Operation Paws for Homes (OPH) is committed to being a responsible steward of every gift entrusted to us. We welcome charitable contributions that advance our mission of saving vulnerable companion animals and supporting the communities in which they live.

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We are grateful for the generosity of our supporters and recognize that accepting a gift also carries a responsibility to use it wisely. OPH reserves the right to decline or redirect any gift that is inconsistent with our mission, creates an unreasonable administrative or financial burden, presents a potential liability, or cannot be used in a manner that benefits the animals and communities we serve.

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Financial Donations

• OPH solicits and accepts charitable contributions that are consistent with our mission and support our programs, operations, and special projects.

• Monetary donations are generally accepted from individuals, partnerships, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and other organizations or entities.

• OPH encourages prospective donors to consult their own legal, financial, and tax advisors regarding charitable gifts and any resulting tax or estate-planning considerations.

• OPH may accept donations of vehicles through approved third-party vehicle donation platforms. Please contact OPH for current information about donating a vehicle.

• OPH may accept gifts of stocks, securities, real estate, and other financial or non-cash assets. Certain gifts require review and approval before acceptance because of the potential financial, legal, tax, environmental, or administrative liabilities associated with them.

• Gifts that require special consideration may include real estate, closely held securities, tangible personal property, restricted gifts, or assets that carry ongoing costs or obligations.

• OPH may seek the advice of legal, financial, accounting, or other professional advisors when evaluating a proposed gift.

 

Tangible Personal Property

Tangible personal property may include artwork, jewelry, collectibles, vehicles, equipment, collections, or other physical assets donated for use by OPH or for eventual sale.

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When evaluating such gifts, OPH may consider:

1. Mission and usefulness – Whether the item directly supports OPH's work or can reasonably be converted into funds that support our mission.

2. Value – Whether the anticipated benefit of the gift outweighs the costs associated with accepting, storing, maintaining, transporting, insuring, or selling it.

3. Marketability – Whether the item can reasonably be sold or otherwise used.

4. Restrictions – Whether donor restrictions are practical, appropriate, and consistent with OPH's mission.

5. Transfer costs – Whether the donor is willing to cover costs associated with transferring, shipping, insuring, or otherwise delivering the gift.

6. Administrative considerations – Whether accepting the gift would create an unreasonable burden for OPH.

 

OPH may decline any tangible property that does not meet these considerations.

 

When required by law, OPH will report the sale or disposition of donated property to the IRS and provide the donor with the appropriate documentation. Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor regarding the valuation and deductibility of donated property.

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In-Kind Donations

 

Donations of Services

Donated professional services may be accepted at the discretion of OPH management when the service provides meaningful benefit to the organization and is consistent with our mission and operational needs.

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Examples may include donated professional, technical, creative, veterinary, legal, accounting, marketing, construction, transportation, or other services.

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Acceptance of donated services does not guarantee that OPH will recognize a charitable contribution for the value of those services. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding the tax treatment of donated services.

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Please contact OPH before making a significant donation of professional or other services so that we can determine whether the proposed contribution meets an organizational need.

 

Donations of Goods

Our community is extraordinarily generous, and we are grateful for the many supplies donated to help animals in our care. At the same time, every donation carries a cost. Items that OPH cannot use require staff time to sort and store and may ultimately create disposal, transportation, or other expenses. Those resources are resources that could otherwise be directed toward lifesaving programs and animal care.

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For that reason, OPH accepts in-kind donations at its discretion and may decline items that cannot be used effectively or that do not support our mission.

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In general, donated goods should:

• Directly support animals in OPH's care or the people who care for them;

• Support OPH's staff, volunteers, or operations;

• Support our community programs or partner organizations; or

• Provide a reasonable opportunity to generate funds through resale or fundraising.

 

Please contact OPH before donating goods or unusual items. This allows us to determine whether we have a current need and whether we have the capacity to accept and use the donation.

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All donated items should be clean, safe, and in good working condition. Items that are damaged, contaminated, recalled, unsafe, expired, or otherwise unsuitable may be declined.

Once accepted, donated goods become the property of Operation Paws for Homes. OPH may use, distribute, transfer, sell, recycle, or discard donated items at its discretion based on organizational needs.

