Lil BUB Makes a Big Difference for Special-Needs Animals Nationwide

October 29, 2020

lil bub on a piano

UPDATE: Lil BUB’s Big Fund Finds a New Home

For all you Lil BUB supporters, there is a new place for you to contribute in BUB’s memory: goodjobbub.org.

Since 2014, Lil BUB’s BIG Fund for the ASPCA has awarded 254 grants to 212 organizations totaling over $427,000. But now, BUB’s proud family will be taking the reins, continuing their efforts to help hard-to-place shelter animals find loving homes. 

Thank you to Lil BUB and her pet parents, Mike and Stacy, for helping the ASPCA raise awareness around special needs pets over the past six years. BUB will live on in the hearts of those shelter animals who continue to benefit from this lifesaving work. 


Originally published January 9, 2019

You may know the story of Lil BUB, the small, special-needs kitty with over 6 million social followers, known for her many talents as a talk show host, movie star, Billboard-Topping artist, author and philanthropist. She’s also used her social media stardom to raise money and awareness for special-needs pets across the country! This year, Lil BUB—alongside her dude (and caretaker), Mike—helped us distribute $75,500 in grant funding to animal welfare organizations and rescues through Lil BUB’s BIG Fund for the ASPCA.

Lil bub and Mike

“My cat, BUB, is a very special cat with a very special mission. Shortly after adopting her in 2011, she became wildly famous due to her amazing looks and her inspirational message about acceptance and helping others,” says Mike B., Lil BUB’s dude. “In 2014, we had the honor of joining forces with the ASPCA to create Lil BUB's BIG Fund for special-needs pets, which has now administered over $400,000 in grants to shelters nationwide. I never imagined that such a little critter could make such a huge difference in our world, but it certainly could not have been done without the help of the ASPCA and BUB's loyal supporters.”

Lil bub and Mike

This unique program is funded through proceeds from Lil BUB’s web store, in-person appearances and other types of Lil BUB events, as well as from direct donations through a donation page on the ASPCA website. 100% of the funds collected through this program are distributed as grants by the ASPCA to animal welfare organizations across the country to help animals with special needs.

Lil bub and Mike

“Through Lil BUB’s BIG Fund, Mike and BUB have put their compassion to work to enrich the lives of some very special animals and the people who love and care for them,” says Michael Barrett, Vice President of ASPCA Grants Management. “We are grateful to them, the many donors to BUB’s Fund and to our grantees for their tireless efforts on behalf of homeless pets.”

We are so grateful to BUB and Mike for their dedication to helping more animals in need. Through our continued partnership, we hope to impact more lives and be there for those animals who need us most.