Animal rescue centers are a type of pet shelter where animals, such as dogs and cats, that have been lost, abandoned or surrendered by their owners, are kept until they can be adopted into permanent homes. These animal shelters have a mission to reduce the number of homeless pets in the world through spaying/neutering, training, and adoption programs. They are usually run by volunteers, and foster homes are heavily utilized. Some are open to all types of animals, while others specialize in a certain breed or group of animal.
There are an estimated 62 million dogs and 64 million cats in the United States alone, and millions more roam the streets or live as strays. In the past, many people chose to buy their dogs and cats from puppy mills that breed animals in cramped conditions, but today, there is a movement towards adopting a rescued dog or cat instead of supporting this unethical business practice. The majority of animal rescue groups are devoted to dogs and cats, but there are also specialized pet-based rescue organizations (reptile, rabbit, bird, etc), as well as wild animal and farm animal charities.
Most animal rescues are privately run and funded, though some are government-funded. Most are non-profits, so they rely on donations and adoption fees to keep their doors open. The best way to ensure your charity is worthy of your donation is to read through their website, and be sure that they have a clear goal for what they are trying to achieve. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, for example, is dedicated to saving elephants from captivity (mainly circuses and zoos), and they have received the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accreditation as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
Other animal rescues are focused on rehabilitating wild animals, such as lions, tigers, and cheetahs, and then releasing them back into the wild where they can survive. Others are more concerned with strengthening national and international wildlife protection, promoting humane and nonlethal solutions to conflicts with wildlife, and advocating for species-appropriate housing, care, and handling of all animals.
Some animal rescues work in partnership with other organizations, such as zoos and museums. This allows them to share resources and work together on projects. This is especially true for organizations that are involved in ocean conservation, where they are working to restore marine mammal habitats and educate the public on how humans can coexist with these beautiful creatures.
Other notable animal charities include the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, NC, which focuses on the needs of indigenous and endangered animals of all kinds, and Second Chance Rescue NYC, a foster based nonprofit organization in the East Village that takes in abandoned and abused domestic animals, before they find their forever homes. These are just a few examples of the many great animal rescues that are helping to save the lives of thousands of animals every year.