What's the best charity for animals?

[Yavin4]

I know about the ASPCA, but I've heard back things about them.

[grilled onions]

1. No Kill Shelters For A Start

Of course then you have to decide what animals you want covered. Do you want to donate mainly for dogs and cats or to a wider spectrum that tends to have farms for former abused and neglected horses.donkeys,sheep,goats--going all the way to former zoo animals(making sure they don't resell animals to those damn canned hunts--grrrrrrr).
I would be curious to the answer myself. It changes when some sadly have to give it up or get caught in shady operations and often those with the most advertising are not always the best.

[Callmecrazy]

2. The best Charity for animals...

is the proper management of our pets.
Domestic cats are already being discussed as an invasive species because they are not sterilized. And contrary to popular assumption, any animal you take to a shelter has just been put on death row. The shelters will sell you an animal if you're willing to have it sterilized, and the money goes not only for feeding but also for culling the other animals that weren't as cute and cuddly. I'm talking hundreds of animals a day being euthanized and cremated just to keep the numbers manageable. It's an awful truth, but a necessary and prudent solution to the overpopulation of species having litters of offspring. If they didn't, our cities would be knee deep in hairballs and dog shit. And let's not forget about diseases like Rabies, Toxoplasmosis, and exotic strains of Influenza.
So know in your heart that any money you give to these shelters is most likely using that money to destroy unwanted animals.

Which IMHO is a good thing.

[Arugula Latte]

12. Humans are the worst invasive, destructive species.

[Callmecrazy]

14. Maybe so...

But were not talking about that right now. Were talking about animals lower on the food chain.
And I don't disagree.

[femmocrat]

3. Why not start with the local ones?

They are often in extreme need.

[Momgonepostal]

6. I like that idea the best...

and they can tell you exactly what they're needs are.

Another good one that's not local for me is Hope for Paws. I've been very impressed with their rescue efforts.

[narnian60]

5. The Pets group here on DU would be a great place to ask this question.

[bluesbassman]

7. March of Dogs of course.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

8. Your local no kill shelter --

or spay/neuter group -- the best place for your money. Most national animal welfare groups are a big fat waste of dollars -- very little $$$ actually go for the care of animals. My sister worked for IDA and next to zero dollars went to the animals -- it was really about fundraising, nothing more. Also groups like Best Friends, The Gentle Barn, and Farm Sanctuary where rescued animals are cared for are a good investment. Local wildlife rehab groups can always use donations, as well.

[MarchemintotheSea]

9. Your Local No Kill Shelter

[Corgigal]

10. This one

http://www.animalleague.org/

[pipi_k]

11. As some others

said, your local no-kill shelter is probably best.

I donate to Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, MA and get to "adopt" a wolf. Got his photo, which is displayed along with all my dogs' photos. He's like a part of the family



Also, I donate yearly to a local police dept K-9 dog. There are two dogs in that community and I was glad to hear they were able to buy bulletproof vests for both.

[datasuspect]

13. local, local, local

if you ever get the inclination, work through local source to get the most bang for your buck.

national charities are mostly top heavy.

[hopemountain]

15. your local no kill shelter

and local feral cat spay and neuter programs ( these groups can always use extra crates for feral cats, sacks of cat food for bait, and gas money).

also, local animal "sanctuaries" - but i would investigate them a bit more because unfortunately, i have seen some animal hoarders and "embezzlers" and horrific animal abuse by not so well intentioned persons who think "non-profit" status is a source of personal income.