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Donation receipts may be provided for accepted in-kind gifts. OPH does not assign a monetary value to donated goods on donor receipts. Donors are responsible for determining the value of their contributions and should consult a qualified tax professional regarding deductibility.

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Items OPH Generally Accepts

 

Pet Food & Treats

• Unopened wet and dry dog/puppy and cat/kitten food

• Recently opened food that is fresh, properly stored, and clearly labeled

• Dog and cat treats

• Peanut butter

 

Food must be unexpired or very recently expired and free of mold, contamination, or other signs of spoilage.

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Pet Supplies

• New or gently used collars and leashes

• Martingale collars

• Harnesses

• Crates and carriers

• Pet beds in clean, usable condition

• Elizabethan collars

• ThunderShirts and similar calming products

• Food and water bowls

• Cat litter

• Other safe, usable animal-care supplies

 

Pet Toys

• New or gently used toys that are clean and safe

• Enrichment items appropriate for dogs or cats

 

Items with significant damage, loose parts, exposed stuffing, or other safety concerns may not be accepted.

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Towels and Blankets

• Bath and beach towels

• Lightweight fleece blankets

 

Because of storage limitations, OPH generally does not accept sheets, large blankets, comforters, quilts, afghans, pillows, or similar bulky bedding unless specifically requested.

 

Cleaning & Animal Care Supplies

• Laundry detergent

• Dish soap

• Hand soap

• Bleach

• Appropriate disinfecting products

• Disinfecting wipes

• Paper towels

• Nitrile gloves

• Other requested cleaning and sanitation supplies

 

Technology

• Laptops

• Tablets

• Cameras

• Other useful technology in working condition

 

Technology donations should include necessary chargers or accessories whenever possible.

 

Office Supplies

• Copy paper

• Printer ink and toner compatible with OPH equipment

• Shipping labels

• Packing and shipping supplies

• Tape

• Staples

• Paper clips and binder clips

• Dry erase markers

• Permanent markers

• Pens and other commonly used office supplies

 

Gift Cards

 

Gift cards are particularly useful because they allow OPH to purchase supplies where and when they are needed. Frequently requested gift cards include:

• Gas stations

• Grocery stores

• Pet supply stores

• Amazon

• Home Depot

• Walmart

• Target

• Staples

• Office Depot

 

Fundraising & Auction Items

 

OPH welcomes donations of new or high-quality items that can be used for fundraising events, raffles, auctions, or other revenue-generating activities.

Potential items include:

• Restaurant or experience certificates

• Travel or vacation packages

• Household items

• Pet products

• Gift baskets

• Artwork

• Tickets

• Professional services

• Specialty or collectible items

 

For larger or higher-value auction donations, please contact OPH before delivery so that we can confirm the item is appropriate and determine the best way to receive it.

 

Donor-Designated Gifts

OPH welcomes gifts designated to support specific programs or purposes when those designations are consistent with our mission and can reasonably be honored. OPH may decline a designation that is too restrictive, impractical, inconsistent with our mission, or creates an administrative burden disproportionate to the value of the gift.

 

When appropriate, OPH may work with a donor to modify a proposed restriction so that the gift can provide meaningful support while remaining consistent with the organization's current needs.

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OPH's Right to Decline a Gift

OPH reserves the right to decline any contribution that:

• Is inconsistent with our mission or values;

• Creates an unreasonable financial, legal, administrative, or operational burden;

• Carries unacceptable liability or risk;

• Includes restrictions that OPH cannot reasonably honor;

• Requires OPH to assume ongoing costs or obligations that outweigh the benefit of the gift;

• Is unsafe, unusable, or unsuitable for our animals, staff, volunteers, or facilities; or

• Cannot be responsibly stewarded for the benefit of the organization and the animals we serve.

 

Our goal is not simply to accept every possible donation. Our goal is to make sure that every gift we accept can be put to meaningful use in support of lifesaving.

 

Questions About Making a Gift

If you are considering a significant, unusual, restricted, or non-cash gift to OPH, please contact us before making arrangements for delivery or transfer. We are happy to discuss the proposed gift and determine how it can best support our mission.

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Donors should consult their own legal, financial, and tax advisors regarding the tax implications of charitable contributions. OPH cannot provide individual tax or legal advice.