National Mill Dog Rescue

What National Mill Dog Rescue does

National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in Peyton, Colorado, with a second operational campus, Dogsville Rescue & Clinic, in Humansville, Missouri. The organization specializes in rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming discarded commercial breeding dogs — primarily survivors of puppy mill operations — and educating the public about the commercial dog breeding industry. Since founding, NMDR has rescued more than 25,000 to 27,000 dogs, including a record 434 dogs in a single month (June 2025), and operates a full rescue-to-adoption pipeline encompassing intake, veterinary care (spay/neuter, dental, critical medical), behavioral rehabilitation, foster placement, adoption matching, and lifelong post-adoption support including a no-judgment return policy and a dedicated lost dog recovery hotline.

The organization's operational technology stack is built on standard nonprofit SaaS: Shelterluv for adoption management and listing available dogs, DonorPerfect (PCI-compliant) for online donation processing, ConstantContact for email marketing and newsletters under a double opt-in process, and Google Analytics for web analytics. There are no proprietary AI/ML systems; AI exposure is limited to referencing Petco Love Lost's third-party facial recognition tool for lost pet recovery. Distribution is anchored by two physical shelter campuses — adopters must travel to the specific campus housing the dog — supplemented by recurring major events (Festival in the Bark, Clear the Shelters, Dogsville Fall Festival, An Evening of Hope Gala), peer-to-peer fundraising on Facebook and YouTube Giving, and active engagement across six social media platforms.

NMDR's revenue model is multi-channel and donation-centric, combining individual charitable contributions (monthly recurring gifts, one-time donations, vehicle donations, kennel sponsorships, legacy giving), adoption fees (varying by dog age, not publicly disclosed), event-driven fundraising (Festival in the Bark, Evening of Hope Gala), corporate sponsorship across three tiers for the 2026 Festival in the Bark (Presenting, Paw Partner, Tail Wag with at least 16 named sponsors), and shop-and-give affiliate programs (Amazon Wish List, Chewy, King Soopers Community Rewards, iGive, Goodshop, Wooftrax). The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors led by Chairman Ric Drake, with Theresa Strader as Founder & Chief Missions Officer, Sarah Thompson as Executive Director, and a 25-person staff complement across both campuses. NMDR does not have external investors, parent entities, or subsidiaries, and no ownership changes or M&A activity are disclosed.

Name

National Mill Dog Rescue

Legal name

National Mill Dog Rescue

Website

https://nmdr.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

National Mill Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating two shelter campuses in Peyton, Colorado and Humansville, Missouri that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes discarded commercial breeding dogs, serving individual adopters, donors, volunteers, and corporate sponsors across Colorado and Missouri.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs (BPAGAIAE), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Lost & Found, Reunification & Microchipping Programs (BPAGAIAL), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Commercial breeding dog rescue
• Pet rehabilitation services
• Rescue adoption services
• Nonprofit animal welfare

Headquarters

HQ city

Peyton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: NMDR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded primarily through charitable donations. Donation programs include monthly recurring gifts (The Giving Tree monthly companion program), one-time donations, vehicle donations, memorial/pet honor donations, kennel sponsorships, and legacy giving through estate planning. The organization also accepts in-kind donations of supplies and operates a shop-and-give program through Amazon Wish List, Chewy Wish List, King Soopers Community Rewards, iGive, Goodshop, and Wooftrax.
2. Adoption Fees: Adoption fees are charged for each dog placed in a adoptive home. Fees vary by age and directly offset the extensive veterinary care, dental work, and rehabilitation each dog receives before adoption. Fees are not publicly disclosed and are determined at the time of adoption.
3. Event Fundraising: Annual and special events serve as significant fundraising channels. Events include the Festival in the Bark (major annual event with sponsors), the An Evening of Hope Gala (largest annual fundraiser), and peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns. Sponsorships for events provide additional revenue from corporate partners.
4. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship of the annual NMDR sponsorship program provides marketing exposure for businesses in exchange for financial support. Sponsors receive dedicated social media features, website logo placement, and event recognition. The 2026 Festival in the Bark features sponsors at Presenting, Paw Partner, and Tail Wag tiers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

National Mill Dog Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes discarded commercial breeding dogs (puppy mill survivors). Services are delivered through two shelter campuses (Peyton, Colorado and Dogsville, Humansville, Missouri) and include veterinary care, dental procedures, behavioral rehabilitation, foster placement, adoption matching, post-adoption behavioral support, and a lost dog recovery hotline. The organization funds operations through donations, sponsorships, adoption fees, and event-based fundraising.

