Pets
Gifts That Give Back To Animals All Year Long
"Tribute" donations are a way to honor those you love while helping to ensure the protection of animals.
CALIFORNIA — Looking for an end-of-the-year gift for a special someone? Check out our list below of animal-welfare charities that accept tribute donations that can be made in the name of your family member, friend or pet. The tax-deductible donations are a way to honor those you love while helping to ensure the protection of pets and wildlife.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
About: The ASPCA is a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Its mission, as stated by founder Henry Bergh in 1866, is “to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.”
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Giving: Donate any amount with the option of sending your loved one a card or e-card.
Find out what's happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
About: The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s mission is to protect animals through the legal system. The organization files high-impact lawsuits to protect animals from harm, providing free legal assistance and training to prosecutors to assure that animal abusers are held accountable for their crimes. The organization also supports tough animal protection legislation and fights legislation harmful to animals, while providing resources and opportunities to law students and professionals to advance the emerging field of animal law.
Giving: While the ALDF offers so many ways to give, the organization includes a way to donate that honors the memory of a loved one.
About: Based in Utah, Best Friends is a sanctuary for homeless and special-needs animals. The organization has grown to include national network partners and pet lifesaving centers.
Giving: Best Friends has a holiday match challenge underway, which means every gift made during December will be tripled, up to $4 million. Donations can be honored with cards through the mail or ecards.
The Humane Society of the United States
About: The organization fights for animal welfare at the legislative level. Its mission is to “fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals.” The organization also rescues and cares for thousands of animals every year through its Animal Rescue Team.
Giving: For a donation of $25 or more, the HSUS will mail your recipient a personalized greeting card with your special message. The recipient will also receive a one-year subscription to the HSUS magazine All Animals.
About: Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has granted over $450 million to organizations that help transform the lives of pets. Donations help homeless pets find loving homes, provide affordable veterinary care, and secure pet food for those who need it most.
Giving: Donations can be made in honor or in memory of someone.
About: The WWF works in nearly 100 countries to protect communities, wildlife and the places in which they live.
Giving: Make a donation to WWF in honor of someone or in memory of someone. If you wish, you can announce your gift with an ecard or have WWF send a notification by mail.
There are many other rescue organizations across California and the nation — including your own local shelter or rescue — that welcome tribute donations.
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