Black Dog Animal Rescue

What Black Dog Animal Rescue does

Black Dog Animal Rescue (BDAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 and headquartered at 2407 E. 9th Street in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It self-identifies as Wyoming's largest animal rescue and operates a hybrid delivery model: dogs are placed in volunteer foster homes off-site, while cats are housed at the main facility and available for in-person visits during business hours. The organization has placed more than 7,000 dogs into adoptive homes since inception, adopting more than 480 cats and dogs in 2024, with adoption volume increasing every year since 2008. BDAR serves pet adopters in Laramie County, Wyoming, and Northern Colorado, and reaches underserved residents through community pet food assistance (Empty Dish Pet Pantry, 60,000+ pounds distributed) and low-cost veterinary services (Community Vaccine Clinics, microchipping).

BDAR's product surface spans multiple interconnected programs: the core Adoption Program, Foster Program (with a "Try It Once" entry point), the PACK (Preparing Adoptable Companion K9s) Program running ~70 dogs/year through Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution, the PASS rehoming program, the Meow Mates cat-socialization program with Laramie County Detention Center, dog training classes, and commemorative giving items. The underlying technology stack is intentionally lean: Shelterluv for adoptable-pet listings and adoption workflow, Bloomerang for donor CRM and recurring giving, and GuideStar for nonprofit transparency. BDAR reports no proprietary platform, patents, or AI/ML capabilities; competitive differentiation rests on operational programs and community relationships rather than technology.

Revenue is generated through diversified streams: individual donations (including the Constant Companion Club monthly recurring program), three-tiered corporate sponsorships (Kajsa $10,000/yr, PACK $5,000/yr, Lincoln $3,000/yr, each on a 3-year commitment), variable adoption fees, foundation grants (Petco Love, MuttNation Foundation), community retail programs (King Soopers Community Rewards, Walmart Spark Good, Amazon Wishlist, Chewy), unit-priced ancillary services (vaccines, microchips, training classes, rehoming enrollment), and event-driven fundraising (Bark & Wine gala, Cornhole Tournament, WyoGives Day). Annual animal preparation costs exceed $100,000. Long-term sustainability is anchored by the Kajsa's Legacy Fund, a $50,000 endowment established with the Wyoming Community Foundation in 2021. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors, and the organization holds membership in the Northern Colorado Regional Animal Welfare Coalition.

Name

Black Dog Animal Rescue

Legal name

Black Dog Animal Rescue

Website

https://bdar.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Black Dog Animal Rescue is Wyoming's largest 501(c)(3) animal rescue, operating foster-based dog adoptions and facility-based cat adoptions across Laramie County and Northern Colorado, supported by community programs including inmate-trained dogs, pet food assistance, and low-cost veterinary care.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue and Welfare Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Veterinary Services (54194)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs (BPAGAIAE), Lost & Found, Reunification & Microchipping Programs (BPAGAIAL)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Pet adoption programs
• Dog training classes
• Community pet welfare
• Animal rehabilitation care

Headquarters

HQ city

Cheyenne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring monthly donations from individual supporters via the Constant Companion Club (CCC) automated monthly withdrawal program. Donors receive benefits including special updates, CCC koozies, naming opportunities for BDAR animals, and event invitations.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Three-tiered corporate sponsorship program: Kajsa Sponsorship at $10,000/year (3-year commitment) with premier benefits including logo placement on transport van, digital newsletter, website, and premiere event sponsorship; Lincoln Sponsorship at $3,000/year (3-year commitment); and PACK Program Sponsorship at $5,000/year with naming opportunities and logo placement.
3. Adoption Fees: Variable adoption fees determined by animal's perceived desirability, age, training/medical investment, and length of time available for adoption. Higher fees act as a legacy gift supporting other animals in the program. Average expense per animal ranges from $500–$1,000.
4. Foundation Grants: BDAR receives grants from foundations including Petco Love (free vaccines via grant), MuttNation Foundation ($3,000 in 2020, $1,000 in 2021), and anonymous $50,000 gift for spay/neuter clinic development.
5. Community Retail Programs: Revenue through King Soopers Community Rewards (designated code BV610), Walmart Spark Good Program, Amazon Wishlist, and Chewy account when supporters shop or link loyalty cards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Black Dog Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dogs and cats in Wyoming, primarily through adoption, foster, and sheltering programs. Beyond placement, it runs community-focused programs including a low-cost Community Vaccine Clinic, the Empty Dish Pet Pantry for pet food assistance, the PASS Program to help owners rehome pets, the PACK working-dog program in partnership with the Wyoming Honor Farm, and public dog training classes.

