Animals come in many shapes and sizes but they are all equally deserving of the necessities of life. Their fair treatment is not always a reality though, prompting a passionate response from activists across the country.
Animal nonprofits are organizations that work to protect and improve the lives of animals. There are many different types of animal nonprofits, from those that focus on rescuing abused or neglected animals to those that work to preserve endangered species. animal nonprofits typically receive funding from donations, grants, and other forms of philanthropy.
Some animal nonprofits also operate shelters or sanctuaries where they care for animals in need. animal nonprofits play a vital role in creating a better world for all creatures, and they rely on the support of animal lovers to continue their important work. Thanks for considering a donation to your local animal nonprofit!
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These animal nonprofits featured here do an exceptional job of saving and protecting innocent animals so that they can overcome cases of victimization and cruelty and ultimately lead happy and healthy lives with responsible owners or with their natural habitat as a safe haven from distress.
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Top Animal Nonprofits
Austin Pets Alive
Mission: To promote and provide the resources, education, and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals. Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) focuses on saving the lives of animals at risk of euthanasia in shelters and works to ensure that every pet has a safe, loving home.
History: Founded in 1997, Austin Pets Alive! started as a grassroots advocacy group aimed at improving the lives of animals in the Austin, Texas, area. In 2008, the organization shifted its focus to directly saving animals from euthanasia, leading the No-Kill movement in Austin. Since then, APA! has been a pioneer in developing innovative programs that target the most vulnerable animal populations, significantly reducing the city’s euthanasia rate.
Impact: Each year, Austin Pets Alive! saves thousands of animals through its targeted programs, including the Neonatal Kitten Nursery, Parvo Puppy ICU, and Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender. APA! has played a pivotal role in making Austin the largest No-Kill city in the country, with a live-release rate of over 95%. The organization’s comprehensive approach and dedication to animal welfare have made it a model for other cities aiming to achieve No-Kill status.
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
Mission: To rescue and protect animals around the world. The IFAW works to ensure the safety and well-being of animals by combating cruelty and exploitation, and by advocating for policies that benefit animals and their habitats.
History: Established in 1969, the IFAW was founded in Canada by a small group of concerned citizens. Initially focusing on ending the commercial seal hunt in Canada, IFAW has since expanded its reach globally. The organization now addresses a wide range of animal welfare issues, including wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and emergency animal rescue.
Impact: IFAW operates in over 40 countries, implementing programs that benefit animals and their environments. From rescuing individual animals in distress to advocating for policy changes that protect entire species, IFAW has made significant strides in animal welfare. Notable achievements include the rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of animals affected by natural disasters, the establishment of wildlife corridors, and successful campaigns against illegal wildlife trade.
Kansas City Pet Project
Mission: To provide compassionate care and find loving homes for Kansas City’s pets. Kansas City Pet Project (KCPP) is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of animals in the community through adoption, education, and life-saving programs.
History: Founded in 2012, Kansas City Pet Project took over operations of the Kansas City, Missouri, animal shelter. Since its inception, KCPP has been committed to transforming the shelter into a No-Kill facility, focusing on innovative programs and community engagement to save more animal lives.
Impact: Annually, Kansas City Pet Project cares for more than 10,000 animals, achieving a live-release rate of over 95%. Through initiatives such as the pet retention program, community cat diversion, and robust foster network, KCPP has significantly reduced euthanasia rates and improved the lives of countless animals. The organization also engages in extensive outreach and education efforts, helping to create a more informed and compassionate community. Kansas City Pet Project’s success in animal welfare serves as a model for shelters nationwide.
Animal Welfare Institute (AWI)
Mission: To alleviate the suffering of animals and advocate for the humane treatment of all species. The AWI focuses on reducing animal suffering caused by humans, particularly in the areas of factory farming, animal experimentation, and habitat destruction.
History: Established in 1951, the AWI was founded by Christine Stevens in response to the inhumane treatment of animals. Initially focused on preventing cruelty to laboratory animals, AWI has expanded its efforts over the decades to include a broad range of animal welfare issues. The organization has played a critical role in the passage of key animal protection laws and continues to be a leading voice for animals.
Impact: The AWI works globally to protect animals through advocacy, education, and direct action. AWI has been instrumental in securing legislation that bans or restricts harmful practices, such as the use of steel-jaw traps and the slaughter of horses for human consumption. The organization also supports animal sanctuaries, promotes humane farming practices, and conducts research to improve animal welfare standards.
The Humane Society of the United States
Mission: To fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) works to protect animals by advocating for better laws, investigating cruelty, and promoting humane practices across the nation.