Product overview

National Mill Dog Rescue operates a unified nonprofit service platform centered on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming discarded breeding dogs. The core offering is the Dog Adoption Program, supported by the Foster Care Program for temporary home placement, Pet Training Resources for behavioral guidance, and Lost Dog Recovery Services for post-adoption safety. Additional support is provided through Post-Adoption Support including behavioral consultation. Revenue generation occurs through Donation Programs (monthly giving, vehicle donations, Healing Hearts Fund, kennel sponsorship, legacy giving), Shop and Give Programs (King Soopers rewards, iGive, Goodshop), Peer to Peer Fundraising tools, and the Annual Sponsorship Program for corporate partners. Community engagement is fostered through Events and Gala activities (Clear the Shelters, Pumpkin Paw-ty, Dogsville Fall Festival, An Evening of Hope Gala) and the Rescue Readers program. The organization runs two shelter campuses in Peyton, Colorado and Dogsville, Missouri.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dog Adoption Program Adoption program connecting rescued commercial breeding dogs with adoptive families through an application, interview, and meet-and-greet process delivered at NMDR's two shelter campuses.
• Foster Care Program Temporary home placement program where volunteers provide care, observe behaviors, and help prepare rescued dogs for adoption. NMDR supplies all medical care, crates, and essential supplies to foster caregivers.
• Pet Training Resources Program providing training tips and behavioral guidance including enrichment, eye contact, house training, leash reactivity, body language, crate training, and local training resources for adopters of rescued dogs.
• Lost Dog Recovery Services Specialized recovery protocol and hotline for locating NMDR-adopted dogs that have escaped, including field search protocols and prevention strategies tailored to high-flight-risk breeding-facility survivors.
• Post-Adoption Support Post-adoption support including behavioral consultation, guidance, home visits, and access to the NMDR Happy Tales Facebook community for adopters of NMDR dogs.
• Donation Programs Various donation options including monthly giving, one-time gifts, vehicle donations, Healing Hearts Fund for medical care, kennel sponsorship, E-cards, and legacy giving for supporters of NMDR's mission.
• Shop and Give Programs Programs enabling donations through shopping, including King Soopers Community Rewards, official NMDR merchandise, iGive, Goodshop, and Wooftrax dog walking app.
• Annual Sponsorship Program Annual sponsorship program offering marketing exposure, social media features, website logo placement, and event recognition for corporate partners.
• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Peer-to-peer fundraising platform allowing supporters to create fundraisers on Facebook and YouTube Giving to raise money on behalf of NMDR.
• Events and Gala Annual events including Clear the Shelters adoption events, Pumpkin Paw-ty fall festival, Dogsville Fall Festival, and An Evening of Hope Gala for community engagement and fundraising.
• Rescue Readers Program Rescue Readers program for children to socialize with rescued dogs through reading, appropriate for elementary through high school participants.
• In-Kind Donations Acceptance of physical donations including dog treats, toys, puppy pads, peanut butter, towels, wire crates, and airline carriers to support dog care operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 27,000 dogs rescued to date
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Leaders Who Care (2026 Festival in the Bark)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, described as the vital partner fueling NMDR's fleet behind the milestone of rescuing more than 27,000 dogs. Leaders Who Care is highlighted as the primary sponsor enabling NMDR's rescue missions.
• MetLifecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPaw Partner level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark. MetLife's sponsorship provides marketing exposure and aligns the brand with NMDR's life-saving mission.
• Farmers Insurance (Allison Roth Agency)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPaw Partner level sponsor at the 2026 Festival in the Bark, with logo featured on the event sponsors page.
• Zoomroom Colorado SpringsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPaw Partner level sponsor at the 2026 Festival in the Bark, with logo featured on the event sponsors page.
• Complete We Do (Colorado Springs)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Fillmore Veterinary HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Wild Pup & Co.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Fetch Pet Care (Colorado Springs)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Southern Rockies AnimalERminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• GS-JJminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Bank of ColoradominorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Front Range DinosaursminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Raising Cane's (Colorado Springs)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Meemah & Bone Pet SittingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Stubby's Dog WashminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Furryland (Colorado Springs Mobile Pet Groomers)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTail Wag level sponsor of the 2026 Festival in the Bark, listed among supporting sponsors.
• Bissell Pet FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLogo featured on the NMDR homepage footer as a partner organization supporting the rescue's mission.
• DonorPerfectcoreTechnology or IntegrationDonorPerfect is the U.S.-based donation processing platform used by NMDR to collect donations from donors via online forms. The company is located in the U.S. and works specifically with U.S.-based organizations. NMDR's online donation links route through DonorPerfect's platform.
• ConstantContactcoreTechnology or IntegrationConstantContact is used by NMDR for email marketing and newsletters. When supporters sign up for the newsletter, their name and email address are stored within ConstantContact for NMDR's exclusive use. NMDR does not sell or share email addresses with other lists outside of NMDR.
• Amazon Wish ListminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon Wish List allows supporters to purchase and send needed supplies directly to NMDR. The wish list is referenced on the In-Kind Donations page as a way to contribute supplies.
• Chewy Wish ListminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChewy Wish List allows supporters to purchase pet supplies and have them shipped directly to NMDR. Listed alongside the Amazon Wish List on the In-Kind Donations page.
• King Soopers Community RewardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKing Soopers Community Rewards program allows shoppers to designate NMDR as their nonprofit beneficiary, with a portion of qualifying purchases donated to NMDR. Part of the Shop and Give program.
• iGiveminorGTM or Marketing PartneriGive is an online shopping portal through which NMDR receives donations when supporters shop at participating retailers through the platform. Part of the Shop and Give program.
• GoodshopminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGoodshop is an online shopping platform that donates a portion of purchases to NMDR when supporters choose NMDR as their beneficiary. Part of the Shop and Give program.
• WooftraxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWooftrax is a free mobile app that allows dog owners to support NMDR simply by walking their dog — donations are generated based on walking activity. Part of the Shop and Give program.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Missouri Humane Society (Missouri Animal Friends): Regional animal welfare organization serving the Missouri area. Comparable to NMDR's Dogsville campus in Missouri on the adopt-don't-shop rescue mission, though operating in a different metro area of the state.
• Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region: Regional animal shelter and rescue organization serving the Colorado Springs area where NMDR's Peyton campus is located. Direct regional competitor for adopters, donors, and volunteers in the same geographic market.

