Animal and environmental causes receive just 3% of all nonprofit giving, yet the ripple effects of companion animal welfare extend far beyond pets, demonstrating the importance of funding animal welfare. From housing instability and public health to community safety and economic resilience, animal welfare is deeply intertwined with human well-being, especially in systemically excluded communities.

At the Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF), Colorado’s only foundation solely focused on companion animals, we’ve seen how targeted investment in this space drives meaningful, lasting change. For lean funders seeking high-impact, underfunded opportunities, animal welfare presents a powerful and often-overlooked avenue for systemic impact.

Why Funding Animal Welfare Belongs in Your Philanthropic Strategy

Animal welfare isn’t a niche issue; it’s a community concern. When pets are safely housed, vaccinated, and cared for, their owners also benefit, experiencing reduced stress, improved mental health, and fewer barriers to stable housing. Communities also benefit from lower animal control costs and enhanced public safety. These outcomes align with common funding priorities like public health, homelessness prevention, and community resilience.

Shelters Spot Trouble Before Others Do

Shelters often act as early warning systems for broader issues. Spikes in pet surrenders can signal impending evictions or financial crises before human service providers are aware. Many animal welfare staff members are also mandatory reporters, flagging signs of abuse or neglect that might otherwise go unnoticed, thereby opening doors for timely intervention.

Pets Reflect Human Needs

Wherever there are people, there are animals, and meeting their needs can improve outcomes for both. A neglected pet may point to unmet elder care or mental health needs. Many people rely on pets for emotional support and make life decisions around them. One shelter shared a story of a family living in their car outside the facility for weeks, unwilling to part with their dog after losing pet-friendly housing.

Cross-Sector Solutions Are Emerging in Funding Animal Welfare

Recognizing this bond, many shelters now employ social workers and community navigators to serve whole families. Cross-sector partnerships are also growing; domestic violence and homeless shelters are becoming pet-inclusive, pet food pantries are co-locating with human services, and veterinary clinics are connecting people to broader healthcare.

Read the full article about funding animal welfare by Anna Jaeger at Exponent Philanthropy.