These Well-Respected U.S. Animal Rescue Groups are Doing Amazing Work

Over 4,000 animal shelters exist throughout the U.S. While many shelters have facilities to house and care for animals, they function independently from large rescue organizations. In many cases, rescue organizations will sponsor or partner with various shelters while simultaneously supporting one of their own. Rescue organizations are essential in the U.S., as millions of cats and dogs are surrendered to shelters yearly. Some reasons why an owner may feel obliged to surrender their pet to a rescue include financial pressure, death of the owner or caretaker, and lack of housing.

There are different types of rescues. No-kill shelters do not euthanize animals if they lack the room and resources to care for them. Instead, no-kill rescues use a limited admissions process for pets, reducing the number they can take in but increasing the number of animals that make it out. In many circumstances, rescues have committed to a no-kill philosophy, making them safe, reputable shelters. However, other shelters may not adopt the same philosophy, making them animal-holding facilities instead of vessels for animal welfare.

Responsible rescue groups dedicated to animal welfare exhibit various attitudes toward pets and homeless animals. They are likely to adopt a no-kill policy and sponsor no-kill shelters. These groups also may show increased community engagement, especially during disaster response and animal cruelty reports. Finally, these non-profits give back to nature, aiming to heal the relationship between humans and animals rather than hinder it further.

Humane World for Animals

Humane World for Animals, formerly known as The Humane Society of the United States, is one of the most prolific and largest animal welfare organizations in the nation. After a recent name change, Humane World for Animals has expanded beyond domestic borders, shifting focus to international animal welfare needs.

By targeting puppy mills and other cruel breeding and holding practices, Humane World for Animals seeks to eradicate animal cruelty in the U.S. and beyond. The organization also sponsors and owns several rescue facilities and animal sanctuaries, where animals suffering from abuse can discover rehabilitation and be granted a new start.

One of the organization’s most substantial feats in advancing animal welfare occurred when South Korea officially banned the sale of dog meat. During the Humane World for Animals battle against the sale of dog meat, the organization rescued over 2,700 dogs from the industry.

Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society began when a group of friends and approximately 200 rescued animals set out on an unconventional shelter journey together. After arriving in Kanab, Utah, preparations for a homeless pet shelter and no-kill movement were enacted. In 1984, the founders purchased 3,300 acres of land in a red-rock canyon to house and care for animals. They began creating animal enclosures from chicken wire and whatever materials they could find.

Though its beginnings were quaint, the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary grew to become one of the nation’s leading animal welfare groups. Now, nearly 1,600 animals call the sanctuary home. The sanctuary welcomes visitors every day of the week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Visitors can view and interact with a diverse group of wildlife, learn about preventing animal homelessness, and support no-kill shelters.

Animal Welfare Institute

One of the oldest animal welfare institutions in the United States, the Animal Welfare Institute, began in 1951. Christine Stevens, an animal welfare supporter and acquaintance of Dr. Jane Goodall, saw needs in the animal community that she felt obliged to address. The Institute’s primary goal initially was to end animal testing, experimentation, and cruel treatment in laboratories. However, Stevens’s work went on to have an extensive impact beyond laboratory walls.

Since the mid-20th century, the Animal Welfare Institute has been a key player in many animal rights victories. For example, the institution joined the fight against commercial whaling, which the International Whaling Commission banned in 1986. The organization continues to advocate for animals suffering from habitat loss, cruel treatment, unsanitary living conditions, and other anthropogenic causes of poor animal welfare.  

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was founded in 1866, making it the first animal welfare organization in North America. Beyond maintaining shelters, offering veterinary care, and conducting animal welfare research, ASPCA also works with community officials, like lawmakers and law enforcement, to create safe, equitable, and fair laws that protect animals.

Furthermore, ASPCA boasts impressive ties to local and national businesses and charities and supports communities throughout the U.S. through these partnerships. ASPCA also affirms its commitment to cruelty and disaster response by working within the community. Representatives and volunteers can actively respond to animal cruelty or natural disasters in their areas, allowing them agency in animal rescue projects.

PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities is the leading funder of animal welfare, helping over 11 million pets find homes and granting more than $600 million to rescues and welfare projects since 1994. The Organization has also substantially worked to offer free, personalized care for North American pets through adoption programs, training and care guides, free pet immunizations, and veterinary care.

Furthermore, PetSmart Charities tackles nationwide animal welfare issues like disaster response, pet homelessness, and hunger through partnerships and investing in local communities. As one of the largest, most pervasive animal welfare organizations in the U.S., PetSmart Charities hosts adoption events from coast to coast. Check out pets up for adoption near you, and find out what events PetSmart Charities plans to hold for pets and their owners this spring.

Alley Cat Allies

Alley Cat Allies is a feline-focused welfare organization that champions Trap-Neuter-Release and Shelter-Neuter-Release techniques for feral and domestic cats. They believe all cats should receive proper veterinary care, regardless of their living conditions.

Spaying or neutering stray cats benefits their communities by reducing the occurrence of unwanted litters and extending the lives of outdoor cats. Often overlooked, outdoor cats are just as in need of proper care as any other homeless pet. Alley Cat Allies aims to educate the public about the essential roles that outdoor cats play by providing accurate and reliable information.

The Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center is a different kind of rescue and rehabilitation facility than the others listed. Since marine mammals cannot be adopted into homes, caregivers and marine biologists at the center focus on transitioning animals back into their wild habitats. Their rescue, rehabilitation, and release methods have allowed them to reintroduce thousands of animals to the wild. By tracking released patients with tags and identification numbers, scientists can conduct research and stay up-to-date with how they acclimate to their new homes.

With over 1,400 volunteers, the Marine Mammal Center is well-equipped to handle many patients with diverse needs. Since 1975, the Center has rescued over 26,000 marine mammals and released over 10,000 back into their natural habitats. The rescue range of the organization stretches from the California coast down to Hawaii, around 600 miles.

The Marine Mammal Center is headquartered in Sausalito, California, and has an impressive facility and hospital. Other satellite locations exist along the West Coast and in Hawaii. While the Center primarily focuses on rescue in U.S. coastal waters, it hopes to expand and reach more marine mammals in need globally.

North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America is one of the world’s longest-running and most expansive no-kill rescues. Established in 1944, North Shore Animal League America and Dog Protective Association found its humble beginnings in the streets of North Hempstead, Long Island. Advocate Marianne H. Sanders began rescuing homeless animals in New York alongside the association, resulting in its commitment to a no-kill policy.

The North Shore Animal League American Shelter was completed in 1956 and began housing and caring for local rescues. Since then, the organization has rescued over 1.2 million dogs and cats. In 2023 alone, around 56,000 North Shore rescues found permanent homes. Through shelter partners, community connections, and countless volunteer hours, North Shore Animal League America has established itself as a leader in animal welfare and rescue.

The Senior Dogs Project

Founded in 1997 by Teri Goodman, the Senior Dogs Project seeks to find permanent homes for elderly dogs, who are often ignored and overlooked in the adoption process due to their advanced age. When rescued and put into shelters, senior dogs have little chance of seeing the outside world again.

The Senior Dogs Project raises awareness about older, homeless pets that need a caring owner and warm place to rest just as much as any other animal. The project’s website, srdogs.com, provides resources for finding senior dogs to adopt and welcomes foster parents and volunteers to assist in their mission.

AKC Rescue Network

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Rescue Network is the most expansive of its kind. Its website indexes rescue groups by breed. Users can navigate to the Rescue Network column, select breeds alphabetically, and find rescue organizations that support a specific breed’s welfare. For example, the Norfolk Terrier Club rehomes stray Norfolk Terriers and solely focuses on that breed.

Additionally, AKC Rescue Network works with breeders and volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs. It boasts over 450 groups throughout the U.S., and rescue organizations can request to join the AKC Rescue Network. Partnering with AKC both legitimizes rescue organizations and increases their business.