Loobani AcademyAnimal and dog rescue charities are organizations dedicated to the protection and well-being of needy animals. They provide essential services such as rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals, advocating for animal welfare legislation, and promoting responsible pet ownership. These charities ensure that animals receive the care and support they require, particularly in neglect, abuse, or natural disasters.
This article aims to provide an overview of eight of the best animal and dog rescue charities and their accomplishments, programs, and services. By highlighting each organization’s strengths and contributions, readers will better understand the different approaches and focus areas of animal rescue charities, as well as the diverse ways in which they contribute to animal welfare.
In addition to providing information about organizations, this article will also discuss factors to consider when choosing best charities for dogs and other animals to support. Supporting animal rescue charities is crucial to protecting and promoting animal welfare. By donating or volunteering with these organizations, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and dogs that need help.
Year | Number of animals rescued | Number of adoptions | Number of spay/neuter surgeries performed | Number of educational programs conducted |
2000 | 2 million | 500,000 | 1 million | 5,000 |
2010 | 3 million | 1 million | 2 million | 10,000 |
2020 | 5 million | 2 million | 3 million | 20,000 |
Here is a table showing the rise of impact of animal rescue organizations over the years
Best Animal Rescue Charities
A. Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society is one of the most well-known animal rescue charities in the United States, dedicated to ending the killing of animals in shelters and promoting no-kill policies across the country. It was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Kanab, Utah. Here’s an overview of the animal and dog care organization’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate for dogs and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: The organization was founded in 1984 by a group of animal lovers committed to saving animals’ lives in shelters. The organization’s mission is to end the killing of animals in shelters and promote no-kill policies across the country.
Programs and Services: Best Friends Animal Society operates several programs and services to achieve its mission, including adoption and fostering of dogs and several animals, spay and neuter services, community cat programs, and advocacy efforts. It also operates several animal sanctuaries nationwide, including Utah’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary.
Accomplishments: One of the organization’s most significant accomplishments is its role in helping to establish and promote the no-kill movement in the United States. Thanks to its efforts, more than 4 million animals nationwide have been saved in shelters.
How to Donate and Volunteer: Best Friends Animal Society donations can be made online or by mail. The organization also offers various volunteer opportunities, including working at one of its animal sanctuaries, fostering dogs and other animals, and helping with advocacy.
B. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is one of the most well-known dog charities in the United States. It was founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh and is headquartered in New York City. Here’s an overview of the animal and dog charity organization’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: The ASPCA was the first animal welfare organization in North America and was founded to provide effective means for preventing cruelty to animals throughout the United States. Its founder, Henry Bergh, was a diplomat, philanthropist, and animal rights advocate who fought for the welfare of animals and was instrumental in passing animal cruelty laws in the United States.
Programs and Services: The ASPCA offers several programs and services, including rescue and adoption of dogs and several animals, animal welfare advocacy, spay and neuter services, animal cruelty investigations, and community outreach programs. The organization also operates a mobile clinic that provides affordable veterinary care to underserved communities.
Accomplishments: One of the organization’s most significant accomplishments is passing the Animal Welfare Act in 1966, which established minimum standards for treating animals in research, exhibition, and transport. The ASPCA has also been instrumental in rescuing and caring for animals affected by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy.
How to Donate and Volunteer: Donations to the ASPCA can be made online or by mail. The organization also offers volunteer opportunities, including working with animals and dogs in shelters, assisting with adoption events, and participating in advocacy efforts.
C.Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is a national rescue charity for dogs and other animals founded in 1954. The organization’s mission is to promote the protection of all animals and to create a more humane society. Here is an overview of the organization’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: The HSUS was founded in 1954 by a group of individuals who wanted to address animal welfare issues on a national level. The organization aims to fight against animal cruelty, exploitation, and neglect by promoting animal protection, advocacy, and education.
Programs and Services: The HSUS provides a range of programs and services that focus on animal welfare advocacy, rescue, and care. Its programs include animal and dog rescue and disaster response, animal cruelty investigations, wildlife conservation, and animal protection advocacy. The organization also operates a network of animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers nationwide.
