Top 34 Pet Charities You Can Donate to

If you honestly want to make a difference in the lives of pets all around the world consider supporting one of these charities that serve pets. Like Food for Life Global, the largest world vegan hunger relief organization dedicated to the support of animals and their well-being, you get to help abandoned, threatened, and at-risk pets and enjoy a tax write-off. 

Besides serving 7 billion meals to the underserved in various parts of the world, Food for Life Global supports various animal causes including having its own branch for animal welfare under Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary.  

We understand that deciding which charity to support can be tough because you don’t know how much of your donation actually goes to the pets. 

So, to make it that little bit easier for you, we’ve sifted through a whole bunch of pet charities and found 34 that benefit domestic animals. Some of these charity organizations are large and have been around for several years, and others are recent and made it to the list because of their particular program or mission.

Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary is a Columbian-based pet charity committed to rescuing animals. Since its 2006 launch, this organization has rescued over 700 animals. 

1. Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary

Besides its goal to save endangered animals, Juliana’s Animal Sanctuary has several educational programs in place. These programs seek to change people’s views on animals. Over the years, the sanctuary has grown internationally and is now a registered non-profit entity in the US. 

2. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.) was the first benevolent society in North America. This organization is currently the best pet charity to donate to, mainly because of its animal protection and placement programs. 

Through these programs, they’ve built a community of advocates and volunteers that save the lives of thousands of animals and provide work to prevent cruelty to pets throughout the United States.

3. Humane Society

The Humane Society is one of the best pet charities in the world, and for a good reason. Not only does the Humane Society have several programs designed to aid domesticated animals, but they’ve begun initiatives against animal testing, factory farming, and the hunting of wildlife. 

Some of the Humane Society’s achievements include closing down puppy mills, promoting laws that protect animal welfare, and providing protection and care to animals in need through their rehabilitation centers, animal rescue team, and veterinary and wildlife support units.

4. Best Friends

Best Friends Animal Society has had higher Charity Navigator scores than other charities for pets. These scores are generally based on the amount used for administrative and financial projects versus programs. While this is essential, these numbers can be merged in cases of enormous capital projects and fundraising needs. 

Best Friends Animal Society has perfect scores for transparency and accountability. To accomplish a time when there are no more abandoned pets is its primary goal. Since its establishment in 1984, it has made a considerable impact and gained respect for its substantial goals and successes.

5. American Humane

American Humane was established in 1877 and its motto is “First to Serve”. You might also be familiar with another of its mottos, the phrase “No Animals Were Harmed” that shows up at the end of T.V. shows and films. This was a result of the tireless work of American Humane.

American Humane has been the policing organization for the use of animals in Hollywood productions since 1940. The organization supports numerous other programs as part of its mission to promote the welfare and safety of animals while bolstering the bond between people and animals

6. Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies was established after the founders Becky Robinson, and Louise Holton stumbled on an alley with 56 cats. They were the first to utilize the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) method in America. Ever since then, other non-profit pet organizations have adopted the TNR approach. This organization provides comprehensive resource guides and information on its website. They also work with animal shelters to carry out life-saving programs.

Dog getting prepped by a veterinarian under the employ of a pet charity

7. Animal Welfare Institute

The Animal Welfare Institute was established in 1951 to rescue animals from experimental laboratories. Today, they are one of a handful of pet non-profit organizations still actively involved in tackling animal research. This organization also provides information and ways for its sponsors to make a change in their community. 

The Animal Welfare Institute was fundamental in passing the Animal Welfare Act in 1966, and they continue to fight for strict obedience to that law, protecting all pets from any form of inhumane or violent treatment.

8. PetSmart Charities

The founders of PetSmart stores, Jim and Janice Dougherty pledged to never sell cats, dogs, kittens, or puppies in their stores. This organization fights pet homelessness by advocating for pet adoptions, spaying, and neutering clinics. 

Since its establishment, the organization has given more than $413 million to other pet charities that feed and shelter pets. If you donate to PetSmart Charities, you can feel safe knowing that more than 90 percent of its annual budget is spent on pet programs rather than institutional overheads.

9. North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America (N.S.A.L.A.) was founded in 1944. This organization advises the public through numerous media platforms about how essential it is to adopt from a shelter. 

They also rescue unwanted animals and find them new families and homes. Any sick animals that they rescue are cared for in their medical center. All this work is done through voluntary public support of benevolent people all over the globe.

