Raising Money for Charity? Here’s What Pet Ownership Says About Giving

Thinking of asking pet owners to donate to a charity? You might want to reconsider your strategy. A new study from Dartmouth College finds that people without pets are actually the most generous donors—and cat owners tend to give more than dog owners.

The research, published in the journal Anthrozoӧs, looked at nearly 63 million donors and 788 million transactions over a ten-year period, totaling almost $70 billion. The study examined not just how much people donated, but also how often and how diversely they gave—while considering factors like age, gender, income, education, and even political affiliation.

Here’s what they found:

Interestingly, cat owners donated slightly more than dog owners, and they also gave more frequently and across a broader range of charities. Dog owners, long associated with being social and community-oriented, gave less on average—but still regularly. Those without pets topped the list in total donations.

Psychologists suggest that personality traits may play a role. Cat owners tend to score higher in openness and neuroticism—traits linked to giving—while dog owners are often more extroverted and community-focused.

“My research shows that pet ownership reflects subtle but meaningful personality differences—even when it comes to philanthropy,” says Herbert Chang, assistant professor of quantitative social science at Dartmouth. “These insights could help charities tailor their outreach and better understand potential donors.”

So next time you’re planning a fundraiser, remember: your most generous supporters might not be the ones walking a dog in the park—they could be the ones who don’t have a pet at all.