Highlights

👏 Jason Heigl Foundation Namaste Grant
Thanks to the Jason Heigl Foundation and Betty, along with the Sandhills Spay & Neuter Veterinary Clinic, we were able to spay and neuter 45 cats and dogs on November 11th. Three organizations coming together to help members of the community and their pets.

Thank You 💙 for keeping up to date about our progress, your support is sincerely appreciated by our small but growing organization.

Highlights

🏒 Nonprofit of the Night – Fayetteville Marksmen
What an incredible evening! We were thrilled to be recognized as the Nonprofit of the Night with the Fayetteville Marksmen. Huge thanks to Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union for sponsoring us and making it possible.

🎤 Comedy Show Success
Laughter really is the best medicine! Our comedy show was a hit — full of good vibes, big laughs, and community spirit. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came out to support the cause and to Sandhills Pediatric & Family Dentistry for being our Title Sponsor. We can’t wait to do it again!

🔥 4th Annual Bartender’s BBQ, Brews & Boo’s
We were honored to be the beneficiary of this incredible event. The team behind it pours their hearts into supporting animal rescue, and it truly shows. It was a fantastic day full of great food, great people, and a great cause.

Thank You 💙 for being part of our journey and helping us make a difference.

Hi friends,

Just a quick note, we’re wrapping up our second year this October and stepping into our third. Thanks to our incredible donors, supporters, and participants, we’re about to hit a huge milestone…

600 spay-neuters

It’s a big moment for all of us. Now, let’s talk about a couple of great events on the horizon.

🎤 Comedy Night Fundraiser

First up, we’re hosting a comedy show fundraiser on October 25th featuring the hilarious Brendan Eyre at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, NC. Tickets are on sale now, and remember that early-bird pricing ends on September 30th, so grab yours soon to get the best deal! Know someone who likes a good laugh? Share the event with them!

Click here as a subscriber an save on tickets! 

🏒 Nonprofit of the Night

In addition, we’re thrilled to share that we’ll be the Nonprofit of the Night for the Fayetteville Marksmen’s opening hockey game on October 18th. We have a limited supply of tickets available for that as well ($15/ticket), and we’d love to see you there. Feel free to contact us for tickets

Zoomies Funny Farm is also the beneficiary of the 4th Annual Bartender’s BBQ, Brews & Boos at Pint Size Pasture. Come see the animals, eat some BBQ and shop local vendors.

Thank You 💙 for being part of our journey and helping us make a difference.

Hi friends,

We are so ready for cooler days—how about you? 🍂 The good news is that Fall has officially arrived, and it’s packed with events, fundraisers, and plenty of ways to connect.

We’re excited to share that Zoomies Funny Farm was chosen as the beneficiary of the 4th Annual Bartender’s BBQ, Brews & Boos at Pint Size Pasture! We’re incredibly grateful to them for supporting our mission.

When we say the calendar is busy, we mean it! Here’s where you can find us this month:

• Hugger Mugger First Friday: Rescue Edition – Sanford

• Jeepin’ with Maxine – Benson

• Woofstock – Southern Pines

• Mira Music Fest – Southern Pines

• Book Fair, Bake Sale & Adoptions – Sanford

• Bubba’s 33 Nonprofit Night – Fayetteville

August was big—really big:

• 🎟️ Our Reverse 50/50 Raffle raised nearly $20,000 before costs. Thanks to the winners’ circle agreeing to a buyout, Zoomies was able to keep even more funds for our mission.

• 🐾 We passed a huge milestone: 500+ spay/neuters since June 2024!

• 🎓 Amanda was accepted into another grant program for community cat management (back to school she goes!).

• 💪 And Zoomies’ very first volunteer, Kenny, suggested forming a union with Forrest to help balance all the hats he wears—tech, design, marketing, product-making, even cooking. Amanda’s reply? “Forrest already joined a union… the union of holy matrimony, and he knew what he signed up for.”
  

Get ready to laugh ath Comedy Night 🎤

Mark your calendars—October 25th is going to be a night full of laughs! We’re bringing nationally acclaimed comedian Brendan Eyre to the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, NC for one unforgettable evening. Brendan is an absolute riot, and this fundraiser promises to be a great time for a great cause.

Tickets are on sale now, and as a subscriber, you’ll save on your purchase. Don’t miss out on a night of comedy that benefits the animals! 

→ Join us and Brendan Eyre for a night of entertainment for the animals.

Join us October 25 for a night of comedy in Sanford, NC. We are bringing in a nationally acclaimed comedian to take the stage at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. This special comedy fundraiser benefits our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization, Zoomies Funny Farm.

🎟️ GET TICKETS 🎟️

⬇️ Subscriber discount code below ⬇️ 

Brendan Eyre live in Sanford

Brendan Eyre is the laid-back master of observational humor, turning everyday awkwardness into comedy gold. You’ve seen him on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, SiriusXM, and the Bob and Tom Show. His debut album Desiree hit #1 on Billboard and iTunes, and his sharp, relatable storytelling has racked up more than 20 million views on TikTok.

From Just for Laughs’ “New Faces” to podcasts, top clubs, and festivals nationwide, Brendan’s timing keeps audiences coming back for more.

Early Bird Gets the Laughs

Tickets are now on sale.
🎟️ Early Bird: $20
💌 Newsletter Subscribers: Save 25%

Not on the list? Sign up today and save. Trust us… you’ll want access to this kind of funny.

👉 Snag your tickets now—and don’t forget to tell your funniest friend. They’ll never forgive you if you don’t.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

USE THE CODE BELOW TO SAVE 25% OFF YOUR TICKETS

🎟️ GET TICKETS 🎟️

Hi friends,

Together with the crew at Sandhills Spay Neuter Veterinary Clinic in Vass, Zoomies hit a milestone: 500 procedures, capped off by a 25-appointment day to close out the month.

We also stayed busy supporting our community—sweating it out at Pit Stop’s annual fundraiser in Sanford (yes, it was very hot), and spending a fun night at Bubba’s 33 in Fayetteville, selling shirts and taking in donations.

Now we’re gearing up for our first big fundraiser on August 10th. As of this writing, 125 tickets are sold, with a matching grant pledged for 40 of them, and around 30 vendors will be setting up shop. That’s a fantastic first, and we’re hoping to make next year event bigger!

We’re grateful… counting down to cooler temps… and fired up for what’s next. August into the fall is shaping up to be big—and we’ll keep you posted.

Big Event Update:

• 🎟️ Our Reverse 50/50 Raffle has 125 tickets sold! Prize pool? An eye popping $6,250. Tell your friends and family, as ticket sales have been extended until Friday August 8th. 🐾 Every dollar fuels animal welfare: spays, neuters, and more. 🐾
  

• 🎤 Also… Comedy Show tickets are on sale. Early bird tickets are live. And because you’re on our list, all subscribers, you get 25% off ←CLICK HERE.

This journey’s better with you in it. Thanks for helping and supporting us. We can’t wait to show you what’s next.

→ Join us. The animals are counting on it.

Hi friends,

As we cross the halfway point of the year—and the height of kitten season—we’re excited to report a strong start. In just six months, we’ve secured multiple grants, received incredible community support, and launched our biggest fundraisers to date.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Summerlee Foundation in February, we were able to spay or neuter 100 feral, community, and stray cats in Q2. This critical support directly helps curb overpopulation and aligns with our mission to promote humane care. We’re deeply grateful to Summerlee and other grantors who make this impact possible.

On the fundraising front, our Charity Day Sales event at Belk was a hit. We raised $1,500, connected with wonderful supporters, and even secured a sponsor for an upcoming event collaboration. It’s been a season of progress—and we’re just getting started.

We closed out June with a great showing:

• Participated in the vendor market at Anderson Creek Clubhouse during the community’s Fourth of July celebration.
  

• Hosted our second Paint Your Pet event of the year at Static Line Brewing Company—thank you to everyone who joined in!

• Teamed up with Zoomies for another successful puzzle competition at Havoc Brewing Company, raising both funds and fun.
  

