Anyone who has had a pet knows how intense that bond can be. A pet and its owner share a unique connection, built on trust and affection. It is no wonder that many pet owners want to help other animals in need. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to help needy pets through charities across the country.
Pet charities range in size and focus. Some are national organizations with a strong network to provide better exposure to the public. Other charities are localized, focused on helping the needs of pets in certain communities. Most of these charities are wonderful organizations that do essential work for animals throughout the country. However, if you need some ideas about which charity to get involved with, consider these four worthwhile options.
1. Friends of Animals.
Friends of Animals is an organization with a lot of history. Founded in 1957, this charity seeks to promote animal rights across the nation. Friends of Animals works throughout the country, both on behalf of pets and animals in the wild. Specifically, Friends of Animals has a number of programs dedicated to spaying and neutering and overpopulation prevention. The organization even has a Wildlife Law Program to better train activists to do work in the field.
2. PetSmart Charities.
PetSmart is a well recognized name in the pet community. With a chain of retail stores throughout the United States and Canada, PetSmart has always been dedicated to serving pets and their owners for a wide range of needs. However, PetSmart is also dedicated to charity work. PetSmart hopes to better connect pets with loving families, and much of its charity work is focused on programs to help get pets adopted and reduce the overall number of strays. PetSmart has adoption centers in well over 1,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada.
3. D.E.L.T.A. Rescue.
Founded in 1979, D.E.L.T.A. Rescue has always aimed to provide a sanctuary for abandoned animals. For as many good pet owners as there are in the world, too many pets still get abused and abandoned each year. D.E.L.T.A. seeks to give these animals a new home with care for life. The California sanctuary features 115 acres for animals to call home.
4. Humane Society of the United States.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is one of the most recognized pet charities. Founded in 1954, the Humane Society is the country’s largest organization dedicated to the protection of animals. With this strong background, the HSUS can perform many services. In particular, the organization is known for helping local organizations improve their services and advocating for better protection for all animals worldwide.
These charities are just a small selection of the organizations across the country dedicated to animals. Do your homework and find an organization that resonates with you. If it’s local, maybe pay them a visit, or better yet trying volunteering for them. Between national charities and local organizations, every pet lover should be able to find a good charity that aligns with his or her values.
Jen Thompson loves to write about animals, she has two cats and a dog
