How to Fundraise for Small Animal Rescue in 2025

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Top 5 grants for Small Animal Rescue nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Small Animal Rescue. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

ASPCA Research Grants

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Varies

Private

Funding for high-quality research across disciplines that has clear potential to benefit animals, either directly or through effecting systems-level change.

Apply

Pedigree Foundation Annual Grant

Pedigree Foundation

Varies

Foundation

Grants for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) animal welfare shelters and rescues with programs focusing on dog adoption and innovative ideas to help end pet homelessness.

Apply

Grey Muzzle Organization Grant

Grey Muzzle Organization

Varies

Private

Grants for 501(c)(3) organizations whose activities include helping senior dogs. Applications due March 17, 2025.

Apply

Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust Grant

Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust

Varies

Foundation

Grants for active 501(c)(3) humane organizations in the USA for projects enhancing animal well-being in Ohio and the Great Lakes region. Deadline: May 15, 2025.

Apply

Banfield Foundation Community Care Grant

Banfield Foundation

Varies

Foundation

Grants for U.S. programs designed to keep pets and owners together. Applications accepted in April 2025 for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Small Animal Rescue nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Small Animal Rescue efforts.

Get in contact

Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Small Animal Rescue

Transaction fees

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

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2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit/debit cards, 0.8% for ACH payments (capped at $5)

2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for card payments
0.8% (with a $25.00 cap) for ACH payments

Platform fees

No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.

1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.

If optional tips are disabled: 1% on donation forms, 3% on fundraising pages, 5% on event/auction forms

Up to 5% when donors opt to cover fees Ex: If donors covers up to 8%, 5% goes to Funraise the rest (3%) goes to the organization to cover processing fees

Monthly fees

$0 / month

No monthly fees

Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing

No monthly fees

Value for money
Capterra ratings

4.9 / 5

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Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings

4.8 / 5

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Quality of support

4.9 / 5

3.9/5

4.8/5

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4.8/5

The only 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits

10 Best fundraising ideas for Small Animal Rescue in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Small Animal Rescue.

Rescue Pet Photo Contest

Launch an online photo contest where pet owners submit photos of their rescue animals. Participants pay a small entry fee and encourage friends and family to vote for their pet's photo with donations. The pet with the most votes/donations wins a prize package from local pet businesses.

Pawsome Gala: A Night for Whiskers and Tails

Host an elegant evening gala featuring a silent auction, live music, and success stories from rescued animals. Include a special VIP area where attendees can interact with adoptable pets. Serve gourmet vegan appetizers and cocktails named after rescued animals.

Rescue Pet Bandana Subscription Box

Create a monthly subscription box featuring a custom-designed bandana with a rescue pet's story, along with eco-friendly toys and treats. A portion of each box's proceeds goes directly to animal care costs.

Corporate 'Pawsitivity' Challenge

Partner with local businesses for a month-long challenge where employees can 'sponsor' a shelter animal. Companies compete to raise the most funds, with the winning team earning a catered lunch and playtime with adoptable pets at their office.

Virtual 'Day in the Life' Rescue Experience

Create an interactive online experience where donors can virtually 'live' a day in the life of a rescue animal. Participants make choices that impact the animal's journey, with each decision point offering opportunities to donate. The experience concludes with the option to sponsor or adopt the featured animal.

Rescue Pet Calendar Collaboration

Partner with local artists to create a high-quality calendar featuring stylized portraits of rescue pets. Each month showcases a different animal's rescue story and current status. Pre-sell calendars and offer special editions signed by the artists.

Small Paws, Big Hearts 5K Run/Walk

Organize a chip-timed 5K run/walk event where participants can bring their pets. Feature a 'Rescue Row' showcasing adoptable animals, pet-friendly vendor booths, and a post-race festival with food trucks and live music. Offer special team registration for local businesses and schools.

Rescue Pet NFT Collection

Create a limited edition series of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) featuring digital art of rescued animals. Each NFT includes the animal's rescue story and ongoing updates. Offer exclusive perks to NFT holders, such as VIP shelter tours or meet-and-greets with the featured animals.

Neighborhood Pet Pantry Network

Establish a network of 'Little Free Pet Pantries' throughout the community, similar to Little Free Libraries. Stock them with pet food and supplies, and encourage neighbors to 'take what you need, leave what you can.' Partner with local businesses to sponsor and maintain individual pantries.

Rescue Pet Influencer Campaign

Partner with popular pet influencers on social media for a coordinated campaign. Each influencer 'adopts' a shelter pet for a week, sharing daily updates and stories. Followers can donate to support the featured pet and the shelter, with matching donations from corporate sponsors.