Pasadena Humane has turned amateur art into real money for animals in need, raising more than $11,000 through its latest “poorly drawn pets” fundraiser.
The shelter invited pet owners across the country to donate and submit photos of their dogs, cats, turtles, and more via Facebook. In return, volunteer “artists” at the shelter produced portraits that ranged from impressively detailed to joyfully bad. The mismatched results quickly gained attention online, with participants sharing the finished drawings on social media.
Pasadena Humane first tested the idea during the pandemic on a smaller scale, but this year’s edition was much bigger. Around 450 submissions were received before the deadline, with every single pet picture paired to a staff member or volunteer in the shelter’s makeshift art room.
Pasadena Humane raises $11,000 through “art”
The portraits became a mix of meme-worthy sketches and genuinely skilled artwork. Some pets were rendered in surprising detail, while others came back with lopsided heads, exaggerated tongues, or cartoonish stick bodies.
Despite the playful results, the fundraiser had a serious purpose. According to Pasadena Humane, every donation supports the shelter’s medical care and rehoming efforts. The group now plans to make “poorly drawn pets” a recurring event after this year’s success.
If you wish to have your pets immortalized by a Pasadena Human artist, keep your eye on their official Facebook page for when the next fundraiser will be announced.