New Chances Humane Society in Blue Earth publishes an ongoing list of needed physical supplies for its animal shelter. Items identified by the organization include dry and canned pet food, scoopable cat litter, leashes and collars including used items, cat towers, bedding-related supplies, and Kuranda-style shelter beds. This is a specialized donation outlet rather than a general household-goods thrift store, but it may be useful when an estate includes clean pet supplies, animal-care equipment, or reusable collars and leashes.

Needs can change with shelter inventory and animal population, and not every pet-related item will necessarily be accepted. Executors should confirm current needs and condition requirements before bringing a load to the shelter. Save a trip! Call first to confirm hours and that they are accepting what you’re bringing.