SPCA Tampa Bay Launches Christmas in July Donation Drive to Support Local Animals

SPCA Tampa Bay invites the community to celebrate Christmas in July by donating new, unopened toys, treats and enrichment items for animals in its care. 

The inaugural Christmas in July Donation Drive will help replenish supplies that staff and volunteers use every day to keep animals active, comfortable and engaged while they wait for a new home. 

Toys provide animals with more than just entertainment. Enrichment items give shelter animals positive ways to play, explore and interact with their environment, which can help reduce stress, support relaxation and encourage healthy behaviors. Research has shown that newly admitted shelter dogs can have stress levels nearly three times higher than dogs living in homes, making enrichment an important part of helping animals feel safe, comfortable and cared for while they wait for homes. 

“Behavioral health is just as important as medical care for the animals we serve,” said Corey Price, Executive Vice President and COO at SPCA Tampa Bay. “A toy, treat or enrichment item may seem simple, but these items become part of an animal’s daily routine. They help our team provide comfort, build trust and give each animal positive moments while they wait for a home.” 

Community members can support the drive by: 

• Purchasing items through SPCA Tampa Bay’s Amazon Wish List or Chewy Wish List 

• Making a monetary donation to support the purchase of enrichment items 
• Dropping off new, unopened items at participating donation sites in St. Petersburg, Largo and Clearwater, including select apartment communities and local partners 

SPCA Tampa Bay’s most-needed items include: 

• Dog toys and durable chew toys 

• Cat toys and treats 

• Training treats 

• Puzzle toys and interactive feeders 

• Rabbit and small animal enrichment items 
• Other wish list items selected by SPCA Tampa Bay’s animal care team 

The drive will run throughout July, with wish list donations accepted online and participating drop-off locations available in St. Petersburg, Largo and Clearwater. 

Each donation helps brighten the day of a shelter animal waiting for their next chapter. For more information on how to donate, visit our Christmas in July page.