These are some of the questions that we ask when we are evaluating charities for the animal charity advisor website.  When evaluating whether a charity will be a good steward of your donations, consider asking these questions. 

1.    Has this charity been granted tax-exempt status under 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code?

2.    Does this group actively follow their stated mission statement?

3.    Has this charity been in existence for at least 2 years?

4.    Has this organization ever been investigated by a government agency and if so were they convicted of any wrongdoing?

5.    Will this charity provide their financial information upon request?  Specifically, will they provide their 990 tax form and profit and loss statement? When reviewing financial statements:

a) Administrative expenses should be less than 20% of the annual operating budget.

b) Fundraising expenses should be less than 15% of the annual operating budget.

c) Program expenses should be at least 75% of the annual operating budget.

6.    Will this group allow you to visit their facilities to observe how clean and safe the environment is for the animals under their care?

7.    Can this organization provide a veterinary reference of a licensed veterinarian who has helped maintain the health of the rescued animals for this charity?

8.    Does this organization follow current veterinary standards of care?

9.    What are the adoption criteria required by this charity?

10.    Will this organization agree to be evaluated by the Animal Charity Advisor at least every 2 years?

11.    If this charity provides discounted veterinary services to the general public, do they means test the recipients?