Big Things Popping:

• 🎟️ Our Reverse 50/50 Raffle just hit 100 tickets sold! Jackpot? A cool $5,000. Haven’t grabbed yours yet? There’s still time—and yes, it’s totally worth telling your crew. 🐾 Every dollar fuels animal welfare: spays, neuters, and bigger K9 traps for the trickiest tail-chasers. 🐾
  

• 🎤 Also… surprise! We’re putting on a Comedy Show. Early bird tickets are officially live. And because you’re on our list, you get 25% off (VIP perks, baby). Check your inbox for the code!

Together, we’re making tails wag and communities smile—thanks for being part of the journey. More good things ahead!

→ Join us. The animals are counting on it.

Hi friends,

Let’s be real—we blinked and summer smacked us in the face. May disappeared in a haze of recovery, grants, and last-minute rescues. Amanda, our fearless Zoomies president, had surgery, and yep, that kind of threw our rhythm off. But guess what? We're back. Scratch that—we're charged. And Summer is already shaping up to be a game-changer.

May in the Rearview (But Never Forgotten):

• We secured another grant to power up our TNR program. More spays, fewer strays.
  

• We tag-teamed with Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption to save a scruffy sweetheart named Bubbles (thanks, Nancy—you’re magic).
  

• Belk Charity Days came and went, and we showed up big. Spring + summer = hearts open, wallets too.
  

Big Things Popping:

• Our Reverse 50/50 Raffle hit 100 tickets sold! Jackpot? $5,000. Haven’t bought yours yet? There’s still time… and you should tell your friends. 🐾 Proceeds go straight to animal welfare—think neuters, spays, and bigger K9 traps for even the wiliest of wanderers 🐾 .
  

• Our 🖌️ Paint Your Pet night at Static Line Brewing is June 29. Send in a picture of your pet then bring your creativity, and your thirst.
  

• Oh, and surprise—we’re doing a Comedy Show. Early bird tix are live. Email subscribers get 25% off (yeah, you’re VIP).

We may have lost track of time, but not our purpose. We're rescuing, fundraising, laughing, and painting—all for the paws. So don’t miss a moment. Grab a raffle ticket. Paint your pup. Come laugh for a cause. Because Zoomies never stay down for long.

→ Join us. The animals are counting on it.

Mark your calendars, comedy fans—October 25, nationally acclaimed comedian Brendan Eyre takes the stage at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, for one unforgettable night. This special comedy fundraiser benefits our 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization.

🎟️ GET TICKETS 🎟️

Meet Brendan Eyre: Viral Comic, Relatable Genius

Brendan Eyre, the laid-back legend of observational humor, is bringing his signature style to our stage for one night only. If you've ever laughed at life’s awkward moments—or wondered how someone could turn a healthy lunch into comedy gold—this show’s for you. He’s not just funny—he’s everywhere: from Late Night with Seth Meyers to Comedy Central, Sirius XM, and the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom Show. His debut album Desiree topped the Billboard and iTunes comedy charts, and with over 20 million views on TikTok, Brendan’s sharp, relatable storytelling has audiences across the country coming back for more.

Some of his career highlights:

• Named a “New Face of Comedy” at the Just for Laughs Festival

• Co-host of the hit podcast The Rad Dudecast

• Featured on Adam Devine’s House Party and Live at Gotham

• Performed at top clubs like the New York Comedy Club and Loony Bin

• Regular performer at top clubs and festivals across the country

Brendan has the kind of timing that can turn everyday chaos into roaring laughter. On October 25th, he’s bringing that magic to Sanford, NC. One mic. One night. A thousand laughs waiting to happen.

Early Bird Gets the Laughs

Tickets are now on sale.
🎟️ Early Bird: $20
💌 Newsletter Subscribers: Save 25%

Not on the list? Sign up today and save. Trust us… you’ll want access to this kind of funny.

👉 Snag your tickets now—and don’t forget to tell your funniest friend. They’ll never forgive you if you don’t.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

USE THE CODE BELOW TO SAVE 25% OFF YOUR TICKETS

We turned up the long gravel drive, fencing on one side. A mix of donkeys and horses dotted the pasture, enjoying the cool breezy air and imminent nightfall. At the gate stood Terry, the property owner, waiting for our arrival.

We slowed, rolling down the window.

“Head down to the house—I’ll meet you there,” Terry said, pointing further along the rocky driveway. Then he hopped onto a nearby lawn mower and followed behind.