Direct peers

• Almost Home Foundation: Mid-sized dog rescue nonprofit focused on rescuing and rehoming dogs from breeding operations and shelters. Comparable to NMDR as a dog-breeding-rescue-focused nonprofit using foster-based adoption models.

Others

• Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation): National pet welfare nonprofit running adoption events and grant programs for shelter and rescue partners. NMDR uses Petco Love Lost as a partner technology; comparable as a peer/contributor in the same animal welfare ecosystem.
• Bissell Pet Foundation: Pet-focused nonprofit sponsoring adoption events and supporting shelter pets nationwide. Listed as a partner on NMDR's homepage; comparable as a dog rescue and adoption non-profit with a strong event-driven fundraising model.

Broad incumbents

• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National animal welfare advocacy organization supporting pet adoption, animal rescue, and anti-cruelty work. Comparable to NMDR on the dog rescue and public education mission, but operates at a much larger scale with a stronger policy and advocacy focus.
• Best Friends Animal Society: Largest no-kill animal welfare organization in the US, operating sanctuaries and adoption programs nationwide. Comparable to NMDR as a national-scale nonprofit directly focused on dog rescue and adoption, though significantly larger and broader in species scope.
• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): One of the largest and oldest animal welfare nonprofits in the US, combining direct rescue operations with advocacy. Highly comparable to NMDR on the animal rescue and adoption mission, though with a much broader national footprint and advocacy scope.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/NationalMillDogRescue
• YouTubeyoutube.com/milldogrescue
• Facebookfacebook.com/NationalMillDogRescue
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nationalmilldogrescue
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationalmilldogrescue
• Pinterestpinterest.com/milldogrescue
• TikToktiktok.com/@milldogrescue?lang=en

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 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 National Mill Dog Rescue