Thank you for generously supporting Dakin Humane Society and the animals in our care.

Donations are welcomed daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm outside Dakin's adoption center at 171 Union St, Springfield.

Thrift store donations

Home Again, Dakin's onsite thrift store accepts donations of new and gently used pet supplies. Please click here for more information about accepted donations.

Shelter donations

Items in bold are needed most frequently.

Cats & Kittens

Tabby cat with green eyes looking at the camera
  • Canned & dry cat/kitten food
  • Light tuna in water
  • Human baby food (meat flavors only - no vegetables)
  • Clumping and non-clumping litter
  • Cat toys
  • Blankets (fleece only)
  • Bath size towels

Dogs & Puppies

Black dog outside with mouth open and tongue out
  • Dry dog food
  • Freeze-dried beef liver (for training)
  • Bully sticks (to keep dogs busy)
  • Hot dogs (for training)

Small Animals & Birds

Grey rat with curled white whiskers
  • Large cages that meet our minimum requirements in excellent condition
  • Bird perches (various sizes)
  • White vinegar (for cleaning)
  • Carefresh bedding
  • Timothy hay

General & Office Supplies

Spray bottles of cleaning supplies
  • Trash bags - large, heavy-duty, and kitchen size
  • Paper towels
  • Bleach
  • Kleenex
  • Postage stamps
  • Copy paper
  • Pens, markers, staples, paper clips
  • Dry erase markers

NOT accepted:

We incur costs to dispose of items that we cannot accept for the thrift store. Thank you for helping us provide the best care for animals by only donating accepted items.

  • Bedding with stuffing (comforters)
  • Pillows, pillowcases
  • Mattresses
  • Stuffed animals
  • Open, expired, or prescription food
  • Medical supplies or prescriptions of any kind

Thank you for supporting Dakin!

Elms college students standing next to donated supplies

If you have left an in-kind donation at Dakin or shopped our online wish lists, please forward your receipt to Development@dakinhumane.org so we can properly thank you.

If you took a photo at the time of your donation drop-off, please email it to us at Marketing@dakinhumane.org. Your photo may be shared on Dakin's social media.

In-kind gift receipts are available at Dakin or you can download one here.