Dogs, like this one at Texas Humane Heroes, and cats will benefit from funding received during a crowdfunding campaign called SXSPets.[/caption]

SXSPets, a crowdfunding campaign, launched March 17 to encourage donations benefitting Austin-area animal rescue centers.

Ten nonprofit groups in Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, and Pflugerville area will receive funding from the campaign hosted by LoveAnimals.org. Attendees of SXSW are the main target of the campaign. “Every year, thousands of people leave an impact on Austin during their visit for South by Southwest,” said Stephanie Dill, member of Austin-based nonprofit group Shiba Inu Rescue of Texas, in a news release. “The SXSPets campaign aims to increase the positive impact on the city by inspiring SXSW visitors to donate much-needed funds to local animal organizations like ours.” Donors can use their money to support projects at the rescue centers such as kennel upgrades for special needs dogs, create a new facility for rescues, purchase a trailer for adoption events, and replace of decades-old washers and dryers, according to a news release. LoveAnimals.org started in 2013 as a nonprofit that helps needy groups by hosting free crowdfunding campaigns online. The participating groups do not have to pay administrative fees to LoveAnimals.org, according to the release. “Most small animal nonprofits struggle to raise enough money to cover their operating budgets, let alone fund critically needed projects,” said Sarah Timms, founder of LoveAnimals.org, in the release. “LoveAnimals.org is a nonprofit, too, and our mission is to increase giving to animal nonprofits by empowering individuals to help animals.” The campaign will run through the rest of March. Supporters can use the hashtag #SXSPets and donate by clicking here.