How are County Animal Programs Funded?

By taking in stray, abused and abandoned animals, animal shelters provide valuable services to counties. However, due to limited budgets of many counties, shelters do not get the funding they need to stay afloat. Besides government funding, there are also grants, private donations, fund raising and corporate donations to assist with operating costs.

Grants

Most states have government-funded
grant programs that assist county animal shelters with obtaining
money to run their programs. Some grants are specifically set aside
for specific purposes, such as equipment, neutering programs,
vaccinations and programs for specific animals or breeds. Private
grants can be applied for as well, and these are usually determined
by location and need of shelter.

Private Grants or Organizations

Private organizations provide much of
the money needed to run animal shelters. One large grant, Maddie's
Fund, offers 14 different grants for animal shelters to apply for.
The money is used for whatever needs the shelter has, and the size
of the grant depends on the size of the shelter and how many
applicants apply.

Corporations

Many large corporations will donate
money to animal shelters as a charitable donation. Pet stores,
banks, technology firms all may have some kind of donation policy in
place, so it is beneficial for shelter directors and staff to
inquire about donations.

Fundraisers

County animal shelters can hold
fundraisers as a way to raise money for the shelter. Dances, fun
runs and rummage sales are fun ways to bring the community together
and raise money for a good cause. Involving animals in the
fundraiser will likely bring in more money, and create a fun
atmosphere for families.