The Surrey SPCA is in urgent need of towels, blankets and sheets to help keep animals warm as the temperature drops.
Although there is always a need for the items, the Surrey SPCA is particularly desperate after a ringworm breakout brought into the shelter through stray kittens in September forced staff to close until late October.
Before re-opening, the shelter had to allocate funds to treat the animals, leaving them with little to spend on bedding, and the staff have adopted a rigorous housekeeping regiment to ensure no further breakouts occur.
"Just to be cautious with making sure there is nothing remaining to spread the disease, they have to launder constantly and need to change the bedding constantly," said SPCA communications manager Lori Chortyk.
However, the constant cleaning makes bedding scarce for the animals at times, and the onslaught of cold weather only makes the situation worse.
"They're shivering, even with the heating we have," Chortyk said. "If anyone has towels or bedding to spare, the Surrey SPCA would be so grateful for the help."
The Surrey SPCA currently has 99 cats, 88 kittens, 31 dogs and 8 puppies, bringing the grand total of animals to 275 who need bedding and other supplies.
The shelter is also asking for newspaper to use as bedding for the smaller animals, treats and wet food for dogs and cats, clumping litter, toys and yoga mats – which can be used in the outdoor runs to ensure dogs don't slip if the surfaces get wet or icy.
Donations can be dropped off at shelter at 6706 152 St.