2013 Fun Fido Fundraisers to Help Animals

With every new year there are fresh ways to fundraise and in turn help animals. Here are just a few of the extra special and super fun fundraisers ahead in 2013.

1. San Diego Humane 2014 Calendar Contest

Everyone knows that their pet is the cutest. Here’s a great way to let the world know that your pet is a beauty to behold. San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s 21st annual “Make Your Pet a Pin-Up” photo fundraiser is underway. This is for a 2014 wall calendar that will show off the most beautiful beasties. Here’s how to enter: Submit your pet’s picture online or mail it in with this entry form. Each photo submission costs $25 and is a tax-deductible donation. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2013, so you have plenty of time to prep your pet for their future fame. Here are the rules. The top 20 participants that receive the most votes will receive prizes so corral your Facebook and Twitter friends and get them to vote. Here are answers to the FAQs. If you have additional questions you can contact Jenny Ludovissy at 619-299-7012 x2276 or email: devast@sdhumane.org. Okay, Fido or Fluffy, say cheese!

2. Cleveland Animal Protective League's "Make Your Furry Friend a Star" Contest

Cleveland Animal Protective League wants to “Make Your Furry Friend a Star.” Enter online or mail in the entry form. The entry fee is $25 per photo and your pet’s pic is guaranteed to be included on the Cleveland APL’s 2014 wall calendar. The entry fee also includes a full-color calendar, which will be mailed to you in November of this year. Cleveland APL is an independent nonprofit humane society dedicated to putting an end to animal suffering. FYI: another event will benefit this fine organization this year. It is “Pucks & Paws” in Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena on March 3, 2013. For more info click here.

3. Spartanburg Humane Society's "2014 Pets of Spartanburg" Calendar Contest

Spartanburg Humane Society’s “2014 Pets of Spartanburg Calendar” celebrates the place pets hold in our hearts. Your participation in their calendar contest will enable the SHS to help animals in need.

4. Lycoming County SPCA's 2014 "Pawtraits Pet Photo Calendar Contest"

Lycoming County SPCA’s 2014 "Pawtraits Pet Photo Calendar Contest” is now open! This organization protects all domestic animals by providing shelter, emergency treatment, investigation and prosecution of animal abuse and cruelty, adoption and counseling, education programs and humane care throughout Lycoming County. They are located in Williamsport, PA. Enter as many photos of your photogenic pet as you’d like, just be sure to enter each photo separately along with the $10 entry fee per photo. The deadline for all entries is May 13, 2013. For more info call 570-322-4646 or email: lycospca@comcast.net

5. Big Cat Habitat and Gul Coast Sanctuary "Animal Extravaganza"

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary “Animal Extravaganza” fundraiser begins on January 19, 2013. This annual event helps raise funds to support animals all year long. Expect a great day with your kids! There is a petting zoo, camel rides, elephant rides, pony rides and food. Buy tickets online or at the door. The shows take place at 7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, FL and will be on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 PM (gates open at 12:30 PM) and 4:30 PM (gates open at 3:30 PM) from January 19 until February 24. For more information call 941-371-6377. Tickets cost $7 for kids and $18 for adults. Children two years and under are free. Get there early for good seats. Monies raised provide for the care of Big Cat Habitat’s exotic animals that traditional shelters can’t care for.

6. "Strut Your Mutt"

2013 “Strut Your Mutt” is a national-level walk and gathering that supports adoption programs and spay/neuter services across the U.S. One hundred percent of your donation is tax-deductible and the money raised will go directly to helping animals. The nine participating locations are: New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Baltimore, MD; Austin, TX; St. Louis, MO; Lafayette, LA; Salt Lake City, UT; Portland, OR; and Jacksonville, FL. Pre-registration is open! If you pre-register you will receive a Bonus “Pet Party Pack” from DSPets in addition to the prize packs and registration packs being offered by No More Homeless Pets and Best Friends Animal Society. If you have additional questions about strutting your mutt please click here. You can also email: events@bestfriends.org.

7. 12th Annual FurBall Event

The 12th Annual FurBall event is taking place on February 14, 2013 at Flowerfield, 199 Mills Pond Road, St. James, NY. This annual dinner/dance fundraiser is an evening filled with live music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, open bar, dessert, and coffee. Save-A-Pet's silent auction and raffles will help raise even more funds to help animals. Tickets are $100 per person. Fifty dollars of each ticket is tax-deductible. All money raised at this year's FurBall will go directly to support the orphaned animals at Save-A-Pet. Register online. Another way to help Save-A-Pet fundraise is to shop at or donate to Barkin’ Basement, a thrift store that sells high-end and lightly used donated items. The store is located at 116 East Main Street, Port Jefferson Village, NY. All sales proceeds go to Save-A-Pet to help the animals at its no-kill shelter. Barkin’ Basement is currently seeking volunteers 18 and over. Here is all of their contact info.

Will you help animals by participating in any of these unique fundraising opportunities? Do you know of any other fun fundraising efforts happening in 2013? Tell us in a comment.