Understanding the Cost of Operating a Sanctuary
Operating a sanctuary-based rescue involves two distinct types of expenses:
Routine Operating Costs
These are the predictable, ongoing expenses required every day to keep our sanctuary open and to provide every dog with a safe, healthy, and loving environment. They include housing, food, routine veterinary care, payroll, utilities, transportation, insurance, and the many day-to-day costs that allow us to care for dogs around the clock.
Extraordinary Medical Costs
Many of the dogs who come to Hugs for Harry arrive with severe medical conditions that require emergency surgery, specialty consultations, advanced diagnostics, hospitalization, or long-term treatment. These expenses are often unexpected and can add thousands of dollars to the cost of caring for a single dog.
Understanding the difference between these two types of expenses helps explain why emergency fundraising campaigns are sometimes necessary, even while the sanctuary’s regular operating costs continue every day.
Monthly Cost of Operating Our Sanctuary
Simply keeping Hugs for Harry open and ready to say “yes” requires an ongoing investment of approximately $16,650 every month—or about $537 every day - before emergency surgeries or specialty medical care are considered.
Monthly Operating Expense
Approximate Monthly Cost
Sanctuary Rent $3,800
Essential Payroll & Caregiving. $7,745
Utilities. $ 855
Internet & Wi-Fi. $. 89
Garbage Service. $. 750
Insurance. $. 250
Software & Technology. $ 250
Cleaning & Sanitation Supplies. $. 200
Food & Specialized Diets. $1,000
Rescue Transport. $. 600
Routine Veterinary Care. $1,000 ~
Estimated Monthly Operating Costs
Approximately $16,650
These operating costs provide the foundation for everything we do. They cover the day-to-day care every rescue dog requires—from nutritious food and a safe place to sleep to routine veterinary care for illnesses such as kennel cough, skin and ear infections, vaccinations, medications, wellness exams, and preventive care.
They do not include extraordinary medical expenses such as emergency surgeries, specialty referrals, CT scans, advanced dental procedures, orthopedic surgeries, or prolonged hospitalization. Those lifesaving treatments are often unpredictable and can cost thousands of dollars for a single dog.
Routine Care vs. Extraordinary Medical Care
Routine Veterinary Care
Included in our monthly operating expenses:
Wellness examinations
Vaccinations
Preventive care
Treatment for kennel cough
Ear and skin infections
Routine medications
Health monitoring
Extraordinary Medical Care
Often funded through dedicated fundraising efforts:
Emergency surgeries
Specialty consultations
Advanced diagnostics (CT scans, MRI, Ultrasound, Blood Panels)
Dental surgery
Orthopedic procedures
Hospitalization and intensive care
Cancer treatment
Specialty referrals
Why We Sometimes Hold Emergency Fundraisers
The monthly operating expenses above ensure that every dog receives food, shelter, routine veterinary care, and compassionate daily support.
Occasionally, however, a dog arrives needing immediate emergency surgery or specialized medical treatment that could never have been anticipated. These extraordinary medical expenses are in addition to our regular operating costs.
When that happens, we may launch a dedicated fundraising campaign so that one dog’s urgent medical needs never compromise the care of the other dogs who depend on our sanctuary.
Our Promise to Our Donors
We recognize that every donation is a gift of trust.
Whether your contribution helps provide a warm bed, a routine veterinary visit, lifesaving surgery, or simply keeps our sanctuary operating for another day, we are committed to using your generosity thoughtfully, responsibly, and with the dogs’ best interests at heart.
Because of your support, we can continue opening our doors to the dogs who have nowhere else to go—and continue saying “yes” when they need us most.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for making these second chances possible.
Financial Transparency
At Hugs for Harry, we believe transparency and accountability are essential to earning and maintaining the trust of our donors, volunteers, grant partners, and community.
Hugs for Harry received recognition as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a newly established nonprofit, our first IRS Form 990 is not yet available because we are operating under the IRS filing schedule for new organizations. Once filed, it—and future annual filings—will be made publicly available on this page.
Every donation entrusted to Hugs for Harry represents an investment in dogs who have nowhere else to turn. We are committed to responsible financial stewardship by maintaining accurate financial records, honoring donor-restricted gifts, documenting significant veterinary expenses, and using every contribution thoughtfully to maximize the care we provide.
IRS Determination Letter
Hugs for Harry was recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) effective February 11, 2025.
We Welcome Your Questions
At Hugs For Harry, we are committed to openness, accountability, and responsible stewardship of every donation we receive.
If you have questions about our finances, policies, fundraising efforts, or how donations are allocated, please don't hesitate to contact us. We welcome your questions and value the opportunity to earn your trust.
Email:info@hugsforharry.org