Yes, Donations to Stray Dogs Do Help

We’re flooded with donation requests every day–sometimes multiple times a day. However, most of us click past photos of dogs’ pleading eyes, heartwrenching animal cruelty cases and shelters filled to the brim with dogs. Some pictures of these abandoned dogs are burned in our retinas forever.

Look, I’m just as guilty as you. I quickly click past those haunting faces because it hurts my soul and I feel so helpless. Seriously, how could I help a dog down in south Louisiana? I live so far away. Then I wonder, do donations really work and, if so, does the dog in need actually receive every penny?

Then, a heinous dog abuse case crossed my path and I refused to look away. I had to help. After that experience, I can now answer your burning question. Yes, every penny does help a defenseless abandoned dog and it does something more–it changes your life too.

Dog Donation Facts

When researching donation behaviors (I find behavior fascinating!),  individuals make up 75 percent of giving in America, according to Talk About Giving. Wow! It’s not the size of the donation that matters. It’s the heart behind the giver that makes the difference.

It seems lower income households give the most, which is not shocking, as we know what it’s like to need. Helping a defenseless animal will bring a sense of accomplishment, inner peace and deeper connection with fellow animal lovers. It’s indescribable.

How Donations Break Down

If done correctly, every penny is applied to an abandoned dog’s needs. We’ll talk about identifying legitimate fundraisers in another article because it can be tricky. If you’re interested in becoming an abandoned animal advocate, I have advice on starting up fundraisers myself. You can check out the story that changed me forever.

Most stray dogs need immediate veterinary care, food and a safe place to rest. So let’s discuss how small donations really do add up.

Food

Dog food costs range between $15-$60 per month, depending on the size and health condition of the stray dog. Most strays are very skinny, so they may eat four to six cups of dog food a day.

• If 10 people donated their coffee money for one day ($5), they can feed a large dog for an entire month or two small dogs for a month.

Spay/Neuter

• Most female dog spays hover between $100-$250. If 15 people donated their lunch money for one day ($10-$15), it will cover one female dog’s spay.

• Male dog neuters are significantly cheaper, as it’s less invasive, so costs hover around $80-$150. Again, if eight people donated their lunch money for just one day, they would pay for a neuter.

Veterinary Costs

One stray dog’s veterinary care costs range between $150-$500, depending on his specific needs. When donating for veterinary care, ask the dog’s advocate to post an estimate of the dog’s veterinary costs and choose the portion of the bill you’ll cover. Most givers like to know where their costs go, so choosing provides a type of reassurance.

• One nice dinner out ($30-$45) would cover a full vet exam.
• Sacrificing $80 (nice dinner for two)  would cover a dog neuter.
• Donating $15-$30 would cover tests to check for intestinal parasites.
• 10 people donating $10 each would cover medications needed to treat any issues.
• Eight people donating one night out ($25) would cover a high risk spay.

Every amount counts. If every person helped rescue one dog a year, we would make a huge difference! Be a dog’s voice.

READ NEXT: Rescue Dogs Need Your Help