- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- ActivitiesPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 21
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐾
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day arrives every July 21, calling on crafters and DIY enthusiasts to create handmade items for animals in need. This day offers a tangible way to support local animal shelters, which often face increased demand during the summer months. Gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and craft toys, blankets, or other essentials to bring comfort and joy to shelter pets.
Want to sponsor National Craft for your Local Shelters Day? Learn how
Expected National Craft for your Local Shelters Day Deals
As a cause-driven observance, National Craft for your Local Shelters Day focuses on community contributions rather than commercial deals. Animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States often partner with local shelters to promote donation drives and volunteer opportunities. Craft supply retailers such as Michaels and JOANN Fabric and Crafts may offer discounts on materials suitable for pet projects, encouraging participation. Many local shelters also host ‘craft-a-thons’ or accept direct donations of handmade items, which can significantly reduce their operational costs. Check with your nearest shelter for their specific needs and how you can best contribute. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation opportunities as July 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CraftForShelters. Share photos of your handmade pet items, behind-the-scenes crafting, or the moment you drop off donations at your local shelter.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CraftForShelters. Post about local shelter needs, organize a community crafting event, or share success stories of donated items.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #CraftForShelters. Create short, engaging DIY tutorials for pet toys or blankets, showcasing how easy it is to make a difference for shelter animals.
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day Hero
Henry Bergh
History of National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
Animal cruelty was originally identified as a problem in Britain in the 1820s. In response, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) was established in 1824. This animal welfare organization worked to change people’s opinions of how dogs were treated.
The S.P.C.A. arrived in the United States in 1866. It was founded by a guy named Henry Burgh, who was criticized and humiliated by many since most people were unconcerned about the situation of dogs. But the idea didn’t stop there, and the S.P.C.A. continued to develop.
The Women’s S.P.C.A. of Pennsylvania establishes the first animal shelter just three years later, in 1869. Over 150 years later, the institution is still in operation, functioning as Bucks County P.A’s sole open-intake shelter and providing adoption, training, and veterinary services.
Women’s Animal Center launched one of the earliest humane education programs in America not long after it was started. Generations later, the emphasis remains on collaborating with kids to create a more caring future for animals.
This unique day was established in 2012 as a means for people to give back to local shelters without having to adopt or provide money. Shelters require resources, and many of them may be made from objects found in our houses. So, let’s set aside a day to make some entertaining shelter essentials. For those of us who are unable to devote the full day, we may concentrate on one of these tasks at the end of the day while watching late-night comedy television before bed.
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day timeline
In the 1820s, animal cruelty is noted as an issue in the United Kingdom.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) is founded which works hard to modify people's perceptions of how dogs should be handled.
The first animal shelter is established by the Pennsylvania Women's S.P.C.A.
This unique National Craft for Local Shelters Day is a great opportunity to support local shelters without having to adopt or provide money.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Craft for your Local Shelters Day by organizing community craft drives. Craft stores, for example, could host workshops for making pet toys or blankets, offering discounts on supplies and providing a collection point for finished items. Pet supply stores might partner with local shelters, encouraging customers to donate handmade goods alongside their purchases. Even cafes or community centers could offer space for a ‘craft-a-thon,’ fostering a sense of collective contribution to support animals in need.
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day FAQs
When is National Craft for your Local Shelters Day?
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, July 21. It’s a perfect mid-week opportunity to dedicate some time to helping animals in your community through crafting.
How many animals are in U.S. shelters annually?
According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide each year. This includes about 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats, highlighting the ongoing need for community support.
What are some easy crafts I can make for animal shelters?
Simple and effective crafts include no-sew fleece blankets, braided tug toys made from old t-shirts, and catnip-filled fabric mice. Many shelters also appreciate knitted or crocheted items like cat beds or small dog sweaters, especially for cooler months.
Why do animal shelters need handmade crafts?
Handmade crafts provide comfort, mental stimulation, and a sense of security for shelter animals, which can reduce stress and improve their well-being. These items also help shelters save money on purchasing supplies, allowing them to allocate more resources to medical care and adoption programs.
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day Activities
Make homemade dog bandanas
To make these bandanas, start by cutting the cloth into the required bandana design with fabric scissors. Look online for sizing recommendations to help you manufacture bandanas for different dog sizes.
Make homemade cat toys
Consider constructing cat toys out of common household materials. Tie a feather to one end of a length of string and a circled-up pipe cleaner to the other to make a cat toy.
Share it on social media
With many families spending more time at home creating and D.I.Ying these days, participating in National Craft for Local Shelters Day allows you to join your community in making a real impact in the life of a shelter dog or cat. Share your experience participating in this one-of-a-kind day on social media.
5 Facts About Animal Shelters
3,500 animal shelters
In the United States, there are about 3,500 animal shelters as of 2021.
Overcrowding shelters
Overcrowding in shelters results in the deaths of seven million animals.
Owner surrender
Many animals wind up in shelters as a result of homelessness or animal abuse, but many pets are surrendered to shelters by their owners as well.
The majority of the animals are strays
While many animals wind up at shelters after being abandoned by their owners, twice as many animals enter as strays rather than house pets who have been freely surrendered by their owners.
Average age of animals at shelters
According to research by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the average age of dogs surrendered to shelters is between five months and two years.
Why We Love National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
Support our local shelters
Help the organizations that do so much for animals, people, and your town. Choose the best methods to express your gratitude to the organizations that do so much for animals, people, and your community.
It allows you to be more creative
Find something you enjoy doing for yourself, and you'll be more inclined to take the time to do it. In this instance, making handmade pet toys may be the greatest way for you to have fun.
Animals are important
Pets, especially dogs and cats, may help with stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as loneliness, exercise, and enjoyment. They can even improve cardiovascular health. As children get older, caring for an animal can help them become more secure and active.
Social Media Tips for National Craft for your Local Shelters Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands