10 Animals Charities To Donate To (2024)

Are you looking for a way to help animals and make a difference? Donating to animal charities is a great way to support causes that care for, protect, and save animals all over the world.

If you're passionate about saving endangered species, helping pets in need, or supporting wildlife conservation, there's a charity out there that matches your interests.

In this blog, we're going to share a list of top animal charities you can donate to. Each one has been chosen for their hard work and the impact they have on the lives of animals.

1. World Wildlife Fund

You simply can not ignore WWF when it comes to animal charities. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading organization dedicated to protecting the natural world.

For over 60 years, WWF has been working across nearly 100 countries, partnering at all levels to conserve wildlife, the places they live in and combat the climate crisis.

Their mission is to sustain the natural world for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

Here's why the WWF is one of the top animal a charity worth donating to:

• WWF is at the forefront of efforts to save animals facing extinction, from tigers and elephants to rhinos and sea turtles.
• They work to protect the natural habitats of animals, ensuring they have the spaces needed to thrive.
• WWF fights against the illegal trade of wildlife products, which threatens the extinction of many species.
• By tackling climate change, WWF helps to protect ecosystems.
• Their worldwide presence means donations support conservation efforts on a global scale.

2. Oceana

If you love marine life, then Oceana is the charity for you.

​They're on a mission to protect and restore the world's oceans, which cover two-thirds of our planet and are home to most of Earth's life.

With a global presence and offices in key regions, including Central America, North America, South America, Asia, and Europe, Oceana has a wide-reaching impact. They have helped protect 4.5 million square miles of ocean.

Here are reasons why donating to Oceana can make a significant impact on marine life:

• Oceana campaigns for policies that protect sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and other marine animals from threats like bycatch and habitat destruction​​​​.
• They work tirelessly to prevent overfishing, which is a major threat to marine biodiversity.
• Oceana's efforts include restoring vital ocean habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves, which are crucial for the survival of countless marine species​​​​.
• By fighting against plastic pollution, Oceana helps protect marine life from ingesting or getting entangled in plastic debris.
• Oceana has helped get more than 300 laws passed that protect the ocean and its animals.

3. Best Friends Animal Society

Dedicated to ending the killing of cats and dogs in shelters across the United States, Best Friends Animal Society is a prominent animal welfare organization.

Best Friends focuses on partnerships across the nation and building community programs. They aim for a future without homeless pets.

Operating the country's largest sanctuary for homeless animals, they provide spay/neuter, educational programs, and adoption. Supporting Best Friends Animal Society means directly contributing to a future where every pet is safe, respected, and loved.

Here's why donating to Best Friends Animal Society can make a significant impact:

• They are on a mission to achieve no-kill status for shelters nationwide by 2025.
• Animals in their care receive all the love, attention, and medical treatment they need.
• Best Friends implements programs to prevent pets from entering shelters in the first place and expedites the adoption process for those that do.
• They manage community cat populations humanely through trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) programs.
• By partnering with over 4,200 animal welfare organizations, Best Friends increases its impact, sharing resources, expertise, and strategies to save more lives.

4. The Humane Society of the United States

The Humane Society of the United States is a powerful voice for animals across the country. Founded in 1954, this nonprofit group works hard to stop cruelty against all kinds of animals.

They take on big challenges like fighting against puppy mills, factory farms, and animal testing. With millions of supporters, they do a lot to help animals in need, from rescuing them from danger to fighting for laws that protect them.

Supporting the HSUS means contributing to a range of efforts that protect animals from cruelty, provide them with care, and advocate for their rights and well-being. It’s about being part of a bigger movement that seeks to create a world where animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Here’s why you might consider donating to the HSUS:

• They stand up against harmful practices toward animals, including factory farming and animal testing.
• They rescue animals from disasters and cruelty, giving them the care and sanctuary they need.
• Through education and advocacy, they push for laws and policies that better protect animals.
• They also have an international wing, Humane Society International, to help animals worldwide.
• They expose cruelty through investigations, bringing to light practices that harm animals.

5. ASPCA

At number 5, we have The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

It is a significant force in the animal welfare community, known for its comprehensive approach to animal protection. Established in 1866, it’s the oldest animal welfare organization in the U.S.

The ASPCA has a broad scope of operations that includes everything from direct animal rescue and rehabilitation to legislative advocacy for animal welfare laws. They work on both local and national levels, providing services like veterinary care and support for pet owners in underserved communities.

Here are some reasons why donating to the ASPCA can make a big difference:

• They run behavioral rehabilitation centers and veterinary centers in several states.
• Their work spans various areas, including companion animals, farm animals, animals used in research, entertainment, sport, work, and wild animals.
• The ASPCA has been instrumental in pushing for laws that protect animals and has a dedicated team that works on legislation and litigation to secure stronger legal protections​​.
• From creating the first humane law enforcement division to launching initiatives like a COVID-19 pet hotline and emergency boarding services, the ASPCA is at the forefront of addressing contemporary challenges in animal welfare​​.
• They offer grants to animal welfare organizations and deploy in response to large-scale crises.

6. Animal Welfare Institute

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) has been dedicated to reducing the suffering inflicted on animals by humans since it was founded in 1951.

This organization focuses on a broad range of issues, including ending animal cruelty in labs, protecting wildlife, promoting humane farming practices, and more.

By supporting AWI, you're contributing to an organization that works tirelessly across various fronts to ensure animals are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve. Their multifaceted approach to animal welfare makes them a significant force for positive change in the lives of animals.

Here are some reasons why the AWI is a worthy charity for donations:

• They tackle a wide range of animal welfare issues, ensuring your donation contributes to comprehensive efforts to protect animals in numerous contexts.
• With a history dating back to 1951, AWI has decades of experience and a track record of meaningful impacts on animal welfare.
• They develop and support "win-win" solutions that benefit both animals and humans, such as wildlife underpasses and humane wildlife management practices.
• AWI works to educate the public and lawmakers about animal welfare issues, advocating for laws and policies that protect animals.
• Through initiatives like the Christine Stevens Wildlife Award, AWI funds projects that develop humane methods of resolving conflicts between wildlife and humans, and they recognize efforts to fight wildlife crime with the Clark R. Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award.

7. International Fund for Animal Welfare

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is another global organization dedicated to helping animals and the environments they live in.

Since its founding in 1969, IFAW has taken bold steps to protect wildlife and habitats around the world. This charity works in more than 40 countries, offering fresh thinking and bold action for the well-being of animals, people, and the places they call home.

From rescuing individual animals to tackling the climate crisis, IFAW's efforts are comprehensive and impactful.

Here's why you should consider donating to IFAW:

• IFAW actively works to save species on the brink of extinction, like the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
• With projects in over 40 countries, their global efforts address issues from wildlife rescue to habitat conservation.
• They engage in landscape conservation, marine conservation, combating wildlife crime, and disaster response
• IFAW has been recognized as one of the world’s most innovative non-profits.
• They provide immediate help to animals and communities affected by disasters.
• IFAW operates wildlife rescue missions, including efforts to rebuild koala habitats and protect whales.

8. Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies, established in 1990, is an organization focused on the protection and humane treatment of cats.

It's renowned for introducing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) practices in the United States, aiming to manage feral cat populations humanely. Their work extends to advocating for cat-friendly policies, responding to disasters affecting cats, and providing resources for cat care and shelter reform.

Alley Cat Allies is committed to ending the killing of cats and leads the movement for their humane care, backed by evidence-based programs and a community of over a million supporters.

Why you should consider donating to Alley Cat Allies:

• They are focused on advocating for humane treatment and policies for all cats, including feral and stray cats.
• Provides immediate support and recovery care for cats affected by natural disasters
• Takes legal actions to protect cats, such as filing petitions to ensure animal control groups comply with laws regarding medical care for animals.
• Offers extensive resources on cat care, TNR, and how to advocate for cats, helping to spread knowledge and improve cat welfare community-wide.
• Demonstrates strong financial health, accountability, and transparency with a 96% score from Charity Navigator.

9. Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, established in 1995, provides a safe haven for elephants retired from zoos and circuses.

Located in Hohenwald, Tennessee, this non-profit organization offers over 2,700 acres of natural habitat for both African and Asian elephants. It allows them to live out their lives with freedom, companionship, and care for their individual needs.

Unlike typical zoos, the sanctuary's habitats are not open to the public. The sanctuary focuses on education and conservation, providing various learning opportunities through its Discovery Center and distance learning programs​​​​.

Why you should consider donating to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee:

• It's North America's largest natural habitat refuge for captive elephants, offering elephants vast spaces to roam and explore​​.
• Provides whole elephant care, focusing on the physical, social, and psychological well-being of each elephant, including specialized care for elephants with known exposure to tuberculosis​​.
• Elephants are managed under a Protected Contact system that uses positive reinforcement instead of punishment.
• Through the Discovery Center and distance learning, the sanctuary educates the public on the complex needs of elephants and the challenges they face in the wild and captivity​​​​.
• Has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating efficient use of donations for its mission and a high level of accountability and transparency​​.

10. PetSmart Charities

Last on the list of animal charities to donate to is PetSmart Charities. It is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of pets and people.

Working closely with PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, this charity supports over 2,500 animal welfare organizations.

PetSmart Charities has made significant impacts, including facilitating over 10 million pet adoptions and committing substantial resources to improve access to veterinary care​​.

Here's why donating to PetSmart Charities is a great choice:

• As the leading funder in the U.S. and Canada, it supports a wide range of animal welfare initiatives.
• Over 90% of every dollar donated goes directly to support its programs.
• Helps millions of pets find homes through in-store adoption programs.
• IWorks to make veterinary services more affordable and accessible.
• Provides food and shelter assistance to pets and families during difficult times.

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