10. Petco Foundation

Petco Foundation was established in 1999 to enhance the welfare of pets. This pet charity organization has found homes for more than six million pets through adoption events in its Petco retail stores. They organize spay and neuter programs to help decrease the feral animal population. 

This charity has invested $250 million in organizations that most impact the welfare and lives of companion animals. They also invest in scientific research into cancer in dogs and training programs for pets.

11. RedRover

RedRover’s mission is to bring animals out of crisis and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster-relief services, financial assistance, and education.

RedRover is always on the lookout for animals in need. This organization provides soft hands and warm hearts when people and animals are in pain and crisis. They search for opportunities to work jointly with agencies and other organizations to further their mission. 

This charity uses advanced solutions to prevent animal neglect and cruelty. RedRover also educates youth on building a more benevolent future through the power of resilience, empathy, and the human-animal bond.

12. Dumb Friends League (D.D.F.L.)

The Dumb Friends League (D.D.F.L.) was established in 1910. The term “dumb” is used to refer to animals that lack the ability to speak. This charity organization is headquartered in Denver and aims to speak for those animals unable to speak for themselves through educational programs and advocacy. They also provide shelter and care for animals and offer programs and services that improve the bond between people and animals.

Dog adopted from a pet charity sat between his new owners

13. Animal Rescue Foundation

This organization aims not only to create a world where every loving cat and dog has a home but also where every individual feeling lonely has a companion animal

Animal Rescue Foundation has a fascinating story. One of the founders, Tony, came across a stray during a game between the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics. Tony took the stray and wanted to place it in a local shelter, but he found that there was not a single no-kill shelter in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. That event inspired Tony and his wife Elaine to establish the A.R.F. to find homes for homeless animals and help control pet overpopulation through neutering and spaying programs.

14. World Animal Protection

The vision of world animal protection is to create a world where animals live free from suffering. This pet charity vaccinates dogs against rabies and educates students on how to rescue animals in disaster zones. 

The organization also works towards ending the needless suffering of animals and persuading decision-makers to put animals on the global agenda to help the world see how essential animals are to all of us. 

15. Friends of Animals

This pet non-profit was established in New York City in 1957. Their original goal was to protect dogs and cats by offering neuter and spay procedures, and over the years, they have achieved that goal. 

It’s estimated that this charity organization has assisted in neutering and spaying over 2.5 million pets. They have also taken an active role in advocating against animal testing, abandonment, hunting, fur-collecting, and safeguarding and supporting wildlife and wildlife habitats around the globe. 

16. Animal Friends

For more than 70 years, Animal Friends has been saving, enriching, and improving the lives of pets. Since its inception in 1943, it has consistently been ranked among the best pet welfare organizations in the country. 

With its progressive programs, Animal Friends is leading the way toward making the community a safer and more humane place. This organization also offers events and training classes for your favorite animal friend.

17. Citizens for Animal Protection

Citizens for Animal Protection is a charity organization established in 1972, which rescues, shelters, and then places homeless animals with caring families. This organization advocates compassion and respect for animal life and offers education programs to help prevent brutality to animals. 

They also care for pets in need through pet adoption, shelter and care, spaying and neutering, feral cat assistance programs, pet care and counseling, pets for seniors, and affordable wellness services and sterilization surgeries.

18. Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation (L.D.C.R.F.)

The organization rescues abandoned or displaced cats and dogs from the threat of euthanasia in congested shelters or other endangered situations and places them for adoption into caring homes. All animals in the care of L.D.C.R.F. are spayed or neutered and fully vaccinated before the adoption process is completed. 

Since their establishment, they have found homes for more than 30,000 animals. This charity is a volunteer-based organization, and its only staff are the animal care staff at their kennel facility.

Woman taking selfie with a white fluffy dog rescued by a privately-owned pet charity

19. Pets for the Elderly

This charity was established to provide companionship to the elderly through pet ownership while saving the lives of animals in shelters that may otherwise be destroyed due to a lack of suitable homes. 

Pets for the Elderly began in 1992 with two shelters near Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, they have grown into a nationwide charity. This organization branched out nationally in 2002 and has successfully placed over 78,000 pets with senior adopters.

20. Save A Pet

Save A Pet is a charity organization and one of the largest no-kill dog and cat rescues in Lake County. It also operates an adoption center. They provide asylum for neglected, abused, injured, or lost animals. 

