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Information to Include on Your Donation Box

To gather the donated food for this fundraiser, you’ll need to set out donation collection boxes in your facilities and around the community. Since you and your volunteers won’t always be there to explain the fundraiser or your cause, it can be helpful to attach additional information to your donation sites. 

Make sure your box has:

  • A large label with your organization’s name, logo, and the name of the fundraiser.
  • A statement that clearly explains that you are collecting pet food, not food for humans.
  • A timeline for the fundraiser, including the deadline to donate food.
  • QR codes to additional long-form resources on your website. 

QR codes link to internet resources that supporters can explore for more information. You can include things like a case for support, the context for the fundraiser (e.g., this year’s “kitten season” was extremely hectic, and your supplies are dwindling), and a detailed guide to what items you need most. You should also make sure to specify any items that you cannot accept to dissuade well-intentioned donors from giving things you can’t use.

Quick Pet Food Drive Tips

For many animal-rescue organizations, donations of food and other supplies can truly be life-saving to the animals they serve. To ensure your fundraiser is a success and you gather the items you need, follow these food drive tips:

  • Leverage virtual fundraising. Make sure to take advantage of the potential of online fundraising. Spread the word about your pet food drive on social media to reach new supporters, and set up virtual “donation boxes” by listing an Amazon wishlist in your posts.
  • Create a specific wishlist. When donors can easily check a list and donate the corresponding item, it removes the guesswork for them. Don’t be afraid to name specific factors like brands, flavors, type (e.g., dry vs. wet food), and size of the food to ensure you get the products you need.
  • Promote cash donations as well. Give donors the option to donate money instead of or in addition to their in-kind donation of pet food. This will also make participating more accessible as some supporters may not be able to afford the things on your supply list but could donate a few dollars.
  • Network with local businesses. Not only can building and leveraging relationships with these businesses open up more donation site options, but you may also be able to secure more donations. For example, a pet store might be willing to donate a significant amount of food to charity, and a veterinary office might donate non-prescription medicals and medical equipment.

8 Locations for Collection Boxes

One of the hardest parts of this fundraiser is choosing where to place your donation boxes in order to garner the most donations. Consider leveraging the power of community to place your boxes in a wide variety of locations, reaching beyond your current supporter base. Here are a few options to try:

  • Local pet stores
  • Your animal shelters/facilities
  • Veterinary clinic
  • Groomers/boarding businesses
  • Community hubs like schools, libraries, and parks
  • Local churches
  • Grocery stores (make sure to clearly note that the box is for pet food only)
  • Virtual donation boxes (on your social media page or website)
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