The Giving Directory
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Animal Welfare

World Animal Protection

Moves the world to protect animals by ending animal cruelty and suffering on a global scale.

★★★★ 93% on Charity Navigator · checked Oct 2026

At a glance

Rating 93% 4 of 4 stars · Charity Navigator See the rating ↗
EIN (tax ID) 04-2718182 Tax-exempt since 1981 IRS filings ↗
Revenue (2023) $5.8M Expenses $5.7M
Founded 1981 Global

Rating and filings checked Oct 12, 2026. Sources: Charity Navigator, IRS Form 990 via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. How we check

Is World Animal Protection a good charity?

World Animal Protection holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 93%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $5.8M in revenue, down 19% from $7.1M in 2019, and $5.7M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.

Finances

From World Animal Protection's annual IRS Form 990 filings (filed as World Animal Protection).

Year Revenue Expenses Net assets Officer & key staff pay Filing
2023 $5.8M $5.7M $12.5M $348K 990 PDF
2022 $13.0M $6.1M $12.2M $309K 990 PDF
2021 $4.9M $4.3M $5.8M $330K 990 PDF
2020 $5.5M $5.2M $4.9M $401K 990 PDF
2019 $7.1M $6.9M $4.3M $287K 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 World Animal Protection:

Frequently asked

Is World Animal Protection a good charity?
World Animal Protection holds Charity Navigator's highest rating: 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 93%. Its 2023 Form 990 reports $5.8M in revenue, down 19% from $7.1M in 2019, and $5.7M in expenses. Rating checked Oct 12, 2026.
What is World Animal Protection's Charity Navigator rating?
Charity Navigator rates World Animal Protection 4 out of 4 stars, with an overall score of 93% (checked Oct 12, 2026). Charity Navigator's score combines accountability and finance, leadership, impact measurement, and culture.
What is World Animal Protection's EIN?
World Animal Protection's employer identification number (EIN) is 04-2718182, registered with the IRS as World Animal Protection (New York, NY). Use it to look the charity up on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search, Charity Navigator, or ProPublica.
How much money does World Animal Protection raise and spend?
Its 2023 Form 990 reports $5.8M in revenue, down 19% from $7.1M in 2019, and $5.7M in expenses. Total pay to current officers, directors and key employees was $348K. Full filings are on ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer.
Are donations to World Animal Protection tax-deductible?
World Animal Protection is a US tax-exempt organization, recognized by the IRS since 1981. Gifts to 501(c)(3) charities are generally deductible if you itemize; confirm its current status on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search with EIN 04-2718182.

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