The house was tucked away in the woods, with navy-blue siding and white trim. A dog barked as we pulled up, making sure we knew whose land we were on. The three of us—Terry, Amanda, and I—walked down a gently sloped path beside a pond, where Quackers was supposed to be.

Quackers, a white duck with an orange beak, had managed to hop a fence that enclosed the property. He was now somewhere beyond his domain.

Past a small barn and into a lightly wooded area, the trail suddenly steepened. At the bottom we reached the fence—the one that hadn’t managed to contain the mighty (or mischievous) duck. Just beyond it, no more than a stride away, lay a creek. Its clay banks rose steep like a gorge, taller than most people. The water below was murky, its depth uncertain—though we guessed it was maybe three feet at most.

After a quick scan of the scene and a few words of caution, we began figuring out the safest way down. Amanda went first—her spirit bold, always ready to leap into action. A foot on a clump of grass, then a rock, another, then the cold. Not shocking… yet. Net pole in hand, she moved through the water toward the white bird about fifteen yards away.

With each step, the mystery of the creek revealed itself. The depth shifted unpredictably. When the water reached her ribcage, it seized her breath. Still, she pushed on. There was an animal to save.

From the bank, Forrest had been watching. Seeing Amanda’s struggle, he stepped in to help. He followed her path—but every step sank deeper under his weight, the soft bottom giving way beneath him. Eventually, he made it past Quackers, positioning himself on the far side. Now the duck was flanked: one rescuer in front, the other closing in behind.

Quackers gave a few defiant flaps, tried to paddle away—and then swoosh... kerplunk. The net found its mark.

Amanda handed the duck to Forrest, who lifted him up to Terry waiting on the raised bank. Over it went—safe, home. Quackers waddled up the embankment and back toward his pond.

More slipping, wading, and trudging followed before Amanda and Forrest managed to climb out of the creek. Only the fence remained between them and the van. They shared a laugh as they strolled back, glancing once more at Quackers now floating serenely in his pond.

The ride home was wet, cold, and pungent enough to warrant a cracked window. But laughter filled the car—another animal saved, another day’s adventure, more memories made... for those who remember.

At Zoomies, we know that securing funds means thinking beyond our core supporters. While animal lovers are a vital part of our mission, we also recognize that broadening our audience can amplify our impact. That’s why we create fundraising initiatives that appeal to both dedicated advocates and those simply looking for entertainment, competition, or unique products.

Products That Go Beyond Our Mission

Selling mission-aligned merchandise is a great strategy—but why stop there? Our animal-themed earrings resonate with our supporters, but we also offer non-animal designs. This way, even those without a particular passion for animals can still support our work while purchasing something they love.

Events That Engage Everyone

We curate events that bring in a wide array of participants. Puzzle lovers, for example, may not initially be drawn to our cause, but when they attend our puzzle events, they’re not only enjoying a challenge—they’re also supporting animal welfare. The same goes for our upcoming comedy show. People come for the laughs, but they leave knowing they’ve contributed to something meaningful.

A Fundraising Model That Works

By designing fundraising activities that attract both mission-driven supporters and the general public, we create more opportunities for engagement. Whether through competitive events, community entertainment, or must-have products, we ensure that people from all walks of life find a reason to support us.

This approach allows us to sustain and grow our mission. Want to be part of it? Join us at an event, shop our products, or simply spread the word. Every bit helps!

Hi friends, exciting updates! Our Reverse 50/50 Raffle is in full swing, and we’ll be sharing milestones along the way—because we don’t want you to miss out! And as the title says, we have a special promotion to share…

Thanks to a couple of incredibly generous supporters, we’re giving away TWO free entries into the Reverse 50/50 Raffle!

Here’s how you can win:
 ✅ One ticket will go to a lucky newsletter subscriber
 ✅ One ticket will be randomly awarded to a current Reverse 50/50 ticket holder

If you’re already subscribed or have purchased a ticket—you’re automatically entered! To qualify, you must subscribe to the newsletter, buy a ticket, or both before April 30th!

