Non-governmental organizations are the primary drivers of animal welfare advocacy, lobbying, and direct care, with significant variation in approach and effectiveness.
Animal welfare NGOs range from highly cost-effective organizations driving systemic change to well-intentioned but inefficient charities providing individual animal care. Understanding the landscape helps welfare-motivated donors direct resources to where they will have most impact. Organizations working on policy change, corporate campaigns, and neglected species welfare typically deliver more welfare per dollar than direct care organizations.