Originally Posted by
slbram17
My shelter is pretty happy to take anything. I used to make pet beds but started thinking that maybe laundering these could cause a problem. I did mention it to a staff member, and they did state they don't have the best laundry equipment. So I started making pet blankets out of flannel on one side and muslin on the other (a kind of warm/cool idea). I end up making them about 36"or so square. For larger animals, they can use them as is, for smaller then can fold them up easily. And laundry shouldn't be a problem. Some turned out pretty cute, so I embroider Made for (name of animal shelter) to show ownership.
I have seen people drop off sheets, etc. But the shelter also likes to get paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc.
Serita
I've started making pet beds for a local pet shelter too. The gal I work with actually placed an ad in their "freecycle" group asking for fabric donations (we have a lot here in MI - just google "freecycle" and your city). She did specify non-smoking homes. When she brought it to me, I was overwhelmed with 4 large plastic bags FULL of fabrics.
I sorted through what was usable for the outside part then what could be cut up for stuffing (like polyester or very thin fabrics to give you an idea). Then, I cut to various sizes and serge around the 3 sides, fill it up, serger it closed (or just hand stitch if it's too hard to handle under the serger). You can use any kind of thread to stitch closed.
As for washing.....I posed this question too. She said when the pet is adopted, they offer to send the bed with the pet. Or, once the bed gets to dirty to use, they just toss it.
Hope this helps. I really need to find more time to work on these since so many shelters need this. The only concern for some shelters is for those animals that like to chew or eat things so they find other beds for these little stinkers LOL