September 2023
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) are thought of as America’s two premier charities that care for pets. Both organizations have filled our televisions with countless tear-jerking advertisements featuring suffering cats and dogs, along with the promise that your donation can go to an animal in need.
But just how much do these groups actually do to help local pet shelters? We looked at the most recent tax documents for both organizations. We found little money going to local pet shelters.
- In 2021, HSUS had a budget of $138 million and a total revenue of $260 million. However, just $1.6 million of this reached local pet shelters in financial grants, just 1% of their total budget.
- HSUS donated money to shelters in just 18 states. Shelters in 32 states and Washington, DC did not receive a single financial grant.
- In 2021, the ASPCA brought in $390 million in revenue, and spent $302 million. The organization gave just $5.5 million in grants to local pet shelters, under two percent of their total budget.
- These grants reached pet shelters in 29 states and Washington, DC. Meanwhile, 21 states saw their pet shelters receive $0 from the ASPCA.
Where does the Humane Society of the United States’ money go?
Where does the ASPCA’s money go?
