Desert Living Now
Waggle Connects Donors With Pets in Need of Lifesaving Medical Care
A nonprofit crowdfunding platform is helping thousands of pets receive lifesaving medical treatment while supporting shelters and rescues across the country.
Waggle, founded by CEO Stephen Mornelli, connects donors directly with animals in need of urgent veterinary care. By partnering with trusted shelters, rescues, and veterinary hospitals, the organization ensures donations go directly toward medical treatment without unnecessary barriers.
Mornelli said the idea for Waggle came in 2017 after seeing a similar model used to help people with medical expenses. Inspired by the ability to connect donors directly with those in need, he decided to create a version focused on animal welfare.
“I thought it was extraordinary that people were helping others get critical funding directly from donors,” Mornelli said. “I wanted to apply that same model to something I’m passionate about, which is animals.”
The organization has been especially active in Southern California, where shelters face growing challenges due to an increasing homeless pet population. Waggle provides funding that allows rescue groups and shelters to focus more resources on caring for animals rather than fundraising.
In addition to emergency medical funding, the nonprofit offers spay and neuter grants and works with shelters to reduce overcrowding. Waggle also assists during disasters, including providing aid to animals affected by California wildfires.
Mornelli says the platform helped more than 5,000 pets receive care last year, and the organization hopes to expand that number through partnerships with donors, corporations, and grant programs.
Transparency is a major focus for Waggle. Donations made through the platform are sent directly to veterinary hospitals, ensuring that funds are used specifically for the pet’s medical treatment.
Supporters can also contribute through Waggle’s “Forever Program,” which provides recurring monthly donations that help sustain ongoing rescue and medical care efforts.
For those seeking help for a pet or looking to donate, campaigns can be created or supported through the organization’s website, Waggle.org. The platform also allows donors to find and support rescues in their local communities.
As the demand for animal care continues to grow, Waggle aims to scale its model and help even more pets receive the treatment they need—keeping animals and their families together during difficult times.
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 9, 2026
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