Pets 101: What are the different ways to donate to animal shelters and rescue groups?

July 19, 9:13 PMDallas Animal Rescue ExaminerRebecca Poling

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Neeko is available for adoption at Dallas Animal Services.

There are many ways to make a donation to an animal shelter or rescue group without just writing a check and dropping it in the mail.  Here are a few of those ways you can help.

• Make a donation to the organization's general fund which can be used for whatever the group chooses.
• Designate a donation to a specific program already in place at the organization you choose to support.  Examples are lost pet programs, subsidized adoptoin programs, cruelty investigation programs and spay/neuter programs.  Your gift then will be used for that particular program and nothing else.
• Memorials are another popular way to donate and honor someone who has recently passed away.  Or give a memorial gift to honor a beloved pet you've lost.
• Tributes are donations to honor living people who are making a difference in your life, or in the community.  Most groups will send you a note to the honoree telling them of your generosity on their behalf.
• In-kind donations are donations of goods and services the shelter can use.  Most any shelter or rescue group will have a "Wish List" of items they need, but if you don't see it on their website, call and ask.  Services can also be donated - printing, copying, cleaning, grooming, vet care and many other services can be donated and this is a great way for small businesses to help.
• Sponsor a homeless animal.  Many shelters and rescue groups offer sponsorship opportunities for their hard-to-place animals.  You pick the animal you want to sponsor, donate a set amount each month until the animal is adopted, and in exchange you get a photo and periodic updates on the animal.
• Event Sponsorships by small businesses and pet-friendly establishments allow organizations to put on bigger, better fundraising events without challenging already tight budgets.  And they're a good deal for the companies, too.  In exchange for a sponsorship most organizations offer free advertising in event promotional materials and programs and signage the evening of the event as well as free admission and other perks.
• Corporate and governmental matching gifts.  If you work for a large corporation, check their policies before donating.  Many have matching giving programs and will contribute 20%, 30%, or even 50% of what you donate.  City, State and Federal workers can contribute through their municipality's charitable campaigns.
• Capital Campaigns are unique opportunities for supporters to donate money to go toward the cost of large fixed assets like buildings, mobile adoption units, spay/neuter equipment, etc.  Capital campaigns often offer something in return - a brick on a walk or a plaque on a wall in the new building recognizing the donor.
• Bequests are another way to contribute.  You simply write the organization you wish to support into your will and whatever amount you donate will go to them upon your death.  You can also leave stock, property, and any number of other investments.  But for bequests to be done right, you need to contact an estate attorney to be sure you follow all applicable laws.

No matter how you donate, the important thing is that you contribute what you can.  Each and ever dollar counts in the war against pet overpopulation.  And if you can't donate, consider volunteering your time.  Together we can all make a difference.

For more information: Before you donate, make sure you know where your money is going.  Guidestar and www.charitynavigator.org/ are two great sites to help you find out.