15 Animal-Related Fundraising Ideas

By Guest Writer, Scarlett Khanbeigi

Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash

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​Securing sustainable funding is one of the greatest challenges facing nonprofits today. To allow these essential services to thrive, charitable organizations need the kindness and financial support of a broader community. One of the many ways non-profits receive this support is through fundraising events, initiatives and campaigns. To help inspire your next effort, we have compiled a list of 15 animal-related fundraisers designed to unite pet lovers and gather donations. Whether you work for a non-profit yourself, or are looking to raise money for your favorite charity, this article should inspire and motivate you with a wealth of fresh ideas.

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Furry Friends Photo Challenge 

​Create a photo contest that gives proud pet owners the perfect opportunity to show off their furry sidekicks! For a small entry fee, participants can submit snapshots of their pets in different categories, like “Best Costume,” “Cutest Pet,” or “Funniest Expression.” For some added excitement, let your community vote for their favorites through donations. Maximize engagement by promoting the contest across your social media platforms, inviting everyone to join in the fun while supporting a great cause! 

Photo by Ishaq Robin on Unsplash

Virtual Pet Talent Show 

​Since everyone loves watching animals show off their unique talents, why not host an online pet talent show where owners can spotlight their furry friends? Set up a Zoom event where participants can showcase their pets' amazing skills for a small entry fee, creating a fun and interactive experience. To boost excitement, offer prizes like ribbons, certificates, or even custom pet goodies. Amplify the event by livestreaming it and sharing highlights on social media, letting the whole community join in on the fun—even after it’s over! 

Pet Walk-A-Thon 

​Organize a walk-a-thon at a local park or school where animal owners can walk their pets for a good cause. Participants can gather sponsorships from friends and family, raising money for each mile walked, with all proceeds going toward your non-profit. To make the event even more memorable, incorporate fun activities like live music, pet-themed vendors, and educational booths that raise awareness about animal welfare. 

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​Pet Spa 

​People love to pamper their fur babies! Hosting a pop-up pet spa at a local park or community center is a great way to bring pet lovers together while raising funds for a good cause. Pet owners can spoil their pets with refreshing washes and grooming sessions. You can even offer premium add-ons like nail clipping, brushing, and teeth cleaning to elevate the experience while charging a fee that benefits your non-profit! 

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Bake Sale 

Whip up some pet-themed goodies that both pets and their owners can enjoy—because who doesn’t love a little sweet treat? Make homemade dog biscuits or catnip cookies for the four-legged friends to enjoy. For animal lovers, unleash your creativity by decorating cookies or macarons with paw prints and animal portraits. Puppy chow and dog bone-shaped cookies are also a fun addition to your menu! To sell these tasty treats, organize a community bake sale or offer them online through your non-profit’s website. 

DIY Pet Toy Workshop  

​Host a hands-on workshop where people can craft their own DIY pet toys or accessories. For a fee, participants can access all the materials needed to add a personal touch to their furry friends’ playtime. Get creative by making tug toys for dogs or feather wands for cats! As a sustainable bonus, you can even include a section on making toys from recycled materials, like old T-shirts or socks. 

Photo by Petrebels on Unsplash

Pet Costume Parade  

​Organize a furry fashion show where pet owners can dress up their pets in creative costumes. Who doesn’t love to see a dog in a tutu? Set an entrance fee and let judges crown winners in a variety of exciting categories, like “Most Creative,” “Funniest Costume,” and “Best Pet/Owner Duo.” This event is a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together in support of our beloved furry friends! To add an extra layer of excitement, consider making the contest interactive by inviting community members to vote for their favorite looks for a small additional fee. 

Pet-Themed Garage Sale 

​Host a garage sale inviting community members to donate pet-related items like toys, clothes, and accessories. Promote the event through your social media channels and local community boards to maximize visibility. Encourage pet lovers to stop by for fantastic deals while supporting a worthy cause. All proceeds will directly benefit your non-profit, while also ensuring that pets in the community receive the special treats and care they deserve! 

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Pet Adoption Fair 

​Partner with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to create an adoption fair. Charge a small fee for vendors to set up booths to showcase their pet-related products and services while contributing to a good cause. Spread the word through social media to amplify visibility and boost adoption rates. This event is not just about finding forever homes for furry friends; it’s also an incredible opportunity to collaborate with other passionate organizations and bring the community together!  

Online Crowdfunding Campaign 

​Start a crowdfunding campaign through a platform like GoFundMe to rally support for a specific pet-related cause. Highlight the mission to unite animal lovers within your community and make a tangible impact. Promote the campaign across your social media channels to boost awareness and reach potential donors. Encourage friends, family, and fellow pet enthusiasts to contribute and share the campaign to expand its reach! 

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash

Animal Art Auction 

​Invite local artists and pet lovers to create one-of-a-kind animal-themed artwork and crafts! Showcase their creativity by hosting an auction to raise funds, bringing the community together in support of a good cause. The auction can be held at a local venue or online for a greater reach. Promote the event on your social media to attract art enthusiasts and animal lovers alike! 

Pet-Friendly Fitness Class  

Organize a fun fitness class where pets and their owners can get active together! If you've heard of goat yoga, why not mix it up with cat or dog yoga for a unique twist? Charge a participation fee and promote the event as a unique way to bond while staying fit. It’s the perfect opportunity for animals and humans to stretch, play, and enjoy quality time together! ​

Photo by Barnabas Davoti on Unsplash

Pet Calendar Sale 

Create a one-of-a-kind calendar showcasing the beloved pets of your community! Encourage local pet owners to submit their favorite photos and design a calendar filled with the adorable faces of these furry friends. Partner with a local print shop to give it a professional finish, making it a keepsake everyone will love. Pet owners will be thrilled to see their pets featured, and it’s a great way to bring smiles all year round! 

Charity Pet Run 

Host a fun run or 5K where participants can jog or walk alongside their pets. Animals are a great way to encourage people to exercise. Pets make exercise even more exciting, encouraging people to get active in a playful way. Charge an entry fee and partner with local businesses to sponsor the event, offering them the chance to set up booths and engage directly with participants. To boost excitement, hand out event-branded t-shirts and medals, making it a memorable experience for both pets and their humans! 

Photo by Vincent van Zalinge on Unsplash

​Pet Story Time 

For something a little quieter, host a pet-themed story time for kids at a local library or community center. This is a great opportunity to connect with the younger members of the community while fostering a love for reading and educating them about the importance of community service. Choose captivating animal-related books like The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Charlotte’s Web. To make the event even more memorable, invite some friendly, real-life pets to interact with the children, providing comfort and playful companionship during the storytelling! 

Photo by Jiawei Chen on Unsplash

Conclusion

From hosting a pampering pet spa to organizing an animal art auction, animal-themed fundraisers offer an amazing opportunity to engage with your local community while raising essential funds for your non-profit. These events not only create a fun and engaging atmosphere but also spread joy among fellow pet lovers. By coming together and sharing your passion for animals, you can inspire others to contribute and make a difference. So, gather your friends, get creative, and let your love for animals inspire your next fundraising venture! 
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Scarlett Khanbeigi is a sophomore studying Narrative Studies at the University of Southern California. She is currently taking a course on Animal and Human Interconnections, and is excited to work with PAWS/LA to combine her love for writing and animals!