Where Your Support Goes

Funds raised from the raffle will:
🐶 Expand our spay/neuter assistance program—especially for dogs
🐱 Provide essential traps and equipment for rescue operations
🤝 Help other rescues with spay/neuter support

Want to increase your chances? Subscribe to our newsletter and buy a ticket! Not only could you win a raffle entry, but you’ll stay updated on our progress and upcoming events.

📩 Our newsletter comes just once a month—no spam, just impact.

Spread the word, and let’s make a difference together! ❤️

Feral and free-roaming cats are a significant part of our communities, as we’ve discussed in previous posts (here and here). Managing their population humanely through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most effective way to prevent suffering, reduce future overpopulation, and limit their impact on local ecosystems. However, spay/neuter programs require funding, volunteers, and access to veterinary services to be successful.

One of the most pressing concerns in managing feral cat populations is cost—both in terms of the financial burden of spay/neuter services and the availability of veterinary resources.

The Cost of Spay/Neuter for Feral Cats

The cost to spay or neuter a cat typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the provider and services included. Using this cost range, we can estimate the total expense required to sterilize the feral cat populations in our region.

Estimated Cost to Spay/Neuter Feral Cats in Central North Carolina

Sterilizing just the estimated feral cat population across these five counties would require between $5.26 million and $10.5 million—a massive investment that cannot happen without community and business support.

Are We Keeping Up? The Need for More Spay/Neuter Services

While the numbers above show the potential cost to fully address the feral cat issue, real-world efforts are limited by funding and available veterinary services.

The local High-Volume High-Quality Spay/Neuter clinics conducted 6,000 procedures on feral/free-roaming cats, between two clinics in 2024, helping reduce the growing population. How much of the estimated total need does this cover assuming the animals all came from the five counties stated above?

Impact of Current Spay/Neuter Services

• Total estimated feral cat population in the area: 105,146

• Total feral or free-roaming spay/neuter procedures completed: 6,000

• Percentage of total need met: 5.7%

While every spay/neuter surgery prevents thousands of future births over time, the current resources are simply not enough to keep pace with the number of unaltered, free-roaming cats. For population reduction successfully occur as a result of TNR, at least 75% of the population must be sterilized.

How You Can Help

To expand the impact of spay/neuter programs, we need more resources, more veterinary access, and more community involvement. You can make a difference in the following ways:

🐾 Donate

Spay/neuter surgeries cost money. Whether it’s $50 to fix one cat or $500 to help a small colony, every donation helps prevent future generations of homeless cats.

🐾 Volunteer

TNR programs rely on dedicated volunteers to help with trapping, transportation, and post-surgery care. If you have time and a heart for animals, your support is invaluable.

🐾 Sponsor a Spay/Neuter Program

If you or your business want to make a direct impact, consider sponsoring a local spay/neuter clinic or TNR initiative to provide free or reduced-cost surgeries.

🐾 Advocate for More Veterinary Services

The biggest limiting factor isn’t just money—it’s access to high-volume spay/neuter services. Encouraging more veterinary professionals to participate in TNR efforts and supporting low-cost spay/neuter programs will help increase the number of cats that can be sterilized each year.

We Need to Do More—Together

Feral cat overpopulation won’t solve itself. Without proactive spay/neuter programs, these populations will continue to grow, creating more suffering for the cats and greater strain on community resources.

Every dollar, every volunteer, and every veterinary service counts. If you want to help or learn more about how you can sponsor, donate, or get involved, reach out to us today!

Feral and free-roaming cats are an undeniable part of our communities, living in urban, suburban, and rural environments. While their numbers can be challenging to pinpoint precisely, using estimated human-to-feral cat ratios helps us get a clearer picture of their presence.

In a previous post, we established that the national average human-to-feral cat ratio is approximately 7:1—meaning that for every 7 people, there is about one feral or free-roaming cat. Applying this ratio to several counties in central North Carolina gives us a rough estimate of their local feral cat populations.

Feral Cat Population Estimates by County

These estimates provide insight into just how many feral and free-roaming cats may be living in our region. However, it's important to remember that these numbers are approximations, and actual populations may vary based on factors such as:

• Urbanization: More densely populated areas may have larger feral cat populations due to food availability and shelter access.

