13 items in your house your local animal shelter really needs

Old rubber gloves are a great donation item for animal shelters because the staff can use them to protect their hands while cleaning. Make sure the gloves are clean and only gently used.

This pet-friendly treat can be added to dry food at shelters, making for a fun surprise for the animals who often have so little of their own. It's gentle enough for their tummies and has enough nutrients to qualify as a healthy treat.

Shelters often have kittens or puppies who are unable to nurse because their mother is not with them or the mother cat is too weak to nurse. Volunteers at the shelter use baby bottles to feed these animals.

A common staple in classrooms, hand sanitizer is also a great donation item for animal shelters. Volunteers can quickly clean off their hands before/after petting an animal. The sanitizer doesn't substitute for handwashing but helps ensure that both animal and person stay as healthy as possible.

Many animal shelters love gently used blankets and towels. The animals can be cuddled in the blankets or towels in an emergency or use them as a comfort item. Make sure you check with your local shelter. Some places, like the Animal Humane Society, have restrictions on these types of items. ​

Animal shelters use paper towels to quickly clean up animal messes and other spills. These inexpensive donations are an easy way to help an animal shelter in your community.

Animal shelters work hard to keep living conditions clean and comfortable for the tenants. Keeping the kennels and other areas of the facility clean require a lot of cleaning supplies. Snag a few the next time you're out shopping and drop them off on your way home!

Animal shelters use baby wipes to clean animals who have infections, are post op or have otherwise gentle skin. The non-scented option ensures the wipes are safe for all of the animals.

Cleaning kennels is dirty work. Pails can be used to carry water into the kennels for cleaning. Additionally, some shelters and pet rescues (like Best Friends) use buckets to make ice block treats. They place toys inside the water, freeze it and let animals lick their way to a new toy!

Batteries are great for flashlights and other instruments caretakers need to use at the shelter. They can also be a little expensive when purchased in bulk. Donating AA and AAA batteries is a great way to share the expense of caring for animals.

Heating pads aren't just good for helping a sick kid feel better. Animal shelters can use the heating pads for sick kittens and puppies too.

When most people think of animal shelters, they think about the animals and their care, they forget that there's an awful lot of paperwork that goes along with adoptions, medical care, licensing and microchipping. Consider donating a ream of paper, ink cartridges or other basic office tools.

Have you been stashing away those plastic shopping bags with a plan to "use them for something?" How about donating them to an animal shelter. They can use them to clean up animal messes in the outdoor areas and store toys or other items.