Animal Charities Everyone Should Know About

All animals, whether domesticated or wild, deserve humane treatment. If you want to get involved with helping animals, there are many great organizations that could use your help. When choosing an animal charity to support, however, it's important to research the organization to make sure it is reputable and uses donations wisely. We've compiled a list of 10 animal rescue charities working to ensure that animals get the best care possible. 

What Are the Key Goals of Animal Rescue Charities?

Before diving into the list, you must understand the key goals of each of these charitable organizations.

An animal rescue charity is an organization devoted to rescuing animals in neglected situations and placing them in loving homes, ending the abuse of animals raised in commercial operations, or creating and enforcing animal welfare standards. Regardless of their focus, all animal rescue charities share a common goal: to improve the lives of animals in need and save them from cruelty. By rescuing animals from situations where they may be hurt or mistreated; providing them with medical care and attention; and finding them loving homes, animal rescue charities open a new chapter in the lives of countless animals every year.

These charities typically receive funding from donations and grants, and they rely on a network of volunteers to carry out their mission of showing mercy to animals. Read on to learn about some of the most popular animal rescue charities.

Animal Charities You Should Know

There are many animal rescue charities, each with its own focus and goals. Some organizations are breed-specific, spotlighting a particular type of animal, while others will help any animal in need.

Here are some well-known and respected animal rescue charities and the areas they are centered on:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the United States. It offers a wide range of programs and resources for pet owners, in addition to supporting pet adoption services, adoption events and animal shelters. Since its founding in 1866, ASPCA has worked to rescue animals from abuse, pass laws to prevent animal cruelty, provide resources for pet owners, and set standards for animals that live in society.

Best Friends Animal Society

The Best Friends Animal Society is a national leader in animal welfare, working to end euthanasia and find homes for homeless pets with health issues. In addition, the organization operates spay/neuter clinics and adoption centers across the country, as well as various other programs dedicated to helping animals in need.

Friends of Animals

Founded in 1957, this animal charity protects and defends animal rights. Friends of Animals maintains a variety of programs and services to help animals, including spay and neuter assistance, education and outreach, and a law enforcement program to protect wild animals. This organization also focuses on rescuing wildlife in captivity and returning them to their natural habitats.

Humane Society of the United States

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is one of the world's largest animal protection and rescue organizations, fighting for animal rights and animal welfare around the globe, with a high transparency rating and annual report in Charity Navigator. This organization works to rescue animals from abuse and neglect, pass laws to protect animals, and provide care and refuge for companion animals that are homeless or neglected.

Waggle

Waggle is committed to reducing the number of pets that are euthanized each year simply because of a lack of funds to cover life-saving veterinary care. Waggle aims to help as many pets as possible, both those in loving families and surrendered or rescued animals in shelters. Through its FurEver Fund, donors can pledge a monthly gift to help Waggle save the lives of thousands of cats and dogs. Through the Waggle Shop, folks can support the Foundation through purchases of everyday pet supplies - 15% of every purchase is automatically contributed to the Waggle Foundation to support pets in need! Waggle also offers transparency by sending donated funds directly to the treating veterinary clinic, not to individuals.

Wildlife Conservation Society

The Wildlife Conservation Society is a leading international conservation organization that protects wildlife habitats, natural resources, and wild places worldwide. Its conservation efforts specifically cater to threatened and endangered species, habitat and sanctuary protection, and marine wildlife.

World Animal Protection

World Animal Protection (WAP) is an international organization that has been working to end animal suffering for over 30 years. Its goals are to end the use of animals in entertainment, like elephants in circuses and those used in tourist activities — especially Asian elephants; protect animals in distress; stop illegal wildlife trade; and much more. WAP also returns rescued wildlife to their natural habitats and provides educational programs for community empowerment.

The World Wildlife Fund

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is the world's largest conservation and nonprofit organization, working in over 100 countries to protect wildlife and their habitats. This international fund for animal welfare works to combat climate change, create animal sanctuaries, protect endangered species, and promote sustainable agriculture. WWF also provides impact reports on its various projects.

Why Are These Charities Important?

Supporting animal rescue charities is essential because: 

• Animals deserve our help and compassion.
• Animal rescue charities help to improve the welfare of animals both in the U.S. and around the world.
• By supporting these organizations, you can promote responsible pet ownership and education on the importance of animal welfare.
• Donating to animal charities supports their vital work and ensures that they can continue to help animals in need. 

How Can You Support These Charities?

There are many different ways to support animal charities. Here are a few options:

• Donate your time: You can volunteer to help with an organization's day-to-day operations. This could involve answering phones, stuffing envelopes, or helping plan events.
• Donate money: By making a monetary donation to a nonprofit animal welfare organization, you help fund its mission to aid animals in need. Such donations could take the form of a one-time gift, or you could set up a recurring donation.
• Donate goods: You can also donate goods that a charity needs, such as pet food, toys, or other tangible resources.
• Spread the word: Another way to help an animal charity is simply by spreading the word about its work. You can share information about the organization on social media or by talking to your friends and family.

No matter how you choose to help, your support can make a difference to a charity and the animals it serves.

Conclusion

So many incredible nonprofit organizations are dedicated to rescuing animals. Local shelters and rescues also offer vital resources for animals in need. These organizations typically take in all types of animals, including sick, injured, or those that are difficult to place in forever homes. Many shelters also offer low-cost or free spay/neuter services, which can help reduce the number of homeless pets.

We should all support animal rescue services however we can. Whether you're looking to donate money, time, or material goods, there's a charity on this list that can put your donations to good use.