This organization offers rescued cats and dogs the greatest opportunity for a second chance. Save A Pet has currently overseen the successful adoption of over 64,000 dogs.

21. Blind Cat Rescue

Blind Cat Rescue was founded in 2005 to serve as a haven for blind cats deemed not adoptable by regular shelters. This organization is located in St. Pauls, North Carolina (U.S.A.). In 2005, they built their first building as an asylum for blind cats rejected by regular shelters. 

In 2011, they built another shelter for Leukemia positive (FELV+) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV+) cats that would otherwise have been euthanized.

22. The Cat Network

The Cat Network was created to find loving, permanent homes for abandoned cats who have little or no alternatives. Since 1991, The Cat Network has rescued and placed thousands of homeless, stray, abused, and shelter cats and kittens in St. Louis, Missouri, and neighboring areas. 

After their rescue, the kittens and cats are provided medical care, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, tested for feline leukemia and FIV, dewormed, microchipped, and given a flea treatment. Cats and kittens are placed in foster care and then adopted by loving, permanent homes.

23. Paws Humane Society

Paws Humane is one of those pet charities that enrich the lives of both animals and people as a solution-based, community resource for animal welfare. They offer spay/neutering services,  adoption, volunteer opportunities, outreach, and education. 

This organization was founded in 2009 and has been saving the lives of animals in need for nearly 13 years. Paws Humane is one of the biggest companion animal welfare organizations in the country and is committed to ensuring an extensive adoption program and low-cost veterinary services.

24. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue

Dedication & Everlasting Love to Animals (D.E.L.T.A.) Rescue features exclusive areas for dogs and cats. This organization is constantly growing due to the rising population of abandoned animals. 

A full-time construction crew is on staff to regularly build, repair, expand, and fence as more rescued animals are brought into their facility. This pet charity is located in Los Angeles and is one of the largest animal sanctuaries.

Yellow-eyed cat awaiting further rehabilitation by a pet charity

25. National Cat Protection Society

The National Cat Protection Society was established by Richard Calore, a veteran of World War II who was inspired by a lost cat that stayed with him while he was stuck in a French ditch in the dead of winter. Inspired by this cat, he started this pet charity on his return to the States. This organization serves as a safe place for cats and kittens in Southern California.

26. Leave No Paws Behind

Leave No Paws Behind (L.N.P.B.) is an all-breed rescue charity specializing in senior animals and pets with unique needs. They help save the lives of pets in the most danger of being left behind to die on a cold shelter floor. L.N.P.B. provides hospital care, love, comfort, and a safe place for terminally ill animals. They try to ensure that no animal is left to die alone.

27. Homeless & Orphan Pet Endeavor (HOPE)

Homeless & Orphaned Pets Endeavor (HOPE) is an alliance of animal advocates devoted to ending the homelessness of dogs and cats in the greater Houston area through feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return and education. Becoming a HOPE member allows you to assist abandoned and orphaned pets. 

This pet charity organization requires an annual membership fee of $20, which will entitle you to receive HOPE mailings and attend functions. Your participation can be tailored to your schedule and lifestyle, and you can be as involved as you like.

28. Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County (A.W.L.M.C.)

The Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County (A.W.L.M.C.) maintains a no-kill cat shelter in Montgomery County, MD. Since their establishment in 2005, they’ve facilitated over 1,000 cat adoptions. Their homey adoption-friendly shelter is currently located in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. 

They moved into this location in 2011 and altered the interior to have five group rooms for the cats and allow space for floor cats to roam throughout the property. This organization also has cat trees at every window and big climbing trees in the central areas. 

They also added an outside storage shed on the property and used all of the building to ensure that the cats in their care were safe and comfortable. A.W.L.M.C. offers potential adopters space to meet the perfect cat for their family.

29. Canine Estates

This pet charity organization relies completely on donations to care for all homeless dogs in their care. They use this donation to settle the costs of veterinary care given to a dog before adoption. 

This care includes, but might not be limited to, all vaccinations, prevention medication, heartworm testing, flea prevention, fecal testing, worming if necessary, and surgical procedures. Any money you donate to this organization also helps to feed, house, and provide veterinary care for dogs waiting to be adopted.

30. Common Sense for Animals

Common Sense for Animals believes that all animals have the right to be treated with dignity in all situations including for research, food, hunting, sports, and companionship. 

