Using ratings generated by Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy, I’ve compiled a list of the top-rated animal rights, welfare, and service-related charities. These are ones that scored either four stars from Charity Navigator (their highest rating) or As from the American Institute of Philanthropy.
Charity Navigator and the American Institute of Philanthropy evaluate “the financial health” of non-profit organizations to determine which ones are using their money most effectively. What this means to you is that you can rest assured your donation dollars are being well utilized for the cause they were intended.
Charities are listed in alphabetical order. If they have a website I’ve linked to it.
1. American Humane Association
2. American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation
3. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
4. Animal Haven
5. Animal Protective Association of Missouri
7. Animal Rescue League of Iowa
10. Animal Welfare League of Arlington
12. Associated Humane Societies
15. Cat Care Society
16. Citizens for Animal Protection
17. Days End Farm Horse Rescue
18. Defenders of Animal Rights
22. Farm Sanctuary
23. Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
26. Greenhill Humane Society, SPCA
27. Helen Woodward Animal Shelter
29. Houston SPCA
30. Humane Farming Association
31. Humane Society for Companion Animals
32. Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County
33. Humane Society of Charlotte
34. Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County
35. Humane Society of Missouri
36. Humane Society of New York
37. Humane Society of North Texas
38. Humane Society of Pinellas
39. Humane Society of South Missippi
40. The Humane Society of the United States
41. Humane Society/SPCA of Bexar County
42. International Fund for Animal Welfare
45. Louisiana SPCA
47. MaxFund Animal Adoption Center
50. MSCPA-Angell
51. National Education for Assistance Dog Services
53. North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation
56. Oshkosh Area Humane Society
57. Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
59. PAWS Atlanta
60. PAWS Chicago
64. Placer SPCA
66. Richmond SPCA
67. San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
68. Save-A-Pet Adoption Center
69. The Seeing Eye
70. Sioux Falls Area Humane Society
72. SPCA of Texas
73. Stevens-Swan Humane Society of Oneida County
74. Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
75. Tri County Humane Society (Boca Raton, FL)
Question to Readers
Were there any charities you expected to see but didn’t? Did any of your charities make the list?
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