• Climate: Warmer climates, like those in North Carolina, allow for longer breeding seasons, potentially increasing feral cat numbers.

• Community Efforts: Areas with active Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs often see stabilized or declining feral cat populations.

• Local Policies: Counties with stronger animal welfare programs may experience lower free-roaming cat numbers through proactive spay/neuter initiatives.

Why Do These Numbers Matter?

The estimated feral cat populations in these counties highlight the importance of community involvement in humane cat population management. Without intervention, feral cat populations can grow quickly, leading to issues such as:

✅ Increased kitten births, making it harder to control population growth
✅ Greater competition for resources, resulting in suffering for the cats
✅ Higher risks of disease transmission, impacting both cats and other wildlife
✅ More cats entering shelters, many of which may not be adoptable due to their wild nature

The good news? We can make a difference!

How You Can Help

• Support TNR efforts – Trap-Neuter-Return is the most effective, humane way to manage feral cat populations.

• Spread awareness – Educate your community about feral cats and the importance of spay/neuter programs.

• Provide resources – Volunteer, donate, or help support local organizations that run TNR programs.

• Advocate for responsible pet ownership – Encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and never abandon animals outdoors.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Feral cats are a part of our landscape, but we can work together to reduce their numbers humanely. If you want to get involved or learn more about how you can help in your county, reach out to us! We’d love to chat about ways to make a positive impact.

Feral and free-roaming cats are a common sight in communities across the United States, but just how many of them exist? The answer isn’t simple. Because feral cats don’t live in homes, tracking their population is difficult, and estimates vary widely.

Here’s what we have found based on research and expert estimates:

• The most recent estimates suggest there are between 60 and 100 million feral and stray cats in the U.S.

• A more conservative range suggests 30 to 80 million.

• Some studies indicate feral and free-roaming cats make up 18-49% of the total U.S. cat population.

• The National Feline Research Council suggests that the best available number is 32 million, with 76% living in urban areas.

While the exact number remains uncertain, one thing is clear: feral and free-roaming cats are a significant part of our communities, and their presence requires responsible management.

Feral Cats in Durham County

Looking closer to home, we can estimate the number of feral and free-roaming cats in Durham County, North Carolina using available data.

• Durham County’s population (2022): 333,292 people

• Estimated feral cats in Durham: 60000

• Estimated human-to-feral cat ratio in Durham: 5.55:1

This means that for approximately every 5.55 people in Durham, there is one feral or free-roaming cat.

How Does This Compare to National Estimates?

To put Durham’s numbers into perspective, we can compare them to national estimates. Based on the 2024 U.S. population estimate of 341.2 million people, here are the national human-to-feral cat ratios for various estimates of the cat population:

• 60 million feral cats: 5.69:1

• 100 million feral cats: 3.41:1

• 30 million feral cats: 11.37:1

• 80 million feral cats: 4.27:1

• 32 million feral cats: 10.66:1

This means that nationally, for about every 7 people, there is 1 feral or free-roaming cat. Durham’s estimated ratio was almost 6:1, very close to this national average.

Why Do These Numbers Matter?

Estimates help to explain the magnitude of the situation to the public. Understanding the scope of the feral cat population is essential for effective community-based solutions. Feral cats face challenges such as food scarcity, exposure to harsh weather, and disease. They also contribute to concerns about wildlife predation and overpopulation.

What Can You Do?

If you’re concerned about feral cats in your neighborhood, there are ways to help:

• Support TNR programs by volunteering or donating.

• Report cat colonies so they can be assessed for TNR.

• Educate your community about the benefits of humane management.

• Spay/neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same to prevent more cats from being abandoned.

If you’d like to get involved in local efforts to help feral cats, reach out to us! We’d love to chat about how you can make a difference.

This past Monday started off like any other—slow, with a cup of coffee in hand. Amanda, my wife and the co-founder of Zoomies, was getting ready for a trip to Fayetteville for an eye exam. (She’s almost blind, but you didn’t hear that from me.)

With the house to myself, I settled in to tackle some administrative work for the organization—emails, content creation, and our newly launched blog and newsletter. But about 30 minutes after Amanda left, my phone rang.

"Hi, husband… soooo… Kaye caught Pixie."

