Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi everyone,

Our shelter runs a doggy day out program called Date-a-Dog, which is open to both registered volunteers and members of the public. We launched the program nearly two years ago to registered volunteers and expanded it to non-registered participants within the past year. Since then, it has gained a lot of interest and participation from both groups.

We're currently considering requesting a small monetary donation (under $5) from each non-registered participant. This donation would go towards maintaining the supplies we use (quality collars and leashes, "Adopt Me" bandanas, bowls, waste bags) while also expanding our marketing of this program. 

I'm curious if anyone has experience asking for a donation or participation fee in a volunteer-based program. If so, did you see participation decrease? If there's an existing thread on this topic, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks in advance!

I have not heard about this, but am interested to learn more if it's something that is implemented.

I'll share that while we don't charge for this service, but the team here does other services that generate revenue. 

One that might work for you is offering Corporate volunteering opportunities - companies pay and their team comes and volunteers for the shelter. Our team does supplies prep, cleaning, meets puppies/ kittens, etc. But maybe you could instead do they take a dog out on a date, or something like that would be helpful to cover the fees.

Or doing 1-off events like that for a fundraiser. 

Hi everyone,

Our shelter runs a doggy day out program called Date-a-Dog, which is open to both registered volunteers and members of the public. We launched the program nearly two years ago to registered volunteers and expanded it to non-registered participants within the past year. Since then, it has gained a lot of interest and participation from both groups.

We're currently considering requesting a small monetary donation (under $5) from each non-registered participant. This donation would go towards maintaining the supplies we use (quality collars and leashes, "Adopt Me" bandanas, bowls, waste bags) while also expanding our marketing of this program. 

I'm curious if anyone has experience asking for a donation or participation fee in a volunteer-based program. If so, did you see participation decrease? If there's an existing thread on this topic, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone,

Our shelter runs a doggy day out program called Date-a-Dog, which is open to both registered volunteers and members of the public. We launched the program nearly two years ago to registered volunteers and expanded it to non-registered participants within the past year. Since then, it has gained a lot of interest and participation from both groups.

We're currently considering requesting a small monetary donation (under $5) from each non-registered participant. This donation would go towards maintaining the supplies we use (quality collars and leashes, "Adopt Me" bandanas, bowls, waste bags) while also expanding our marketing of this program. 

I'm curious if anyone has experience asking for a donation or participation fee in a volunteer-based program. If so, did you see participation decrease? If there's an existing thread on this topic, I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks in advance!