5 Remarkable Animal Welfare Organizations

5 Organizations Helping Animals In Need

Rescuing Reese with Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc.

Pet Statistics for the United States

• Percentage of households with at least one pet: 49%
• Households with a dog: 60.2 million
• Households with a cat: 47.1 million
• Households with freshwater fish: 12.5 million
• Annual cost of pet food (average): $235
• Annual cost of routine vet visits: Dogs: $257 Cats: $182
• Number of animals that enter shelters each year: 6.5 million
• Number adopted: 3.2 million
• Number euthanized: 1.5 million
• Estimated stray animal population: 70 million

spcaLA's Pet Adoption Day

Items All Dog-Owners Should Have

• Bed
• Bath tub
• Food
• Chews
• Car seat
• Nail trimmers
• Pooper scooper
• Flea collar

The Animals at the Heart of Potter League for Animals

In Depth

In cities all throughout the world, strays and abandoned pets suffer due to overpopulation and neglect. Luckily, there are a lot of compassionate individuals and groups working hard to rescue and rehabilitate them. In no particular order, here are some organizations that are dedicated to helping both animals and struggling pet owners.

First up, at #1, the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc. is founded on the belief that all animals have a natural right to safe shelter and humane treatment. Due to overpopulation, many cats and dogs are either euthanized or forced to be homeless. To relieve their suffering, the organization finds adoptive homes and provides medical services and behavior therapy to the extent of their ability.

All of their animals that are available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, fully vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. Those who want to get involved may volunteer to assist their staff or temporarily foster puppies and kittens until they're strong and healthy. You may also attend the organization's many fundraising events.

Those who want to get involved may volunteer to assist their staff or temporarily foster puppies and kittens until they're strong and healthy.

Next, at #2, is Paws for Hope, which provides care, support, and education through programs and services to individuals and groups to enhance companion animal welfare in British Columbia. Recognizing the positive impact pets have on vulnerable individuals, their Roxy's Relief program provides support to homeless, street-involved, and low-income pet guardians by offering free animal health clinics and vet care assistance.

The organization's Guardian Angel program offers services, initiatives, and funding opportunities to support qualified volunteer-run animal welfare and rescue charities in the province. Paws for Hope also brings awareness to the inhumane business practice of animal breeding mills and backyard breeders through its Pets Are Not Products campaign. Help out by donating or creating your own fundraiser.

At #3 is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. Serving Southern California since 1877, their offerings range from violence-prevention programs aimed at reinserting empathy in youth in at-risk communities, to a full-service Pet Hotel and Grooming Salon. Through their Animal Safety Net program, they also assist domestic violence survivors by offering temporary housing for their pets.

Through their Animal Safety Net program, they also assist domestic violence survivors by offering temporary housing for their pets.

Formed in 1993, their Disaster Animal Response Team is a mobile command post that contains a full communications system that is capable of monitoring and dispatching emergency services during disasters to provide temporary shelter for animals and front-line veterinary care. Aside from monetary donations, the organization also accepts items such as cat litter, canned dog and cat food, and toys.

Taking the #4 spot is the Potter League. Founded in 1929, it's an animal shelter in Newport County, Rhode Island that provides housing and care for lost or unwanted pets. Their services include a pet food assistance program that provides free supplemental supplies to individuals in need and a support group for those who have been touched by the loss of a companion.

The Potter League's signature events include Yappy Hour, an open-air cocktail party, and the Heart and Sole Walk for Animals, an annual fundraiser that features lots of activities, a flea-less marketplace, music, and pet contests. Those who wish to help may donate supplies through the organization's Amazon wish list.

Those who wish to help may donate supplies through the organization's Amazon wish list.

Finally, at #5, we have Friends For Life. It introduced the no-kill shelter model to Houston, saving animals regardless of their origin or condition. Their Fix Houston program offers free spay or neuter surgeries and vaccinations to pets belonging to residents of underserved sections of the city. They also trap, neuter, and return free-roaming cats in certain areas, reducing the intake and euthanasia rates for neighboring shelters.

In 2008, they launched the Thinking Outside the Shelter program, which offers services, such as behavioral counseling and veterinary assistance, to pet owners so that they may keep their animals in their homes. Support their mission by donating unopened bags of pet food or buying gift cards and ornaments from their online store.