Recommended/Not Recommended Dog Charities

Recommended

1. Your community’s shelter or your breed rescue group.

Although I don’t recommend first-time dog owners adopt a dog from them (see 7 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know about Animal Shelters), these organizations are the home of last resort for thousands of dogs and deserve your financial support and your time if you can volunteer.

Although your local group may share the name "humane society" or "society for prevention of cruelty to animals," local groups do not receive any funding from the national groups and are separate entities. Local organizations may be private, or contracted with their local government, and set their own policies.

In fact, groups such as the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) even charge local shelters for assistance they provide.

Nestle Purina is getting on the wristband bandwagon through its Rally to Rescue collar and wristband for you and your dog.

Sets of purple and silver collars and wristbands have been furnished to rescue groups across the country and organizations are encouraged to request at least a $5 donation per set. See http://www.rallytorescue.org/ for more information.

2. Canine Companions for Independence http://www.caninecompanions.org/

As the name implies this is the organization that trains dogs to
support people with developmental or physical disabilities so they can live independently. No dogs are every more cherished than these well trained life savers.

3. Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
http://www.GuideDog.org

This non-profit, rated one of the 100 best charities by Reader’s Digest magazine, trains and places about 80 dogs a year with blind individuals. It is one of the oldest, animal-related non-profits in the US.

Not recommended

1. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

The biggest mistake people make is thinking that their local humane society is a branch of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). It isn't. So how many HSUS-run animal shelters benefit from its nearly $95-million 2005 annual budget? None.

HSUS spends the majority of its money on political activity, legal challenges and fund raising. Although once a worthwhile group, it has been taken over by the animal rights cultists.

"The life of an ant and the life of my child should be granted equal consideration," Michael Fox, Head of HSUS's Center for Respect for Life and Environment, said. His view is emblematic of today's HSUS and as such, it is not a group worthy of anyone's support.

2. American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (ASPCA)

Many local organizations use the term SPCA, but they are not related to the ASPCA which is based in New York.

This is another group that spends substantial sums on fund raising and political activity. In fact, New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer accused the ASPC of engaging in inappropriate direct fundraising activities although the ASPCA denied the charge.

It's unfortunate but the ASPCA also is a group with a proud history that has been taken over by the animal rights cultists and now spends its efforts lobbying against hunting, animal acts in circuses and encouraging everyone to become a vegetarian.

Save your money.

3. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

PETA has made donations to the terrorist group, Environmental Liberation Front (ELF) and several defense funds for accused Animal Liberation Front (ALF) members. A group so reckless with its funds does not deserve to keep its non-profit status or receive your support.

Two organizations that rate non-profits on how well they spend their money in the ratio of administration/fund raising to activities are http://www.CharityNavigator.org/ and http://www.give.org/.

This is the not same as whether their goals are worthwhile but only whether they have an acceptable ratio of fundraising/administrative expense compared to performance.

A group that rates only animal related charities is ANIMAL PEOPLE at animalpeoplenews.org.

Each year in the December issue of ANIMAL PEOPLE, Editor Merritt Clifton offers his annual investigative piece, "Who Gets The Money," providing information (including executive salaries) on one hundred and fifty animal charities.

The Watchdog Report can be ordered on line for $25 at animalpeoplenews.org.
And don't forget Animal People -- which is itself a nonprofit, about as lean as they come-- when it's time to pick animal charities worthy of your donations.