Who Takes Care of the Animals When Disaster Strikes?

The TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team was formed after Hurricane Sandy to help animal shelters affected by disasters. Started by TQPM (The Quilt Pattern Magazine - an international, digital-only publication), it is partnered with the Petfinder Foundation.

The TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team is a volunteer organization available whenever disasters strike - a way to join a larger effort helping our animal friends in times of need by doing what we love. There are over 500 members.

How It Works:
When disasters strike, TQPM checks with the Petfinder Foundation to see if there are shelters in need of assistance.

Whenever Petfinder receives a request, the shelter's information is immediately sent to TQPM, which responds with a call requesting the correct mailing information - a necessity in case shelters have been severely damaged, and alternate housing has been set up. TQPM then sends an email to the TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team with the shelter's information and posts the request to their Facebook page.

The TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team springs into action making Kennel Quilts and sending them to the shelter along with a form explaining the Kennel Quilt program and naming the partners. Members also send TQPM a picture and the number of Kennel Quilts made, which is then posted on both the website and the Facebook page. To date over 5500 Kennel Quilts have been sent to shelters all over the US.

Partners:
Aurifil Threads is a partner and is offering a Small Kennel Quilt Thread Kit with proceeds from the sales going to help the Petfinder Foundation. The thread kit contains colors which are all “pet” colors.

BERNINA USA is also a partner and introduced a 350 SPECIAL EDITION BEST FRIEND in January 2016 complete with a paw print faceplate. BERNINA has donated $30,000 to the Petfinder Foundation. BERNINA shops all over the US are holding Kennel Quilt Workshops through the Best Friend Initiative.

Island Batik Fabrics is introducing new fabric lines at Fall Market 2016 that will be paired with the Aurifil Kennel Quilt Thread Collections.

Join The Team:

There are almost-500-members on TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team. On the team page is all the necessary information regarding the TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team.

There are: FREE Kennel Quilt Patterns, guidelines for making the quilts with animal safety in mind, current needs, the TQPM mailing form, mailing costs, videos, our partners, and pictures of Kennel Quilts that have been sent. There is a sign-up button to join the team, as well as a link to the Facebook page. Team members receive all the latest information regarding Kennel Quilt requests. TQPM sends an email whenever there is a request and posts to their Facebook.

Contact Information: Nan Baker at TQPM (marketing@quiltpatternmagazine.com)
Address: TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team
PO Box 1055
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
TQPM Small Kennel Quilt Team: www.quiltpatternmagazine.com/program/KennelQuilt/
TQPM: www.quiltpatternmagazine.com
TQPM Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/TQPMKennelQuilts
Petfinder: www.petfinderfoundation.com

Comments

#13 massews 2017-09-13 18:15

For a quick and easy version, use a cotton pillowcase. A standard pillowcase would make 2 of these. Just cut it in the right place across, put the batting in, seam it up and quilt away. Not as pretty as our fancy quilted versions, but in times like this, I'm sure the animals won't mind.

#12 Quiltingdb3 2017-09-01 20:55

Thanks TQS for letting us know about this need. I've been wanting to help somehow and this is a great way! My sister and I got together today and made 10 Kennel Quilts and plan to make more over the weekend. Also, our quilt store is having their monthly "Saturday Sampler" day where about 50 or so women get together for the latest news and projects. We've made copies of the information sheet to hand out. I hope we can get more volunteers! I would hope that someone would help take care of my pets if a disaster happened where I live.
Happy quilting everyone!

#11 marge durham 2017-09-01 08:43

I am also wondering about pet quilts for big dogs. Is there any program for them?

#10 Dina Gignac 2017-09-01 07:30

Cheryl Norman - I discovered this group a while ago and a call was made by them for Ft. McMurray fire disaster. I contacted the animal shelter there to see if they wanted any and three of us made 31 quilts for their needs. The size is such that they can be made in no time. And due to some generous donors, they were shipped for free.

#9 Cheryl Norman 2016-04-27 23:51

I love this. Do you know if there is anything like this in Canada? If not, I may be interested in starting something here. If you can steer me the right way I would sure appreciate it.

#8 milababy 2016-04-11 19:17

I just signed up a few days ago! Saw a link on pintrest and was inspired to put my talents to work helping the four leggeds that need our help. To many people forget about them. For those who don't want to wait for a diaster check with local shelters, vets and dog rescues. They could probably need some.

#7 Frank Palmer 2016-04-11 14:15

Regarding the question "What about the larger dogs?", these are kennel quilts, which basically cover the bottom of a portable kennel/crate. A larger quilt wouldn't really work as well. Larger quilts would be better sent to children's charities, such as House Next Door or Project Linus.

#6 Barbara 2016-04-11 10:25

My local pet shelter is always happy to see me when I show up with a pile of my practice quilt sandwiches. The animals get something to snuggle into and my practice muslin pieces get put to good use.

#5 Joyce Marder 2016-04-11 07:50

I've been doing this for years. It's a great way to use all the scraps from my huge collection of cat fabrics.

#4 carol mcdowell 2016-04-11 06:49

just wondering after looking closer if there is an organization making larger quilts. these are great but what about the larger dogs?

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