How to Pick an Animal Charity

Helping animals is a cause that is close to many people's hearts. Charitable donations can help protect endangered species or provide funds towards an animal's food and shelter needs. Since there are many animal charities around, you need to figure out the best one to give to. Read on to learn how to pick the animal charity that deserves your money.

Instructions

1. Use Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is a very helpful website for people who are unsure about what organizations are reputable. Browse through the animal charities on the site to help you make your decision.

2. Examine the organization's use of funds. You want to look for an animal charity that puts at least 80 percent toward its animal welfare programs.

3. Pick the type of animal cause that you are interested in supporting. There are charities that protect an animal's rights and welfare, wildlife conservation organizations and zoos that are all in need of charitable support.

4. Choose a local or national animal charity. If you would rather see your money go toward helping local animals, then donate to your closest animal shelter.

5. Donate to the Humane Society. The Humane Society is a charity that attempts to stop animal cruelty through educational programs and lobbying for new animal protection legislation.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also choose to put money toward an animal charity that trains pets to aid people with disabilities. Paws with a Cause is a good organization to consider.

• Before you donate to an animal charity, you should request a pamphlet or recent literature from the organization that lets you know exactly where your money is going.