Whether you are a shelter professional, rescue volunteer or pet owner, you’ve probably seen people crowdfunding for sick or injured pets. But how do you know it’s legitimate? Sometimes people post copies of their bills, but often you’re asked to simply take their word for it.
That’s where Waggle comes in. Waggle partners directly with veterinary providers, which ensures that recipients are vetted and truly in need. Any funds that are raised are released directly to the veterinary partners and not to pet guardians. Waggle also doesn’t take any fees, so all the money raised goes directly to the campaign.
Shelter or rescue organizations can use Waggle, too. They must apply to become a Waggle partner and submit a letter of verification that they are working with a reputable veterinary practice. As long as they remain in good standing with Waggle, organizations can crowdfund every time they bring in an animal.
Bear is one such case of an organization successfully using Waggle to help fund care:
Adorable Bear arrived at Project Precious Rescue (PPR) in Stamford, Connecticut, all the way from Texas….
Poor Bear had lost 20 pounds in one month. Bear was vomiting, experiencing severe diarrhea, and extremely dehydrated. He was immediately hospitalized and 24 hours later diagnosed with a life-threatening condition called intussusception. The condition occurs when part of the intestine folds into the next section, causing abdominal pain, vomiting, bloat, and bloody stool.
A few days after his arrival, PPR faced an unexpected minimum surgery cost of $6,000 plus post-operative ICU care. With surgery his prognosis is good, but without surgery reoccurrence is likely with the potential for small bowel obstruction.
PPR is a non-profit organization, which relies solely on donations in order to rescue dogs like Bear. The organization takes on challenging medical and special needs cases, and relies on donations to fund its work. Please help Bear get the surgery he needs so he can find the home he deserves!
Steve Mornelli, founder of Waggle, says it brings a “formidable donor reach that many organizations may just not have that extends through the local veterinary practice, emergency hospital, Waggle donor database, Waggle sponsors’ networks and beyond.” Stories are also written for the animal in need, giving the organization or pet owner one less thing to worry about.
If the campaign isn’t fully funded, any funds that are raised are still released to the veterinarian. Mornelli says it’s keeping the cap modest “so that our donor community could help the largest number of pets nationally.” Campaigns are currently capped at $2,000.
Over 50 shelter and rescue organizations are currently signed up.
Learn more about Waggle, a Maddie’s Fund® grant recipient.