Frequently Asked Questions

Compassion across borders.

Legally. Transparently. Fearlessly.

  • Tails Beyond Borders Foundation (TBBF) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to delivering legal, ethical, and life-saving aid to animals in crisis — especially in regions facing conflict, economic collapse, or lack of infrastructure. We support trusted local shelters through fundraising, logistics, and humanitarian collaboration.

  • We work directly with partner shelters in crisis zones — places where animals suffer due to conflict, economic collapse, or legal barriers.

    Our flagship partner is Pardis Shelter, home to over 3,000 dogs and hundreds of cats, where local caretakers provide extraordinary care despite overwhelming odds. We hold a license from the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that legally authorizes us to send aid to shelters like Pardis.

    We are also expanding support to other verified shelters that meet our standards for care, transparency, and need.

  • We bridge science, law, and compassion. Founded by scientists, artists, and global advocates, our foundation is built on the belief that:

    "Compassion should not stop at borders, and suffering should not be ignored because it happens far away."

    What sets us apart is our ability to reach shelters cut off by conflict or legal barriers — places often considered too complex or difficult to access. Through specific U.S. government authorization (OFAC licensing), we are able to deliver aid legally and transparently.

    We go where others cannot, with full compliance, courage, and care. It is difficult work, but it is necessary — because every day without help is another day of needless suffering.

About TBBF

Donations & Financial Transparency

  • Yes. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit recognized by the IRS. Our EIN is 39-3041061. All donations are tax-deductible in the United States to the extent allowed by law.

    We provide receipts for every donation, and we operate with full financial and legal transparency.

  • You can support our work by donating through the secure donation page on our website. Contributions help provide food, veterinary treatment, and emergency support to shelters and rescued animals facing extreme hardship.

  • Your donation helps to:

    • Provide food, veterinary care, and shelter upgrades for rescue animals

    • Support legal and logistical aid to help shelters stay open and compliant

    • Enable emergency response for crises such as floods, lawsuits, or supply shortages

    • Advance educational outreach to promote compassion, ethics, and global animal welfare

    We use QuickBooks Online for Nonprofits to track all funds and file reports. Annual summaries are shared publicly.

  • Generally, no. Upon acceptance, ownership of donated items transfers to Tails Beyond Borders Foundation. Because accepted donations may be incorporated into fundraising activities, inventory, promotional materials, or other charitable uses, donated items generally cannot be returned.

  • Items purchased through the Tails Beyond Borders Foundation store may include goods, services, artwork, handmade items, jewelry, custom commissions, symbolic gifts, and other fundraising products. Because purchasers generally receive something of value in exchange for payment, some or all of the purchase price may not be tax-deductible.

    Tax treatment may vary depending on the item purchased and applicable law. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation does not provide tax advice. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your individual circumstances.

Compliance & International Aid

  • OFAC is the Office of Foreign Assets Control, a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that administers financial programs. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation operates under OFAC authorization to ensure that any international humanitarian support is conducted lawfully and transparently.

  • Yes. We operate under full U.S. government authorization. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation has been granted a license by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), License No. IA-2025-1444745-1, to deliver humanitarian aid to the Pardis shelter.

    All funds and supplies are transferred only through authorized, transparent channels. We do not send any support abroad without explicit U.S. government approval.

  • Yes. Donations are made to a U.S.-based nonprofit organization. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation operates in compliance with U.S. law and applicable frameworks administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Our OFAC license protects both the organization and its donors.

  • Many shelters in crisis regions face shortages of food, medicine, and funding due to war or economic collapse. International humanitarian organizations can help provide resources that local rescuers cannot access on their own.

  • The shelters supported by Tails Beyond Borders Foundation care for thousands of rescued animals. You can help by donating, sharing awareness, or supporting the foundation’s efforts to provide lawful humanitarian assistance.

