Animal Welfare and Effective Altruism

Effective altruism principles applied to animal welfare help identify where resources can do the most good for the greatest number of animals with the most welfare impact.

Key Facts

Effective altruism applies evidence and reason to maximising positive impact from charitable giving and action
Farm animal welfare receives approximately 1% of US charitable giving despite animals numbering in the tens of billions
Open Philanthropy has allocated over 500 million dollars to farm animal welfare since 2013
Research into the most cost-effective welfare interventions is conducted by Founders Pledge and Animal Charity Evaluators
Interventions including cage-free campaigns and corporate commitments have benefited hundreds of millions of hens

Welfare Considerations

Not all animal welfare interventions are equally effective. Resources directed toward the most cost-effective interventions with the greatest scale reach far more animals than equivalent resources spent on less tractable problems. Farm animals represent the overwhelming majority of animals under direct human control, yet receive a fraction of welfare resources relative to companion animals. Applying effective altruism principles helps welfare advocates maximise impact for animals who are currently suffering.

What You Can Do

Research top-rated animal welfare charities through Animal Charity Evaluators before donating
Consider the scale of impact when choosing between welfare causes
Support policy and corporate campaigns that change conditions for millions of animals simultaneously
Engage with the effective altruism community focused on animal welfare
Apply cost-effectiveness thinking to your own advocacy and lifestyle choices to maximise animal welfare impact