How animal rescue charities scam you

Larger charities like the HSUS and ASPCA will spend the majority of the donated money on personal salaries and marketing costs, leaving 1% to 2% actually donated to animal shelters. 

Table of contents

1. Why does transparency matter when asking for donations? 

2. What are the HSUS and ASPCA?

3. Where Does the Money Go? Analyzing Donation Distribution

4. Controversies and Criticisms: HSUS

5. Controversies and Criticisms: ASPCA

6. The Impact on Animals and Donors

7. What to Look for in an Ethical Animal Charity

8. Highlighting Trustworthy Animal Charities

9. Paw Prints’ Commitment to Ethical Giving

10. Conclusion

 

1. Why does transparency matter when asking for donations?

Picture this: it’s a lazy Saturday afternoon, and you flip on the TV. Suddenly, there’s a commercial with a sad puppy, big eyes brimming with tears, paired with heart-wrenching music. You can’t help but feel that tug at your heartstrings, seeing this poor little guy in need. The ad tells you there’s a way to help—just donate $500 to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and you could make a real difference, helping animals like this find loving homes and escape suffering.

Before you know it, you’ve pulled out your wallet, and $500 is on its way to HSUS. You feel good, like you’ve done something meaningful. But what if I told you that only 1% of that $500—just five bucks—is actually going to local shelters? Yep, that’s right. Out of your hard-earned money, only a tiny fraction goes directly to helping animals at the local level.

And here’s something else that might surprise you: big names like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) aren’t actually connected to your local Humane Society or SPCA shelters. Despite the shared names, these local shelters are independent and don’t receive funding from the larger organizations.

These are just a few pieces of the puzzle when it comes to understanding where your donations really go when you’re trying to help animals.

At Paw Prints, we get it. We’re not just committed to supporting charities—we’re committed to supporting the right ones. We believe in shining a light on where your donations are truly going and aren’t afraid to call out organizations that aren’t doing their part to create a better world for our furry friends.

2. What are the HSUS and ASPCA?

Let’s take a quick trip down history lane: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was founded in 1954 with a mission to take on the big battles and end suffering for animals.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which has been around even longer since 1866, promises to prevent cruelty to animals across the United States.

Both of these organizations have been around for decades, and they’ve built a pretty solid reputation as the go-to names in animal welfare.

To most people, these groups are seen as the big guns behind all the Humane Society and SPCA shelters across the country. It’s easy to assume that when you donate to HSUS or ASPCA, you’re helping the animals in your own backyard—your local shelters, the ones you pass by every day. But here’s the kicker: that’s not actually the case. Your generous donations aren’t necessarily going to the shelters in your neighborhood. Instead, they’re going straight to the national offices of HSUS and ASPCA, where a lot of that money ends up covering other costs, including hefty salaries.

In fact, a 2021 report revealed that 76% of people polled believe the statement, “My local humane society or pet shelter is affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States.” So, while these organizations have a great public image—like they’re pouring your donations right back into your community’s animal shelters—the reality is a bit different. HSUS and ASPCA aren’t connected to your local Humane Society or SPCA, and they aren’t required to send big chunks of money their way.

And, as you might guess, they often don’t.

This is where the gap between perception and reality starts to show, and it’s something a lot of donors aren’t aware of.

3. Where Does the Money Go? Analyzing Donation Distribution

Let’s talk money. Where does it really go when you donate to big names like HSUS and ASPCA? A deep dive into their 2021 tax documents uncovered some pretty eye-opening facts.

For starters, in 2021, the HSUS had a whopping $138 million budget. Out of that, only 1%—yep, just 1%—went to local pet shelters via financial grants. And get this: HSUS didn’t send a single dime to pet shelters in 32 states and Washington, DC. On the other hand, ASPCA, with an even bigger budget of $302 million, only allocated 2% to local shelters through grants. They also skipped out on sending financial help to shelters in 21 states.

Now, let’s talk about where the rest of that money went. HSUS spent $4.3 million on executive compensation, $56 million on fundraising, and $1.2 million on lobbying in 2021. Oh, and they’ve got $67 million tucked away in offshore accounts. The ASPCA? They spent $5.5 million on executive compensation and a staggering $135 million on fundraising and advertising. They’ve also got $11 million stashed offshore, and their CEO pulls in nearly $1 million a year.

When you break it down, a huge chunk of the donations these organizations receive doesn’t actually go to helping animals. Instead, it gets eaten up by administrative costs, executive salaries, and massive fundraising efforts.

