Animal welfare nonprofits do more than just rescue and rehome pets. They provide essential services like medical care, food assistance, and education to ensure animals are cared for and loved.
Whether you’re looking to adopt, donate, or volunteer, supporting these organizations can make a real impact on your local community. Here are six incredible pet nonprofits in Clark County—and how you can get involved.
1. Second Chance Companions
Since 1993, Second Chance Companions has been a no-kill, volunteer-run organization dedicated to helping animals in Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area. They provide adoption services, spay/neuter assistance, and community education to improve the lives of pets and their owners. Over the years, they have rescued thousands of animals and facilitated hundreds of affordable spay/neuter procedures.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet through their rescue program.
- Donate to help fund rescue efforts.
- Volunteer to assist with animal care and outreach.
- Join or support their fundraising events.
2. Northwest Parrot Rescue
Founded in 2002, Northwest Parrot Rescue provides sanctuary and adoption services for orphaned exotic birds in Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area. They focus on rehabilitation, long-term sanctuary care, and finding forever homes for parrots in need. For birds that cannot be rehomed due to health or behavioral issues, they offer a permanent hospice and special care program.
How to Get Involved:
- Make a donation to help cover medical and food costs.
- Sponsor a parrot in their sanctuary.
- Donate a toy to a veteran.
- Shop their Amazon Smile or wish list to support bird welfare.
- Volunteer to assist with bird care.
3. I Paw’d It Forward
Focused on lost and found pet recovery, I Paw’d It Forward provides tracking, transport, and social media deployment services to reunite pets with their owners. Their work ensures that families stay together by helping lost pets find their way home safely.
How to Get Involved:
- Foster a lost pet while waiting for a reunion.
- Adopt a pet in need of a new home.
- Volunteer for tasks like kennel cleaning, animal feeding, medical support, or food bank assistance.
- Donate to support lost pet recovery efforts.
4. Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue
A no-kill rescue, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue is dedicated to saving homeless, abused, and abandoned dogs. They provide shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation to dogs of all breeds, rescuing from Clark County, Riverside, CA, and Mexico, where neglected animals face extreme conditions. Their mission is simple: save as many dogs as possible, regardless of where they come from.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a rescued dog in need of a forever home.
- Donate cash or pet supplies like food, blankets, toys, and hygiene products.
5. West Columbia Gorge Humane Society
Located in Washougal, the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) has been rescuing and caring for animals since 1994. They provide adoption services, foster programs, spay/neuter initiatives, and community pet food distribution to help both pets and their owners. With a dedicated team of staff and over 200 volunteers, they improve the lives of thousands of animals each year.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet in need of a home.
- Foster animals to provide temporary care.
- Volunteer at their adoption center.
- Donate to help fund medical care and rescue efforts.
- Support their events and shop their merchandise.
6. Humane Society for Southwest Washington
Named the Best Nonprofit in the 2024 Best of Clark County, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) provides care for thousands of pets each year. Their services go beyond adoption, offering wellness clinics, pet food assistance, spay/neuter programs, emergency boarding, and financial aid to help keep families and their pets together. They also operate ReTails Thrift Store, where every purchase supports their lifesaving animal programs.
How to Get Involved:
- Adopt a pet looking for a second chance.
- Donate to support medical care and shelter programs.
- Buy an item from their wish list.
- Volunteer at the shelter or events.
- Join fundraisers like Walk/Run for the Animals.
- Shop at ReTails Thrift Store to support community pets.
Making a Difference, One Pet at a Time
These nonprofits are doing incredible work to improve the lives of animals and pet owners in Clark County. Whether you choose to donate, foster, volunteer, or simply spread the word, every effort helps keep pets safe, healthy, and loved. Even small actions—like sharing a nonprofit’s mission on social media or attending a fundraising event—can create lasting change.
Looking to get involved? Reach out to one of these organizations and start making a difference today!
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