The Lost Dogs’ Home is calling on everyone who is an animal lover to get behind its Big Spring Clean Out campaign. 

The Home’s Spokesperson Suzana Talevski said both its North Melbourne and Cranbourne shelters were critically low of blankets and newspapers. 

‘’Blankets are used for bedding and with about 15,000 animals coming through our doors every year, it is crucial we have enough to go around,’’ said Ms Talevski. 

‘’Sadly, we have also seen more and more rabbits and ‘’pocket pets’’ being dumped on our doorsteps recently, the number of smaller animals has tripled meaning we need lots more newspapers to make sure their living environments are clean and hygienic.’’

The Home is currently taking care of almost 500 animals across both shelters. That’s 250 dogs and 248 cats. 

‘’The Home is also upgrading its laundry facilities next month so we will need even more blankets than as we will be losing the laundry for at least a week while the new machines are installed. If we're unable to wash anything it means we will need throw away items that are unable to be used so the turnover of blankets will be quick,’’ said Ms Talevski. 

‘’We are calling on Melbourne to help us where possible and do a spring clean out of their homes and drop off blankets that in good condition to our shelters, so our animals have a warm comfortable bed to sleep in at night like all pets deserve.’’

‘’If you’ve been meaning to do a clean-out of your cupboards, now is the perfect time. Our shelters will be happy to take those unwanted blankets and towels off your hands. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing they’re helping keep homeless pets warm and snuggly.’’

Please note the Lost Dogs Home can’t use doonas, pillows, sheets or pet beds. These items can be very difficult to clean and maintain for re-use.

Much needed donations can be dropped off directly to:

The Lost Dogs’ Home North Melbourne: 2 Gracie Street, North Melbourne, Victoria 3051

The Lost Dogs’ Home Cranbourne: 920 Thompsons Road, Cranbourne West, Victoria 3977