Since we published a blog post about dog fundraisers that have gone virtual due to Covid-19, we've gotten some really positive feedback and have learned about a number of new events. It seems like nonprofits will be increasingly taking this route as the pandemic continues, but even though the events are now open to anyone in the world, they're still mostly only getting covered by local news.
We thought we'd try to do our part to raise awareness by compiling a list of them here. If you're looking to show off your dog on social media while helping out some of the best animal charities out there, these dog fundraisers are perfect. We're always on the lookout for more, so if you know of any events we've missed, please let us know at info@coopersdogtreats.com.
Dates: July 5-26, 2020
This one's coming to us all the way from Wales, and it's actually raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat institution. They're asking people to post pictures of their dogs on the Facebook page for the event, and they'll be judging in three categories: cutest dog, dog the judge would most like to take home, and best dog/owner pair. There will also be a prize for the dog that gets the most likes. Go show off your pup, and consider making a donation to help save lives at sea!
Date: July 15, 2020
WyoGives is a day of giving organized to benefit Wyoming charities on July 15, 2020. It will include pet fundraisers for some of the best animal charities in the state, including Black Dog Animal Rescue, the Cheyenne Animal Center and the Fur Kids Foundation. In addition to taking donations, WyoGives has also organized extra cash prizes for charities based on their fundraising.
Dates: Friday, July 24 to Monday, August 3, 2020
This Hawaii Fid-O themed Humane Society virtual dog fundraiser will raise money to help homeless, abused and neglected animals in the Pikes Peak Region of Colorado. It will feature an auction from Friday, July 24 to Monday, August 3 and lots of Hawaii Fid-O themed outfits (with pictures taken safely at home, of course). Use the hashtag #FurballHSPPR to join the fun! The main event will be livestreamed at 7pm MDT on August 1, so RSVP now to join some dog lovers for a great Humane Society fundraising event.
Date: August 1, 2020
Happy Tails on the Trails is an easy one to join - just register, walk your dog on August 1, and post pictures of your dog on the Ontario County Humane Society's Facebook page. A nice, easy way to support a Humane Society fundraiser that will help lots of deserving dogs!
Dates: August 1-2, 2020
LAPS is the League for Animals and People of the Summit, a nonprofit out of Frisco, CO that does lots of dog charity work including helping get them spayed and neutered. They've also recently introduced a Covid-19 veterinary assistance program to help provide a stipend to pet owners in need during these times. Unfortunately their registration comes with some swag that must be picked up locally, but we're sure they wouldn't mind if you made a donation and let them keep the swag. To participate, just go for a run with your pup on August 1 or 2 and post photos to Instagram @summitlaps80443 and on Facebook with the hashtag #lapsk94.
Dates: August 8-9, 2020
K9COLA stands for Citizens for Off-Leash Areas, and they support safe off-leash areas and activities for dogs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Who doesn't want to help make sure dogs have safe spaces to run around, right? After you register, all you have to do is share pictures of your pups playing in the water to Facebook on August 8 and 9. Don't have a lake or a beach nearby? Get out the hose in the backyard or have a nice bath in the tub - we're not picky.
Dates: August 14-23, 2020
The New Hampshire SPCA is partnering with the Seacoast Paddleboard Club to host their summer fundraiser virtually in 2020, with the money raised going to support homeless animals. They're asking anyone who would like to participate to grab a Paddleboard, head out to your favorite body of water and get out your paddleboard, kayak, canoe or anything else that floats. Get out onto the water with your pup, share some pictures to social media, and raise a little money to help a great cause in a difficult time. Just to give you a little motivation, anyone who raises over $200 will be eligible for prizes!
You can register for this SPCA fundraiser as a "virtual paddler" for $25 and paddle any time the week of August 14. If you can't paddle, we're sure they'll settle for a picture of you holding your dog in the bath.
Dates: August 15-22, 2020
They've done it for 14 straight years, and they're going to make it 15 come hell or high water (or global pandemic)! Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation is a great dog charity out of Waynesville, NC, but you can join from anywhere. They're asking that folks participate by purchasing a shirt with their special virtual dog walk logo on it and posting pictures of themselves and their pets online with the hashtag #sarges2020. They're not just looking for people walking their dogs, though - there will be awards for best trick, best tail wag and more! The event will be held August 15-22, so you've got lots of time to teach your pup something extraordinary to show off.
Date: August 22, 2020
This charity dog walk/run on August 22 is usually a 5k but has gone virtual this year, and it supports a great cause - survivors of puppy mills. You can still run the 5k, just do it around your neighborhood or on your treadmill. There are just a few more days to get their early bird registration price, so don't wait!
Date: September 17, 2020
Canine Commitment of New Hampshire has done a great job adapting to the pandemic with this virtual event that looks to be a lot of fun. Over seven days, you'll be given a series of tasks and things to look for, and you'll take photos and videos with your pup as you check items off the list. It'll be a great way to get out of the house and have some fun with your pup while you support a fantastic cause that helps rescue dogs throughout New Hampshire.
Date: September 19, 2020
Wag & Co. is an English nonprofit that brings brings dogs to visit older people at their homes, retirement communities or hospitals, and I think in these times we can all certainly appreciate the value of bringing some joy into the lives of people who are isolated, especially when that joy is in the form of dogs. They're encouraging folks to register, raise some money and walk with your dog on September 19 (or if you can't do that, any day from September 18th to October 2 will do). Then post some pics of you and your pup with the hashtag #WalkforWag to raise awareness and show off your four-legged fundraising buddy!