Businesses that Support Animal Rescue Efforts in the Triangle
December 17, 2021
You’ve heard it said before and it still rings as true as ever: we really don’t deserve animals. We are lucky that there are so many rescue efforts in place for the lost, forgotten, elderly, and abandoned animals in our state. Financial donations make a huge difference for animal charities; animal shelters need food, bedding, toys, treats, and other supplies. In addition to this, many animals they care for are also in dire need of veterinary care, medical assistance, and spaying/neutering. Monetary donations help animal charities provide continuous care for those in need in until they find their fur-ever homes.
Here is a list of just some of the ways communities in The Triangle advocate for animal welfare.
Events that Support Animal Rescues
The Hop Yard
This brewery, a locally owned and community-focused craft beer and wine retail store and taproom, doesn’t just care about making great suds to sip on, they also care about giving back. The Hop Yard hosts regular events that give portions of their proceeds back to the community. One such recurring event is their “Yappy Hour” on Sundays, and an annual “Barktober Fest” which features Perfectly Imperfect Pups adoptable dogs and puppies. These events provide fun opportunities to socialize with the animals (maybe even bring home a new best friend!), where part of the proceeds from these events go back to the rescue, focusing on assisting dogs with special needs and medical cases. Better yet, they always welcome your current companions to join you at the brewery as well!
Spring Fling Annual Dog and Cat Fundraiser
This FREE annual fundraiser was created and continues to be organized by Amy, the owner of local, independent dog and cat nutrition shop Unleashed, the Dog & Cat Store (which has locations in Raleigh, Cary, and Wilmington, NC). This fun community event celebrates both the coming of spring and our pets while working to raise awareness and generate donations for local area animals in need. This event is hosted annually on the Sunday following Easter, and features a huge doggie Easter Egg Hunt.
Mordecai Beverage Co.
Raleigh’s first combined brewery, taproom, and bottle shop is owned by Andrew Christenbury, who has been homebrewing for more than a decade. An exciting addition to the Gateway Plaza, he invites you to come by and sample the beer he’s making, taste craft beers from other local breweries, and support local animal shelters! Every December, Mordecai hosts pup pictures with Santa, with proceeds going to support the Freedom Ride Rescue. A “freedom ride” refers to the car ride a dog takes on their way out of the shelter on their way home. This organization is run completely by volunteers, and any donations helps them to provide supplies, medical care, and monthly flea and heartworm medications. Mordecai also hosts a Cause for Paws dog adoption event that features local adoptable dogs, while providing some sick beats from local deejays.
Businesses that Support Animal Rescues
Saving Grace Supply Company
Saving Grace is a non-profit organization that provides a second chance for adoptable dogs rescued from puppy mills, seized in cruelty cases, or abandoned when their owner passes away or through natural disasters. Founded in 2004 at a private residence, this organization relies solely on donations to provide medical care and housing for the animals, and their employees are all volunteers. On top of the rescue, Saving Grace has a robust shop full of the basics to help you get started after an adoption. You can find special gifts for all the dogs and dog-lovers in your life: high-quality foods, locally baked treats and cookies, pet clothing, and even great toys and gifts. Most importantly, 100% of the proceeds from the store go right back into Saving Grace to continue their rescue efforts.
The “No Empty Bowl” Project
In March of 2020 the world was hit with a debilitating pandemic, COVID-19. This brought widespread shutdowns and quarantines, in turn causing many residents to suddenly lose their hours and/or jobs. This charity was developed to ensure that no one had to choose between feeding themselves and their families, or feeding their pets. Through the No Empty Bowl project, Friends of Wake County Animals has been providing free pet food and essentials since the beginning of the isolation. Originally operating out of a makeshift command center in a temporarily closed business, NEBP now has shifted their resources to partner with established local charity organizations. Click here to see a list of the distribution points.
The Grey Muzzle Organization
Recognizing that the adoption rate for senior dogs (seniors are considered over seven years old) is lower than that of all other dog ages combined, The Grey Muzzle Organization is one of the only national organizations that dedicates their time and funds solely to advocating on behalf of older dogs. Every year they design and sell a calendar celebrating the bond we share with our older dogs, and all the proceeds go to help senior dogs in need. Just in 2021, they spread $616,000 in grants to 77 animal welfare groups, bringing their total grant funding to date (since 2008) to more than $3.1 million. They are not a shelter or a rescue group, rather, they work to fund programs such as hospice care, senior dog adoption, medical screening, and other specialized programs to help old dogs find homes.
Movin’ On Movers
Since 1983, this moving company has proudly served the Triangle area, and is one of the most reputable and trusted companies residents turn to. Owner Danny Wilson is considered one of North Carolina’s top business owners, and for good reason: he not only provides wonderful service, he realizes the importance of giving back. Movin’ On Movers donates their business services, the owners and employees donate their time, and the company donates more than $25,000 a year in corporate dollars and personal funds to support the mission of the SPCA of Wake County. They also provide lead sponsorship support in some of the SPCA’s largest fundraising events, and they provide temperature-controlled storage for the organization’s archives and event materials.
Wicks for Wags
Local candle-lovers Juno and Melissa are passionate about two things: chemical-free and clean-burning candles, and animal rescue and support advocacy. Any time you purchase a candle from Wicks for Wags you are supporting the animal rights cause. A portion of all their proceeds, including cash and product donations, are given to animal shelters and rescue organizations to help and protect animals in need. When an animal rescue group uses Wicks for Wags candles for fundraising purposes, they keep 100% of the proceeds. As if that’s not enough, the candles are vegan, cruelty-free, clean-burning, dye-free, made with lead-free cotton wicks, are non-toxic, biodegradable, and do not release harmful soot and carcinogens like paraffin candles as their candles are made of soy. Visit this page to see a list of all the rescues Wicks for Wags has helped so far.