These Creative Ideas Put the “Fun” in Animal Shelter Fundraisers

Raising money for rescued cats, dogs, and other homeless animals is serious business — and it requires a bit of creativity. Sure, you could just ask for donations. Or, you could put on a doggy fashion show, let kittens roam around a yoga studio, and host the coolest, pet-inclusive parties in the country!

American animal shelters have done all of those creative fundraisers and more to raise funds for the health and safety of animals. Some events let you partake in cool experiences with your pets (like running a 3k), while others give humans cool experiences and/or memorabilia, like hand-painted portraits of your furry family member. We’ve scoured the internet for the most creative fundraisers put on by animal shelters in the U.S. Consider partaking in any of these, or use them as inspiration to create a new fundraising effort on behalf of your local shelter.

Animal Care Centers of NYC Pet Portrait Fundraiser with Ben Lenovitz

Portrait artist Ben Lenovitz helped the Animal Care Centers of New York City raise funds at a Pet Portrait Fundraiser in December. For a donation, guests were encouraged to bring photos of their pet and watch Lenovitz paint an adorable keepsake portrait of their furry friend. You’re helping out dogs in need and getting a cool memorable painting at the same time? This is a genius idea!  

Homeward Bound Animal Shelter Pet Calendar Contest

Was your dog born to be a model? Show the world your cuddly cutie by entering them in the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter’s Pet Calendar Contest (or create a calendar contest of your own for your local pet shelter). Homeward Bound is partnering with Chaltron Photography to find 13 pet stars to feature in their 2026 calendar. Other pet owners can purchase a grid space photo for just $12. Both contest proceeds and calendar sales benefit the animals at Homeward Bound. Hey, if firefighters can fundraise this way, why can’t cats and dogs?!

SPCA of Texas Strut Your Mutt

Many shelters across the country host Strut Your Mutt: The Race to End Animal Cruelty events, including SPCA of Texas. This year will be the 20^th anniversary in Dallas, featuring a 3k fun walk for pups and their owners, where participants receive a goody bag with a t-shirt, pet bandana, dog toy, and dog treats. And if your dog can’t walk that far, humans can push their pups in strollers or wagons. Afterward, check out the Bow Wow Bazaar for fun vendors that cater to their animal guests. It’s a fun way to get outside, enjoy the spring air, and spend time with your four-legged friend.

Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region Pawtoberfest

Humans celebrate Oktoberfest in the fall, but dogs can be a part of Pawtoberfest instead! The Humane Society of Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs hosts this fun dog-inspired festival with craft brews for humans, activities and contests for dogs, and good food for everyone. In 2024, more than 2,300 participants helped raise a record-breaking $229,600 for the animal shelter.

Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon

When the Beach Boys said “Everybody’s gone surfin’,” they (probably) meant dogs too. The Helen Woodward Animal Shelter in San Diego hosts an adorable Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon in the summer, where adventurous dogs can catch waves to raise money for the shelter. From golden retrievers to Chihuahuas — and tons of other dog breeds — every water-loving dog enjoys this fun fundraiser. Even non-surfing dogs can participate by joining the Classic Americana Costume Contest part of the event or visiting the dog agility courses, vendor booths, and more. Surfs up!

Rescue Dogs Rock New York City Rescue Dogs Rock the Runway

Celebrities and dogs strutted their stuff on the runway for the Rescue Dogs Rock the Runway event in New York in March benefiting Rescue Dogs Rock NYC. Puppies wore couture outfits, models went rolling skating, and guests enjoyed cocktails, dancing, tarot card readers, and more at this unique fundraiser. According to Page Six, Lindsay Lohan’s mom and sisters Dina and Ali Lohan attended the event, carrying glammed-out canines for the fashion show.

PAWS Chicago Beach Party

PAWS Chicago has many awesome fundraisers throughout the year, but one of the coolest for pups is their Beach Party, hosted on the Offshore Rooftop at Navy Pier. This event, taking place in July this year, creates a tropical environment for tail-wagging guests and their humans. Dance and enjoy the summer breeze, sip on cocktails (humans only), wear colorful flower leis and bid on prizes during the live and silent auctions to benefit homeless pets.

Rhode Island SPCA Tearing Up My Heart

A fundraiser that helps you dunk on your ex is brilliant, and that’s exactly what the Rhode Island SPCA does every February. If you’ve been hurt in human love, then you can sign up for one of the shelter’s services. This year, they hosted a Tearing Up My Heart event, where paying guests could write their ex’s name on a toy heart filled with treats and get a personalized video showing a rescue dog tearing that heart apart. Last year, guests could pay to have their names written on paper hearts, which were then put in the rescue cats’ litter boxes for a Love Stinks event. Iconic is an understatement!

Animal Lovers Rescue Kitten Yoga

You’ve heard of goat yoga, but did you know you could sign up for kitten yoga too? The Animal Lovers Rescue has hosted both (plus puppy and dog yoga!) to raise money for the animal rescue organization in Miami, Florida. The kitten yoga happened in March, where tiny rescue kittens got to stretch, play, and roam a yoga studio while guests practiced yoga (talk about zen!).

Top Dog Film Festival

California is the home of the stars, so it’s no surprise the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter brings dogs to the big screen with their dog-focused film festival. Australia’s Top Dog Film Festival takes place this coming weekend and will showcase some striking dog movies at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz. Dog and film lovers can watch the films at the festival, featuring work from local independent filmmakers to award-winning international filmmakers. You’ll have a tail-wagging good time at this festival that benefits the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter.