Don’t Fall For Those Sad ASPCA Commercials- Support Your Local Animal Shelter

We have all seen the commercials. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is known for its heart-wrenching commercials featuring abused and neglected animals aimed at raising awareness and funds for their cause. While these commercials are undoubtedly effective at tugging at our heartstrings, sending funds does have a downside. These organizations rarely funnel these funds back to our community animal shelters, where thousands of animals remain up for adoption, fostering, and in need. Here on the Suncoast, we are imploring you to support your local shelter as an alternative to responding to these commercials.

Why Go Local

One of the main reasons to support your local animal shelter is the direct impact it has on your community. Local shelters are often the first line of defense for animals in need, providing them with a safe haven, medical care, and a chance for a new life. By supporting your local shelter, you are helping to ensure that these vital services continue to be available to animals in your area. When you adopt a new fur baby, your contribution has a much more immediate impact than a donation alone.

Another important factor to consider is the issue of transparency and accountability. Local animal shelters are typically more transparent about how donations are used and the impact they have on the animals in their care. This level of transparency can give donors peace of mind, knowing that their contributions are making a real difference in the lives of animals.

For instance, according to tax returns, ASPCA CEO Matthew Bershadker received $852,231 in 2019, and the ASPCA had over $20 million in offshore accounts! According to a Charity Navigator study, the average nonprofit CEO’s pay is $123,000. This means Bershadker’s pay is more than six times the average nonprofit CEO’s. And it’s on top of Bershadker earning over $770,000 in the previous year. We have to wonder how much good could our local animal shelters do with $850 thousand dollars in donations?

Supporting local animal shelters can have a more immediate impact than donating to larger organizations like the ASPCA. Local shelters often operate on shoestring budgets and rely heavily on donations to keep their doors open. By supporting your local shelter, you are helping to ensure that they have the resources they need to continue their important work.

Finally, supporting your local animal shelter can be a more personal and rewarding experience. Many shelters rely on volunteers to help care for the animals, and by volunteering your time, you can directly impact the lives of animals in need. This hands-on approach can be incredibly fulfilling and can create a deeper connection to the cause.

Resources Here on the Suncoast

While every community traditionally has at least a single animal shelter, private shelters, and other great organizations abound. Please look up the nearest shelter for organizations helping the most vulnerable animals here on the Suncoast. To get you started, here is a list (not exhaustive) of organizations with a variety of ways to get involved in your community:

Hillsborough County – Pet Resource Center – The Pet Resource Center is the only “open-admission” facility in the County. We accept domestic animals regardless of breed, size, or medical condition.

Manatee County Animal Welfare – The mission of Manatee County Animal Welfare is to maintain public safety and health through the enforcement of laws and ordinances related to animals, promote responsible pet ownership, promote adoptions, and reduce pet overpopulation.

SaveaRescue – SaveARescue’s overriding belief is that collaboration is essential to ending the Dog & Cat overpopulation, abandonment & dumping problems that exist nationwide.

SPCA Tampa Bay – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Tampa Bay is a non-profit animal welfare agency that runs an open-admission For-All animal shelter and public pet hospital (veterinary center) in Pinellas County.

St. Francis Animal Rescue of Venice Inc. – We have made it our mission to rescue and care for homeless cats & kittens until we find them loving homes.

The Humane Society of Sarasota County – As the area’s premier no-kill shelter, the Humane Society of Sarasota County engages the hearts, hands, and minds of the community to help animals. We rely solely on contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

While the ASPCA commercials may be effective at raising awareness, supporting your local animal shelter can have a more direct and immediate impact on the lives of animals in need. By supporting your local shelter, you are helping to ensure that animals in your community receive the care and support they deserve. So next time you feel moved to help, consider supporting your local animal shelter instead of falling for those sad ASPCA commercials.

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