How to rescue animals: from fundraising to starting a shelter
The thought of a companion animal needing a home is heartbreaking, especially for those with pets of their own. Millions of animals are homeless, awaiting adoption in a shelter, or needing rescue.
Fundraising is a way to do something for animals, whether you are fundraising to start an animal shelter or fundraising to help existing charities. Find out how to fundraise for animal rescue below, and how fundraising will enable you to reach your goals
Rescuing animals through community fundraising
Animal lovers often come together at fundraising events. Every donation is used to provide food, medical care, and shelter for animals that so desperately need our help. The more you raise, the more lives you’ll be able to impact.
Here are a few fundraising ideas that are always a hit:
1. Dog wash in the parking lot
Put up flyers around town, or on social media. Request a small cover fee or donation. Bring buckets, towels, and treats. You’ll end up soaked, but you’ll also raise funds for a good cause.
2. Organize a doggie race
A walk-a-thon or short “dog dash” is a fun, friendly competition. Offer sponsorships from local businesses. Give out t-shirts, maybe a few gift cards for the winners. It’s great exercise and a great way to raise awareness.
3. Hold a pet photo contest
Perfect for animal lovers. People submit photos of their pets on social media, and the community votes. Ask for a small fee per entry, or add bonus votes through donations. Cute, easy, effective.
4. Run a bake sale
Set up outside a local restaurant, school, or community center. Sell baked goods (cookies for people, treats for pets) and let everyone know proceeds go to a rescue organization. Include ingredients in case of allergies.
5. Share your mission online
Social media isn’t just for selfies. Use it to tell real stories—rescued animals who got a second chance, shelter animals waiting for homes. Add your donation page or PayPal link and ask followers to share. Outreach like that spreads fast.
How to start an animal rescue fundraiser
Crowdfunding isn’t complicated. It’s modern-day community giving, and it’s what keeps every rescue organization and humane society moving forward. When funding gets tight, it’s how animal welfare efforts stay alive, covering everything from pet food to emergency veterinary care.
To help your fundraiser succeed:
- Choose a name that means something to you.
- Set a clear fundraising goal: medical care (spay/neuter), pet food, maybe a new roof for the shelter.
- Share updates often; photos, short videos, or posts about adoptable dogs work best.
- Collaborate with local companies for matching options or sponsorships.
- Leverage your fundraiser page to express gratitude to donors and demonstrate how their funds make an impact.
Small donations really do make a difference when your community of animal lovers bands together to help animals.
Examples of successful animal rescue fundraisers
Finding a new home
Almost Home Animal Rescue, in New York, had just under two months to move out or shut down. Linda began a GoFundMe in order to help pay for rent and continued medical expenses. In the end, her online fundraising page has received more than $13,000 in donations — enough to move into another building and continue providing lifesaving care.
Shelter for abused animals
Angels for Mistreated Animals, a rescue operation that deals with abused and neglected pets, started as just foster care, but it soon outgrew their space. Their fundraiser enabled them to construct a no-kill shelter, which gives rescued animals a safe place to live and saves them from unnecessary euthanasia.
How to start an animal rescue or shelter
If the dream to start an animal rescue has been sitting in the back of your mind, here’s where to start:
- Assess the needs in your area
Talk to your humane society, animal control, or local shelters. Find the gaps. Maybe animals displaced after natural disasters. Maybe your community needs more help for senior pets or adoptable dogs saved from puppy mills. - Build a business plan
Research what pet food, vet services, spay/neuter, and shelter upkeep would cost. And, finally, craft a good plan. It will help you engage donors and partners. - Find your volunteers
So many animal rescues are run by volunteers, people who foster animals, help with fundraising, and share information through their social media. Ask those with outreach, photo, or veterinary care skills to help. - Decide on a location
Some animal rescues are foster-based, while others require a facility. Look into this and what standards you’ll need to meet for licensing or inspections before opening your doors. - Handle the legal side
Register your rescue as a nonprofit organization so donations are tax-deductible. Check with your state about licenses and animal welfare laws. It takes time, but it’s worth it. - Prioritize outreach
Outreach keeps your rescue visible. Post adoptable pets on social media. Partner with local pet shops or breweries to host in-person events. Provide a class, for instance, an introduction to dog training, in return for a donation.
Help rescue animals today
Animal rescue doesn’t fix everything. You’ll lose sleep. You’ll lose some animals. But you’ll also watch a rescued dog finally wag its tail again, a reminder that every bit of effort gives them a second chance.
That’s the moment that keeps everyone going. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
Start your animal rescue fundraiser and save lives. Call a shelter. Drop off supplies. Volunteer.
Do one small thing today, and watch how far it goes.