What Charities Support Animals When They Are Abandoned?

Throughout the country, there are various non-profit organizations and charities devoted to the welfare of animals. These charities have different missions and goals, such as promoting humane animal treatment through legislation and public policy and helping to organize shelters around the country in local communities. Several charities specifically support animals that have been abandoned or abused.

  1. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

    • The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first North American humane society, and it is one of the largest in the world. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, has branches and affiliates throughout the country. These branches are privately funded. They promote an anti-cruelty mission and also serve as shelters for abandoned and abused animals. ASPCA branches help find good homes for animals rather than putting them to death. The ASPCA also spays and neuters to reduce the number of unwanted, homeless animals.

    National Animal Information Database Charities

    • National Animal Information Database Charities, known as NAIDCharities, is a nonprofit, virtual animal rescue organization. The charity does not shelter, feed or handle any animals. NAIDCharities helps abandoned animals find new homes by operating as a social networking site for shelters, placement services and individuals looking to adopt. First, the charity learns about an abandoned pet from shelter workers; then, the site contacts people who may be interested in adopting pets, based on their indicated interests and needs. Even with just a virtual presence, NAIDCharities is making a big difference by helping crowded shelters relocate abandoned animals into loving homes.

    Best Friends Animal Society

    • Best Friends Animal Society started as a grassroots effort to place so-called "unadoptable" dogs and cats into good homes. Now, Best Friends helps abandoned or abused dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other animals by accepting them at shelters and rehabilitating them for adoption. Animals are given veterinary treatment and restored to strength and health. Some animals also receive therapy to help them become comfortable with humans or other animals, as they often have behavioral problems as the result of trauma. The main sanctuary of Best Friends is located in Utah, but the charity works with humane groups, individuals and communities across the country to help them start shelter, foster and adoption programs in their local communities.

    The Humane Society

    • The Humane Society of the United States is the country's largest animal protection organization. The Society seeks to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals, and it works to reduce suffering for animals through public policy and law. The Society also helps animals that have been abandoned or displaced as a result of natural disasters. It provides direct care for thousands of animals at sanctuaries, rescue facilities, wildlife rehabilitation centers and mobile veterinary clinics around the country. In addition, the Society helps support local humane societies by educating and providing shelter standards and evaluations, as well as training programs.