Product overview

Black Dog Animal Rescue is Wyoming's largest animal rescue organization operating as a foster-home based rescue with multiple interconnected programs. The core offering is the Adoption Program for dogs and cats, supported by the Foster Program for temporary animal care. Specialized programs include the PACK Program (inmate dog training partnership), PASS Program (rehoming assistance), and Meow Mates (cat socialization in detention centers). Community services include the Empty Dish Pet Pantry (pet food distribution), Community Vaccine Clinics, Dog Training Classes, and Volunteer Programs. The organization runs annual fundraising events including the Bark and Wine Gala and Cornhole Tournament, and maintains an endowment fund (Kajsa's Legacy Fund) through Wyoming Community Foundation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PACK Program: Preparing Adoptable Companion K9s (PACK) Program - a collaborative program with Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution pairing shelter dogs with inmate handlers for training and rehabilitation.
• Meow Mates
• Empty Dish Pet Pantry
• PASS Program
• Try It Once
• Constant Companion Club
• Kajsa's Legacy Fund

Products and services

• Dog and Cat Adoption Program Adoption program matching rescued dogs and cats with approved adopters in the Wyoming community, supported by online listings of adoptable animals.
• Foster Program Foster care network placing rescued dogs and cats with volunteer foster families for temporary care and rehabilitation prior to adoption.
• PACK (Positive Action K9s and Canines) Program Working-dog program partnering with the Wyoming Honor Farm, where inmates help train rescue dogs to become adoptable, well-trained companion and working dogs.
• Community Vaccine Clinic Low-cost vaccination clinic providing accessible preventive veterinary care to community pets.
• Empty Dish Pet Pantry Pet food assistance pantry providing food to families facing pet food insecurity in the community.
• PASS Program (Pet Assistance & Support Services) Program assisting pet owners in rehoming their pets when they can no longer keep them, providing a humane alternative to surrender.
• Dog Training Classes Public dog training classes teaching obedience and skills to community dog owners, while also preparing rescue dogs for adoption.

