Giving guide
Where to give in animal welfare
Animal welfare charities reduce animal suffering through rescue and shelter, cruelty prevention, and advocacy for better treatment of animals. Approaches range from local shelters to campaigns that improve conditions for enormous numbers of farmed animals.
The charities below are ranked by our composite GiveWise score, which reflects independent ratings, financial efficiency, and transparency.
The ranking
Top Animal Welfare charities
6 organisations, ranked by GiveWise score. Each links to a full profile with its rating breakdown, financials, and a donate link.
1Mercy For AnimalsReducing the suffering of farmed animals through advocacy, investigations, and corporate campaigns96Score71%To programs
2The Humane LeagueCorporate campaigns and global advocacy to reduce farm animal suffering84Score86%To programs
3Best Friends Animal SocietyNo-kill movement leadership and lifesaving programs for shelter animals nationwide80Score79%To programs
4Humane Society of the USThe nation's largest animal protection organization fighting cruelty on all fronts78Score74%To programs
5World Animal ProtectionMoving the world to protect animals in farming, disasters, and the wild77Score76%To programs
6ASPCAPreventing cruelty to animals through rescue, legislation, and community programs76Score74%To programs
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How can animal charities help the most animals per dollar?
Advocacy and corporate-campaign charities can improve conditions for very large numbers of animals at low cost, while shelters and rescues provide direct, tangible care. Both models appear in the ranking below.
What should I check before donating?
Look at the programme-spending ratio, independent accountability ratings, and how clearly the charity reports outcomes. Every charity below links to its evaluator record.