Do you know how much it costs to run a rescue group? AARF has an all-volunteer staff, so what expenses are there?

1) Veterinary Care: Initial vetting is roughly $350 per dog and $300 per cat. With monthly flea and heartworm preventative, regular vaccine updates, and emergencies or illnesses, vet costs average $1,500 per month.

2) Programs: Costs not covered by grants for Kids N Kritters, Casper's Fund, and Silver Paws average around $800 per month (but we really need $1,200 per month to expand the programs in 2010).

3) Administrative: Cost to print brochures, host our website, mail adoption packets, have a bank account, etc., is around $250 per month.

4) Miscellaneous: We try to maintain a cushion of at least $500 for unexpected vet emergencies or program costs, but for most of 2009, we didn't have the funds to maintain this fund. Your donation can help us rebuild our emergency fund.

So, at a bare minimum, it costs about $3,000 a month to meet our expenses. Can you help us meet them? Every dollar donated makes a difference to that dog, cat, puppy or kitten who is facing euthanasia at a county shelter. It makes a difference to every child who learns how to be compassionate toward pets during a school presentation. It makes a difference to every pet who is fixed through Casper's Fund.

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