Instructions
Contact the manager of an animal shelter that you would like to work with. By being associated with a shelter, you let people know that they are giving to a good cause and that their donations will be used properly. People are leery of being scammed and are not likely to donate to an individual or small group they've never heard of, even if they are ardent dog lovers.
Tell people about your efforts to collects donations for dogs. You can use free Internet ads, community radio spots, press releases to the newspaper and local radio talk shows to spread the word. Include the kind of donations you are looking for, whether it is cash, dog food or veterinary supplies.
Set up "dog day" events with local pet stores to encourage people to donate. Managers of pet shops are often willing to sponsor such events, as it gives them extra business as well as bringing in donations for dogs in need. An event, such as a community dog show or puppy photographs with Santa, encourages people to show up and to donate.
Place a donation box or barrel in a prominent spot during events for people to give dog food, toys and other items that you are looking to collect for the dogs. Have someone staff a table for people who would like to make cash donations to the canine fund.
Talk to the business owners or shop managers and persuade them to let you set up donation barrels in veterinary offices, pet shops and dog grooming parlors in the area. Mark the barrels clearly with the name of the cause and what dogs are going to be helped by donations.
Create a web page to explain your cause and show photos of dogs in need as well as dogs that are helped by the donations people make. Include a way for people to donate directly through the site and list upcoming "dog day" events.
How to Collect Donations for Dogs
Animal shelters are locally run and funded, and about 60 percent of the dogs that enter shelters each year are euthanized due to lack of homes, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). These dogs can be helped by increased funding and donations of food and veterinary supplies, supporting the dogs while they are in shelters and assisting the shelters with finding homes through increased advertising and community outreach. In some cases, money can help fund additional housing, allowing dogs to be kept longer and give them a better chance to find homes.