March Muttness - The Ultimate Showdown Where Compassion Meets Competition
Did you know that around 3 million dogs enter animal shelters across the US every year? Of those, around 25% find their way back to their owners, and approximately 13% are euthanized.1 Sadly, this number is going up each year. With the ever-increasing cost of living, more and more dog owners are finding themselves unable to care for their pets, resulting in many being surrendered or abandoned. Animal shelters are bursting at the seams and in desperate need of financial support.
Enter March Muttness
For the past few years, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona has hosted a unique program to incentivize shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations from across the U.S. to boost their fundraising efforts. In a single elimination-style tournament, 35 organizations from across the country are competing to see who can raise the most donations. The teams with the highest fundraising totals advance through each round, all leading up to the championship! Every dollar donated helps shelters continue their lifesaving work while making the tournament even more exciting for supporters.
Originally founded as a bold response to the cancellation of in-person fundraising events during the COVID-19 pandemic, March Muttness has transformed into an electrifying annual tradition, proving that team spirit and generosity can change lives.
Last year, 38 participating teams rallied together to raise over $430,000, showcasing the unstoppable power of community-driven fundraising.
How It Works: Every Dollar Counts!
For March Muttness 2025, donations determine the winners! Every dollar donated pushes your favorite shelter closer to victory, giving them the competitive edge they need to advance.
Who will make it to the Final Furry 4 and claim the ultimate title? That’s up to the public and sponsors! Whether you’re cheering for your local animal shelter or simply want to make a difference for animals in need, now is the time to get involved.
How You Can Join the Action
As March Muttness 2025 unfolds, you can be part of this movement of generosity and friendly competition. Round 1 champions have already been decided, and Round 2 is about to begin.
To follow the action, check the brackets, and support your favorite shelter, head to www.MarchMuttness.org.
Round 2 runs from March 13 @ 11 AM EST to March 15 @ 11 PM EST. Only the teams that raise the most donations during this period will advance to Round 3. There are still plenty of sponsorship opportunities as well, so if your company or organization would like to get involved, you can learn more about sponsorship packages at: https://www.donorcharm.org/march-muttness-sponsors/ or by emailing partners@nonprofitexchange.org.
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Dr. Karyn Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS (Vet)
Dr. Karyn is originally from Queensland, Australia, and has resided in the UK for the past 10 years. She graduated from The University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in 2010, and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. Karyn is passionate about using experience, evidence, and working with pet owners to provide the best solutions for pets. She also believes in making reliable information about animal health accessible to everyone. 5 cats and 4 dogs let her share their home with her and her husband, and when she is not practising as a veterinary surgeon, she spends her time writing, gardening, and cleaning up pet hair!
