Animal Welfare Professionals

 View Only
Back to discussions
Expand all | Collapse all

Cleaning and Finances

  • 1.  Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-05-2023 06:34 AM

    We have just expanded! Due to generous donations, we have added three new small buildings (pods). Every month like all of you I'm sure, we spend hundreds on cleaning supplies (bleach, paper towels, gloves, etc). We purchase quite a bit from WalMart. I am trying to explore commercial cleaning supply companies or other resources to explore money saving options as we will now be using double the amount of supplies. I am looking for any ideas or methods used by other rescues and facilities as to how yall save or utilize outside sources in purchasing your supplies. All help is greatly appreciated! As we all know, we are not millionaires so every penny counts haha!


    #OrganizationalManagement

    ------------------------------
    Erin Falardo
    Secretary
    K9 Battle Buddies
    Hinesville GA
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-06-2023 02:57 AM

    We started ordering Rescue in 55 gallon drum through Midwest Vet Supply. It saves us about the cost of a 5 gallon bucket each order. Have you considered Shelters United? They have similar pricing to Midwest Vet Supply. 



    ------------------------------
    Renee Milner
    Nonprofit Board Member
    Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea
    TN
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-06-2023 06:34 AM

    Have never heard of it. Will look into both. Thank you so much



    ------------------------------
    Erin Falardo
    Secretary
    K9 Battle Buddies
    Hinesville GA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-06-2023 06:40 AM
    • Agreed to switch over to Rescue vs using the bleach to clean.  Rescue can be used as a complete alternative to bleach, for both cleaning and disinfection, because it helps you eliminate the same pathogens that bleach kills, but in a safer and faster way. Also eliminates the need for detergent that needed to be used prior to using the bleach. 
    • We use donation pleas for items we are low on and if sent out to the public soon enough it may offset the cost of certain items needed to be bought! Example, Dawn dish soap, laundry detergent, linen,  trash bags,  french fry trays, sponges  etc
    • We use shredded donated newspaper as litter when low and also is easier to clean up-less clay bits around the room means faster cleaning.  
    • The places I order most from are Office Basics and Amazon for cleaning supplies as they usually have fast or free shipping 



    ------------------------------
    Josiah Ortiz
    Morris Animal Refuge
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-06-2023 08:35 AM

    How do you all order through Midwest unless you have a veterinarian license? I mean as a rescue facility? I started the application, but it is requiring a veterinary license



    ------------------------------
    Erin Falardo
    Secretary
    K9 Battle Buddies
    Hinesville GA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-06-2023 08:49 AM

    We are lucky enough to have a vet.



    ------------------------------
    Renee Milner
    Nonprofit Board Member
    Animal Shelter Alliance of Rhea
    TN
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-07-2023 09:31 AM

    In addition to what everyone else said about the Rescue swap and the sources I have the following to add:

    1. Find a way to eat the cost on buying a mixing station for the Rescue Concentrate. When we went from hand mixing to using a metered mixing station it saved us gallons of Rescue concentrate that would typically be lost to spillage and guarantees that the final mixing ration is correct and isn't overly strong.
    2. Look at national cleaning suppliers such as cleanitsupply.com or similar. They often sell commercial/bulk products, have free shipping, and really good clearance options depending on the month and their stockage levels.
    3. Reach out to other local non-profits. We have two amazing organizations that work by redistributing items that for-profits donate to them for tax purposes. This allows the redistributing organization to gift the donated goods to other non-profits often saving us money.


    ------------------------------
    Ryan Simonson
    Cat Depot
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-07-2023 11:35 PM

    Walmart has a charitable foundation. If you are a customer ask the manager if they will support a request via the foundation. It is an easy online application and you can get $500-1000 for supplies. 



    ------------------------------
    Stacy LeBaron
    Head Cat
    The Community Cats Podcast
    Warren VT
    978-239-2090
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 11-02-2023 07:47 AM

    I applied to our local Walmart for the community grant (online) and then spoke multiple times with the management at our local walmart about it-- they literally knew nothing about the program (and didn't want to learn).  If you have been to this walmart, this is pretty typical behavior...



    ------------------------------
    Carol Williams
    aralliancega.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-08-2023 11:35 AM

    Hi Erin

    Check out Saving-Life.com  (https://www.saving-life.com/shop) . We have partnered with a company that creates buying groups to drive costs down. The relationship just started a month ago so the catalog is not built up to what it will be, but you may find some good prices now. If you don't see what you are looking for, there is a way to submit requests and to join the newsletter so keep abreast of new products as they are added.



    ------------------------------
    Tom Van Winkle
    Executive Director
    Association of Shelter Veterinarians
    NC
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-12-2023 12:30 PM

    Sam's Club or Costco will be cheaper than WM for paper towels, gloves,  etc.    Sam's does curbside pick-up for a $4 fee, so you could likely have a volunteer with a van or truck who lives close to a club warehouse do a pre-arranged pick up for you. 



    ------------------------------
    Maggie Thomas
    President
    Red Stick German Shepherd Rescue
    LA
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 10-23-2023 06:56 AM

    Do you have an active social media following?  Before we buy anything we ask for donations on so that helps tremendously.  We often post a request with a photo of one of our animals begging for supplies and end up with enough to last us a month or so. The goal is to not have to go out and buy that stuff, so we ask for help with direct supply needs a lot.



    ------------------------------
    Kelly Eckerle
    Dubois County Humane Society
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Cleaning and Finances

    Posted 11-02-2023 07:50 AM

    We set up a donation bin at our local grocery store, asking for things like bleach, paper towels, trash bags, etc.  People drop items in for us as they are shopping.  It has been pretty successful!



    ------------------------------
    Carol Williams
    aralliancega.com
    ------------------------------



Related Content