The ASPCA has such heart-wrenching commercials. Absolutely heart-wrenching. They are designed to make you feel guilty if you don't send them money.
But what do they do with the money you send them?
These commercials seem to be focused on raising money for a national organization to rescue abused animals. But most of what they raise isn't spent on the animal rescue efforts they highlight in these commercials. In fact, they spend almost $40 to raise every $100. And about $35 of that $100 on administration and overhead. Which is why charity watchdog organizations give the ASPCA only a C+ rating. Additionally, the ASPCA has a long and conflicted history, none of which is reflected in these commercials, and they may not even be that focused on the animal rescue and cruelty prevention that they advertise as their main purpose. They may also be killing animals rather then rehabilitating and rehoming them.
And where do they operate?
They appear to be a national organization, but focus most of their work in the New York City area. And although they may provide links on their website to local shelters in your area, very little (if any) of the money they raise is sent to those shelters.
Other national animal charities have a higher rating. If you are really motivated to donate to a national animal charity, your money might be better spent by A+ rated PetSmart Charities. PetSmart spends 93% of the money it raises for programming, and every additional $100 raised only costs them $4. However, your money may be better spent donating pet food and supplies to local PetSmart stores, who give those donations to local animal shelters. Or adopting the rescue animals that you can find in their local retail locations.
Or, you might want to donate to your local animal shelters or SPCA organization. For me, that's organizations like the Central New York SPCA or the CNY Humane Society. This local organization is NOT related to the ASPCA, so your money stays local, your aid goes to local animals. Donating to your local organization can also mean you have more control over how they spend your money. You can visit or volunteer at the local shelter, and see first-hand how they treat the animals in their care. You can donate food and other supplies, or items on the shelter's wish list, instead of cash, if you want to make sure your donations are going directly to animal care. And, of course, you can rescue animals yourself by adopting them from your local shelter.
