Tito’s Handmade Vodka – which playfully advertises itself as the vodka for dog people – recently joined forces with the Voorhees Animal Orphanage in a two-week campaign to support shelter pets.
The fundraising initiative, which ran from Feb. 14 through 28, aimed to raise $90,000 to provide essential supplies and care for animals in need. As part of the campaign, Tito’s pledged to match donations dollar for dollar, up to $45,000, doubling the impact of community contributions. The funds raised will go toward kennel supplies, medical care, and other necessities to help the shelter’s animals find forever homes.
Dogs have been part of the Tito’s Handmade Vodka story from its beginning. Victoria Lewis, the company’s field sales manager, noted how the company’s Vodka for Dog People initiative reflects its commitment to animal welfare.
“Through our Vodka for Dog People program, we work to better the lives of pets and their people far and wide,” she explained. “Tito’s supports hundreds of animal-focused nonprofits throughout the U.S. and around the world each year. Between sponsoring ‘yappy’ hours, amplifying nonprofit fundraising initiatives and our dog-friendly work spaces, we’re always celebrating the bond between pups and their people.”
Voorhees Animal Orphanage opened in 1988 and has rescued more than 40,000 animals, including more than 2,300 in 2024 alone. Kerry Rose, the shelter’s digital marketing and fundraising manager, expressed the impact of the Tito’s partnership.
“We are honored to work with Tito’s Handmade Vodka on this campaign that will benefit the animals in our care,” she said. “The money raised will support the work that we do and help prepare animals to find their forever homes.”
Funds from the campaign will provide essential care items such as prescription foods, vaccines, microchips, dog beds, preventatives and medical tests required for adoption, along with cleaning supplies necessary at the shelter.
The facility has a five-step adoption process to ensure the right match for its residents. Prospective adopters can visit the shelter or explore available animals online before completing an application. The shelter also arranges meet-and-greet sessions to ensure compatibility with current pets or family members before finalizing an adoption agreement.
Success stories highlight the shelter’s impact. One is the case of Holly Berry, a mixed-breed dog who arrived there emaciated and with a broken spirit. Her care enabled her to regain 40 pounds and build her trust in humans.
“The money raised through Tito’s matching campaign will help support us as we work to save the lives of other animals like Holly Berry and prepare them for adoption,” Rose noted.
Beyond the recent campaign, Tito’s remains dedicated to animal welfare year round with its long-standing commitment.
“Each year, Tito’s amplifies the work of animal-based nonprofits across the nation and around the world,” Lewis said, “with a focus on supporting low-cost spay/neuter services, adoptions and affordable veterinary care.”
For those considering contributions, Lewis encourages community participation.
“Voorhees Animal Orphanage works hard to support animals in the South Jersey community,” she observed. “Donations made through this matching campaign will support the supplies and services needed for the animals in Voorhees’ care as they wait to find their forever families.
“We encourage community members to consider donating alongside us if able, or signing up to volunteer at the shelter in your spare time.”