  • For Individuals:

    There are many meaningful ways to support our mission:

    • Make a donation to provide food, medical care, or legal aid

    • Sponsor a rescue animal or send a Compassion Box

    • Volunteer your skills (graphic design, grant writing, translation, creative outreach, and more)

    • Host a fundraiser or Compassion Drive in your workplace, school, or community

    • Share our mission on social media to help raise awareness

    • Ask your employer about donation matching — many companies will double your gift

    For Corporations, Foundations, and Institutions:

    We welcome partnerships through:

    • Matching gift and employee giving programs

    • Corporate sponsorship of urgent campaigns or supply deliveries

    • Pro bono services (legal, creative, scientific, or strategic)

    • Educational or advocacy collaborations

    • Science- or art-based campaigns that promote global animal welfare

    If your organization is interested in collaborating, please contact us at info@tailsbeyondborders.org

  • Yes! Visit our Virtual Gifts page to:

    • Symbolically sponsor a rescue animal

    • Give a name to a shelter dog or cat

    • Support the purchase of licensed medical supplies or shelter materials
      Contribute to a “Compassion Basket” — a curated donation package that strengthens rescue efforts

    All gifts are managed and delivered by TBBF through approved OFAC-licensed channels. Donors themselves do not ship supplies directly.

Getting Involved

Artwork, Handmade Items & Store

  • Yes. We welcome donations of original artwork, embroidery, crochet, handmade crafts, photography, paintings, and other creative works.

    These contributions help support our mission by providing items that may be sold, auctioned, displayed, or featured in fundraising campaigns that benefit animals in crisis.

    If you would like to donate a creative work, please email us with photos and a brief description of your item.

  • Upon acceptance, ownership of donated items transfers to Tails Beyond Borders Foundation, and the items may be sold, auctioned, displayed, photographed, promoted, or otherwise used in support of our charitable mission. Donated items generally cannot be returned after acceptance.

    We reserve the right to determine how donated items are used and cannot guarantee that every item will be sold, displayed, or featured in a specific fundraising activity.

    Contributors must own the rights to the work they donate. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation reserves the right to accept or decline any donation at its discretion.

  • No. In-kind donations are voluntary charitable contributions made to support the mission of Tails Beyond Borders Foundation. Donated items are accepted without expectation of compensation, reimbursement, or future benefit.

  • No. Handmade and artistic items are provided on an "as-is" basis.

    Because these items are donated by independent artists and supporters, Tails Beyond Borders Foundation does not guarantee their condition, durability, merchantability, suitability for a particular use, or future value.

    To the fullest extent permitted by law, Tails Beyond Borders Foundation disclaims liability for defects, damage, loss, or dissatisfaction related to donated items.

  • Yes. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation occasionally offers custom pet portrait commissions created by artist Elizabeth Wheeler.

    Portrait commissions are custom-made fundraising items created from photographs provided by the purchaser. Availability may be limited, and estimated completion times are provided on the product page.

    Because each portrait is custom-created, orders are generally non-refundable once work has begun.

    The commission price includes the completed portrait artwork and U.S. shipping. Frames, mats, display stands, and other display accessories are not included.

    Additional terms and conditions are available on the product page.

  • Tails Beyond Borders Foundation has sole discretion to determine how accepted donated items are used. Items may be sold, auctioned, displayed, photographed, promoted, stored, combined with other fundraising efforts, or otherwise used in support of the Foundation's charitable mission.

  • No. While we deeply appreciate every contribution, Tails Beyond Borders Foundation cannot guarantee that a donated item will be sold, auctioned, displayed, promoted, or used in any particular manner. The Foundation retains sole discretion over how donated items are used in support of its charitable mission.

  • Most artwork and handmade items sold through the Tails Beyond Borders Foundation store are one-of-a-kind fundraising items. Unless otherwise stated in the product listing, all sales are final and returns or exchanges are not accepted.

    Because handmade items are individually crafted, minor variations in stitching, texture, color, and appearance are normal characteristics of handmade artwork and are not considered defects.

    If an item arrives damaged during shipping, please contact us within 7 days of delivery and provide photographs of the artwork, packaging, and shipping label so we can review the situation and determine an appropriate resolution.

Privacy & Contact

  • Yes. We take your privacy seriously. Tails Beyond Borders Foundation uses encrypted payment processors and does not share donor or volunteer data with third parties. View our Privacy Policy for details.

  • Email us at info@tailsbeyondborders.org.