Toys for Shelter Animals

Classic Kynd Kit

Gratitude Practice

Let's start by taking a moment to practice gratitude.

Do you have a pet and what makes them special to you?
What is your favorite animal that you are grateful for and why?

The Recipient

Approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. These shelters are often overwhelmed and underfunded, reporting higher-than-ever rates of incoming lost or abandoned animals.

The Reason

Animal shelters across the country operate under extremely tight budgets. This means that most of the donations they receive go towards food and other essentials, not toys. By completing this KyndKit, you’re providing shelter animals with opportunities for fun that they might not otherwise receive. And who knows — the toys might just allow these animals to show off their fun sides to a future adopter.

Unpack the Box

Take everything out of the box.
Lay everything out so you can find what you need to build the kit.

Create Your Kynd Code

Please follow the instructions on this card to create your own Kynd Code. This Kynd Code will be included in the final kit.

*Make note of your Kynd Code. You will use this code at the end of the project.

See an Example

Find the Kynd Card

This is for you to spread extra kyndness to someone in your own life. Consider writing a note to a friend, loved one, or colleague that you are grateful for. Address the note and send it in the mail or give it to someone in person.

DO NOT include this in the finished kit.

See an Example

Create a "Braided Tug Toy" for a Shelter Dog

1. Find the following items:

Fleece Fabric Strips (2 bundles of 4 strips)
Scissors (not included in kit)

**These strips are packed in stacks of four and held together with a rubber band. There are two bundles of fleece included. Find both bundles and remove the rubber bands.

*Keep the stacks of four separate. Each stack of four makes one complete toy.

2. Watch the following video for instructions:

Helpful Tips:
- The tighter you pull your braid and knots, the longer the toy will last!
- Don’t forget, you have enough material to make TWO toys.

Create a "Fuzzy Spider" for a Shelter Cat

1. Find the following items:

Fleece fabric strip (banded together with 4 hair bands in your kit)
4 hair bands
Scissors

2. Prepare the materials:

Remove the hair bands from the fabric strips.
Separate the four fabric strips
Each piece of fabric and ONE hair band makes a cat toy.
There are enough materials to make FOUR cat toys.

3. Steps:

1. Cut fleece strips into about 4″ lengths.

2. Cut the 4″ lengths to about 1/2″ wide.

3. Tie the fleece all around the hair band. (see image below)

Helpful Tips:

When it comes to placement of the fabric strips, there’s no wrong way to go. Make it your own!
Make sure you tie the fabric strips tightly — otherwise, cats will easily pull them off.

REPEAT to make four cat toys.

** Optional: Use household items (old t-shirts and hair ties) to make your own toys.

Pack the Kit

Pack all of the materials back into the original box.
Make sure the Kynd Code is included.
Add any optional items you would like.

Optional Items to Add

Newspapers
Washcloths
Towels and blankets
Animal care supplies (leashes, collars, bowls, etc.)
OR give your local shelter a call or take a look at their website to see what kinds of items they accept.