Your gift
Your Donation Matters!
Our lifesaving work touches thousands of animal and human lives and the demand for our programs and services continue to grow. You make our work possible.
We provided affordable and accessible resources, including spay/neuter, vaccines, wellness, and specialized procedures for 20,162 animals and the people who love them.
We distributed 205,222 pounds of free pet food to support 36,056 pet owners who had fallen on hard times.
We rescued 1,232 animals through transport and admissions while matching 1,228 pets with adoptive families.
Our volunteers contributed 345,962 volunteer hours of service toward our lifesaving mission.
Rated 4 stars through Charity Navigator for 14 consecutive years.
7¢ of every dollar goes to our life-saving programs.
Circle of Friends
Join our circle of friends and save lives every day, every month, all year long.
Animal Friends’ Circle of Friends is a passionate and dedicated group of animal lovers just like you who help pets in need … not just today, but every day, every month, all year long.
When you join with your monthly donation, you save lives. You ensure that Animal Friends has the resources ready for every animal we care for, here and in our community. Your consistent support will provide shelter, nutritious food, medical care and ultimately the loving home each animal deserves.
Pets need you. Join Circle of Friends today to give chances all year long.
You can bring care and healing to every pet by partnering with us to provide consistent support each month.
Becoming a monthly donor is simple. Choose the gift amount that works for you. Join now to give second chances all year long!
You can adjust your donation at any time by contacting our Development team at 412-847-7051 or Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Tribute Gifts
Honor a Loved One with a Meaningful Gift to Animals in Need
Making a donation in memory or honor of a loved one is a heartfelt way to show you care. We would be honored to send a keepsake card to let someone know you’ve made a donation in their name or in memory of someone special.
Tribute donations make a thoughtful gift for family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or any animal lover on your list. Give a gift that will have a lasting impact on an animal in need.
If you have questions or would prefer to make your donation by phone, please contact our Development team at 412.847.7051 or Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
You can also mail a note with your tribute information accompanied by a check made payable to:
Animal Friends
c/o Development
562 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Please allow 1-2 weeks for your tribute card to reach its recipient.
Leave a Lasting Legacy at Animal Friends
Year-long sponsorships are available for dog, cat and rabbit kennels in our Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center and Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center. Your meaningful, tax-deductible donation will underwrite the cost of care for the animals who are occupying that space.
Your sponsorship will be recognized with a message of your choice. Your message will be placed on the sponsored space and can be updated each year.
Shelter Building
Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center
Dog Suite Sponsorship | $1,000
Cat Condo Sponsorship | $500
Rabbit Residence Deluxe | $500
Rabbit Residence Digital Plaque | $250
Vet Clinic Building
Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center
Dog Recovery | $750
Cat Recovery | $250
If you have questions or would prefer to make your donation by phone, please contact our Development team at 412.847.7051 or Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Guidelines:
- Kennel sponsorships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Animal Friends reserves the right to refuse any message that is discriminatory, derogatory or in any other way deemed inappropriate for public view.
A Thousand Winds: The Memorial Garden at Animal Friends
For those pet owners who seek a meaningful, permanent way to memorialize their pets, we are pleased to have “A Thousand Winds,” the Memorial Garden at Animal Friends.
Tucked away along the forested walking paths on our campus, this tranquil garden is nestled under a canopy of trees and a cedar pergola. This retreat offers a space for reflection and relief, with memorial benches and a floor of mosaic stone patterns. Enjoy the sounds of the wind chimes, each dedicated to the memory of a beloved companion animal.
1-Inch Round Silver Leaf Charm | $100
Engraved Wind Chime | $400
Custom Engraved Rock | $750
If you have questions or would prefer to make your donation by phone, please contact our Development team at 412.847.7051 or Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Leave a Lasting Legacy at Animal Friends
Leave a lasting legacy at Animal Friends by purchasing an engraved brick to be placed on our campus. You can personalize a brick to be part of the patio at either our Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center or the Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center. Your brick will be walked on by countless paws and feet, helping to build a stronger, healthier community that supports both pets and people in our region.
4"x 8" brick | $250
8"x 8" brick | $500
Souvenir Bricks
While your brick paves the patios at Animal Friends, this mini replica is a great way to bring your tribute home and memorialize your loved ones in your home or office. Your souvenir brick comes with a felt backing and is available for an additional $25 (per brick order).
