We know the Coast is brimming with creative crafters… There are SEVERAL ways that crafty people can help out at the shelter!

We all know the health and emotional benefits of a good night’s sleep… for pets in a shelter environment, rest and comfort can be hard to come by.

Studies of shelters have shown that by improving pets’ comfort and contentment, you can reduce stress, which in turn lowers pets’ chances of becoming sick. In other words, something as simple as a good place to sleep can save the lives of shelter pets!

Cat Naps

(for folks who sew)

To help our kitties sleep tight, we are planning to give each cat kennel a comfortable, cozy kitty hammock, but we need your help!

We have received a generous donation of used heavy-duty tablecloths from Southern Linen that will make great hammocks…

Now, all we need is volunteers with sewing machines and basic sewing abilities to turn our tablecloths into kitty beds.

The basic pattern is very simple and can be downloaded here. Feel free to decorate your finished hammock with fabric paint or permanent marker!

Your gift of thread, time, and sewing skills truly can save the life of a shelter cat!

Cuddle Mats

(for folks who knit or crochet… or just for folks with scissors!)

Method A: Knit or crochet a 16″ by 16″ mat in a reversible stitch for one of our cat or small dog kennels. Only the toughest yarns survive our rigorous disinfecting & laundering, so we recommend using a sturdy acrylic.

Method B: Make a 16″ x 16″ (for our small kennels) or a 36″ x 24″ (for our large dog kennels) no sew blanket out of polar fleece. Hint: If you want to make several, we suggest investing in a rotary cutter and mat! For instructions, click here

Catnip Toys

(sew-ers, knitters, crocheters)

You can brighten the day of a shelter kitty by knitting, crocheting or sewing little toy-sized “pillows” with catnip tucked inside. The toys can even go home with kitty when she gets adopted.

Method A: Cut out 2 identical shapes of felt or other non-raveling fabric (or cut a square and fold in half lenghtwise or diagonally), match pieces and whip-stitch or blanket stitch around edge leaving a finger-sized hole for inserting dried catnip and polyester stuffing, stuff, finish seaming and tie off.

Method B: Knit or Crochet your catnip mouse (or square, or fishie, or other shape) using those pesky bits of yarn left over from other projects. Click here for patterns from wendyknits.net

Puppy (Or Kitty) Pullovers

(sew-ers, knitters, crocheters)

Are you an avid knitter, crocheter, or fashion designer who has run out of family members willing to wear your wild-and-crazy creations? Knit, crochet, or sew something smart for one of our chilly shelter pets– no matter the fashion, they always “make it work” ! A cute garment can make an animal stand out, increasing their chances for adoption!

Keep in mind, that size (or gauge) is not crucial on these projects–no matter what size you produce, we will eventually have a dog or cat who can wear it!

Method A: Sewn Fleece Sweater. Click here for instructions.

Method B: Knitted Sweater. (Again, remember to use a very hot-water-and-deep-cleanser-friendly yarn) Click here for patterns.

Method C: Crocheted Sweater. Use washer & dryer friendly yarn! Click here for pattern.

Don’t be afraid to be creative… use any pattern, technique, or color that suits you!

Doggie Bandannas

Doggie bandannas are another great way to help our pups look more appealing to adopters. They can be made out of any fabric and in any size. They can also be decorated with non-toxic paint or marker or embroidery with messages like “pick me!” or “I ruff you!” or “Please adopt me.” Please don’t attach buttons or other items that could be swallowed should the doggie attempt to “redesign” the bandanna with their teeth!

Method: Two make 2 bandannas, fold a large square of fabric diagonally. Cut down the center. You may either hem the unfinished edges or cut with pinking shears and apply a product along edges that is designed to prevent raveling.