Toys for Shelter Animals

Classic Kynd Kit

Gratitude Practice

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

Do you have a pet? If so, 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.

Register Your Kit to Follow It's Journey

*Starting on April 4th, we have implemented a QR code/serial number process. If you do not have a QR code on the plastic bag inside your box, please disregard this step. This QR code will be blue and has a serial number starting with KK underneath it. See example image below.

1. Locate the QR Code serial number on your Kynd Kit

If you have a classic kit, it will be located on the plastic bag inside the kit
If you have Plus or Max kit, it will be located on the inside of the box.

2. Go to kit registration page

If you are using your phone, open your camera and scan the QR code
If you are using your computer, click this link below and enter the serial number listed below the QR code
- Code starts with KK

Click here to go to kit registration page

3. Register your kit

Fill out the requested fields
By providing this information, you will be notified when your kit is returned to Project Helping and when it is distributed to those in need

*We will not use your information for anything besides notifying you of your Kynd Kit progress.

4. When you have completed registering your kit, please return to this page to continue building your kit.

5. Please ensure you include your QR serial code when returning your kit so we can scan it when we receive it.

6. You can visit kyndkit.org at any time to check the status of your Kynd Kit.

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.

See an Example

Create a "Pom-Pom Toy" for a Shelter Cat

*This is a new addition to this kit. If you do not have these items, please skip this step.

1. Find the following items:

Yarn Skein
Scissors (not included in kit)

**Depending on how large you make your pom-pom toy, you may be able to make more than one!

2. Watch the following video for instructions:

Helpful Tips: The tighter you tie your knots, the longer the toy will last

See an Example

Create a "Fuzzy Spider" for a Shelter Cat

*We are currently transitioning from this activity. If you do not have these items, please skip this step.

1. Find the following items:

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. Assembly:

1. Cut fabric strips into about 4″ lengths.

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

3. Tie the fabric 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.

See an Example

DIY Bandana

*This is a new addition to this kit. If you do not have these items, please skip this step.

1. Find the following items:

White Canvas Bandana
Permanent Markers

2. Decorate the Bandana

Use the provided permanent markers or other writing tools to decorate a bandana for the shelter animal to wear when they are adopted.
Helpful Tips:
- Fold the bandana in half, corner to corner, to get an idea of what it will look like when it is worn by the shelter animal.
- Place a piece of paper or cardboard under the canvas to avoid the markers bleeding through.

See an Example

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.)
Unopened Treats
OR give your local shelter a call or take a look at their website to see what kinds of items they accept.
Please only include items that are UNOPENED and UNUSED

Items not to include: