The holiday season is one of the most powerful times of year to inspire generosity. People are thinking about family, safety, and home—and for many survivors, “family” includes their pets. Domestic violence shelters that support co-housing or safe placement for animals play a vital role in helping survivors escape abuse without leaving their pets behind. During the holidays, this mission resonates even more deeply.
If your shelter is working to build or sustain a pet program, check out these eight effective, heartfelt, and actionable ways to fundraise during the holiday giving season.
1) Tell Real Stories
People connect most deeply with real stories, especially those that highlight the powerful bond between people and their pets. When appropriate and with permission, share stories—anonymized when needed—about survivors whose pets provided comfort, safety, and emotional strength during a difficult time.
The holidays naturally bring up strong emotions, so focus on moments such as the relief of not having to choose between safety and a pet, or the comfort animals provide during times of transition. These stories ground your fundraising in real-life impact.
2) Create a Holiday Pet-Focused Campaign
A short, seasonal fundraising campaign centered on pet services can be especially effective. You might highlight needs such as emergency veterinary care, pet food and supplies, kennel expansions, emotional support animals, or outdoor exercise areas.
Use festive branding—such as warm colors, simple pet-themed graphics, or language like “Give the Gift of Safety”—to help your campaign stand out. Don’t be shy about including an adorable photo of a pet in a holiday sweater.
3) Offer a Meaningful Giving Menu
People love donating to something tangible. A giving menu with clear, tangible options helps supporters feel connected to the outcome of their gift. For example:
- $25 → Holiday treats and toys for one pet
- $50 → A week of pet food for a family
- $100 → Bedding and enrichment items
- $250 → A veterinary exam or vaccinations
- $500+ → Support for building or maintaining pet-friendly rooms
When donors can clearly see what their gift provides, they feel more connected to the outcome.
4) Host a Community Pet Supply Drive
Pet supply drives are a great way to involve people who may not be able to donate financially but still want to help. Partner with local businesses like pet stores, veterinary clinics, cafés, or gyms to serve as drop-off locations.
After the holidays, many people are decluttering and looking for ways to give back, making this an ideal time to collect items such as pet food, litter, bedding, leashes, and toys. Sharing photos of donations as they come in can help build excitement and momentum.
5) Ask Local Businesses to Match Gifts
The holiday season is prime time to ask local companies to match donations. Many businesses are actively seeking charitable partnerships during this time, and a match can double or even triple your impact.
Position your pet program as an innovative, high-need service that keeps families together, and emphasize that matching gifts visibly demonstrate community leadership.
6) Try a Holiday “Giving Tree” for Pets
A Giving Tree is a simple, heartfelt way for community members to support families during the holiday season. Decorate a tree with tags listing items needed by a family, child, or pet. Supporters choose a tag, purchase the item, and return it to the shelter or a designated drop-off location. It’s an easy, joyful way to give back—ensuring that survivors and their pets receive essential supplies and a bit of holiday comfort.
7) Invite Supporters to Give Monthly
At year’s end, invite supporters to start 2026 with a compassionate commitment by joining your monthly donor program. Frame it as:
- A steady source of support for pets and survivors
- A small monthly investment with big, year-round impact
- A meaningful alternative to a New Year’s resolution
Monthly donors are incredibly valuable, turning seasonal generosity into lasting stability.
8) Don’t Forget Gratitude
After the holidays, send personal thank-you emails, handwritten notes, or short update videos. Show donors the impact of their generosity by sharing how many pets were cared for, how many families stayed together, or what new items or spaces their support helped create.
Gratitude strengthens relationships and builds long-term support.
Final Thoughts
Domestic violence shelters with pet programs offer survivors something irreplaceable: the chance to escape abuse with their whole family. The holiday season is a time when donors feel especially connected to that mission. By sharing your impact, engaging your community, and offering clear opportunities to give, you can build the support needed to keep people and pets safe—together.
Gabbie Vilanova is an Assistant Program Manager for Greater Good Charities. With a B.S. in Animal Science, she uses her expertise to help construct pet-friendly spaces at shelters throughout the country.
