Best Friends Animal Society
Operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals and works to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters.
At a glance
Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check
Is Best Friends Animal Society a good charity?
Best Friends Animal Society holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 96%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $173.5M in revenue, up 69% from $102.9M in 2019, and $148.1M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
Finances
From Best Friends Animal Society's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as Best Friends Animal Society).
| Year | Revenue | Expenses | Net assets | Officer & key staff pay | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $173.5M | $148.1M | $152.0M | $4.0M | 990 PDF |
| 2022 | $141.5M | $123.5M | $120.9M | $3.7M | |
| 2021 | $125.3M | $103.2M | $122.5M | $4.3M | |
| 2020 | $106.9M | $100.7M | $92.1M | $3.1M | |
| 2019 | $102.9M | $99.9M | $99.1M | $3.3M | 990 PDF |
A newer filing for 2024 is out but not yet summarized: read the 2024 Form 990 (PDF).
Officer & key staff pay is the 990's total for current officers, directors, trustees and key employees, not one salary.
What charities in animal welfare do
Animal welfare organizations operate through a combination of direct sheltering, advocacy, undercover investigations, legislative campaigns, and corporate engagement. Most rely on a coalition of staff veterinarians, field investigators, attorneys, and volunteers. Funding typically supports veterinary care, facility costs, spay-and-neuter programs, lobbying for stronger animal protection laws, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing demand for products of cruelty.
How to judge charities in this area
When evaluating animal welfare charities, look beyond shelter intake numbers. Strong organizations track outcomes — adoptions, returns-to-owner, transfers to partner rescues, and live-release rates — rather than just "animals helped." For advocacy-focused groups, ask about concrete policy wins or corporate commitments secured in the last two years. Animal Charity Evaluators is the most rigorous third-party evaluator for animal-focused giving.
How to support beyond a one-time gift
- + Set up a recurring monthly donation — predictable revenue is more useful than lump sums
- + Volunteer at a local shelter or affiliate (most need help with adoption events, transport, and fostering)
- + Foster animals during high-intake periods like summer kitten season
- + Donate supplies, blankets, or unused pet food directly to local shelters
- + Advocate for policy changes by contacting your state representatives
Verify before you give
A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Best Friends Animal Society:
Frequently asked
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