09/29/2026
Before supporting or donating, check to see if the organizations are fighting directly against your interests!
The ASPCA is known for those heartbreaking sad-dog commercials with Sarah McLachlan playing in the background, but what do they actually spend the money on? In there 2024 tax filings, the ASPCA reported $446 million in total revenue. They spent about $153 million on salaries, and nearly $80 million on fundraising. Meanwhile, just $23.3 million went out in grants and similar assistance, only about 5% of everything they brought in that year. Their CEO’s compensation topped $1 million. Worst of all the ASPCA itself admits it does not operate or oversee animal shelters.
And the ASPCA isn’t just running sad-dog commercials and raising money. They are an anti-hunting organization. Their own written policy says they oppose hunting animals even when the animal is eaten afterward. Their financial statements show another $62.4 million spent on Policy, Response and Engagement and $85.6 million on Public Education and Communications. So before anyone hands this massive national organization another dollar because they think they’re helping the sad dog from the commercial, they need to understand exactly who they’re funding. The ASPCA raises hundreds of millions of dollars, spends tens of millions fundraising and pushing its message, and has a written policy opposing hunting even when hunters consume the animal. If I want to help dogs and cats, I’ll give my money directly to a local shelter, not an organization working against hunters.
— Stephen Ziegler
Outdoor writer | Rack Junkies Podcast