Return to Ways to Help

Supplies list

Below are items we use for the animals. Donations of supplies are tax-deductible, just like cash contributions. (Be sure to save your shopping receipt to attach to the tax receipt we will send you.  DO NOT SEND YOUR RECEIPT TO US.)
 
  • suet cakes (any flavor EXCEPT hot pepper which is designed to burn a squirrel's mouth/throat)
  • hamster food & treats
  • infant simethicone drops (anti-gas)
  • quality canned dog food
  • toilet paper (any brand)
  • birdseed (any type)
 
  • postage stamps
  • corn on cob (dried)
  • baby food (any flavor EXCEPT banana)
  • animal water bottles
  • rodent food & treats
  • baby juice (any flavor EXCEPT citrus)
  • 25 gauge disposable needles & syringes or insulin needles w/syringes
  • microwaveable heat disks (look like a pink, two-sided Frisbee)
  • baby wipes (refills are fine)
     
  • stainless steel food bowls
  • prepaid TracFone cards (already have lifetime double minutes so do not spend extra for this feature.  Whatever minutes you donate will automatically be doubled)
  • new, untreated lumber
     
  • Milk Matrix 33/40 powdered formula (we go through tons of this.  It is very expensive.  Must be special ordered.)
  • Nutri-drench or Nutri-drops
     
  • quality canned cat food
     
  • gift cards from online stores: Amazon.com, Jeffers Vet Supply, NutsOnLine, Care-A-Lot Pets, Overstock.com (Amazon & Overstock sell medical supplies.)
     
  • canned fruit: fruit cocktail, peaches, or pears in natural juice or heavy syrup (NO ARTIFICIAL  SWEETENER!)
     
  • white vinegar (for cleaning & disinfecting)
  • powdered formula - Esbilac, KMR, Mother's Helper can be purchased at most pet stores (We cannot use human baby formula or animal formulas that state they are good for all species.)
     
  • Sun brand laundry detergent (no other brands, please) - any scent - NO BLEACH
     
  • apples - any type (must be firm, fresh, & human-grade quality.  We use lots of produce, but only apples hold up well enough for donation purposes. The rest we have to purchase every day or two)
     
  • prepaid gas cards
  • Nutrical or Nutrivet (vitamin paste)
     
  • gift cards from Lowe's, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, grocery store, Office Max, Nature's Emporium, Pet Smart
     
  • applesauce - regular or chunky (no cinnamon - NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENER!)
     
  • Sun Maid or Great Value raisins in re-sealable package (brand matters!  We cannot use those little tiny individual size boxes)
  • unsalted raw nuts (NO PEANUTS) shelled or in shell - we use both (we use A TON of nuts, no exaggeration)

 

  • 1/4" & 1/2" hardware cloth
     
  • large index cards (any color)

 

  • discarded hospital supplies (contact for details)
     
  • ink pens (gel or ballpoint - medium point - blue or black)
  • rehydrating fluids (any flavor EXCEPT bubble gum)
     
  • fruitcake
     
  • long letter size envelopes (w/o windows - prefer self adhesive
  • invitation size envelopes (w/o windows - prefer self adhesive)
  • 35mm film to document cases (non mail-in brand please)
     
  • Method brand liquid soap in refill packaging (no other brand, please) - any scent (NO ANTIBACTERIAL)
  • paper towels (any brand)
     
  • used, clean sheets (please launder
    using least perfumed detergent possible.  Sheets can be worn but no tears b/c they will ravel & the threads are dangerous to small babies.)

Our needs change regularly, so please check with us before purchasing supplies.  For many items, brand is not important, but in some it is.  If a specific brand is listed, it means only that brand will do.  It is either because we've discovered other brands do not suit the animals' needs for whatever reason or the other brands contain ingredients that are unsuitable.  So, please do not substitute a different brand or type because we'd be unable to use it and we hate waste!  All items listed above are for our wild patients only, not our pets or humans.  If you are curious as to the use of a particular product, just ask! 

ITEMS WE NEED JUST ONE (OR LIMITED #) OF
(Because we do not need but one, or in some cases a limited number of the items listed, please contact us to make sure we haven't already received - or purchased - the item you are interested in donating)

metal half-sphere climbing set (for bear cubs to climb and play on)- currently at BJ's (contact us for details.
electric can opener (for wildlife hospital building)
 

ITEMS WE CANNOT USE:

baby formula
standard bird cages
peanuts
pet beds/bedding previously used for a dog or cat (even if laundered)
human breast milk
badly dented food cans or over-ripe/partially rotting produce (if it can't be fed to a pet or person, it cannot be fed to our patients.  That doesn't mean it has to be perfect, but does need to be good quality)