How to Raise Money for Animal Shelters

Animal shelters depend on fundraising efforts to operate as caring for animals, feeding, veterinary care and supplies for these rescued animals are all costly. Considering the service that animal shelters and rescues provide to citizens and communities, assisting with fundraising is an excellent way to help. With a little creativity, you can aid these worthy shelters with a successful fundraiser.

Things You'll Need

  • Cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Paper
  • Computer
  • Dog shampoo
  • Brushes
  • Hose
  • Old towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set a goal. How much do you want to raise, and in what time frame? Write this down. For example, you might want to raise $2,000 in two months.

    • 2

      Begin collecting at work or school. With the cardboard, be creative and make a little dog house. Paint it or decorate it to be catchy, leaving a little slot at the top. Set this out at work or school with sign stating what you are doing. If possible, make an announcement via email or newsletter so everyone knows. Have people drop in their spare change. Make sure to collect every week.

    • 3

      Host a dog wash event. Collect some volunteers, and see if a pet store will donate dog shampoo and brushes. You will also need a hose and access to water. Donations of old towels can be used to dry the dogs off. Advertise that people can bring up their dogs for a bath and charge a fee. Local newspapers may advertise this event for free, and flyers can be distributed among the community.

    • 4

      Host a dog walk. Choose a day and host a dog walk, either through town or at a local park. Charge a "walk fee" of maybe $5, and everyone walking their dog will receive a certificate, knowing that their money is going to help an animal shelter. See if you can get buttons or t-shirts donated. You can even set up a stand and sell items for a little extra money, such as bottled water or dog dishes.

    • 5

      Organize an auction. Collect donations from local businesses and people. Try to get a couple of large prizes, such as tickets to a major league baseball game or a mountain bike. Sell tickets for the prizes, and at the same time, you can sell 50/50 tickets to raise even more money. Refreshments are another option to make more money if you have enough volunteers.

    • 6

      Throw a garage sale and donate all money raised. Collect donations of items to sell, and advertise all over town. Make sure to be clear to everyone that all money raised goes towards the animal shelter.

    • 7

      Challenge others to do the same. Create an excitement that is infectious, and others will want to join in and do the same thing. Encourage others to do what they can to raise money for animal shelters and your efforts will go a long way.