Since 2008, the ASPCA has raised more than $2 billion for animal welfare. But out of that, only $146 million—about 7%—went to grants for local animal welfare groups. During that same period, they spent nearly three times that amount—at least $421 million—on fundraising. Over $150 million of that went to a Canadian media production company, Eagle-Com Inc., to produce and place those tear-jerking ads you see on TV.

To put it in perspective, ASPCA’s own 2017 survey found that 84% of its donors also gave to local animal charities. But what the survey didn’t ask was whether those donors knew the difference between donating to the ASPCA and donating to their local SPCA shelters.

There’s a significant gap between what these organizations claim in their marketing and where the money actually goes. So, when you donate, thinking you’re directly helping animals in need, a lot of that money might be going somewhere else entirely. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s important to know the truth behind these big names in animal welfare.

4. Controversies and Criticisms: HSUS

Let’s dive into some of the controversies surrounding the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Unfortunately, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than you might think.

First off, let’s talk money—again. HSUS has been putting more into its pension plans and Caribbean hedge funds than it gives to actual pet shelters. Between 2012 and 2014, HSUS funneled over $50 million into Caribbean investments, while also tucking nearly $10 million into its pension plan. As of 2021, they reported having almost $60 million offshore in the Caribbean, with millions more stashed away in Europe. While they’re raising money with heart-wrenching pictures of cats and dogs, they’re not exactly putting it where you’d expect.

There’s also the issue of HSUS’s underlying agenda. While they market themselves with images of cute pets, their leadership has roots in PETA, with a clear goal of controlling what people eat. The current HSUS CEO, Kitty Block, used to work for PETA, and HSUS’s longtime food policy director was behind a campaign comparing chicken farming to the Holocaust. Back in 2006, an HSUS vice president stated that their goal was to “get rid of the entire [animal agriculture] industry.” So, if you’re donating to HSUS thinking you’re helping rescue pets, you might be surprised to learn they’ve got a much bigger agenda.

It doesn’t stop there—HSUS has had its fair share of scandals. In February 2018, then-CEO Wayne Pacelle resigned after credible accusations of sexual harassment. His deputy, Paul Shapiro, had resigned just a month earlier for similar reasons. And then there’s the $15.75 million settlement from a federal racketeering lawsuit in May 2014. HSUS was sued under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for bribery, obstruction of justice, fraud, and more. Court documents revealed that HSUS was involved in a witness-payment scheme. This was no small scandal, and it definitely left a mark on the organization’s reputation.

HSUS’s leadership has even voiced support for some pretty extreme actions. Longtime HSUS chief policy officer Mike Markarian once praised an Animal Liberation Front raid on a laboratory, calling it “a perfect example of effective rebellion.” Another HSUS leader, Matt Prescott, openly supported the actions of such groups. These are not exactly the kind of things you’d expect from an organization claiming to be all about animal welfare.

On top of all this, HSUS has received poor charity-evaluation marks. CharityWatch gave them a “D” for their poor allocation of funds. Despite all these issues, HSUS’s budget just keeps growing. Why? Because all it takes is a sad video of puppies and kittens to pull at your heartstrings and, unfortunately, your wallet.

There’s also been some serious backlash from HSUS’s own donors and local shelters. A poll of HSUS donors found that 80% felt the organization “misleads people” about their connections to pet shelters. When donors found out the truth, 75% said they were less likely to support HSUS. And local animal shelters? Many agree that HSUS misleads people into thinking it’s associated with them.

Even with its massive budget, HSUS does relatively little hands-on care for animals. They claim to “save” more animals than any other group in the U.S., but most of what they do is spay-neuter assistance. Local groups with way smaller budgets, like the Houston SPCA, actually provide direct care to more animals than HSUS does.

These controversies and scandals have definitely impacted public trust in HSUS, but the lack of awareness means they’re still able to pull in millions every year. It’s a reminder that we need to dig a little deeper before donating to make sure our money is really going to help the animals we care about.

5. Controversies and Criticisms: ASPCA

The ASPCA is well-known for its heart-wrenching commercials featuring sad-eyed animals, but behind the scenes, the organization has faced significant controversies and criticisms that might surprise you. 

One of the biggest points of contention is how the ASPCA manages its finances. 