If you have questions or would prefer to make your donation by phone, please contact our Development team at 412.847.7051 or Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Guidelines:
- Bricks will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until our patios are filled.
- Requests cannot be accepted for specific brick locations.
- Donors will be notified when their bricks are available for viewing.
- Bricks will not be placed between Nov. 1 and March 31.
- Animal Friends reserves the right to refuse any message that is discriminatory, derogatory or in any other way deemed inappropriate for public view.
Planned Giving
Ensuring a Legacy of Compassion for Our Animal Friends
Including Animal Friends in your estate planning is a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy and ensure a second chance to thousands of homeless animals. By leaving a gift for Animal Friends in your will, trust, or other account, you’re making your love for animals and their well-being part of your life story. For years to come, your gift will help Animal Friends.
Program Materials
Or, explore the many other ways you can ensure that Animal Friends will be able to save lives into the future.
Your Benefits
- It costs you nothing now to leave a gift in your will and it takes nothing more than your signature.
- You can change your mind at any time. You’re not locked into your decision.
- There’s no minimum gift. Any amount you give is gratefully welcomed and will make a difference in the life of an animal.
- You can provide for your loved ones and at the same time create your legacy with Animal Friends.
Our Promises
- You’ll be recognized for your generosity. Of course, you can remain anonymous if you prefer.
- Your gift will be used in the way that you intend.
- You can change your plans or your beneficiaries at any time.
- As a multi-year Four Star Rated Charity through Charity Navigator, you can be assured we meet the highest standards of financial transparency and integrity.
We want your legacy gift to do exactly what you intend it to do. Providing us with documentation is the best way to ensure that your wishes are honored. We ask that you complete a confidential Letter of Intention so that we can have a written record of your generosity. It’s a non-binding agreement, strictly for our records so we can stay in touch with you about your intentions and interests as well as keep you up to date on our lifesaving work.
Key Information
Legal name: Animal Friends, Inc.
Tax ID Number: 25- 0951565
Incorporated in: Pittsburgh, PA
Animal Friends does not render legal or tax advice. When considering a planned gift, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. The purpose of this publication is to provide accurate information of a general nature only.
Lifesaver Society: Ensuring a Safe Future for Your Pets
Many pet owners have a plan in place for their pets if something happens to them, but in some cases, that may not be possible. At Animal Friends, we offer peace of mind with the Lifesaver Society.
By making a planned gift of $5,000 for your first pet and $2,500 for each additional pet, you can ensure your animal’s future with us. As a member, your pet will receive immediate care in our compassionate, holistic network, including medical, behavioral, and social support, until they are matched with a loving adoptive home.
Program Highlights:
-
Immediate Admission: Your pet will be accepted into our care, even if there is a waiting list.
-
Personalized Care: You can provide detailed care instructions for your pet’s future guardians.
-
Foster Homes: If adoption is not immediate, your pet will stay in a loving foster home.
-
Ongoing Support: Your pet will receive socialization, enrichment, and medical care while in our care.
-
Thoughtful Placement: We guarantee a thoughtful adoption match, with follow-up check-ins after placement.
-
Commitment for Life: No animal is ever euthanized for cost or space reasons.
Legacy Gift Options
Animal Friends accepts planned gifts through cash bequests, real estate, or investment assets.
All animals adopted through the Lifesaver Society will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and guaranteed a place back in our care if needed.
Join Us
We want your legacy gift to do exactly what you intend it to do while ensuring a loving and safe future for your pet. Providing us with a completed Declaration of Intent is the best way to ensure that your wishes are honored and we have a written record of your generosity as well as important information about your pet(s).
It’s a non-binding agreement, strictly for our records so we can stay in touch with you about your intentions and interests as well as keep you up to date on our lifesaving work.
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact our Development team at 412.847.7080 or Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
Your Benefits
Leaving a gift in your will costs you nothing now—just your signature and a completed Lifesaver Society Declaration of Intent. You can change your mind at any time, with no obligation. This is a way to care for your pet(s) while creating a lasting legacy with Animal Friends. Your gift shows your commitment to improving the lives of animals in need.
Our Promises
- You’ll be recognized for your generosity, though you can remain anonymous if preferred.
- Your gift will be used as intended, ensuring compassionate care and a loving, permanent home for your pet(s).
- You can modify your plans at any time.
