Bailing Out Benji, which was founded in 2011, is known for being a small nonprofit organization that makes huge waves with limited resources. While we are an Iowa based nonprofit, the ripple effects of our mission have been felt across the country which has resulted in having more than 200 volunteers in 27 states!
We believe real change happens through proximity, not pitchforks and that local people, having local conversations, backed by real data will be what makes the biggest difference for dogs and families everywhere. Our volunteers and supporters show up at community events, host educational presentations for kids and adults, and help distribute the hands-on research we’re known for: tracing the connections between pet stores and the breeders they actually source from. That work is what makes conversations with the public and with policymakers be the most effective that they can be.
Our approach is intentionally non-graphic. We’re not trying to shock anyone into caring; we are trying to give people the information to make better decisions and the tools to talk about it in their own communities.
Our tax EIN is 47-1652323.
There are a lot of ways to plug in — hosting a table at a local event, helping distribute educational materials, or building relationships with local breeders and shelters in your own community. If you’d like to help build our presence where you live, whether that means joining an existing team or starting one in your state, fill out the form below and our Volunteer Coordinator will follow up with you.
Whether you are helping us create a new team in your state or want to join a team that is already formed, please fill out the easy form below and our Volunteer Coordinator will get back to you as soon as they can!
Click each link below to view the form or info associated with it.
Click each link below to view the form or info associated with it.
Click each link below to view the form or info associated with it.
Join our growing list of volunteers and stay informed on new volunteer opportunities!
Backed by years of field research and public records, here is what the data actually shows about how the licensed and unlicensed dog breeding world operates in the United States.
Alexis Bell is the Research Analyst for Bailing Out Benji. Alexis is an Iowa State University graduate who majored in Animal Science and minored in Philosophy and Political Science. She was first introduced to Bailing Out Benji through the ISU club “Students Helping Rescue Animals” after Mindi presented at one of their meetings. After hearing about the work BOB does, Alexis reached out to intern with BOB the summer before her senior year and then ended up joining the team full time after she graduated.
For questions about our research, you can contact Alexis.
Jalaine Crees is the Volunteer Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for Bailing Out Benji. Prior to joining the Bailing Out Benji team, Jalaine worked in childcare for ten years and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She was first introduced to Bailing Out Benji after meeting Mindi at work! The two shared a deep passion for education and for animals and that continues to grow now that Jalaine has joined the Bailing Out Benji team!
For questions about volunteering with Bailing Out Benji or ways to support our nonprofit, you can contact Jalaine.
Kristen Petty is Bailing Out Benji’s Finance and Operations Director! Prior to joining the Bailing Out Benji team, Kristen worked for a children’s mental health nonprofit organization for 24 Years! She has always been active in our organization, both with gala planning and helping with our pet food pantry.
For questions about how to support our nonprofit, you can contact Kristen.
Mindi founded Bailing Out Benji in 2011 at just 21 years old after falling victim to the puppy mill industry by way of a local pet store, who offered her a credit card with high interest and sold her a puppy from a notoriously bad facility. Upon learning about the cruelty of puppy mills and learning about the predatory lending practices that these businesses utilize to take advantage of low-income families, Mindi knew that she needed to act. She has since devoted her life trying to fix this problem so that no dog or family ever has to suffer at the hands of greed.
Whether you are helping us create a new team in your state or want to join a team that is already formed, please fill out the easy form below and our Volunteer Coordinator will get back to you as soon as they can!
This position works in collaboration with our volunteers and admin team and helps coordinate events and outreach across the state. This position is great for a motivated advocate who is interested in helping our nonprofit make bigger changes in their state.
This position works in collaboration with your state coordinator and our admin team in order to educate in your community and surrounding areas. This position is great for advocates who live in a different area than the state coordinator and want to protest local pet stores, pass local ordinances, and host events in their communities.
This position is perfect for anyone who wants to help us educate in their city and online but can’t commit to a leadership position.
Hanging Flyers up in your community and around the local colleges.
Talking with the public at tabling events like expos, adoption events, libraries, festivals, farmers markets, etc.
Peacefully protesting in front of pet stores that sell puppy mill dogs.
The opportunity to work on meaningful policy in your state regarding puppy mills.
