Goods Donations

At Pet Refuge, every pet arrives with a unique story, often shaped by trauma, uncertainty, and sudden change. Because of this, no two pets receive the same care plan.

Goods donations help support this personalised care. From comfort items and toys to enrichment tools and practical supplies, each pet’s environment is tailored to their individual needs, helping them feel safe and settled as they heal in safety.

Pets may stay in our care anywhere from a few weeks to several months, with an average stay of around four months. As the number, species, and length of stay of pets constantly change, so do our goods needs, which is why considered and purposeful donations are so important.

Because every pet has different needs, and those needs change often and we can’t accept all donated items. To protect the health, safety, and emotional well-being of pets in our care, we only accept new, unopened or unused items, with some exceptions listed below.

Many pets arrive anxious and unsettled. Over time, they often form strong emotional attachments to their toys, blankets, and enrichment items — especially during their first nights of safety after experiencing violence.

When pets are reunited with their families, we send them home with a take-home pack filled with their favourite comfort items, along with essentials like bedding, food, enrichment tools, and flea and worm treatment. Many families are rebuilding after financial abuse and starting over. By providing durable, high-quality items, we help pets keep their favourites and ease some of the pressure on families as they begin again.

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Check with us before donating goods

Because our shelter needs change so frequently, we ask that you contact our team before donating any goods or organising a donation drive.

This helps us:

Ensure we only accept items we currently need
Manage limited storage space
Avoid taking donations that could better support other pet charities

We never want to monopolise the generosity of our community. If another charity needs certain items more urgently than we do, we’d much rather see your kindness support them.

Approved goods donations can be dropped off at our support office in Rosedale, Auckland, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. We’re unable to facilitate pickups or collections from other locations, as we focus our resources on caring for pets and supporting families.

Contact us on:

Goods we can accept

All items listed are on an as-needed basis

New blankets — medium to large sizes
Accepted materials: fleece, cotton, wool
Large towels – good condition only

We cannot accept: sheets, duvets, sleeping bags, pillows, small blankets, or any blanket with filling, as these present a choking hazard.

All items listed are on an as-needed basis
New blankets — medium to large sizes
Accepted materials: fleece, cotton, wool
Large towels – good condition only
We cannot accept: sheets, duvets, sleeping bags, pillows, small blankets, or any blanket with filling, as these present a choking hazard.
All items listed are on an as-needed basis
Comfort toys: Cuddly soft pet toys (not human toys repurposed)
Mental stimulation toys: Kongs, treat balls, spinners, puzzle feeders and lick mats.
Durable toys: rope and tug toys, chew-resistant rubber
Wobblers
Scratch houses and cat poles
Slow feeders
Read more on how we tailor toy selections for pets to promote healing, comfort and meet their energy needs.
All items listed are on an as-needed basis
New dog leashes (regular length)
New dog collars (medium to large)
New or used/good condition cat carriers (top and front loaders)
New or used/good condition collapsible dog crates (no airline or travel crates)
New food bowls
Cooling mats (large only)
Cat litter (clay preferred)
New and unopened specialised dry pet food
Dental, hypoallergenic, digestive care, kidney care, joint and mobility support.
Treats
All our pets love treats! Treats help keep pets calm during transport and vet exams, and we use high-value treat rewards for enrichment and training. Our team often uses Ziwi Peak and dried liver treats for dogs, but pets enjoy any safe treat that supports their well-being.

Goods we cannot accept

To protect pet welfare and ensure all items are safe, durable, and suitable for trauma-informed care, we cannot accept:

Second-hand items (unless specified above)
Handmade items
Medication - including flea and worm treatments
Toys not purpose-made for pets, e.g. childrens toys
Sheets, duvets, sleeping bags, or blankets with filling
Small blankets/towels
Airline or travel crates (we reuse the ones we have)

Thanks to our generous partners, we don’t need:

Pet beds
Wet or dry cat and dog food

Toy categories and how They Support Healing

After years of caring for pets who have experienced violence and arrive at our shelter with the impacts of trauma, our shelter team has identified three key toy categories that best support emotional recovery. These toys help pets regulate their emotions, stay mentally stimulated, and feel safe during their time in care.

Level 1: Comfort and companionship toys
Soft toys that provide reassurance, warmth, and emotional comfort. These toys are ideal for anxious pets who benefit from cuddling, carrying, or sleeping beside a familiar object.
Level 2: Mentally stimulating toys
These toys encourage problem-solving and mental engagement. Treat balls, puzzle toys, spinners, and enrichment feeders help reduce boredom, anxiety, and stress while building confidence.
Level 3: Durable toys for heavy chewers
Designed for pets who need safe outlets for excess energy, stress, or frustration. These toys must be extremely tough and made from durable rubber or reinforced fabric to prevent breakage and ingestion risks.