How to save animals: creative ways to make a difference

The thought of a companion animal needing a home is heartbreaking, especially for those who have pets of their own. Millions of animals are either homeless, waiting for adoption at a shelter, or in need of rescue. Fundraising is a great way to make a positive impact and help animals, whether that means raising money to start your own animal rescue or raising funds for an animal charity. Discover tips on how to save animals. Learn ways to raise money for animal rescue and see how fundraising can help you reach your goals.

Saving animals is easy with these ideas

1. Organize dog bathing

Post flyers in your community about a dog bathing event to sponsor your favorite animal rescue. Decide on suggested donation amounts and enlist the help of your friends and family to bathe neighborhood dogs.

2. Organize a dog race

A fun event for dogs and humans alike, a doggie dash is a way to get some exercise and participate in some friendly competition. Set a short route - usually one to two miles is appropriate. Celebrate with the winning teams and donate all proceeds to help save animals.

3. Have fun with a pet photo contest

Great for both cats and dogs, a pet photo contest is an effective way to raise awareness for your fundraising campaign. You can host the contest on social media. Increase the potential for sharing your contest - and fundraising - by letting the public vote for their favorite photo.

4. Have a public bake sale

Involve a local school, community center or church to sponsor a bake sale with proceeds benefiting animal rescue. Include pet treats and make sure ingredients are listed for all baked goods in case of allergies.

5. Share on social media

Sharing on social platforms is among the best fundraising tips to ensure a successful fundraiser. Generate momentum for your fundraiser through social media and encourage others to spread the word about your cause. Tell the story behind your animal rescue and let your audience know why your mission is so important. Include a clear call to action and link to your fundraising campaign at the end of each social media post.

Check out our social media related articles:

• 5 ways to spread the word about your fundraising campaign and reach more people
• How to use social media to run a successful fundraising campaign
• 10 ideas on how to promote a donation campaign on Facebook
• How to create a fundraising hashtag that inspires donations

6. Start fundraising for animal rescue

Whether you're fundraising for an existing animal rescue campaign or want to help a few specific animals in your community, online fundraising is an ideal solution. With a 0% platform fee for organizers, crowdfunding through PavelAndreev.ORG means your donations will have an even greater impact. We have 100% donation transparency.

• First, check out these simple steps for success when it comes to online fundraising. Then create a winning fundraising headline to draw attention to your cause.
• Be sure to share your fundraising campaign everywhere to increase donations.
• Keep donors in the loop about your fundraiser by sending them updates. This can be a monthly newsletter with important updates or something simple like a basic email.
• Partner with local businesses. Ask if they can display flyers or place a donation jar or even accept physical donations on your behalf - like pet food or medical supplies.

How to start an animal rescue campaign

It is estimated that 80% of all dogs and cats euthanized in shelters each year are healthy and adoptable. By starting your own animal rescue, you can find companion animals a loving forever home and save their lives. And while setting up an animal shelter is no easy task, it's incredibly rewarding for everyone involved.

Below, you'll find six key steps to follow when starting an animal rescue campaign.

1. Assess the needs of your community

Do your research to identify gaps in your local animal welfare organizations. The goal here is to discover the mission of your animal rescue and the region in which your organization will serve. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do research on the shelters and rescue groups that currently exist in your area. Contact each and ask about their primary purpose as well as their most pressing challenge. For example, you may find that there are multiple rescue organizations that focus on the same breed of dog, or that a local shelter is having difficulty finding homes for elderly pets.
• Research local statistics on homeless pets. You'll want to find information on the number of pets each shelter accepts, whether stray or surrendered, and adoption rates.

Through your research, determine the specific need that your animal rescue campaign will meet. Determine how you can best serve your community and how your organization can have the greatest impact.

Check out our articles:

• How can I help a homeless animal shelter?
• Homeless dogs and cats need us! 6 reasons to donate to homeless animal campaigns!

2. Create your business plan

Once you have a clear goal, it's time to think about how you're going to achieve your goals. Even as a nonprofit, you'll need to think about the budget your animal rescue needs to operate successfully. And if you want to raise funds to start your animal rescue, having a thorough business plan will also instill confidence in donors and make giving easier.

3. Find your team of volunteers

Animal rescue organizations operate through the generosity of volunteers who offer their time and skills to support the organization's mission. Based on your animal rescue's goals, determine how many volunteers you will need and in what roles. Experience working with animals is a must.

Most volunteers are foster parents who are needed to place pets until they find permanent homes. Other useful skills may include marketing to promote adoption events, veterinary experience, simple website maintenance, community outreach, or tax preparation.

4. Decide on a location

Some animal rescue services work exclusively through volunteer foster homes, while others also have a shelter and a small office. Decide which option is right for you, your goals and budget. Depending on your jurisdiction, some animal shelters may operate out of a private residence. Check with your city or state to see what laws apply.

5. Take care of the paperwork

The next step is to decide how to incorporate your animal rescue. Keep in mind that it may take time until you register a company and are allowed to fundraise legally.

6. Prioritise your outreach efforts

A marketing strategy is essential to generate support for your animal rescue. Consider setting up a website and promote your rescue using fundraising tips on social media. As your rescue grows, partner with other local businesses or animal shelters to further raise awareness for your cause.

In addition, keep an eye out for free advertising opportunities through local media. Contact newspapers and local TV stations to ask if you will be featured in an interview, and contact any animal-related podcasts looking for guests.

To fundraise without social media, you can also set up a simple online store on your website. Sell small items printed with your rescue's name and logo, such as t-shirts and stickers. This is an easy way to freely advertise your animal rescue while raising funds in the process.

Check out our articles related to social media:

• 5 ways to spread the word about your fundraising campaign and reach more people
• How to use social media smartly to run a successful fundraising campaign
• 10 ideas on how to promote a donation campaign on Facebook
• How to create a fundraising hashtag that inspires donations

You can view our active campaigns in the Animals category.

Start a campaign now on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Help raise money for animal rescue today

Countless animals spend their lives either homeless or in a shelter. All of these animals deserve a loving, permanent home. There are many ways you can help save animals, and starting a fundraising campaign to save animals can help you reach your goals. Contact me and let's get your campaign started today!