Most of us have a cause we feel strongly about and we feel moved enough to support it. If you are a dog lover, then you might like to support dog charities and campaigning groups set up to bring hope and fight against canine diseases, cruelty or inequalities. Naturally, before you choose a charity for animal welfare, you may want to evaluate the organization. You’d want to know how these charities spend donors’ money and whether they are making enough impact. This brief guide aims to cut through this confusion. In this, we discuss 5 of the best animal charities in the United States to donate to so you can feel good about having done your part in giving back to the society.
Best animal charities in the USA to support
1. ASPCA – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
The ASPCA was founded by Henry Bergh in April 1866. ASPCA spends biggest percentage of its budget on animal health services and public education programs. It adopts out cats and dogs from its shelter in NYC after spaying and neutering them first to avoid cat and dog overpopulation. Henry Bergh also founded a veterinary hospital in 1912 to provide veterinary services for small animals.
Supporters and Activists
Today, this nonprofit organization boasts of nearly 2 million activists and supporters across the country.
Recent achievements
As per their website update, 2017 was the best year for ASPCA. They saved 9427 animals in Los Angeles, and helped in more than 290K adoptions. In New York alone, more than 4500 animals found loving homes thanks to ASPCA.
Structure and Reach
The privately funded nonprofit organization has been divided into 3 groups viz., Anti-Cruelty, Animal Health Services and Community Outreach. Third party review sites have stated that ASPCA spends 38 cents to raise every dollar and nearly 35% of its budget on overheads.
How they raise money
This is a privately funded organization. You can donate to various charities and they will also give you kits with flyers and sign posts if you want to have a fundraiser in your community. You can also buy ASPCA pet health insurance. They also have a tie up with Subaru, Amazon Smile, Tito’s handmade vodka, Lil Bub’s Big Fund etc.
How can you get involved
There are many ways to help ASPCA. You can donate privately or have fundraisers in your community. Adopt a pet or take action by becoming a volunteer.
2. Best Friends Animal Society
The Best Friends Animal Society was founded by 8 people in 1984 in Utah. Gregory Castle is the CEO.
Supporters and activists
Many celebrities and public figures are supporters of this animal welfare charity.
Recent Achievements
This organization is committed to helping homeless animals. They have local presence in many cities like New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City to ensure protecting stray animals in these areas. Their No-Kill achievement is aimed at trying to prevent animals’ deaths in shelters by ensuring that every animal gets a home to go to. Best Friends also aim at educating people about spaying and neutering and about why adoption is better than buying.
Structure and Reach
Best Friends aims to have a nationwide No-Kill program by 2025. That is why their work is getting more and more structured and strategic as they are partnering up with organizations and individuals across the USA to create more impact. They plan to end puppy mills, protect community cats, end breed discrimination, and bring about transparency in America’s animal shelters.
How they raise money
Best Friends Animal Society is funded by donations from individuals and organizations. Many businesses donate regularly to this nonprofit organization.
How can you get involved
There are several ways in which you can get involved with Best Friends. You can donate one time, monthly or even in memory of a pet or human. Best Friends also encourage people to volunteer by fostering animals, adopting their sanctuary animals or even conduct events near you to support many of their programs. Read more about how we support Best Friends.
3. AKC Canine Health Foundation
AKC Canine Health Foundation is considered to be one of the best dog charities to support in the USA.
Supporters and activists
Dog lovers, AKC clubs and organizations and foundations support the AKCCHF.
Recent achievements
They have partnered with IPFD to support DNA testing for responsible dog health and breeding.
Structure and Reach
AKC Canine Health is the largest research funding organization focused solely on canine health research. They work with AKC breed clubs, dog owners and vets to determine cause of canine diseases and find solutions. They reach out to veterinary students, dog owners and organizations involved with genetic testing through podcasts, newsletters, webinars and educational grants.
How they raise money
The American Kennel Club and private donations from individuals and businesses fund this nonprofit organization.
How can you get involved?
There are several ways to work with the AKCCHF to improve canine health. You can donate money or avail of their Purina® Parent Club Partnership Program. You can host or attend events or volunteer with your pet to help improve medical research.
4. Alaqua Animal Refuge
Laurie Hood founded the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Louisiana in 2007.
Recent achievements
Alaqua Animal Refuge did phenomenal work post Hurricane Michael which hit slightly to the east of their headquarters. They worked tirelessly to relocate and re-home displaced pets and animals in the area. Alaqua Unleashed is a dog park located in South Walton County open to the public. They also have an Equine Interactions program that partner children and horses.
Structure and Reach
Alaqua Animal Refuge has animal care and adoption programs and community outreach and education programs. Their Young Rescuers Club is a program for training young people to volunteer for animal rescues. They offer a variety of spay and neuter programs that offer affordable neutering surgeries in order to curb unwanted pet populations.
How they raise money
This is a private nonprofit animal sanctuary that raises money solely based on donations and funds.
How can you get involved?
There are numerous ways in which you can work with this best animal charity organization. You could donate money, sponsor a pet, foster a pet, volunteer to become a rescuer, donate your vehicle or become a member of the Alaqua Animal Refuge Community.
5. Humane Society
Humane Society is a Washington DC based organization founded by journalist Fred Myers, Helen Jones, Larry Andrews and Marcia Glaser. It was started in 1954.
Supporters and Activists
Many stars including Alicia Silverstone, Bill Maher and Bob Barker have supported this animal welfare organization. Humane Society has more than 2,300 volunteers selflessly working for a cause working for over 140,000 hours to help animals.
Recent Achievements
They recently pledged $6 million to save Liberian chimps and claim to have rescued more than 17,000 animals from disaster zones. In 2018, the Humane Society and their affiliates rescued and cared for nearly 260,557 animals.
Structure and Reach
Humane Society volunteers respond to major cruelty and disaster situations providing hands on care to domestic animals, horses and wildlife. They encourage and empower people to make kinder choices and care for animals. Humane Society work with biggest organizations and companies to reform and improve their treatment of animals.
How they raise money
Private donations, fund raisers and funding from businesses and organizations.
How can you get involved?
You can become a member volunteer or make a one time or recurring donation. They also have job opportunities in the form of internship programs.