- As a Four-Star Rated Charity by Charity Navigator, we meet the highest standards of financial integrity and transparency.
Key Information
Legal name: Animal Friends, Inc.
Tax ID Number: 25- 0951565
Incorporated in: Pittsburgh, PA
Animal Friends does not render legal or tax advice. When considering a planned gift, the services of an attorney or other professional advisor should be obtained. The purpose of this publication is to provide accurate information of a general nature only.
Funds
In Memory of Dr. Ingrid Naugle: The Legacy of the Save My Pet Fund
Dr. Naugle's life was always intertwined with animals, and she understood the joy and valuable lessons they bring. Her daughter, Iris, inspired by the animals in their home, pursued a career in veterinary medicine. Tragically, Iris passed away before realizing her dream, but Dr. Naugle continued to support local animal welfare organizations in her memory.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Naugle’s journey occurred when she witnessed a woman at a local veterinary office in tears, unable to afford the medication for her beloved dog. This heartbreaking experience led Dr. Naugle to take action.
And so, the Save My Pet Fund was born. Fueled by Dr. Naugle’s compassion, her daughter’s memory, and the need to help families in crisis, this fund provides lifesaving care to qualifying clients at Animal Friends’ Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center.
Dr. Naugle’s wish was simple: for those who can afford to care for their pets’ health to join her in ensuring that no one has to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to their pets due to financial hardship.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Ingrid Naugle, a retired physician and lifelong animal advocate, on Friday, April 19, 2024.
We invite you to contribute generously in memory of Dr. Naugle and her daughter, Iris, to continue their legacy of compassion and support for pets in need.
A Legacy of Service and Support for Veterans
Major Follansbee was a highly decorated Green Beret who served on multiple deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two bronze stars among numerous other commendations. Tragically, in December 2012, he took his own life.
His parents, Dr. and Mrs. William Follansbee, know firsthand the alarming statistics about suicide in the military and established the Major Ben Follansbee Memorial Fund to support veterans programming at Animal Friends with the mission of helping veterans and saving homeless shelter animals. For more information on Animal Friends for Veterans click here.
The Alicia Drosendahl Summer Camp Fund
Alicia Drosendahl discovered her passion for helping animals through her work with the homeless residents at Animal Friends. Growing up, inspired by her parents, Alicia developed a deep love for shelter animals, especially dogs. She began volunteering just a day after her 13th birthday, and by 18, she had become an enthusiastic dog walker and a dedicated advocate for the most vulnerable animals. During her time in college, Alicia continued her advocacy, even championing pet-friendly policies on campus. Her unwavering commitment to animals has always been evident, vibrant, and heartfelt.
The Alicia Drosendahl Summer Camp Fund (Alicia’s Fund) has been created to celebrate Alicia’s lifelong dedication to shelter animals and to inspire the same passion in other young animal advocates. Alicia’s Fund will honor her commitment to Animal Friends' Summer Camp program by providing scholarships for campers who need financial assistance. Additionally, the fund will help cover the costs of materials and supplies, ensuring that all campers have a rewarding and educational experience.
Donations to support Alicia’s Fund are always welcome. Animal Friends may also host fundraising efforts to sustain the fund, ensuring continued support for the Summer Camp program for years to come.
Supporting Cats in Need of Loving Homes
Yana’s “Special” Felines Fund was created by Carol Meal in memory of her cherished cat, Yana. The fund focuses on a select group of adoptable cats who are having difficulty finding a home. By helping to remove financial barriers, Yana’s “Special” Felines Fund makes it easier for families to adopt cats who are elderly, medically or behaviorally challenged, or simply struggling due to displacement from their original home.
Supporting Dogs in Need of Loving Homes
Other Ways To Give
Not only do in-kind donations benefit our homeless dogs, cats and rabbits they also benefit the hungry pets whose owners are clients of dozens of our food pantry and Meals on Wheels partners.
Through your generosity, we’re able to serve as many pets in need as possible. And, for that, we cannot thank you enough.
- In-Kind Donation Drop Offs
- Amazon wish list
- Chewy.com wish list
- Kuranda Bed wish list
- Cuddly wish list
- Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank
- Other ways to give
Please contact our Development team at Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org if a tax receipt is needed for in-kind donations made through our online Wish Lists.
