Greetings,
Well, holiday time is fast approaching and I am looking for some good charities to give to.
Due to some very personal issues (so please spare the "why not give to groups that help humans) I am looking for groups that advocate animal rights, especially focused on how Veterinarians treat our animals.
Any suggestions? (Links most welcome).
People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Animal shelters in Washington State - link obtained from the SPCA site. Google for SPCA for more info.
The only one I know is PETA, and obviously, that one was already taken, so I’ll just go back off into my own little corner and cry.
ASPCA
Humane Society
The Humane Society of the United States is a good one, they do good things, and were very helpful during the aftermath of 9-11-01.
http://www.hsus.org/ace/352
They also keep an eye on wildlife and animals in research.
They do not contribute to local humane societies, though. These are often assigned by county, and are sometimes partners with city animal control, so you might contact animal control in your area for more info on that.
Also look for no-kill shelters in your area, they will keep an animal until it finds a permanent home. Those costs add up, since most rescued animals need a good bit of veterinary care before they are adoptable. Of course, if you want to send a little of that down South, I know of one really great no-kill shelter – actually I do their website as a volunteer, after being inspired by the kitty I adopted from them: http://www.arkinc.org/
There is also a wonderful cavy (guinea pig) rescue in CA, they helped rescue SO many piggies after the horrible Hollister discovery, and they work really hard. They are helping change the laws regarding pet sales also:
http://www.cavyspirit.com/
This is another, smaller cavy rescue:
Also you might try http://www.petfinder.com/ for a shelter in your area that would welcome your generosity. I don’t know if petfinder needs donations or not.
Let me apologize for not doing those links better, but I am so tired just now, but so glad to see this thread.
Bethany
Hey there, Binarydrone. Though the link below is for a no-kill animal shelter in Malaysia, I thought you may wish to keep this in view, if you ever find yourself in South East Asia, to go pay a vist to the shelter.
Luna
There is also the Humane Farming Association, which focuses on getting better treatment and conditions for farm animals than what they get in the factory farms.
OK Binarydrone, you are now PETA.
I think this is wonderful . I head up my company’s Community Fund (we collect money that the employees donate & then give to charities in our community). Anyway, just this week I finished sending out the checks - 18 of them. 17 checks went to “people” groups and 1 went to the SPCA. Within minutes of sending out our list of contributions, an employee called to ask why I didn’t help “people” more, why is the SPCA on here, blah, blah, blah. Argh! Some people have no hearts whatsoever.
Anyway, I’d just like to put in another vote for the SPCA - they have local chapters most everywhere and they are a good cause. I visited my local SPCA recently & it broke my heart to see all those animals without homes but I was comforted somewhat since these organizations do exist & that people can look beyond themselves and help animals in need. Also, the SPCA accepts monetary donations, cat & dog food, puppy & kitten chow, kitty litter, pet toys, etc. I will make it a point to take food there more often now. You can also visit/play with the animals and feed them treats.
Thanks for your great post.