What is Sponsor a Pet?
The Petfinder Foundation’s Sponsor a Pet program lets you fundraise through Petfinder! Each adoptable pet listing on Petfinder automatically includes a “Sponsor” button. When a visitor to Petfinder clicks the Sponsor button on one of your adoptable pets, they can donate to your organization to sponsor that pet or help other pets in your care.
How is the new Sponsor a Pet different?
1. You don’t need to sign up to receive donations – no additional password to manage!
2. A new mobile-friendly design makes it easier for visitors to donate from their phones.
3. Donors may now give any amount greater than $10.
4. No more anonymous donations!
How can I be sure I’m enrolled?
As an active Petfinder member, you are automatically enrolled, unless we are unable to obtain a valid email address for your organization.
What if I don’t like free money?
If you wish to unenroll from Sponsor a Pet, please email us at [email protected].
How and when will I get my money?
Donations are 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 an emailed, printable check.
Wait, a printable check??
Yes! These printable, emailed checks are valid and can be deposited at the bank or through your bank’s mobile app just like any other check. They will be made out to your organization’s name as it’s displayed on Petfinder.
Do you need my bank account information?
No! However, YOU MUST HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT IN THE NAME OF YOUR ORGANIZATION. The check will be made out to your organization. We cannot send checks made out to individuals. If you do not have a bank account in your organization’s name, we will opt you out of the Sponsor a Pet program until you get one.
Can the funds be transferred directly into my bank account instead?
No, electronic funds transfers are not available through the Sponsor a Pet program.
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 printable check?
As a default, the Petfinder Foundation will use the email address you make available to Petfinder visitors. The Petfinder Foundation realizes this email may not be checked daily, and that the person responsible for depositing your checks may change. Therefore, before we send you ANY check, the Petfinder Foundation will always let you know it’s coming so that, if necessary, you may update the email we are sending it to. In addition, you can always email us at [email protected] to confirm or change the email we 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 we will pass the funds 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?
The Petfinder Foundation is happy to provide this information; simply email us at [email protected], 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?
The 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.