Number four in our “Non-Profits To Know” series! Whether you’re looking into adoption or just looking to save some animals, you can read about some helpful organizations that support pets and wildlife right here! Because who doesn’t want to be a real-life superhero and save kittens? And did we mention that all of the organizations listed do their work in DC, so your donation directly benefits your community right at its heart?
American Humane Association (AHA) is a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C. They have been protecting animals of all types and in all different kinds of need for over 100 years. The nation’s oldest non-profit protecting children and animals, AHA provides rapid response care to animals in emergency situations (such as natural disasters), runs the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program that we love to see during movie credits, and helps to Humane Certify® farms, zoos, aquariums, and much more! To show some compassion to animals and children everywhere, consider donating or volunteering with AHA.
DC Paws Rescue is an “all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Washington, D.C., committed to rescuing homeless animals from high-kill animal control facilities that are often under-resourced and under-funded.” They partner with a group in North Carolina, where adoptable dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, vetted, and sent to D.C., where they are put with “carefully screened adopters or foster homes.” Dc Paws Rescue has saved countless furry friends from high-kill animal control facilities, so check out their website if you’re looking to provide aid to some sweet fur babies in need!
City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties is comprised of volunteers who foster cats and dogs in their homes until they are able to find forever homes. Their website offers long lists of educational articles on taking care of pets, understanding their behavior, senior dogs’ special care needs, and practically every other topic that you would need help with when caring for an animal. They also host dog adoption events around the Washington D.C. area, where you can meet with potential furry family members!
City Wildlife was created “to address the need for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in Washington, DC. Over the past several decades, urban development has reduced local wildlife habitat and wild animals have had to adapt to living in close proximity with people. Each year, hundreds of wild animals in DC are unintentionally harmed by people and the urban environment.” At City Wildlife, sick, orphaned, and injured animals are nursed back to health and then released back into the wild. In 2018, City Wildlife was awarded platinum status (the highest rating!) by GuideStar, the world’s “largest source of information on nonprofit organizations”. Check out some of their events on their website, including “Lights Out DC” and “Duck Watch,” which both aim to protect and aid injured or struggling wildlife.
From staff contributor Halley Stubis.