Regalos que ayudan a los animales...

Gifts that give back to help animals
Monday December 7, 2009

The holiday season is upon us and "gifts" are on everyone's mind. I have mentioned before that I am not much of a shopper, but shopping at businesses that give back always grabs my attention and make shopping less of a chore.

Giving back to help others
I don't know if it is the current economic situation or more global awareness because of the friends we make on the Internet, but it seems that more and more businesses are figuring out ways to give back to those in need. I love this trend, and have often selected vendors based on this premise. Here are some hand-picked choices from me and from my Twitter and Facebook friends.


Products I have personally ordered, seen and... tasted


Pawcurious - 100% of proceeds to help animals in Mexico.

I introduced Dr. V. earlier this year as a veterinarian who is successfully using social media to help animals. Due to popular request on her Twitter page, she designed a calendar featuring her adorable puppy Brody as inspiration.

The Words to live by is a beautiful calendar with great advice, too. Dr. V. is donating 100% of the proceeds to the Humane Society de Tijuana. I ordered several and they are great quality.

EarthDog - 10% of profits for spay/neuter programs, active fosters for rescued dogs.

I met EarthDogDave on Twitter some time ago, but only recently realized that the collars, harnesses and especially the keychains that I love in a local shop are Earth Dog products.

I like this pet-friendly business because the products are handmade in the US, quality construction, and this business donates 10% of their profits to kody's fund, a non-profit organization that funds spay and neuter programs. Dave and wife/business partner Kym also foster rescue dogs for adoption as part of their efforts.

Biscuits by Lambchop - regularly donates biscuits to local (NYC) animal shelters and events supporting them for fundraising.

I met Annette Frey, owner of Biscuits by Lambchop on Twitter and by working on Dr. V's help the animals blogathon in November of 2009. Annette donated biscuits for the cause and sent some to me for my dog, Sophie as a thank you.

Sophie loved these healthy snacks, as I wrote about here. This is the only product that I tasted. Yes, it is true. These treats were created for dogs with allergies. They do not contain any meat, but "human grade" ingredients, such as garbanzo bean flour (gluten free!), coconut oil, honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract and potato starch. Dr. V. sampled some, so I followed suit. They are yummy!

Due to numerous requests for healthy, no additive, low-sugar treats for people, Annette is currently working on some human treats, too. For now, check out her site and remember the pets (and people) on your list.

Additional ways to shop and give back

Viewers had tips for other ways to shop and help animals, too. Here is a list of online retailers who "give back" for animals and charities.

The Animal Rescue Site 100% of sponsor money goes to charity.

Part of the GreaterGood Network Stores, this organization benefits abandoned animals in shelters and sanctuaries. They also support several other important causes (see tabs at top of page).

They have a large variety of products to choose from. Each item notes the number of bowls of food that they donate on your behalf with purchase. From January to June of 2009, 5.8 million bowls of food were donated on behalf of shoppers on this site. Learn more

You can help with just a click. Not in the market to buy something at this time? No problem. With the Animal Rescue Site's Click to Give program, you can help animals just with the click of your mouse. From January to June of 2009, 37.4 million bowls of food were donated on behalf of shoppers on this site. Learn more

GoodSearch 50% of revenues to charities and schools designated by viewers

Help your favorite charity just by using this search engine. Your pet rescue isn't listed? Submit it for consideration to start earning funds.

GoodShop 1 - 30% of your purchase price is donated to the charity of your choice

Powered by GoodSearch, this site offers many brand name retailers on all sorts of sites and services. They also feature vendor coupons in addition to the donation. Your pet rescue isn't listed? Submit it for consideration to start earning funds.

Bring Pets Home 1 - 16% (up to 50% for magazines) of your purchase price donated to shelter pets

Like GoodShop, many vendors and brand name stores to shop at, with a percentage of the total sale going to help shelter pets. According to the site 100% of the money raised is donated to animals shelters. By registering with Bring Pets Home, you can select a participating animal shelter to benefit from your purchases.

What are your favorite things?
I know I left out several great shopping experiences out there that "give back." What sites/products have you purchased that helped out animals in need? Please add in your comments below.