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Guest Editorial by the Better Business Bureau
You may have seen it on Facebook or other social media platforms: People asking for support or supporting animal charities in honor of the late Betty White.
While she was most known for her television and movie roles, she also was a long-time supporter of various animal-related organizations.
To help achieve this objective, Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance compiled a list of various national animal organizations.
While some of these aren't necessarily charities specifically supported by Betty, each met BBB Wise Giving Alliance's Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., BBB Accredited Charities.)
If you need help making a donation choice, BBB has the following tips:
√ Be aware of name confusion. As animal charities are popular organizations, some may have name similarities. Look at the name carefully since the one you are considering may not be the one you have in mind.
√ Find out that the organization does. Don't assume what an animal charity does, based solely on the name alone. Its activities can vary quite considerably, such as animal rescue, wildlife conservation efforts, providing shelters for adoption, training dogs to assist the blind and wounded veterans, animal advocacy, encouraging diets that don't contain meat, among other possibilities. Look for a clear description of the organization's programs in its appeals and website.
√ Watch out for excessive pressure. Don't be pressured to make an on-the-spot donation to an animal charity. Charities should welcome your contribution whenever you send it.
√ One-time vs. monthly donations. Some charities encourage recurring donations where the organization automatically charges a credit card a monthly contribution amount. It's OK to support a charity this way if that is what you want, but also remember you can choose to make a one-time gift if you prefer.
√ Visit Give.org. In addition to charity reports on BBB's Give.org, check with New York's attorney general's office or secretary of state's office. Also, registration with a government agency does not signify a government endorsement or recommendation.
The following are various animal-related charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability: