We all know plenty of healthy and happy pets, but there are still countless animals that need our help. From raising money for your pet’s surgery to supporting your local animal shelters, consider online fundraising to lend a hand to an animal in need. Crowdfunding is an easy way to help your beloved pets as well as other animals. With our playful pet fundraising ideas below, you’ll discover there are lots of ways to make a difference in an animal’s life today.
Why start a pet fundraiser?
Pets are a joyful addition to any household, but with that extra bundle of love comes additional expenses. With pets, costs creep up in a number of areas.
Get help with vet bills
Keeping your pet healthy is important, and those veterinarian visits aren’t cheap. General checkups can run from $45-$55. Pet surgeries add the most to the bill, with costs reaching the thousands, according to Pet Care RX. Be diligent about checking for signs that your pet is in pain so you know when they need a trip to the vet.
Adopt a service animal
Service animals not only bring love into the lives of owners, they also provide needed assistance. One thing worth noting is that adopting and training a service dog can be pricey. You may want to brainstorm some fundraisers to cover adoption fees in order to get this plan off the ground.
Support an animal shelter
Ask animal shelters what resources they need refilled or if they need help on a new project. You can help raise funds for specific equipment, general care, expensive medical care, animal rescue, and more. Consider partnering with animal welfare organizations and rescue groups in your area to expand your impact.
Creative animal fundraising ideas to try today
1. Pet wash
A dog wash is a classic, reliable way to lather up some cash for pets. Gather supplies like pet-friendly soap, buckets, towels, and more. Then pick a date with a promising weather report, and start advertising. On flyers, make sure to include your fundraiser’s URL and donation page. The day of your dog wash, have information about your fundraiser at the ready with a smartphone or tablet for easy mobile giving.
2. Walk-a-thon
Everyone knows that a happy pet is a sleepy pet, worn out after a day of exercise. To get animals moving in your neighborhood, hold a pet walk-a-thon. Pick a time and place that will make it easy for people to join in person. Ask for donations or sell tickets for participation. Set up water and snack stations for pet owners and pets.
3. Pet pageant
Who doesn’t think their pet is the cutest of them all? Let your local community show off their furry, feathered, or scaly best friends with a pet pageant. Charge an entry fee for a chance to walk the runway or for a photo shoot. Whether indoors or outdoors, set up a runway, get a PA system, and find an MC. Let participants strut their stuff in costumes, fancy t-shirts, or just as they are, and invite the audience to vote for “cutest,” “goofiest,” and “most fashionable.” Share highlights on social media.
4. Homemade treat sale
A homemade goodie that both humans and pets go nuts for. Bake dog cookies (or make cat toys), package them pretty, and have a bake sale at a pet store, coffee shop, or farmers market. And don’t forget to tell everyone where the money is going, whether that’s helping shelter pets or offsetting the costs of emergency veterinary care.
5. Pet food drive
Pet food is one of those expenses that can balloon quickly, particularly for animal lovers who are scraping to get by. Organize a pet food drive and raise money to support local animal shelters and animal welfare organizations, such as the Humane Society. Post your progress to social media to get the community involved.
6. Pet calendar
A pet calendar is a fun way to raise money and feature pet photos from your community. Partner with a local photographer or offer sessions yourself. Each month can highlight a different pet, with proceeds helping cover spay services, adoption fees, and medical care for shelter animals.
7. Pet-inspired painting
What better way to express love for your pet than through art? Host a “paint your pet” night and competition. Buy supplies like canvases, paint, brushes, and set up a studio for participants. People can sign up in advance and donate to participate. Proceeds go toward your fundraising goals. At the end, display the art at local businesses and vote on the best portrait.
8. Seasonal pet parties
Every season offers its own holidays to enjoy, so why not turn your celebrations into seasonal pet parties? Instead of Mardi Gras, bust out the milk bones for Mardi Paw. Focus on the beastly during Halloween and throw a Howl-o-ween for all creatures. Show your love for furry friends by making howl-entines on Valentine’s Day. Pupmas and Pawnukah add a fun twist on beloved holidays. Provide fundraising opportunities by selling tickets or asking for donations. Invite local businesses for sponsorships or prize donations
Dog-themed fundraisers
9. DIY dog show
Create your own community dog show at a park or pet supply store. Charge an entry fee and let dogs compete in categories like best trick or most unique tail wag. Highlight participants on social media and thank sponsors for supporting your event.
10. Dog walking services
Offer dog walking services to busy or elderly pet parents. For a fee, which goes toward your fundraising efforts, provide 30, 45, or 60-minute walks.
11. Puppy-friendly happy hour
Most people love dogs and beer, so why not combine the two in a pet-friendly “yappy” hour? Host at a coffee shop or brewery. Partner with local businesses that are willing to donate a portion of the proceeds to your fundraiser. You could even ask the business to offer a special, like Puppy Porter or Animal Ale. Set up a donation page so people can contribute on the spot.
12. Dog days of summer party
Plan a summer bash for dogs and their humans. Include games, treat stations, and goodie bags. Have a table with fundraising opportunities and information on how to sponsor a pet or support local animal welfare organizations.
13. Homemade dog toys
Make DIY toys and sell them to dog owners for donations. Rope toys, tennis ball tugs, and treat dispensers are all easy to make. Rent a space at a nearby pet store or farmer’s market.
14. Trivia night
Host a trivia night at a local community center or even collaborate with a local business. One way to raise money: Charge a small entry fee and give prizes to winners. Choose a pet-themed trivia topic to tie into your cause.
15. Dog kissing booth
There’s nothing sweeter in the world than a smooch from a pooch, and what better way to brighten up the world than with a dog kissing booth? With a cardboard box, some art supplies, and a few friendly dogs, you can have your own dog kissing booth in no time. Check with local farmer markets, fairs, and sporting events to see if you can set up your booth to raise money for your fundraising event. Charge an entrance fee and raise money for adoption fees, spay programs, or medical services. Welcome animal lovers in your local community and encourage forever homes for animals in search of one.
Shelter Partnerships
There are numerous ways to help animals through animal shelter fundraising ideas. You might participate in dog washes and pet calendars, or pet store partnerships and staff outreach; each is a creative way to support pets in need.
Nonprofit
Donating to an animal welfare nonprofit organization or charity can help out, too. Whether you are raising funds for shelter pets or an individual rescue group, every little bit helps to get animals off the street and into forever homes.
Pick the purrfect fundraising event idea
Animals bring so much to our lives, which is why their needs are so important to care for. So, give these great pet fundraising ideas a whirl today, and help pets continue to thrive with their forever families.