Take the Brrrr Out of Their Barks: Make this Holiday Dog Coat and Toy Drive a Success!
photo: Full Belly Bus
Is your dog’s coat so last year? Head to your favorite neighborhood pet supply shop or to one of the Full Belly Bus (FBB) partner businesses listed below to get your best friend a spiffy new winter coat for the holidays.
What to do with the old coat? Easy! Donate it to FBB’s 5th Annual Dog Coat (and Toy) Drive. Win-Win. Warm-Warm. Everybody’s happy!
Since 2017, Full Belly Bus has collected and distributed thousands of new and pre-loved, gently used dog coats and rain jackets to San Francisco pet owners struggling with homelessness. Last year’s drive was so successful (with more than 1,500 coats collected) that FBB was able to distribute coats all year long to pets living with their humans in tents, SF Safe Sleeping Villages, SRO hotels, Covid emergency shelter-in-place hotels, and Navigation and SAFE Centers citywide.
photo: Full Belly Bus
By donating your dog's old coat, you'll help ensure our city's furry friends are getting an extra warm winter layer to help them survive lives lived mainly outdoors. From short-haired, trembling Chihuahuas to the hardier but still needy larger breeds, a good coat will help these pups stay dry, warm, and better able to tolerate the Bay Area’s cold rainy months. In fact, FBB’s biggest need is for large to extra-large sizes. (Please note: if you purchase online from mega outlets, the extra-large dog coats may be coming from China, in which case they are the US equivalent of size medium.)
Did someone say TOYS?
For the first time ever, FBB is also accepting donations of new and gently used dog and cat toys. Like coats, pet playthings are luxury items for many dog and cat owners who struggle with homelessness. Barks or meows can't express the joy these pets feel when they finally receive a squeaky toy or stuffy all their own.
photo: Full Belly Bus
Know a Pet Owner Who Needs Help? Here’s How to Get a Free Toy or Dog Coat
If you know a pet owner who needs a free toy or dog coat, please send them to FBB's Food is Essential program on the first and third Monday of each month between 3-4 pm at St. Anthony's at 121 Golden Gate Avenue. Pets need not attend, and no appointment is necessary.
Lucky to Have a Home? Here’s How to Donate to Those Who Don’t
Drop off toy and dog coat donations at any of the following partners between now and February 28, 2022. Donation drop-off times may vary so please call ahead to the location you’ll be using.
SF Animal Care & Control (new location)
1419 Bryant Street
San Francisco
415-554-6364
The Animal House
157 Fillmore Street
San Francisco
415-552-0233
Bernal Beast
509 Cortland Avenue
San Francisco
415-643-7800
George (3 locations!)
2512 Sacramento Street
San Francisco
415-441-0564
607 Florida Street
San Francisco
415-658-7573
6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, Suite 1106
San Ramon
925-365-1445
Noe Valley Pet Co.
1451 Church Street
San Francisco
415-282-7385
The Rex Center
1040 Palmetto Avenue
Pacifica
Friday, 10 a.m to Noon
A Well Adjusted Pet
1040 Palmetto Avenue
Pacifica
650-967-3861
About Full Belly Bus
The Full Belly Bus mobile pet care team is a nonprofit charity dedicated to providing free licensed veterinary care, certified animal behavior training, and pet food - as well as supplies like leashes, collars, harnesses, toys, and pet coats - to unhoused people with companion dogs and cats. Its primary goal is to help people to keep their pets. Since its formation in 2015, the Full Belly Bus approach has improved the lives of thousands of pets and, in turn, the well-being of their owners who have been able to keep their beloved and bonded animal companions.
FBB animal welfare experts offer care without conditions and help without judgment. Working as advocates for struggling pet owners, FBB helps reduce the number of cats and dogs entering San Francisco’s animal shelters and rescues. FBB also enhances the quality of life for transitionally-housed animals and supports pet owners of every age, race, gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation. For more information about Full Belly Bus, please visit: fullbellybus.org.