Oregon is home to many organizations dedicated to animal welfare, conservation, and rescue efforts. Whether you’re looking to support wildlife preservation, adopt a pet, or help with rescue and rehabilitation, here are some of the best animal nonprofits in the state that you might think about supporting this holiday season.
1. Oregon Humane Society (OHS)
- Location: Portland, OR
- Mission: OHS is one of the oldest and largest humane societies in the Pacific Northwest. Their mission is to improve the lives of animals by providing shelter, medical care, adoption services, and promoting animal welfare.
- Key Programs: Pet adoption, rescue operations, spay/neuter services, educational outreach, and advocacy for animal rights.
- Website: www.oregonhumane.org
2. Friends of Felines
- Location: Keizer, OR
- Mission: Friends of Felines is dedicated to providing vital services to felines and their human companions throughout the Willamette Valley.
- Key Programs: Cat rescue, adoption, and feral cat management through trap-neuter-return (TNR).
- Website: www.sfof.org
3. Chintimini Wildlife Center
- Location: Corvallis, OR
- Mission: Chintimini Wildlife Center provides rehabilitation to injured and orphaned wild animals, and educates the public on wildlife conservation.
- Key Programs: Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, public education, and volunteer opportunities.
- Website: www.chintiminiwildlife.org
4. Animal Aid
- Location: Portland, OR
- Mission: Animal Aid works to rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for cats and dogs, particularly those who are at risk of euthanasia in other shelters.
- Key Programs: Animal rescue, fostering, adoptions, and education about responsible pet ownership.
- Website: www.animalaidpdx.org
5. Oregon Wild
- Location: Portland, OR
- Mission: Oregon Wild works to protect and restore Oregon’s wildlands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for future generations.
- Key Programs: Wildlife conservation, advocacy for habitat protection, and public education about the importance of biodiversity.
- Website: www.oregonwild.org
6. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (Oregon Chapter)
- Location: Oregon (Statewide chapter)
- Mission: Although based in Tennessee, the Oregon Chapter of The Elephant Sanctuary focuses on raising awareness and supporting efforts for the protection and care of elephants in captivity and promoting their rescue and rehabilitation.
- Key Programs: Advocacy for the ethical treatment of elephants, fundraising for sanctuary care, and public education.
- Website: www.elephants.com
7. The DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital
- Location: Portland, OR
- Mission: DoveLewis provides emergency and critical care for pets and strives to improve the lives of animals in distress while providing services to low-income pet owners.
- Key Programs: Emergency veterinary services, animal welfare education, and a foundation to help cover the cost of medical care for animals in need.
- Website: www.dovelewis.org
8. Heartland Humane Society of Oregon
- Location: Corvallis, OR
- Mission: This organization works to promote animal welfare through the rescue, care, and adoption of homeless pets. They are also involved in educational outreach.
- Key Programs: Pet adoption, spay/neuter programs, and animal welfare education.
- Website: www.heartlandhumane.org
These can be great gift ideas in the name of your child and a way for your children to learn more about animals and wildlife and how to support them. Check out their websites for more information on how to donate to these worthy causes.
People can check the non-profits 990 form which shows what they use the money for. At least one of the rescues listed spends 55% of its donations on salaries and benefits.