Regardless of how they’re used in our society, they believe that all animals are to be protected to the full magnitude of the law and are entitled to a clean environment, humane care, and protection from cruelty. This organization seeks to help people to understand and value the role of animals in our world.

Animal rescuer holding kitten before sending it off to a pet charity for complete care

31. Kitten Associates

Kitten Associates is a non-profit charity organization located in Sandy Hook, CT. They rescue adult cats and kittens from kill shelters and provide a safe place for stray cats. 

They’re one of the few charities that ensure that their stray cats are fed the right food to keep them healthy until they find suitable owners. They also educate their adopters on how to provide the proper diet for their cat or kitten.

32. The Forgotten Pet Advocates

The Forgotten Pet Advocates is a pet charity organization that supports animal welfare. They give voice to those animals who have no one to speak for them. They sponsor essential veterinary care, including sterilization for animals that have been abandoned at boarding facilities and lost animals discovered in the streets in Houston. 

The organization also networks through social media to boost the visibility of homeless animals. Their effort has led to a reduction in the number of pets at local shelters. They’re also working tirelessly to make Houston a no-kill community.

33. Paw Placement

Paw Placement was established to reduce euthanasia of stray dogs and cats through adoption, rescue, and education about responsible pet guardianship. 

This pet charity organization works with adopters to find their perfect animal match. It facilitates only quality adoptions and offers follow-up guidance and training to ensure relationships between pets and adopters are successful. 

34. Save A Pet Florida, Inc

Save A Pet Florida Inc was created to provide medical care to abandoned and injured animals, stray cats, and pets of families having financial problems. Their dedicated team is devoted to helping animals and providing them with the attention and care they deserve. 

This organization was initially founded as “Save Precious Lives, Inc.” by Gertrude Maxwell in 1978. The name was later changed to Save A Pet Florida, Inc. on January 19, 1988. Every day their volunteers donate their time to rescue abandoned animals from a parking lot, a car engine, or a vacant building.

Final Thoughts 

There are many pet charities for you to pick from. While it might be challenging to find an organization true to your heart, think about why and how you want to support the charity. If you’re a member of vegan food charities like Food for Life Global, you might want to support one or more of these pet charities. For instance, this article is sponsored by Hiddin  –  clear acrylic pet products & pet accessories made in the USA. Your neighborhood also likely has a pet charity organization you can support financially or with your time.

Read next: Top Dog Charities to Know.


Food for Life Global is a non-profit organization committed to solving world hunger. Since its launch, FFLG has distributed over 7 billion vegan meals to displaced and underprivileged people worldwide. We also offer animal care, eco-farming, and schooling solutions. Click here to contribute to this noble cause. 

Paul Turner

Paul Turner

Paul Turner co-founded Food for Life Global in 1995. He is a former monk, a veteran of the World Bank, entrepreneur, holistic life coach, vegan chef, and author of 6 books, including, FOOD YOGA, 7 maxims for soul happiness.

MR. Turner has traveled to 72 countries over the last 35 years helping to establish Food for Life projects, train volunteers, and document their success.

4 Comments

juan francisco espinoiza cubillos

buenas tardes señores es muy interesante su prospecto pero en aqui en Bolivia no hau ninguna asociacion en beneficio de las mascotas abandonadas. mi persona ha hecho una tesis referente a los microchips hacia os perros abandonados, y no se si ustedes me podrian colaborar este proyecto. gracias Lic. juan Francisco Espinoza

November 7, 2022
PAUL TURNER

Gracias por tu comentario, no estamos en condiciones de ayudarte con este proyecto. Es una buena idea. Intente https://helpbolivia.org o http://www.helpanimalsinternational.org/grant-conditions-hai.html

December 7, 2022
Marina Garcia Nieves

Necesito comida para mis animales estoy desempleada en estos momentos

February 15, 2023
Josefina

Hola Marina,

Gracias por comunicarte con Food for Life Global.

Lamentablemente no podemos enviar recursos a individuos, nuestro trabajo es servir de cuartel general a nuestra red de afiliados, nuestro proceso de trabajo no nos permite justificar envios de dinero de forma individual.

Te recomendamos que intentes encontrar esta ayuda con alguna fundación local que ofrezca este tipo de apoyo en tu comunidad.

September 14, 2023

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