Food drives are an easy, accessible way to make a big difference for the dogs and cats. And they're a great option for kids school fundraisers and service projects. 

All food donations make a difference, but you can support our greatest need by donating items listed below. Currently our greatest need is: 

• Kitten food: Wet food (pate-style please) and kitten dry food
• Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR)
• Adult cat food (dry and wet)
• Other items featured on our wish list.

Promoting your Food Drive

Spreading the word about your food drive is important. Here are some easy, downloadable files that can help! You can update the poster and handout with the dates of your drive, and share the digital graphic on social media to help spread the word. 

• Promotion Toolkit

  The tools below are provided to help you but are not required in order to host a food drive! Making your own posters and sharing your own images on social media adds a personal touch and is a great way to encourage donations.

  Poster (11x17)
  Dog Poster
  Cat Poster

  Flyer (8x11)
  Dog Flyer
  Cat Flyer

  Handout (8x11, 3-up)
  Dog Handout
  Cat Handout

  Graphic 
  Dog Graphic
  Cat Graphic

FAQ

We encourage you to be creative with your food drive! Make it your own and have fun with it. Of course, it helps to have some answers to common questions, see below for FAQ.

• What types of food do you accept?

  We feed the animals in our care high-quality foods which meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards for complete and balanced nutrition. There are many brands of great quality foods available. Unsure? Check in with your local family-owned pet food store to see what they might recommend. 

• How do I start a food drive?

  There's no secret to it, you can just get started on your own. While we're happy to lend a hand, you don't need our permission to help out the dogs and cats!

  Successful drives have been hosted at banks, fast-food restaurants, summer education programs, state agencies, private businesses, and veterinary hospitals. It’s a great way to engage our community and an excellent project for kids who want to help.

• Does all of the food get used for the dogs and cats and the shelter?

  Donated food supports the pets in our care and also our work with pets in our community. Our CHOW program helps the pets of families in our community who need assistance providing for their pets.

• Are homemade treats acceptable?

  Food purchased from a reputable retailer is preferred. We cannot accept homemade treats. 

• Do you accept pet items other than food?

  New or gently used items such as leashes, collars, toys, beds, etc can be a big support for our animals.

  We request that used items are clean and in good condition. Please, no soiled or damaged items. Not all items are appropriate for use in the shelter; donated items that are clean and in good condition may be sold in our thrift store (the proceeds of which support our animals.) 

• Do you accept medications or supplements?

  No. Supplements, treatments and medications should not be collected as part of a food drive.

  Washington State regulations prohibit HSSW from accepting donations of used medications. This includes anything in a prescription bottle prescribed to a particular pet. Responsible disposal of prescription medication is important. Improper disposal can be a hazard to humans, animals and our environment. For a list disposal sites in your area, please click here.

• How do I deliver my donations?

  You can drop off your donations any time during our regular business hours. If you need assistance, our staff will be happy to help! We have carts to help load your food donations and can provide a donation receipt if you need one.