Animal lovers are likely interested in charities that fight for animal-related causes. There are tons of local, national, and international organizations that work to help animals, and it can be difficult to select which ones to support. The following are some of the best charities to choose from that are focused around animals.

PetSmart Charities

Of the organizations helping domestic animals, PetSmart Charities is one of the best. They have a full four-star rating on Charity Navigator, and $0.90 per dollar received goes directly to helping pets. The charity works to fund sterilization programs for pets, end pet homelessness through rescue and adoption, and provide emergency relief for animals in disaster-affected areas.

Humane Farming Association

For animal lovers concerned about the plight of farm animals, the Humane Farming Association is one of the best charities to support. They work to end cruelty to farm animals, protect the environment from the impacts of farming and safeguard consumers from dangerous misuses of drugs and chemicals used in factory farming. The group does investigative work into cases of animal cruelty, provides emergency care, promotes farm animal welfare legislation, and runs refuges for rescued farm animals.

World Wildlife Fund

The World Wildlife Fund, or WWF, is one of the largest international organizations working to protect wildlife and educate people on the importance of conservation. They run campaigns focused on particular species that are in danger, including tigers, polar bears, orangutans, sea turtles, and many more. Supporters can adopt a certain favorite animal to fund conservation work for that particular species.

Local Shelters

Finally, animal lovers can make a real difference in their own communities by giving to local shelters and rescue groups. These groups not only help cats and dogs, but other animals kept as pets such as rabbits, birds, and hamsters. It can be nice to give back to the shelter from which someone adopted a beloved pet. Although giving locally isn’t always possible as local shelters can be poorly run, it is a good place to start.

There are countless animals around the world, both wild and domestic, that need help. The best animal charities work to save animals, educate the public, and advocate for stronger legal protections for animals. These charities are great choices for animal lovers looking to make a difference.