Designing ‘Adopt Me’ Bandanas for Shelter Dogs and Cats

Looking for a creative service project? Why not design pet-sized bandanas and donate them to a local shelter? Wearing a colorful bandana is a wonderful way for shelter animals to get noticed by potential adopters, so you’ll really be helping animals if you decide to donate them to a local shelter.

Materials Needed

• Colored markers (fabric markers work the best, but don’t use washable markers)
• Solid-color bandanas. The size will vary based on dog or cat. The bandana should be folded once in a triangle and must be able to tie completely around the dog’s or cat’s neck. You can also find special doggie-sized triangle bandanas online

Instructions

1. Place the folded bandana on the table. Draw only on the side that faces up.

2. Your goal is to get the animals who wear these bandanas noticed — so they are more likely to get adopted— so your bandanas should be colorful and fun. It’s a good idea to include some words or phrases on your bandanas. Some are listed below, or you can make up your own.

Examples of phrases for your bandanas:

• Adopt Me!
• Shelter Dogs are Cool! Or Shelter Cats are Cool!
• I’ll Be Your Best Friend!
• Help Me Find A Home!!

3.  When finished decorating your bandana, lie it flat for a minute to make sure that your design doesn’t smear.  

Where to Donate the Bandanas

You can find a shelter near you at www.aspca.org/findashelter. Contact them to find out if they’d like to receive your donations.