Looking for your next ‘go-green’ fundraiser? Why not let the pet owners in your community have a special rummage sale day to benefit your cause. A Doggie Bag fundraiser lets people buy whatever they can fit in a bag for a set price, and gives you an opportunity to hold an auction for larger items and raffle off some donations.

Pet owners are always on the look for different toys, beds, collars, or actual doggy clothes for their fur babies. Used-but-in-good-condition items such as collars, leashes, and pet beds, grooming equipment, carriers, and kennel crates can be donated to be auctioned or raffled. Donations of canned and dry pet food will be great. Treats and toys will be a big hit, too!

Reusing items like these help the planet just as much as recycling any other types of things. Post flyers letting folks know about your need for donated items, and check with local pet stores asking if they’ll donate some of these items in exchange for free advertising.

See if groomers will donate a free grooming day for one dog or one cat, or discount certificates for several. Give them the same offer of advertising. Ask veterinarians to donate a free new pet exam, healthy pet yearly exam, or a spay/neuter certificate. If they are hesitant to offer free services, suggest several of the same exams and spay/neuter certificates at a discount. Get their business cards to place beside a poster and tell people of their generosity toward your organization.

Your local animal shelter may be willing to offer discount adoption certificates. See if they want to bring several dogs and cats, along with adoption applications. Be sure to place this information on your final posters, and remind people they can take all they can fit in a ‘Doggie Bag’ for a low set price!

Your posters and flyers should be hung up around town asking the community to donate for the auction or raffle. Include information about your cause - who will benefit from the proceeds and how. Give a drop off address for donated items. Pictures of puppies and kittens will attract attention and draw people to the posters!

A shady park is the best venue - you can put up tables to display the donations. Divide into sections for dogs, cats, and things that will work for either. Many older and disabled people have pets, so provide picnic tables, lawn chairs, or folding chairs for those attending who may feel the need to sit. Put this info on the posters, so this group doesn’t hesitate to attend!

Doggie Bags should be big enough to give your buyers a fair deal, and plenty of smaller items (treats, balls, toy mice, etc) should be included to fill nooks and crannies. This fundraiser will benefit not only the recipients of the proceeds, but also the businesses and professionals donating. Let it be relaxed and fun, laugh at mishaps, and enjoy the smiling faces of those involved.