In-Kind Donation Drop Offs
Please drop off any of the items we accept in our donation bins, located in our shelter lobby and inside the vestibule. Donations may be dropped off during our operating hours:
Tuesday-Friday | 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Click here to learn more about what items we can and can't accept.
If your company contributes to the United Way, you can direct your support to Animal Friends! To designate your gift, list one of the following on your United Way pledge form:
- Pet-Assisted Therapy
- United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania | Code #374
- United Way Tri-State Region | Code #039738
- Animal Friends for Veterans
- United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania | Code # 12578787
Every plate sold gives $10 to Animal Friends!
Order Your License Plate
Standard plate | $42*
Personalized plate | $170*
*Plus any additional fees for duplicate registration cards.
Make checks out to Animal Friends and please mail your application and payment to:
Animal Friends
c/o Communications Department
562 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Your new plate will be delivered to your home by mail. Usual processing time varies from 2 to 3 months.**
Do you have a car, truck, RV or boat that needs to go? The tax write-off you receive for donating it to Animal Friends might be a better alternative to selling it or paying for costly repairs!
Support Animal Friends Through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-smart way to support Animal Friends and other charities. Think of it as a charitable savings account—you contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants over time.
You transfer cash or other assets to a tax-exempt sponsoring organization such as a public foundation. You can then recommend—but not direct—how much and how often money is granted. In addition, you avoid the cost and complexities of managing a private foundation.
In return, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction at the time you contribute to the account. This also allows for a centralized giving and record-keeping system in one location.
How It Works
- Open a DAF: Set up your account with a sponsoring organization.
- Contribute Assets: Fund it with cash, stock, or other assets and take an immediate tax deduction.
- Recommend Grants: Support Animal Friends by recommending grants from your fund.
Benefits of a DAF
- Immediate tax deductions.
- Tax-free growth of fund assets.
- Easier and more affordable than a private foundation.
- Start with as little as $500.
Two Ways to Support Animal Friends
- Beneficiary Designation: Ensure Animal Friends receives the fund's assets when it no longer has an advisor.
- Grants: Recommend grants during your lifetime to support Animal Friends' mission.
Make a gift of appreciated stock
Making a gift of appreciated stock can benefit you as well as the animals. Donating stock you’ve held for more than 12 months avoids capital gains taxes on the increase in the stock’s value and allows you to receive its full, fair market value on the date of the gift. This is an excellent vehicle for stock that has appreciated substantially in value.
Method of Stock Delivery:
- Before transfer, please ask your broker to email, or call, the Development Office to notify us of the transfer and to obtain stock transfer instruction. Email: Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org
Donor Line: 412-847-7080
- Following the transfer, please send final confirmation to the Development Office via email. We encourage you to alert us in advance with the details of your appreciated gift so we can properly acknowledge your donation. Electronic security transfers do not necessarily provide us with your information. Please provide the following information by sending an email to Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org with:
- Your Name, address and contact information
- Name of the security
- Number of shares and estimated value
- Approximate transfer date and transferring brokerage firm
If you have any questions, or wish to speak to someone before proceeding, please contact the Development Office at Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or 412.847.7080.
Support Animal Friends Through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a flexible and tax-smart way to support Animal Friends and other charities. Think of it as a charitable savings account—you contribute assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants over time.
You transfer cash or other assets to a tax-exempt sponsoring organization such as a public foundation. You can then recommend—but not direct—how much and how often money is granted. In addition, you avoid the cost and complexities of managing a private foundation.
In return, you qualify for a federal income tax charitable deduction at the time you contribute to the account. This also allows for a centralized giving and record-keeping system in one location.
How It Works
- Open a DAF: Set up your account with a sponsoring organization.
- Contribute Assets: Fund it with cash, stock, or other assets and take an immediate tax deduction.
- Recommend Grants: Support Animal Friends by recommending grants from your fund.
Benefits of a DAF
- Immediate tax deductions.
- Tax-free growth of fund assets.
- Easier and more affordable than a private foundation.
- Start with as little as $500.
Two Ways to Support Animal Friends
- Beneficiary Designation: Ensure Animal Friends receives the fund's assets when it no longer has an advisor.
- Grants: Recommend grants during your lifetime to support Animal Friends' mission.
If you have any questions, or wish to speak to someone before proceeding, please contact the Development Office at Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or 412.847.7080.