Big News on National Dog Day: PSA Receives 501(c) Status
Aug 26 National Dog Day
Today marks an exciting milestone: Pet Search Alliance is officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c) nonprofit organization. This means your donations are now tax-deductible, and we are eligible to apply for vital grant funding to expand our services. The confirmation letter arrived fittingly on National Dog Day, a symbolic nod to the mission at our core.
“Dogs’ lives are too short. Their only fault, really.” — Agnes Sligh Turnbull
What This Means for PSA
This official status solidifies PSA as a legal nonprofit entity and sets the foundation for long-term sustainability. We’ve been operating with heart, hustle, and grassroots support. Now we can scale that mission with the legitimacy required to earn grants, secure donor confidence, and build regional partnerships.
The Next Level of Search and Rescue
Our team is hard at work building and refining tools to improve how we respond to cases. That includes:
A nearly complete Missy Trap prototype outfitted with satellite-based remote triggering
Live monitoring with cellular trail cameras and future Starlink capability
Two-way audio, lighting, and remote control of trap resets to save manpower and time
AI-powered social moderation and chatbot assignment to assist with leads and public outreach
Custom QR-code landing pages created after 15 days for unresolved cases
We’re blending heart with cutting-edge tools to make a difference.
Drone Operations
Thermal Drone Technology Is a game changer for the MOV.
PSA does not currently own a drone. Instead, we work with a trusted network of Part 107-certified drone operators who specialize in thermal imaging, aerial mapping, and advanced search techniques. PSA manages the case, field planning, outreach, and all ground operations.
Fighting Scammers with Smarter Tech
PSA Shields you from these scammers during your most vulnerable time.
We’re rolling out dedicated phone numbers for social media posts and tip lines to shield owners from scam attempts. Our moderators actively monitor for fraud and misinformation, working to isolate and shut it down quickly.
Our Region and Reach
PSA Service Area 80 Mile Radius From Marietta OH
Based in Marietta, Ohio, our effective service range currently spans about 80 miles. We are actively seeking volunteers throughout Washington and Wood County and hope to support the launch of additional chapters in surrounding communities.
We Need You
PSA Search, Rescue, Reunite
Whether you have one hour a week or one day a month, there is a way to plug in. We need:
Social media moderators
Community canvassers
Trap monitors
People who can print and distribute flyers
Drivers for transport
Supporters who can help with veterinary or supply runs
Vosker Sponsorship
Vosker Cams, Our Mission Critical Partner
Big thanks to Vosker for stepping up in a big way. After one of our trail cams was vandalized during a search, they donated five brand-new cellular units with a full year of service. These cameras will soon be deployed to monitor live traps and feeding stations, where a constant connection is mission critical.
Vosker's tech gets signal in places others can't, and that's a game changer for rural searches across the MOV.
More on this powerful new partnership coming soon in our next blog. Stay tuned — and follow the journey.
The Capture of Wiley Oakley
No update would be complete without mention of Wiley Oakley. He has become the unofficial ambassador of PSA. His rescue was one of the first conducted under the PSA flag. Wiley came into our lives scared, skinny, and abandoned. Due to an overwhelmed local Humane Society, he found a permanent home with Tom and Lisa Sherman. Today, Wiley is a vibrant, healthy terrier who represents everything we fight for: second chances and the power of love and rescue.
Partnerships That Matter
We work closely with amazing organizations across the Mid-Ohio Valley including:
We stand for adoption over breeding. Every pet deserves a chance to be found, to heal, and to be loved.
The Road Ahead
PSA Looking to the road ahead.
We have laid the groundwork. We have the vision. What we need now is your support. From one-time donors to long-term volunteers, PSA is only as strong as the people who stand behind it.
Thank you to everyone who believed in this mission from the beginning. Getting here wasn’t easy. But now we are legal, official, and equipped to grow.
Let’s go save some animals.
