What is the El Rey Fido Fundraising Competition?

El Rey Fido is the title earned by the dog who raises the most funds during the annual El Rey Fido (ERF) fundraising competition.

ERF began in 2002 as a feel-good spin on the already long-established Fiesta Royalty title of a similar name: Rey Feo. But what began as a pun has since evolved into an annual fundraising effort that raises tens of thousands of dollars each year for countless needy dogs and cats at the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS).

When does the El Rey Fido fundraising competition begin?

The ERF fundraising competition kicks off on Monday, September 2, 2024, to give participants ample time to raise funds for SAHS pets, and ends the following spring season prior to the start of Fiesta^® San Antonio.

Who can participate in the El Rey Fido fundraising competition?

All friendly and fiesta-loving canines interested in earning their crown must be at least six months of age, up to date on their vaccines, and spayed/neutered to participate.

How much is the entry fee?

The entry fee is $25 per pooch. All proceeds from contest entries will go directly to the SAHS to make a paw-sitive impact on the lives of dogs and cats in our community who rely on our shelter, food, medical care, and most importantly, love. 

The "Early Bird" Entry fee is $20. Must enter between 9/2/2024 - 11/1/2024.

Are SAHS staff and volunteers allowed to enter?

Yes. They just need to pay the $25 entry fee (per dog). 

The following individuals and their immediate families (spouses, parents, children, siblings, in-laws, etc.), as well as anyone living in the same household (whether related or not), are NOT eligible to enter themselves or their dog into the El Rey Fido Fundraising Competition: members of the SAHS Leadership Team (including the President/CEO, Cheif Veterinarian, Medical Director, Director of Community Engagement, Director of Human Resources, Director of Operations, Controller), and staff from the Development, Public Relations Department, and Accounting Department. 

• Note: SAHS staff and volunteers are NOT allowed to solicit votes on SAHS property or via SAHS social media platforms. 

How do I donate?

All donations are tax-deductible and all proceeds go directly to the SAHS. And yes, you can donate to your own dog's fundraising page!

From the Event Home page, you can either click on the photo of the dog you want to donate to or search in the search bar. Once on the fundraising page of the dog you want to donate to, click the Donate Now button on the right-hand side (under the goal thermometer). Then follow the prompts to complete your donation.

From the Donate page, click the Change Recipient button and select the dog you would like to donate to. Then follow the prompts to complete your donation. 

Is there an El Rey Fido registration cut-off date?

Yes. The registration cut-off date to enter the contest is Thursday, March 20, 2025.

When does the El Rey Fido fundraising competition close?

The contest ends on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6 PM (Central Time).

How will the winners be notified?

The winners will be notified by phone on Friday, March 28, 2025. 

The winners will receive:

• The participating dog who raises the most funds during the ERF fundraising competition for the pets at the SAHS shall be bestowed, by the SAHS, with the title of "El Rey Fido."
• The next four highest fundraisers in 2025 shall be bestowed with the following Royal Court titles, respectively:
  • Prince/Princess of the Food Bowl
  • Duke/Duchess of the Chew Toy
  • Duke/Duchess of the Fire Hydrant
  • Knight/Maiden of the Royal Court
• All titles shall be held until successors are named at the ERF Coronation the following year.
• An official photo shoot with Rene Spade Photography
• Opportunities to attend 2025 SAHS Fiesta Events, including the river parade. 

What is El Rey Fido’s role during Fiesta^® San Antonio and the rest of the year?

ERF is crowned, and along with the Royal Court, recognized and celebrated during the ERF Coronation. This official Fiesta event is free and family/dog friendly. Additionally, all five royal canines participate in various media appearances and events as SAHS ambassadors during their reigning year.

Can I enter offline donations?

Unfortunately, not at this time. You cannot enter offline donations (cash or check donations that you collect) into your Fundraising Page. Offline donations will need to be recorded and tracked by the SAHS.

Will cash or check donations be accepted?

Yes. For cash or check donations, you can drop them off at the front desk or with a member of the Development/PR Team in a sealed envelope with your information and the amount enclosed. The SAHS will be keeping a detailed record of both online and offline donations to ensure that all Fundraiser’s totals are accurate. If you have a question about any of your donations, please contact the Development department at 210-226-7461 x181 or by email at development@SAhumane.org.

Do people who donate receive a tax-deductible receipt?

Yes, for all online donations, the donor will receive an email notification and thank you in regards to their gift including the tax-deductible information. The same applies for check donations, however, for cash donations unless you provide the donor’s full name and address, the Development Team cannot issue formal tax letters for their gifts.

Is there a credit card fee associated with Qgiv?

Yes. The card processing fee is 3.5%.

Donors have the option to offset the Service Fee by accepting the Give Assist at the time of the donation, thus ensuring their full gift is counted towards the fundraising campaign. 

Do in-kind donations count toward fundraising campaigns?

No. In-kind donations cannot be counted towards a fundraising campaign total.

I'm having technical difficulties with my Fundraising Page, who do I contact?

If you are having technical difficulties with Qgiv and your fundraising page, please contact the Development department at 210-226-7461 x181 or by email at development@SAhumane.org.

Was your question not answered here?

Please email development@SAhumane.org.