at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County
Shelter pets may be waiting for forever homes, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on fun and comfort in the meantime! Toys, blankets, and enrichment items provide vital stimulation, easing anxiety, and helping animals stay happy and healthy while they wait for adoption.
July 21st is National Craft for Your Local Shelter Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to roll up your sleeves, get creative, and make a big difference right from home. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY-er or a first-time crafter, we’ve got easy, animal-approved projects that cats and dogs at HSSJC will absolutely love.
Here are some fun and simple ways to get started:
No-Sew Fleece Blankets
Every pup deserves a soft spot to snuggle. These cozy blankets are easy to make without the need for a sewing machine! All you need is fleece, scissors, and a little time. Trim the edges, tie some knots, and boom: instant comfort.
How to make a no-sew dog blanket
Bottle Tug Toys
Want to recycle and enrich? Wrap empty plastic bottles in old socks or towels for a crinkly, crunchy toy dogs can’t resist. For large dogs, a 2-liter bottle wrapped and tied makes the ultimate tug-of-war challenge.
DIY Bottle Toy Instructions
Sock Toys for Cats
Cats go wild for socks. Especially when they crinkle or smell like catnip. Just stuff a sock with dried leaves, paper, or a pinch of catnip, tie it off, and watch the pouncing begin!
Make your own sock cat toy
DIY Treat Dispensers
Turn treat time into brain time! Use an empty paper towel roll to craft a simple puzzle feeder. Just cut holes, fold the ends, and stuff it with tasty rewards. It’s a boredom buster for both dogs and cats.
Easy to make treat dispensers
Kennel Curtains for Calm Critters
Sometimes, all a stressed-out pet needs is a little privacy. Soft fabric curtains for kennels reduce anxiety and make their space feel more like home. These are easy to make with just fabric, elastic, and buttons.
Guide to making kennel curtains
Snuffle Mats = Treat-Hunting Fun
Put your leftover fabric to work! Snuffle mats turn mealtime into a nose-powered adventure. Weave fabric strips through a sink mat and hide treats inside for an instant enrichment toy.
Snuffle mat instructions
Fabric Braid Toys
Got old clothes? Give them a second life as pet toys! Braid t-shirt strips into fun, floppy toys for cats—or make durable tug ropes for energetic dogs.
Fabric braid toy tutorial
These projects aren’t just for our shelter pets—you can also make a few extras for your own furry friend at home!
We’d love to see what you create!
Snap a photo of your finished toys or blankets and tag us on social media. Even better: drop off your handcrafted items at the Humane Society of St. Joseph County and help us brighten the lives of animals waiting for love.
Together, a little creativity goes a long way. Let’s make tails wag this July 21st!