Quantifiable outcome

• 480+ animals adopted in 2024; 7,000+ dogs placed since inception
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Laramie County Sheriff's Department / Laramie County Detention Center (LCDC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021The Meow Mates program is a collaborative initiative between BDAR and the Laramie County Sheriff's Department / LCDC. Inmates at LCDC care for adoptable cats, providing socialization and decompression outside of the shelter kennel environment. Program supports both cat welfare and provides meaningful activity for inmates. Contact: Kaitlin Whitman (Development and Marketing Manager) and Lt. Jennifer Stephens (LCDC).
• AmVets Post 10minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019U.S. Veterans are eligible to receive adoption fee assistance through a partnership with AmVets Post 10. Veterans indicate interest on their adoption application or call BDAR directly for more information.
• Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution (Torrington, WY)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2015The PACK (Preparing Adoptable Companion K9s) Program is a collaborative initiative pairing shelter dogs with inmate handlers for 9 weeks of intensive training. The partnership began in Fall 2015. Inmates live with the dogs 24/7 in housing units and train them in basic obedience, agility, and behavior modification. Approximately 70 dogs benefit annually. BDAR absorbs all medical care, feeding, equipment, and supply costs. PACK graduates are usually immediately adopted.
• Animal Friends Alliance (Fort Collins, CO)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBDAR refers community members to Animal Friends Alliance for low-cost spay and neuter services. Pricing details are available on the Animal Friends Alliance website. This partnership extends BDAR's community service reach beyond Cheyenne.
• Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic LLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCottonwood Veterinary Clinic provides emergency and specialized veterinary care for BDAR animals, including the Noel family's emergency C-section (Thanksgiving Day, 2023). They have provided reduced-cost or expedited care for urgent cases.
• Maddi Haak (Animal Care Manager / Dog Trainer)minorOthersMaddi Haak serves as BDAR's Animal Care Manager and leads dog training classes (Puppy Basics and Adult Basics). Contact: [email protected] or 307-222-3254.
• Northern Colorado Regional Animal Welfare CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBDAR is a member of the Northern Colorado Regional Animal Welfare Coalition, a collaborative network of animal welfare organizations across Northern Colorado and Wyoming working together on regional animal welfare initiatives.
• Kevin O'Hare (Volunteer Transporter and Donor)minorOthersKevin O'Hare has driven over 300,000 miles transporting over 2,000 animals across 19 species over 10 years. He donated over $5,000 to upgrade Kitty City with new cat condos. Served briefly on the BDAR Board. Provided significant in-kind transport services supporting BDAR's regional rescue network.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Petco Love: National nonprofit funded by Petco that provides grants supporting adoption, veterinary care, and lifesaving programs. BDAR is a direct grant recipient, and Petco Love's funding model and beneficiary profile are highly comparable to BDAR's community-service orientation.
• MuttNation Foundation: Animal welfare foundation founded by Miranda Lambert that has funded BDAR through multiple grants. Comparable as a funder in the same rescue ecosystem, though it operates as a grantmaker rather than a direct service provider.

Broad incumbents

• Best Friends Animal Society: National leader in the no-kill animal welfare movement, operating sanctuaries, adoption programs, and coalition networks. Comparable to BDAR through its 'coalition' model (mirroring BDAR's Northern Colorado Regional Animal Welfare Coalition membership) and community-based rescue work.
• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): National animal welfare organization with adoption, spay/neuter, and community programs. Broadly comparable mission and grant-making posture to BDAR, though at vastly larger scale and with broader geographic scope.
• Dumb Friends League: Large, established Denver-based animal welfare nonprofit operating shelters, adoption, veterinary care, and community programs across Colorado. Compares to BDAR on mission and services at much larger scale, and is a regional benchmark for the BDAR coalition's Colorado expansion path.

Direct peers

• Animal Friends Alliance: Fort Collins, Colorado-based nonprofit animal rescue that BDAR already partners with for low-cost spay/neuter referrals. Compares directly on foster-based rescue model, adoption services, and community veterinary access in the Northern Colorado region.
• Safe Haven Animal Rescue: Wyoming-based foster-based dog rescue, similar in operating model to BDAR. Comparable on foster-driven adoption, community education, and Wyoming-specific regional animal welfare focus.
• Cheyenne Animal Shelter: Municipal animal shelter serving Cheyenne and Laramie County, the same primary market as BDAR. Both organizations handle dog and cat intake, adoption, and community programs in the same geographic footprint, making them the closest direct competitors/collaborators.
• Colorado Pet Pantry: Colorado nonprofit providing pet food assistance to families in need—directly comparable to BDAR's Empty Dish Pet Pantry program. Both organizations address the same pet food insecurity pain point with similar distribution-based models.

Regional players

• Wyoming Humane Society: Wyoming-based animal welfare organization serving a different part of the state. Comparable mission and adoption/community services, but operates in a separate regional market without direct overlap with BDAR's Laramie County base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Northern-Colorado-Regional-Animal-Welfare-Coalition-104683780933181
• Xx.com/bdarwy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Black Dog Animal Rescue