Top 12 Fundraising Ideas for Animal Shelters

Animal shelters house strays and pets abandoned by their owners. Shelters rely on the community to stay in business. Fundraising is essential and is what helps these facilities provide food and water to shelter pets. Finding ways to raise money for a rescue group can be a challenge. Below are some ideas to help you get started.

1. Dog Walking Service

To raise money for animal shelters, you need to reach out to animal lovers. A great way to do this is to offer a dog walking service for a suggested donation. Just make sure that you serve only people that you trust, like neighbors, family and friends. This is a simple way to raise money that doesn’t require anything more than your time.

2. Dog Wash Event

Get local animal lovers interested in your cause by offering a free dog wash event. Dog owners can leave a donation in exchange for your services. For this type of event, you will need plenty of volunteers. Get in touch with a local groomer or a pet shop like Petco. They may be able to offer the services of their groomers or donate items for your event. Don’t forget to bring all of the necessary supplies.

3. Animal-Themed Art Contest

Host an animal-themed art contest and reach out to local artists for help. Ask a local art gallery if they would be willing to donate their space for your event. Artists can enter their pieces for a fee. Consider asking if they would be willing to sell the artwork and donate all or a portion of the proceeds to your cause.

4. Host a “Barkery”

Instead of a traditional bake sale, host a “barkery.” Get volunteers to pitch in and donate freshly baked goods for both humans and canines. Sell your treats to help raise money for your cause.

5. Howl-o-Ween Ball

This fun event is perfect for Halloween. Host a Howl-o-Ween ball where humans and their pets can dress up. Charge an admission fee for the event to help raise money.

Hosting a party will require a great deal of planning and organization. Make sure that you have a great group of volunteers willing to help. You will also need a venue to host the event. Local venues, restaurants and businesses may be willing to donate space, items and food to your event.

6. Target Pet-Friendly Hotels

Many hotels are now becoming pet-friendly. These businesses cater to your target audience. Reach out to them to find out if they would be interested in partnering with your shelter. Consider hosting fundraiser events at their hotel as well. Many of these hotels are upscale and great targets for your fundraising efforts.

7. Sell Candy

Purchase candy in bulk from a local vendor and sell the bars. Special fundraising candy bars can also be purchased for this purpose. Candy bars may be able to be sold door-to-door or in schools.

8. Host a Pet Walk

To raise awareness and collect donations, consider hosting a pet walk. This event can be as big or small as you want. The bigger the event, the more successful it will be. However, you will need the help of friends and the community to see it through. Marketing and promotion will be the key factor here. You will need to spread word about the walk in order to really make it a success.

9. Host an Adoption Event

Adoption events will do more than just raise money for your shelter. They will also help shelter pets find new and loving homes.

10. Get Involved with Community Events

Local sporting and cultural events provide you with an opportunity to get involved. Get permission to host an adoption event at one of these events. Hand out information about your shelter and the items you may need. Local fairs and holiday parades are great for this idea. During the event, you can offer one or more of the following:

• Demonstrations from local police K9 units
• Obedience training demonstrations
• Pet massages
• Pet portraits or photos
• Games and prizes

You can also sell raffle tickets and raffle off great pet-centric supplies or products. Ask local businesses if they would be willing to donate items to your event.

11. Sell Items

This the most basic, yet still effective, way to raise money for a good cause. Many companies offer special fundraising products to help you raise money for your animal shelter. Consider setting up a space inside of the shelter to sell these items. Photo cards of your rescue pets, buttons and supplies can be sold.

12. Motorcycle Rides

Host a motorcycle ride to help raise money for your shelter. This type of event may need special planning and help from local community officials. Riders can make a suggested donation to participate in the event.

Fundraising can be simple and inexpensive, or it can be extravagant. Consider how much time and effort you can put into an event before you commit to planning one.