The Cutest Fundraiser Supporting the Cutest Cause

Animal shelters operate on love, dedication, and chronically tight budgets. Between veterinary care, food, facilities, and adoption programs, every dollar matters. Duck races are giving shelters a way to raise serious money while creating the kind of feel-good event that animal lovers can't resist.

An animal shelter in Kentucky raised $27,000 from their duck race — enough to cover spay/neuter surgeries for 300 animals. They also facilitated 23 pet adoptions at the event itself.

Why Animal Shelters and Duck Races Belong Together

• Your supporters are passionate and prolific on social media — duck races give them something fun to share

• The visual combination of rubber ducks and real animals is social media gold

• Animal-themed events attract families and animal lovers

• The irony of 'ducks helping dogs' creates a memorable, marketable brand

The Shelter Duck Race Experience

• Set up an adoption area where attendees can meet available dogs and cats

• Host a 'Doggy Costume Contest' alongside the duck race

• Create a 'Bark Park' play area where attendees' dogs can socialize

• Sell 'Paws and Quacks' combo packages

• Feature a 'Pet Parade' where shelter animals walk the course before the ducks race

Revenue for Rescue

• Small shelters: $10,000-$25,000

• Mid-size shelters: $25,000-$50,000

• Large shelters and humane societies: $50,000-$100,000+

A humane society in Michigan sold 6,200 ducks and brought in $19,000 in sponsorships. Pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, and dog food brands are natural sponsors.

Animal Shelter Tips

• Use your most photogenic shelter animals in promotional materials

• Create a 'Quack Pack' adoption with each duck named after a shelter animal

• Partner with local pet stores, groomers, and vets for cross-promotion

• Set up foster care sign-ups at the event

• Feature success story boards showing animals who found homes

Saving Lives, One Rubber Duck at a Time

Every duck adopted feeds a shelter animal. Every sponsor funded provides veterinary care. Every person at your event might fall in love with a dog or cat who needs a home. Derby Duck Races is thrilled to help animal shelters create events that save lives. Let's get those ducks in the water for our four-legged friends!