Animal welfare nonprofits do more than just rescue and rehome pets. They provide essential services like medical care, food assistance, and education to ensure animals are cared for and loved.
Whether you’re looking to adopt, donate, or volunteer, supporting these organizations can make a real impact on your local community. Here are six incredible pet nonprofits in Los Angeles and how you can get involved.
1. Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation raises funds to support the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. Since government funding is limited, the foundation helps provide spay/neuter services, medical care, adoption support, disaster relief, and anti-cruelty programming. In 2024 alone, their efforts contributed to the adoption of over 20,000 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and livestock.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet from one of their care centers.
- Volunteer to assist with animal care and enrichment.
- Donate to fund medical services and adoption programs.
- Join the Faithful Friends Monthly Giving Program ($25–$100 per month).
2. Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles
Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles is leading the charge to make Los Angeles a no-kill city by working with rescue groups, shelters, and volunteers. They operate the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center, the largest no-kill animal shelter in LA, and lead the NKLA (No-Kill Los Angeles) initiative. Their efforts have saved thousands of cats and dogs from euthanasia.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet from their adoption center.
- Foster an animal in need.
- Volunteer at their shelter.
- Donate to support lifesaving programs.
- Advocate for no-kill initiatives and animal welfare policies.
3. Lange Foundation
Since 1993, the Lange Foundation has rescued over 20,000 animals from city and county shelters, saving them from euthanasia. They operate Halfway Home Kennel in West Los Angeles and St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary in Santa Clarita, where they provide care for cats, dogs, and even horses until they find permanent homes. Their mission focuses on rehabilitation, medical care, and long-term sheltering for animals that need extra time to find the right family.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet from their shelters.
- Volunteer to help care for animals.
- Donate to fund rescue efforts.
- Shop their wish list to provide much-needed supplies.
4. Pasadena Humane
Founded in 1903, Pasadena Humane is a community-supported animal resource center, offering services beyond traditional sheltering. They provide free and low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services, a pet food pantry, and an animal support call center. In 2023 alone, they helped over 47,000 animals through adoptions, wildlife rehabilitation, and medical care.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt or foster a pet in need.
- Volunteer in animal care, outreach, or community education.
- Donate to support medical and shelter services.
- Shop their wish list to help provide essential supplies.
- Attend fundraising events to support their programs.
5. Hope for Paws
Hope for Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in rescuing neglected, injured, and abandoned animals. Their team not only rescues animals but also provides veterinary care before transferring them to partner adoption centers. They use their massive online presence (with over 5 million YouTube subscribers) to raise awareness and funds for animal rescue efforts worldwide.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt one of their rescued animals.
- Donate to help fund medical care and rescue operations.
- Become a Hope for Paws Member with a monthly donation.
- Watch and share their rescue videos to spread awareness.
6. Stray Cat Alliance
Dedicated to feral and stray cats, Stray Cat Alliance focuses on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, medical care, and adoptions. Since its founding, the organization has transformed the stray cat welfare system by providing education, advocacy, and hands-on care. Their goal is to ensure that every cat has a safe, healthy, and valued life.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt or foster a cat.
- Donate to support spay/neuter programs.
- Volunteer to help with TNR efforts and cat care.
- Shop their wish lists on Amazon and Chewy.
- Attend or support fundraising events.
Making a Difference, One Pet at a Time
These nonprofits are doing incredible work to improve the lives of animals and pet owners in Los Angeles. Whether you choose to donate, foster, volunteer, or simply spread the word, every effort helps keep pets safe, healthy, and loved. Even small actions—like sharing a nonprofit’s mission on social media or attending a fundraising event—can create lasting change.
Looking to get involved? Reach out to one of these organizations and start making a difference today!
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