Despite raising substantial funds, only 2% of its budget is allocated to grants for community pet shelters. In 2021, the organization reported $390 million in revenue and held $575 million in assets, including $310 million in investments and $105 million in savings. Additionally, the ASPCA has about $11 million in offshore Caribbean accounts, which is unexpected for a nonprofit focused on animal welfare. High executive compensation has also raised eyebrows, with CEO Matt Bershadker earning nearly $1 million annually and 259 employees earning six-figure salaries.

Another area of concern is the ASPCA's approach to fundraising and spending. 

Since 2008, the organization has raised over $2 billion for animal welfare but has only spent $146 million, or about 7% of total funds, on grants to local animal welfare groups. This discrepancy is further highlighted by the fact that the ASPCA has spent nearly $421 million on fundraising efforts—three times more than it gives in grants. Local SPCAs, which are independent from the national organization, have also been restricted from using the ASPCA's donor list if they clarify their independence, making it harder for these local groups to raise much-needed funds.

The ASPCA has also faced legal and ethical criticisms. Critics accuse the organization of misleading fundraising practices, with some local SPCAs in California filing a complaint in 2011, alleging unfair and deceptive practices that hurt their efforts. The ASPCA has also been scrutinized for its lack of transparency, particularly in incidents like the 2019 transport of 26 dogs that died, likely from overheating or carbon monoxide leakage.

Animal welfare decisions made by the ASPCA have not been without controversy either. In 2009, the organization euthanized an abused dog named Oreo, despite an offer from Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary to take her in. This decision led to the proposed "Oreo's Law" in New York, which aimed to prevent shelters from euthanizing animals if a rescue group offered to care for them.

In addition to these controversies, the ASPCA has been accused of prioritizing a political agenda over its stated mission of animal welfare. Critics argue that the organization’s lobbying efforts, particularly around the 2023 Farm Bill, reflect a radical political agenda. For instance, the ASPCA has advocated for a national moratorium on new and expanded large livestock feeding operations, with a proposed ban by 2040. This stance has been criticized as anti-farmer and is feared to raise supply chain costs, potentially impacting low-income Americans.

The ASPCA has also come under fire from other animal rights groups. The Center for the Environment and Welfare (CEW) launched a campaign to expose what it describes as the "duplicity" of the ASPCA, arguing that the organization is more focused on self-enrichment and political agendas than on helping animals in need.

Public perception of the ASPCA is another area where the organization faces criticism. Many people mistakenly believe that the ASPCA is affiliated with local shelters across the country, but in reality, it only runs one adoption center in New York City. Critics argue that the ASPCA's name is misleading and that the organization should consider rebranding to better reflect its actual operations.

These controversies and criticisms paint a picture of an organization that may not align with the public's perception. For anyone considering donating to the ASPCA or simply wanting to understand how their money is being used, it's essential to look beyond the commercials and dig deeper into the organization’s practices.

6. The Impact on Animals and Donors

The controversies surrounding HSUS and ASPCA have a significant ripple effect on the animals they aim to protect.

One of the harshest realities of this situation is the direct impact on animal welfare. When funding is misallocated or insufficient, it often means that shelters are left struggling to provide the basic care and resources that animals need. Unfortunately, this can lead to more animals being put down due to overcrowding and lack of resources. Since January 2021, U.S. shelters have seen a staggering increase of 900,000 animals, according to Shelter Animals Count. In 2023 alone, over 359,000 dogs and 330,000 cats were euthanized, marking a five-year peak. These numbers highlight a critical issue: a lack of adequate funding from organizations like HSUS and ASPCA can have devastating consequences for these animals.

On the donor side, the impact of these controversies can be equally distressing. Many animal lovers and supporters feel outraged and misled when they discover how their donations are being used—or rather, not used.

Although the news of financial mismanagement and scandal has stirred up a wave of discontent among informed donors, a significant portion of the public remains unaware of these issues. This lack of transparency means that many people are still unknowingly funneling their hard-earned money into organizations that may not be fully committed to the causes they champion.

As the number of strays and animals in need continues to surge, local shelters are more critical than ever. They desperately need support to keep their doors open and to continue their vital work. However, donors who are misled by high-profile organizations may not realize that their contributions are not making the impact they intended. It’s crucial for supporters to be aware of where their money is going and to ensure that it reaches the right hands. The best way to help animals in need is by supporting organizations that are transparent about their spending and dedicated to making a real difference.

By shining a light on these issues, we can better understand the challenges faced by both animals in shelters and the compassionate donors who want to make a positive impact. It's important to stay informed and choose wisely where to place our support, so we can truly contribute to the welfare of animals in need.

