The City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department (AWD) has launched a new initiative inviting community members to create handmade items for shelter animals. The “Crafters and DIYers” program encourages individuals to make blankets, snuffle mats, tug-of-war ropes, and catnip toys at home to benefit pets currently housed in city shelters.
According to the department, these donations provide comfort and enrichment for the animals, potentially reducing stress and improving their chances of adoption. To assist participants, AWD offers project guides from Comfort for Critters on its website.
“This program is a great way for crafty folks to make a real impact,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Even a simple blanket or toy can make a huge difference to a shelter pet.”
Anyone interested in joining can participate individually or as part of a group. All skill levels are welcome. Prospective volunteers are asked to email the department for more information and will be guided through an online application process.
“This initiative is more than just crafts,” said AWD Director Carolyn Ortega. “It’s about community, compassion, and creative problem-solving. We’ve seen how a small handmade treasure can delight a shelter pet and help them feel loved while waiting for their forever home.”
Comfort for Critters is an organization that supports animal shelters across the country by coordinating volunteer-made blanket donations through partnerships with over 400 shelters nationwide.
The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department states its mission is to protect and serve both pets and people in Albuquerque by providing caregiving, awareness, resources, enforcement, and service excellence.