Accomplishments: The HSUS has played a significant role in passing animal welfare laws, such as the Animal Welfare Act, and has been involved in several high-profile animal welfare cases, including rescuing thousands of animals from a dogfighting ring in 2007. The organization has also worked to improve farm animals’ living conditions and partnered with several major food companies to promote animal welfare standards in the food industry.
How to Donate and Volunteer: Donations to the HSUS can be made online, by mail, or by phone. The organization also offers volunteer opportunities, including working with animals and dogs in shelters, assisting with adoption events, and participating in animal welfare advocacy efforts.
D. Animal Welfare Institute
The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has been a non-profit dog organization promoting animal welfare since 1951. The organization’s mission is to alleviate the suffering of animals caused by human activity and to promote animal welfare worldwide. Here is an overview of the organization’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: The AWI was founded in 1951 by Christine Stevens, a pioneer in animal welfare advocacy. The organization’s mission is to promote animal welfare by reducing the pain and suffering of animals through education, research, and public policy.
Programs and Services: The AWI provides a range of programs and services that focus on animal welfare advocacy, research, and education. Its programs include combating the use of animals in research, ending the commercial whaling industry, and working to protect endangered species. The organization also provides training and resources for animal welfare professionals and advocates.
Accomplishments: The AWI has played a significant role in passing animal welfare laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Animal Welfare Act. The organization has also been involved in several high-profile campaigns, including efforts to ban steel-jawed leghold traps and end the commercial whaling industry.
How to Donate and Volunteer: Donations to the AWI can be made online, by mail, or by phone. The organization also offers various volunteer opportunities, including assisting with research projects and advocacy efforts.
E. International Fund for Animal Welfare
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is an animal and dog rescue non-profit organization that aims to improve the welfare of animals worldwide. Here is an overview of the organization’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: The IFAW was founded in 1969 in Canada by a group of individuals concerned about the commercial hunting of seals. The organization’s mission is to rescue and protect animals worldwide, prevent animal cruelty, and promote the conservation of wildlife and habitats.
Programs and Services: The IFAW provides a range of programs and services that focus on animal rescue and protection, conservation, and advocacy. Its programs include rescuing dogs and other animals affected by disasters, combating wildlife trafficking, and promoting the coexistence of humans and wildlife. The organization also provides training and resources for animal welfare professionals and advocates.
Accomplishments: The IFAW has played a significant role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes and earthquakes. The organization has also been involved in several high-profile campaigns, including efforts to end the commercial ivory trade and ban whale hunting for commercial purposes.
How to Donate and Volunteer: Donations to the IFAW can be made online, by mail, or by phone. The organization also offers various volunteer opportunities, including assisting rescue and rehabilitation efforts, participating in wildlife conservation projects, and advocating for animal welfare.
F. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is an animal rights organization that aims to promote the ethical and humane treatment of animals. Here is an overview of PETA’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: PETA was founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco in Virginia, USA. Its mission is to promote animal rights, including freedom from exploitation, cruelty, and abuse. PETA advocates for animal welfare through public education, direct action, and lobbying for animal-friendly legislation.
Programs and Services: PETA provides a range of programs and services to promote animal welfare, including campaigns to end animal testing, to promote veganism and animal-free alternatives, and to expose animal cruelty in various industries. The organization also offers a cruelty-free certification program for companies that meet its standards for animal welfare.
Accomplishments: PETA has been involved in several successful campaigns to promote animal welfare, including banning animal testing for cosmetics in the European Union and India. The organization has also successfully persuaded many major companies to stop using animal testing in their products.
How to Donate and Volunteer: PETA relies on donations for dogs and animals to fund its programs and services. Donations for dogs and animals can be made online, by mail, or by phone. The organization also offers various volunteer opportunities, including participating in protests, leafleting, and assisting with animal rescue efforts.
G. World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global conservation organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the world’s wildlife and natural resources. Here is an overview of WWF’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: WWF was founded in 1961 and has become one of the world’s leading conservation organizations. Its aim is to reduce threats to the diversity of life on Earth. WWF works to preserve endangered species, protect natural habitats, and promote sustainable living.