Pixie was a cat we had been invited to help catch and spay so she wouldn’t have more kittens. A drop trap had been deployed, and since it was cold and wet outside, Kaye was worried about her. Amanda, knowing she’d be gone for a while, asked me to drop everything and go help.

Now, this wasn’t an unusual request. Nor was it a big ask. Admin and content could wait. I threw on my shoes, grabbed my coffee, and drove over to Kaye’s place. In hindsight, I probably should have worn pants—it was nippy out, and the ground was soggy.

When I arrived, I met Kaye for the first time in her front yard, and together we walked out to the pasture where a small barn-like structure stood. Underneath a drop trap, covered in a moving blanket, was Pixie. Kaye, understandably concerned, asked how I was going to get her into a trap for transport.

About two minutes later, I held up the transfer trap and said, “Like this.” Pixie was in.

We strolled back toward my van. Poor Kaye was visibly cold, but that didn’t stop her from expressing her gratitude. See, Kaye loves her animals, including Pixie, who lives on her property. But at this point in life, she needed a little help—some extra hands and know-how. And she wasn’t shy about how much our help meant to her. Before I left, she asked if she could give me a hug.

Of course, I said yes.

Driving away, I thought about how something so simple—helping someone trap a cat—could create such a genuine human connection. A moment of warmth on a cold morning.

There have been many people like Kaye in Zoomies’ first year, and every one of them reminds us why we do what we do. Helping people help animals is part of our mission—it’s our joy.

Did you know that simply subscribing to our newsletter and following us online can have a massive impact on our mission? It’s true! Every new subscriber, every shared post, and every engaged supporter helps us spread awareness, attract grant funding, and secure sponsorships—allowing us to continue our vital work for animals in need.

You don’t have to donate or volunteer to make a difference—simply subscribing and staying engaged is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to support our work.

By joining our digital community, you help amplify our reach, strengthen our credibility, and show potential funders that people care about what we do. Your support is powerful, and together, we can make a real difference. Subscribe today and be part of the movement!

1. Subscribers Help Secure Grants and Major Donations

Grantmakers and large donors want to invest in organizations with strong community backing. A thriving subscriber base demonstrates that our work is valued and widely supported. When you sign up for our newsletter, you help us show funders that people care about our mission—giving us the credibility to apply for more grants and secure major gifts.

2. Stay Connected & Be Part of the Movement

Subscribing to our newsletter keeps you at the heart of what we do. You’ll receive:
✔ Updates on rescue efforts and community programs
✔ Exclusive stories about the animals you’re helping
✔ Invitations to special events and opportunities to get involved
✔ Insights on how your support makes a real difference

Social media plays a role, too, but algorithms can make it hard to see updates. Our newsletter ensures you never miss an important story or opportunity to help.

3. Expand Our Reach & Influence

When you subscribe and share our content, you help amplify our voice. More subscribers mean more people hearing about our mission—attracting new donors, sponsors, and partners who can provide essential resources.

Social media engagement also plays a key role. Every like, comment, and share extends our reach, helping us connect with potential supporters who might not otherwise find us.

4. Sponsorships & Partnerships Grow With Our Audience

Businesses and sponsors want to support nonprofits with strong community engagement. A larger, active subscriber base makes us more attractive to potential partners, allowing us to secure sponsorships that bring in additional funding and resources for our programs.

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The rising cost of veterinary care is making pet ownership increasingly difficult for families across the country. With veterinary prices climbing faster than inflation and the overall cost of pet care surging, many pet owners are struggling to afford necessary medical care for their animals. This financial strain is having a direct impact on animal rescues, adoption rates, and the ability of shelters and rescue organizations to support pets in need.

The Rising Costs of Veterinary Care

Veterinary expenses have surged dramatically over the last decade. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, vet care costs rose by 7.6%, far outpacing the overall 2.5% inflation rate during the same period.

For pet owners, these rising costs translate into difficult financial decisions. The average annual cost of pet ownership—including food, medical care, and other expenses—has climbed to $1,248 for dogs and $836 for cats. Routine checkups alone can range from $50 to $250 per visit, and emergency care can be much higher.

