- Assistance for Vet Bills – Fundraising Ideas - Mitchell Powell Photo
With difficult economic times, there are many pet owners who find that they cannot afford to pay for a pet's vet bills. When the situation is life-threatening, and the pet requires a life-saving surgery or procedure, there are organizations that offer financial assistance for vet bills or loans. But not everyone is eligible to receive assistance for veterinary bills and some people don't have sufficient credit for a loan.
If this is the case, a pet owner can hold a fundraiser to help pay for expensive vet bills or a pet's surgery. There are many great ways to get money for a dog's surgery or other veterinary care – it's as simple as selling homemade dog treats at night or on the weekends.
In addition to holding a fundraiser to pay for vet bills for a specific pet, these ideas can also be used to raise funds for the local animal shelter, a feral cat rescue group, or an animal welfare organization.
Pet Fundraiser Planning – Where to Hold a Fundraiser for Dogs and Cats
When holding a fundraiser for a specific dog or cat, an animal shelter or an animal rescue organization, it's important to hold the fundraiser in a place that either receives lots of foot traffic — like a festival or craft fair — or at a location where lots of pet owners are present, like a pet shop or dog grooming shop. Ideas include:
- Buy a table at a craft fair, festival or weekend farmer's market/flea market – Craft fairs and festivals, farmer's markets and flea markets see lots of foot traffic and often, the table fee is quite reasonable – between $30 and $60 — so the cost can be easily recouped. Local craft fair and festival listings can be found on sites like CraftLister.com
- Sell pet items at a pet store, groomer or dog training business – Pet-related businesses see lots of foot traffic from pet owners, who are more apt to donate money or support the fundraiser by purchasing homemade dog treats, a homemade pet bed or similar.
- Set up a fundraiser table at the park or dog park on the weekend – Hold a pet fundraiser by selling homemade dog treats or other homemade pet items at the park or dog park on the weekends. Note that a permit may be required in some cities/towns.
When holding a fundraiser for pets, it's important to appeal to fellow pet owners. Pet owners are more likely to donate to a fundraiser for animals, particularly if the fundraiser is to help raise money for pet's vet bills or surgery. Fellow pet owners are more likely to support a fundraiser for animals, since they will be more apt to feel compassion and to sympathize for the needy animal(s), the pet owners or the animal welfare organization.
It's also important to note that independently-owned pet shops are often more willing to allow an individual or organization to hold a fundraising event at or inside the business. Some large chain stores prohibit fundraisers on the premises.
Fundraising Ideas for Pets – Fundraiser to Get Help Paying Vet Bills
Since the fundraiser will benefit a needy pet or animal rescue organization, it's important to target animal lovers and pet owners. To do this, it's best to sell pet treats or pet products; if holding a fundraising event, it's important to sell items or plan activities that will attract dog owners, cat owners and animal lovers.
- Sell homemade dog treats
- Sell handmade dog beds
- Sell handmade cat toys or dog toys
- Sell hand-decorated leashes and collars
- Sell handmade doggy hair bows
- Sell gift certificates for pet sitting or dog walking
In addition to selling homemade pet treats or pet items, place a donations canister on the table/booth. Ambitious fundraiser organizers may wish to approach local businesses to request a donation of goods or services; those donations can then be auctioned or raffled during the fundraiser.
If holding a fundraiser event to help provide financial assistance for extensive vet bills or a specific pet's surgery, bring the pet to the event! People are more apt to support a fundraiser when they meet the dog who will be benefiting from their purchase or donation.
Readers may also want to read How to Pay for Expensive Vet Bills – Financial Assistance to Help Afford Special Pet Procedures, Care.
Pet owners may also enjoy How to Pay for Emergency Vet Bills – Tips to Afford Unexpected Veterinary Care That's Out of Your Budget.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
