The Petfinder Foundation Sponsor A Pet program is the easiest way to receive money through the Petfinder Foundation and allows visitors to Petfinder to donate to your organization through each of your pet’s profiles. Funds from this program can be used to support a particular pet in your care or to support the operational expenses of your organization.
The Easy Way to Get Donations
Each of your adoptable pets has a “Sponsor” button on his or her profile. When a visitor to Petfinder clicks the Sponsor button on one of your adoptable pets, they can donate to your organization. And you’ll also receive your donors’ contact information so that you build long-term relationships. Active Petfinder members are automatically enrolled! But if you don’t like free money, you can opt out by emailing foundation@petfinderfoundation.com.
Benefits Include:
- Donations are not tied to a specific pet
- Receive online donations from supporters you might not otherwise reach
- Raise funds and receive money with no extra effort
- Mobile-friendly design makes it easy for visitors to donate from their phones
- Visitors can donate using their credit cards or PayPal accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure I’ll be enrolled?
As an active Petfinder member, you’re automatically enrolled!
How and when will I get my money?
Donations will be collected by the Petfinder Foundation and distributed four times per year (in April, July, October and January, for donations collected during the previous three months) via eCheck.
What’s an eCheck?
These printable, emailed checks are valid and similar to mailed checks. They will be made out to your organization’s name as it’s displayed on Petfinder.
What if my group lists a phone number instead of a public email address?
If you don’t have a public email address the Petfinder Foundation will call you to confirm the correct email before sending your funds
Where will you send my eCheck?
As a default, Petfinder Foundation will use the email address you make available to Petfinder visitors. Petfinder Foundation realizes this email may not be checked daily and that the person responsible for depositing your checks may change. Therefore, before they send you ANY check, Petfinder Foundation will always let you know it’s coming. In addition, you can always email them at foundation@petfinderfoundation.com to confirm or change the email they have on file.
How will I know I’ve received a donation?
Every time one of your pets is sponsored, you will instantly receive an email notification from the Petfinder Foundation. It will include the name of the pet sponsored, the amount, and the donor’s name and email address. It may also include a personal note from the donor.
Will I need to send my donor a receipt?
No – their donation is to the Petfinder Foundation and they will pass it through to you, so the Petfinder Foundation will email the donor a receipt for their tax records. However, we do hope that you will thank the donor soon after being notified of their donation, and that you will cultivate a relationship with them as a potential future donor, volunteer, and/or adopter.
Where do I find information about past donations?
Petfinder Foundation is happy to provide this information; simply email them at foundation@petfinderfoundation.com, being sure to provide your Petfinder shelter ID.
Do I have to use the donation for the sponsored pet?
No. Donors are informed up front that any funds not needed for the sponsored pet will be used to help other pets in your care.
Does the Petfinder Foundation take a percentage?
Petfinder Foundation deducts 10% from each donation to help cover the costs of administering the program. However, we hope that you will use the donor contact information to encourage the donor to give directly to your organization in the future.
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact the Petfinder Foundation at foundation@petfinderfoundation.com