As prices continue to climb, many pet owners are delaying or skipping veterinary visits altogether. The average time between vet visits has stretched from 57.6 days in 2020 to 85.8 days in 2024. Fewer visits mean delayed diagnoses, untreated medical conditions, and, in some cases, heartbreaking decisions when care becomes unaffordable.

How These Costs Impact Animal Rescues

For animal rescues, rising veterinary costs present an even greater challenge. Many nonprofit rescue organizations rely on donations to cover medical expenses for animals in their care. As vet costs increase, rescues are forced to make difficult choices:

• Fewer rescues: High medical costs limit the number of animals an organization can take in, reducing their ability to save at-risk pets.

• Financial strain: With fewer donations and rising costs, rescues must stretch every dollar to provide necessary care.

• Declining community support: Rescues that assist pet owners with low-cost veterinary services are struggling to keep up with demand, leaving more pets vulnerable to surrender.

When pet owners cannot afford medical care, some feel they have no choice but to surrender their animals to shelters. This puts additional strain on already overwhelmed shelters, further increasing the burden on rescues working to find homes for these pets.

The Impact on Adoption Rates

Adoption rates have been steadily declining. In 2023, approximately 4.8 million cats and dogs were adopted—345,000 fewer adoptions than in 2019. While shelter intake numbers are lower than in previous decades, the number of adoptions has not kept pace with the growing number of pet-owning households.

One key reason for this decline is financial uncertainty. Many potential adopters worry about the cost of owning a pet, especially with vet care becoming more expensive. With 91% of pet owners reporting financial stress due to pet-related expenses, fewer households are willing to take on the responsibility of pet ownership.

A Looming Crisis for Pets and Rescues

As economic uncertainty looms and veterinary costs continue to rise, the financial strain on pet owners, rescues, and shelters will only increase. With fewer adoptions, growing veterinary expenses, and more people struggling to care for their pets, we may see a rise in surrender rates and a decline in rescue organizations' ability to provide assistance.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the veterinary cost crisis requires action from multiple fronts:

• Expanding low-cost veterinary services – More funding and resources for affordable spay/neuter programs and wellness clinics can help offset rising costs.

• Advocating for fair pricing – Encouraging transparency in veterinary pricing and exploring cost-control measures can help make care more accessible.

• Supporting rescues and shelters – Donations, fostering, and volunteering can provide relief to organizations struggling with rising costs.

Conclusion

The cost of veterinary care has reached a tipping point, making pet ownership less accessible and placing enormous strain on rescue organizations. If prices continue to rise, the impact on adoptions, pet retention, and rescue efforts will be devastating.

Now more than ever, communities must come together to support responsible pet ownership, expand affordable care options, and ensure that no pet suffers due to financial hardship. If you’re in a position to help, consider donating to or volunteering with your local rescue. Every effort makes a difference in keeping pets in loving homes and out of shelters.

SOURCES FOR THIS POST:

• https://www.livenowfox.com/news/average-cost-of-pet-dog-cat-2024

• https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/cost-vet-visit/

• https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/09/30/vist-visit-cost-going-up/75366430007/

• https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/vet-visit-cost/

• https://www.thezebra.com/resources/personal-finance/average-cost-of-vet-visit-for-dog/

• https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/costs/

• https://www.avma.org/news/less-foot-traffic-veterinary-practices-spells-declining-revenue#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20veterinary%20prices%20have,2023%20with%20revenue%20increasing%208.8%25.

• https://www.farevet.com/post/the-rising-cost-of-veterinary-care-why-it-s-up-60-in-the-last-decade-and-what-pet-owners-can-do-ab

• https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/16/vet-pet-care-cost-rising/73098326007/

• https://debtwave.org/3-in-4-pet-owners-report-pet-care-costs-rising-due-to-inflation/

• https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2020/02/spending-on-pet-care-services-doubled-in-last-decade.html

• https://bestfriends.org/about/media/new-data-shows-if-6-percent-more-americans-chose-adopt-versus-purchase-pets-all-us

• https://www.thezebra.com/resources/research/pet-adoption-statistics/

• https://rainwalkpetinsurance.com/pet-adoption-statistics/

• https://news.orvis.com/dogs/pet-adoption-statistics-the-numbers-behind-the-need