Crowdfunding campaigns for canine pacemaker implantation costs infrequently meet fundraising targets

To examine the effectiveness of crowdfunding by veterinary clients hoping to defray the costs of pacemaker implantation in dogs.

Data were collected from all fundraising campaigns on the GoFundMe website looking to help cover costs of canine pacemaker implantation. Efficacy was defined as the percentage of the target amount raised, and success was defined as raising ≥ 80% of the target amount. Relationships between the target amount or campaign age and percentage raised and the target amount over time were examined. Finally, costs of pacemaker implantation from various geographic regions were compared.

76 campaigns were identified. Only 10% raised the target amount, 16% of campaigns succeeded in raising > 80% of the target amount, 10% failed to raise any funds, and 50% raised < 50% of their target amount. Success was not related to the target amount or age of the campaign. Pacemaker implantation costs differed between regions: costs in Europe were lowest, and those in North America were highest.

Only approximately 10% of crowdfunding campaigns succeed in raising at least 80% of their target amount. The percentage raised is weakly associated with the target amount and very weakly associated with the age of the campaign. The target amounts have not changed substantially over the existence of the GoFundMe website. Finally, pacemaker implantation costs are greatest in North America and lowest in Europe.

Clients should not expect to raise funds sufficient to cover the costs of pacemaker implantation using crowdfunding, and veterinarians should explain the probabilities of success with crowdfunding campaigns.