History: Founded in 1954, The Humane Society of the United States was established to address large-scale animal welfare issues, such as factory farming, animal testing, and wildlife protection. Over the years, HSUS has become a leading voice for animal rights, focusing on creating systemic change to improve the lives of all animals.
Impact: The Humane Society of the United States operates on a national scale, implementing programs and campaigns that have led to significant legislative victories and industry reforms. Notable achievements include the passage of laws to ban the use of puppy mills, the protection of endangered species, and the reduction of animal testing. HSUS also conducts undercover investigations to expose cruelty, provides disaster relief for animals, and runs sanctuary programs for rescued animals.
Alley Cat Allies
Mission: To transform and develop communities to protect and improve the lives of cats. Alley Cat Allies focuses on advocating for policies that support community cats and promoting Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the humane and effective approach to managing and reducing cat populations.
History: Founded in 1990, Alley Cat Allies began as a grassroots organization dedicated to advocating for the humane treatment of feral and stray cats. Over the years, it has grown into a leading voice for community cat care, pioneering the widespread adoption of TNR programs across the United States.
Impact: Alley Cat Allies has had a profound impact on the lives of cats and the communities they inhabit. The organization has successfully advocated for TNR ordinances in numerous cities, reducing the number of cats euthanized in shelters and improving the health and well-being of community cat colonies. Alley Cat Allies also provides resources and education to support local TNR efforts, runs public awareness campaigns, and offers guidance on best practices for cat care.
Defenders of Wildlife
Mission: To protect and restore imperiled species and their habitats. Defenders of Wildlife works to ensure the conservation of biodiversity through advocacy, litigation, and on-the-ground efforts to protect wildlife and their natural environments.
History: Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife began as an organization focused on the protection of endangered species and the preservation of their habitats. Over the decades, the organization has expanded its scope to address a wide range of wildlife conservation issues, becoming a leading advocate for the protection of biodiversity in North America.
Impact: Defenders of Wildlife operates numerous programs aimed at protecting endangered species, conserving critical habitats, and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. Notable achievements include successful campaigns to reintroduce wolves to Yellowstone National Park, protect polar bears from the impacts of climate change, and establish wildlife corridors to facilitate safe animal movement. Through science-based advocacy, public education, and strategic litigation, Defenders of Wildlife has significantly contributed to the protection and recovery of many species and ecosystems.
Underdog Rescue
Mission: To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome the most overlooked and at-risk dogs and cats. Underdog Rescue focuses on providing second chances to animals that have been neglected, abandoned, or deemed unadoptable, ensuring they find loving, permanent homes.
History: Founded in 2000, Underdog Rescue began with a mission to help animals that other organizations might overlook. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the rescue organization started small but has grown significantly over the years, becoming a well-respected entity in the animal welfare community.
Impact: Annually, Underdog Rescue saves hundreds of animals through its dedicated rescue efforts. The organization places a strong emphasis on rehabilitating animals with medical or behavioral issues, providing them with the care and training they need to become adoptable. Through its extensive network of foster homes and volunteers, Underdog Rescue ensures that each animal receives individualized attention and a safe environment.
Animal Friends of the Valleys
Mission: To promote humane care of animals through education and a proactive animal services program. Animal Friends of the Valleys is dedicated to preventing the suffering of animals and enhancing the human-animal bond in the communities they serve.
History: Founded in 1987, Animal Friends of the Valleys began as a small group of volunteers committed to animal welfare in the Temecula Valley, California. Over the years, it has grown into a comprehensive animal care organization, operating a state-of-the-art shelter and providing a wide range of services to the community.
Impact: Animal Friends of the Valleys cares for thousands of animals each year, providing shelter, medical care, and adoption services. The organization also offers low-cost spay/neuter programs, vaccination clinics, and educational outreach to promote responsible pet ownership. Through their proactive approach to animal welfare, they have significantly reduced the number of homeless and neglected animals in the region.
The Animal Foundation
Mission: To save the lives of all healthy and treatable animals in the Las Vegas Valley. The Animal Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every pet has a chance for a loving home through adoption, foster care, spay/neuter programs, and community outreach.
History: Founded in 1978, The Animal Foundation began as a small, low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest single-site animal shelters in the United States, providing care and shelter for thousands of animals each year. The organization has been pivotal in addressing pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare in the community.
Impact: Each year, The Animal Foundation cares for over 25,000 animals, finding homes for thousands through its robust adoption program. The organization also offers a range of services, including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and microchipping, to promote responsible pet ownership. Through initiatives like the “Mission: Possible 2020” campaign, which aimed to achieve a 90% save rate, The Animal Foundation has made significant strides in reducing euthanasia rates and increasing live outcomes.
