Who 2 Give 2: Animal-Friendly Charities to Support

’Tis the season for supporting the work of charities that improve the lives of companion animals. Here are four of the best:

Alley Cat Allies Helping to establish the practice of trap-neuter-return to ease cat overpopulation without resorting to killing, Alley Cat Allies was founded to advocate for humane treatment of feral cats. Your donation will help the group improve the lives of cats through shelter programs, educational efforts, and public-policy campaigns. alleycat.org

ASPCA The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been championing animals for nearly 150 years, rescuing them—such as from fighting rings and negligent breeding operations—caring for them, and helping them find homes. A $25 donation feeds a shelter animal for three weeks; $35 provides vaccinations; $50 covers a medical exam; $100 funds spay/neuter surgery. aspca.org

Best Friends Animal Society This non-profit operates the largest no-kill companion-animal sanctuary in the nation on 20,000 acres near Kanab, Utah. In addition to providing loving care for about 1,700 animals on site, Best Friends partners with groups across the country to hold adoption events and implement spay/neuter programs. bestfriends.org

North Shore Animal League A leader in the no-kill rescue movement, NSAL runs a shelter in the New York Tri-State area and partners with local groups nationwide to increase adoptions. The organization’s mobile adoption units bring animals into the community and make adoption easy and accessible; NSAL also loans vehicles from its fleet to other shelters and offers a co-operative buying program to help rescue groups save on equipment and supplies. animalleague.org