The best way to help animals in our care is with a monetary gift. We never know what animals may come through our doors, so monetary donations allow the flexibility to meet our ever-changing needs. Let us do the shopping! We have many partners who give us the best 'bang for our buck' by offering great discounts and bulk pricing.

Make your monetary donation here or stop by the shelter to give your gift in person.

Accepted Item Donations

Items Accepted at the Main Shelter

DCHS accepts donations of the following new or gently used items at the Main Shelter only:

  • Towels, wash cloths, and hand towels
  • Flat sheets, pillowcases, and blankets (but not comforters or bed pillows)
  • Rugs smaller than 4' x 6'
  • Opened or unopened bags of pet food and treats
  • Leftover medications that are not controlled substances (see below)
  • Cat toys and Dog toys and kongs
  • Leashes, collars, and harnesses

A drop off bin is located just inside the main entrance during business hours. Please do not donate heavily used, dirty, or expired items to DCHS. The shelter has to pay to dispose of these items, diverting funds from our mission.

Items Accepted at the Thrift Store

DCHS Thrift Store accepts donations of the following new or gently used items at the store (6904 Watts Road):

  • Women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing
  • Linens and housewares
  • Shoes, purses, and jewelry
  • Good quality, small-to-medium sized furniture
  • Pet supplies

See the full list of all items the Thrift Store does and does not accept here.

We can assist with unloading your large donations at the garage door at the back of the building (6904 Watts Road) during business hours. There is also a no-contact donation bin near the front door for small items.

Delivering these items directly to the Thrift Store helps us use them right away and reduces transportation costs for DCHS. Please do not donate heavily used, dirty, or expired items to DCHS. The shelter has to pay to dispose of these items, diverting funds from our mission.

Items Not Accepted

Please read the list below carefully as there are many items that DCHS cannot accept at either location:

  • Prescription pet food
  • Expired pet food
  • Expired flea/tick/heartworm preventatives
  • Homemade pet treats or toys
  • Dirty litter boxes and small animal cages
  • Heavily used or dirty pet supplies
  • Cleaning supplies or chemicals other than those specified on our wish list
  • Large, bulky furniture such as sleeper sofas, recliners, mattresses and box springs or large kitchen appliances
  • Bed pillows
  • Car seats and cribs
  • Expired syringes or needles
  • Opened/expired medical fluids

DCHS Cannot Accept the Following Controlled Substances

The following drugs are controlled substances, regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. DCHS cannot accept them, and they should be properly disposed of at medication drop-off sites:

  • Tramadol
  • Phenobarbital
  • Diazepan, aka Valium
  • Alprazolam, aka Xanax
  • Buprenorphine, aka Buprenex
  • Butorphanol, aka Torbutrol, Torbugesic
  • Morphine
  • Hydromorphane
  • Fentanyl (patch or injectable)

Wish List

There are also items that you can purchase or provide from our wish list that help us keep the animals comfortable during their stay with us.

Download the Wish List

Doggie Delights

Feline Fancies

Critter Cravings

Shelter Supplies

Wildlife Wants