Two animal-welfare organizations got a big boost from a pooch-friendly black-tie fundraiser in Vancouver on Tuesday night.

Nearly 100 attendees – including local rocker Bif Naked -- helped raised $3,000 for Senior Animals in Need Today Society (SAINTS) and 1 At a Time Rescue at the annual Paws for Style event.

Both organizations focus on finding homes for older and special needs animals which are often overlooked by people wanting to adopt.

"There are so many dogs that need love and the current economy has been hard one people and they've surrendered dogs that they couldn't care for any more," said Tammy Preast, who organized the event. "We wanted to help out with the ones that are a little tougher to place."

Dogs dressed up in their finest garb – including a few tuxedos – indulged in canine massages and spa treatments while their human counterparts enjoyed wine and hors d'oeuvres.

"People loved it. There are not a lot of glam events that you can bring your dog to, so it was a hit," said Preast.

Carol Hines, who founded SAINTS in 2004, said the money will most likely be used to pay for the ongoing vet bills which can reach up to $75,000 a year – a hefty sum for an organization that is donation-based.

"I think people are trying to help as much as they can and it's a difficult time, but there are too many animals and they keep coming in and when they do the vet bills go through the roof," said Hines.

SAINTS provides a home for many animals that would otherwise spend their senior years in shelters or pounds, said Hines.

"People really need to be careful before they include animals in their lives – they are family members and not just an inconvenience you can unload," said Hines.

Since December 2004, SAINTS has had more than 410 animals – including dogs, cats, horses, goats and llamas - come to the sanctuary.

More than 130 have been adopted while many remain waiting for a home.