7. What to Look for in an Ethical Animal Charity

Choosing the right animal charity can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a few simple tips to help you make sure your donations actually make a difference. First up, transparency is key. Look for charities that are open about how they use their funds. If they struggle to show where the money goes or if their financial reports are a bit murky, it’s a red flag. An organization that can’t clearly explain its funding allocation is probably not spending your money wisely.

Next, think about what kind of animals you want to support. There are charities that focus on everything from exotic wildlife to domestic pets and even specific species like fish or shrimp. Make sure you pick a charity that aligns with your passion. There’s no one-size-fits-all in animal welfare, so find one that matches your interests and values.

Finally, do your homework. Don’t just give money because you saw a heart-wrenching video. Take the time to research the charity thoroughly. Check out their ratings, financial transparency, and the actual impact they’re making. A charity with a massive budget but little direct aid to animals isn’t what you want. It’s crucial to be informed and ensure your contribution is genuinely helping the animals in need.

In the end, being an informed donor is crucial. We all want to support worthy causes, but we need to make sure our money is truly making a difference. By following these tips, you can feel confident that your generosity is reaching the animals that need it most.

8. Highlighting Trustworthy Animal Charities

When it comes to giving to animal charities, it’s crucial to know where your money’s going. Sure, big names like HSUS and ASPCA are well-known, but there are some lesser-known gems out there that really make a difference. These smaller organizations often put a higher percentage of their funds directly into animal welfare, and they’re worth checking out.

One fantastic resource is Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE). They do the heavy lifting for you, evaluating and recommending charities based on how effectively they use their funds. You can find a list of these vetted charities on their website, or you can donate to ACE directly. By doing so, you’re supporting an organization that helps fund the most impactful animal charities out there, making sure your contribution truly makes a difference.

Supporting these smaller, transparent charities is a great alternative to donating to larger, more controversial organizations. These smaller charities often don’t have the big marketing budgets of HSUS or ASPCA, so they might not be as well-known. But their transparency and dedication to putting funds where they’re needed most make them deserving of support. By donating to them, you’re ensuring that more of your money goes directly to helping animals in need, rather than getting lost in administrative costs or extravagant fundraising campaigns.

And if you’re looking for ways to support animal welfare while also being transparent yourself, consider brands like Paw Prints. We’re committed to donating a portion of their earnings to charity and being upfront about where the money goes. Our animal art prints aren’t just beautiful decorations; they’re a manifestation of our love for animals and their mission to make a positive impact.

By being mindful of where you choose to donate, you’re helping to make a real difference for animals in need. Every bit of support helps, and knowing your money is going to the right place can make all the difference.

9. Paw Prints’ Commitment to Ethical Giving

At Paw Prints, our passion for animals started with one special pet who had a rough past. We’ve always believed that animals are innocent and deserving of our protection, not just our own pets but all creatures. That’s why we’ve carefully chosen to support charities that genuinely make a difference. We’re excited to share that 5% of all our profits go to Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE) and a local charity. ACE does the hard work of researching and vetting charities, ensuring that our contributions are spent wisely.

To keep things transparent, we’ll be publishing our earnings and donation amounts at the end of each year. It’s important to us that our supporters know exactly where their money is going. Our mission is to contribute to a global movement that helps animals everywhere, and we hope our art can be a part of that positive change. Let’s make a difference together, all while enjoying a smile!

10. Conclusion

When it comes to choosing where to donate, charities like HSUS and ASPCA might not be the best options for everyone. While many people believe these organizations directly support local Humane Societies and SPCAs, that's actually not the case. Despite their names, they only allocate around 1% to 2% of their total budget to these local groups. So, when you’re deciding where to put your money, it’s important to look beyond the big names and focus on charities that truly make a difference.

Paw Prints is committed to transparency and careful research when it comes to where our donations go. We dedicate 5% of all our profits to Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE), which helps us ensure that our funds are used effectively. Our mission is to make a positive impact on animal welfare through not just our art but through responsible giving.

As you make your donation decisions, take a moment to research and choose charities that prioritize the well-being of animals over administrative costs. Every bit helps, and together, we can create a better world for all animals.

Be more informed and selective with your charitable giving. Support organizations that are transparent, accountable, and dedicated to making a real difference in animal welfare.

1. What steps do you take to ensure your donations are going to charities that truly support animal welfare?
2. How do you feel about the transparency and effectiveness of large animal welfare organizations?
3. What are some lesser-known charities you support that you feel are making a significant impact?
4. How can we encourage more people to research and support ethical charities?