Helping Homeless Pets: Local Company Sitting for a Cause Competing to Win a Grant

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – Sitting for a Cause, the nation’s first pet sitting company that gives 50% of its profits to help homeless pets, is competing to win a $25,000 grant in The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest. Founded in Newport Beach in 2013, Sitting for a Cause has been a one woman and her dog pet sitting team that has given over $4600 to animal related causes. They are planning to expand so they can give back on an even larger level.

“I’ve always been passionate about animal-related causes, so it made sense to me to use the profits I earn taking care of other people’s pets to help animals that have yet to find homes,” said founder Ashley Jacobs. “Operating as a pet sitting duo with my dog has enabled me to help many shelter animals, but expanding my company would allow me to give back on a far greater level.”

Jacobs entered Sitting for a Cause in The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest to help fund her company’s expansion so she can help more animals. The first phase of the contest is vote-based and Jacobs is seeking votes and support to help her company get to round two of the competition.

“We need votes and support from animal lovers everywhere so we have a chance to win and give back even more,” stated Jacobs. “If you are an animal lover, we would so appreciate your vote!”

Jacobs says her company plans to create a website that will enable pet parents to find pet care providers and make bookings and payments for services through their site. Sitting for a Cause will take a 10% commission on what their pet care providers earn, then give 50% of the profits they make on commissions back to animal-related causes. Their commitment to giving back as well as their lower commission charges are what set them apart from their competitors.

“We believe that the only acceptable euthanasia rate for adoptable pets in the United States is 0% and we want to do our part to make this vision a reality by making a commitment to give back on a large scale,” said Jacobs. “Winning this grant would help us move forward toward being able to give back more because it would provide us with the funds to build our website.”

To support Sitting for a Cause in The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, vote here. Supporters can vote daily through March 17, 2015 via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.