Programs and Services: WWF offers a variety of programs and services to protect wildlife and their habitats, including wildlife conservation, climate and energy initiatives, and sustainable agriculture. The organization also partners with governments and local communities to develop conservation plans and promote sustainable development.
Accomplishments: WWF has been involved in several successful conservation efforts, including establishing protected areas and conservation programs to save endangered species such as the giant panda, snow leopard, and African elephant. The organization has also been instrumental in advocating for sustainable fishing practices and reducing the impact of climate change on wildlife and their habitats.
How to Donate and Volunteer: WWF relies on donations to fund its programs and services. Donations can be made by various methods. The organization also offers various volunteer opportunities, including participating in conservation projects, advocacy efforts, and education and outreach programs.
H. Wildlife Conservation Society
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a non-profit organization for dogs and other animals. Here is an overview of WCS’s history, mission statement, programs and services, accomplishments, and ways to donate and volunteer.
History and Mission Statement: WCS was founded in 1895 and has been at the forefront of conservation efforts for over a century. Its mission is to save wildlife and wild places by understanding the issues and implementing solutions that benefit humans and nature. WCS protects endangered species, conserves habitats, and promotes sustainable living.
Programs and Services: WCS offers a range of programs and services to achieve its mission, including species conservation, habitat conservation, and environmental education. The organization works in over 60 countries worldwide, partnering with governments, communities, and other organizations to implement conservation strategies.
Accomplishments: WCS has been involved in many successful conservation efforts, including protecting iconic species such as tigers, elephants, and gorillas. The organization has also played a key role in establishing protected areas and developing sustainable tourism programs that benefit local communities and wildlife.
How to Donate and Volunteer: WCS relies on donations to fund its conservation programs and services. Donations can be made by various methods. The organization also offers various volunteer opportunities, including participating in conservation projects, advocacy efforts, and education and outreach programs.
Organization Name | Type of Animals Helped | Geographic Location/Reach | Programs and Services |
Best Friends Animal Society | Dogs, cats, horses, and more | National (USA) | Animal adoption and sanctuary |
ASPCA | Dogs, cats, horses, and more | National (USA) | Animal adoption and rescue |
Humane Society of the United States | Various animals | National (USA) | Animal rescue and advocacy |
Animal Welfare Institute | Various animals | Global | Animal welfare research and advocacy |
International Fund for Animal Welfare | Various animals | Global | Animal rescue and advocacy |
PETA | Various animals | Global | Animal rights advocacy and rescue |
World Wildlife Fund | Wildlife | Global | Wildlife conservation and advocacy |
Wildlife Conservation Society | Wildlife | Global | Wildlife conservation and research |
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Animal Rescue Charity
Choosing the right animal rescue dog charity to support can be overwhelming, given the numerous organizations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an animal and dog rescue charity:
A. Type of animals helped
Consider the Type of animals the organization helps, whether domestic animals, wildlife, or both. Some organizations focus on rescuing and rehabilitating specific species, such as dogs, cats, or marine animals, while others have a broader focus.
B. Geographic location and reach
Look into the animal and dog organization’s reach and where they operate. Do they work locally, nationally, or internationally? Do they have partnerships with other organizations in different regions or countries? Consider supporting a “charity near me” or animal and dog charity operating in an area or with a species you’re passionate about.
C. Programs and services offered
Look at the programs and services offered by the organization. Do they focus on animal and dog rescue, rehabilitation, advocacy, policy, or education and outreach? Do they offer spay/neuter programs or other services that promote animal and dog welfare?
D. Accomplishments and impact
Research the organization’s accomplishments and their impact on their work. Look at their track record of success. Look how they have helped dogs and other animals and the difference they’ve made in the lives of animals and communities. Consider reading reviews or testimonials from people who have worked with or supported the organization for dogs and other animals.
E. Financial transparency and efficiency
Look into the organization’s financial transparency and efficiency. Consider charities that are open about their finances and use animal and dog donations efficiently. You can check their financial reports or ratings on watchdog websites such as Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
F. Volunteer and donation opportunities
Finally, consider the volunteer and donation for dogs and animals opportunities available. Does the organization offer opportunities that align with your skills and interests? Do they have multiple ways to donate online, by phone, or by mail?
