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1. recommended by 169 Local Animal Welfare, Rights, & Protection experts 16 Top Local Animal Welfare, Rights & Protection nonprofits at

2. #1 Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pitbulls (California) Securing the future of the American PIt Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion.

3. #2 Texas Humane Legislation Network (Texas) The mission of the Texas Humane Legislation Network is to promote the humane treatment of animals through legislation, education and advocacy.

4. #3 Marin Humane Society (California) Improving the lives of animals and people through advocacy, education, and support. The Marin Humane Society, organized over one hundred years ago, is a progressive animal shelter offering refuge and rehabilitation to nearly ten thousand animals each year through a myriad of community services including: adoptions, foster care, humane education for schoolchildren, lost and found pet services, low-cost spay/neuter services, and more.

5. #4 Emancipet (Texas) Emancipet works every day to make spay and neuter affordable, accessible, and understandable to all pet owners. Emancipet believes this is the key to ensuring all pets live long, healthy lives free of pain.

6. #5 Animal Place (California) Animal Place provides sanctuary for abused and discarded farmed animals. We promote compassion, respect and responsibility for all life through education and outreach activities.

7. #6 Humane Alliance of WNC (North Carolina) Our mission is to provide the non-lethal solution to the homeless, abandoned, and feral animal populations so that euthanasia is no longer an acceptable means of population control.

8. #7 Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals (New York) The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals is working toward the day when no NYC dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament is killed merely because he or she does not have a home.

9. #8 First Coast No More Homeless Pets (Florida) Our mission is to end the needless killing of cats and dogs in the community by offering free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries. We also offer low-cost vaccinations. There are programs available for all pet owners.

10. #9 Erie County SPCA (New York) The mission of the SPCA is to create a caring and king community that encourages fair and humane treatment of all creatures. Our knowledgeable, caring, and open-minded team of staff and volunteers achieves that mission through proactive efforts to address the current status of anirmals in our community, education of adults and children, rescue and sheltering of animals in need, and placement of animals into appropriate homes.

11. #10 Animal Protection of New Mexico (New Mexico) APNM's mission is to advocate the rights of animals by effecting systemic change, resulting in the humane treatment of all animals.

12. #11 Houston SPCA (Texas) The mission of the Houston SPCA is to promote commitment to and respect for all animals and to free them from suffering, abuse and exploitation.

13. #12 Denver Dumb Friends League (Colorado) The Dumb Friends League is committed to the welfare of animals: We shall provide shelter and care for animals; We shall provide programs and services that enhance the bond between animals and people; We shall be advocates for animals, speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves.

14. #13 Austin Humane Society (Texas) The Austin Humane Society (AHS) offers comprehensive, humane, life-saving animal services, transforming the lives of animals and those who love them. Because we believe homeless animals deserve a chance to thrive in a loving environment, we offer innovative, nationally recognized programs that save the lives of thousands of dogs and cats each year.

15. #14 The Humane Society of Boulder Valley (Colorado) It is the mission of the Humane Society of Boulder Valley to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. Since our founding in 1902, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley facility has assisted tens of thousands of homeless and neglected animals.

16. #15 Massachusetts SPCA (Massachusetts) The Mission of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals & Angell Animal Medical Center is to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty, and work for a just and compassionate society.

17. #16 Nevada Humane Society (Massachusetts) As a non-profit, charitable, no-kill animal welfare organization, Nevada Humane Society's mission is to find homes and provide care for homeless animals, bringing people and animals together to make Washoe County a no-kill community. This is accomplished through quality animal care, comprehensive adoption programs, accessible low-cost spay/neuter services, and a free Animal Help Desk.

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