Crafting for a Cause: Learn How to Make Snuffle Mats for Shelter Animals
June 30, 2023
Looking for a fun way to keep the whole family entertained this summer? Grab some felt and dollar store sink mats and make a snuffle mat for our local animal shelters.
A Snuffle mat acts as a slow feeder or enrichment toy for dogs and cats. Just scatter dry food or treats throughout the snuffle mat and allow them to use their natural instincts to forage through the mat for their rewards.
Snuffle mats can also help reduce stress, begging, and other problematic behavior.
a finished snuffle mat
Pennies for P.A.W.S. teamed up with Volunteer Hampton Roads to host a snuffle mat workshop. I signed up to learn more about this great organization to make my first mat.
Stephanie with Pennies for P.A.W.S. organizer Becky
Pennies for P.A.W.S. offers mats and kits free to animal shelters, rescues, and the public and can be requested for local delivery in select areas in Hampton Roads VA.
Pennis for P.A.W.S. will also host an online event to celebrate National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day on July 21st. This day is intended to raise awareness for animal shelters while providing a way for the community to give back to shelters in ways that does not involve donating money, adopting, fostering, or volunteering with animals. Many household items can be upcycled into enrichment items or essential items of comfort and care for shelter pets.
Follow along to get ideas on how to upcycle those household items. They will also have a limited quantity of snuffle mat kits available for those shelters that want to have kits on hand for the community to craft.
