Does your heart beat for dogs? Here are 12 national and international nonprofit organizations

Every day, thousands of volunteers in Italy and around the world work to protect and care for abandoned, abused, or stray dogs. If this is a cause close to your heart, your help is essential. Supporting a nonprofit dog rescue organization means providing food, veterinary care, and a second chance for those without a voice.

We've selected 14 leading organizations and provide you with donation details and their key goals. Choose the one that's closest to your heart!

The most important national associations for the protection of animals

These organizations operate throughout the country and have an extensive network of local branches, volunteers, and animal welfare officers.

1. LNDC (National League for the Defense of Dogs) Animal Welfare

It rehabilitates stray or abandoned dogs and cats and promotes animal adoption, thus expanding its commitment to the protection of all animal species.

Key action: Protecting the lives and welfare of animals.

Donation link (National Headquarters): All methods, including bank transfer and 5x1000 (CF 80121770152), can be found on the LNDC Animal Protection "Support Us" page.

2. OIPA (International Organisation for the Protection of Animals)

It is actively involved in combating abuse and neglect and provides legal and operational support through its local delegations.

Key action: Combat abuse and raise awareness.

Donation link: Visit the “How to help OIPA” page to donate online (credit card, PayPal) or to allocate your 5x1000.

3. ENPA (National Animal Welfare Agency)

For over 150 years, ENPA volunteers have cared for animals of all species and provided rescue, shelter, and care for foundlings.

Key action: recovery, care, and adoption of animals in need.

Donation link: You can support ENPA via bank transfer or with 5x1000 (CF 80116050586). For more information, see the "ENPA Support/Tax Benefits" page.

4. LAV (Anti-Vivisection League)

Historical association that advocates for animal rights and campaigns against vivisection, the use of animals in circuses, and stray animals.

Key action: Promoting legal and social change in favor of animal rights.

Donation link: Make a one-time donation, a regular donation, or a long-distance adoption via the “LAV – Your Donation for Animals” page.

5. LeIDAA (Italian League for the Protection of Animals and the Environment)

Founded by the Honorable Michela Vittoria Brambilla, the organization advocates for the recognition of animal rights and the protection of the environment.

Key action: Protecting, rescuing, and rehoming endangered animals.

Donation link: You can donate via bank transfer, PayPal or Satispay by visiting Leidaa's donation page.

National associations focus on stray animals and rescue

These organizations specialize in direct interventions in emergencies, stray animals, and abandoned animals in Italy.

6. STD - Foundation for the Protection of Dogs and Other Animals

The focus is on the prevention and control of stray animals in Italy and abroad, as well as on promoting sterilization and education.

Key action: stray animal control and veterinary care.

Donation link: All donation options, including bank transfer and postal giro account, can be found on Save the Dogs' "Donate now" page.

7. Vitadacani ODV

She manages animal shelters, welcomes hundreds of guests of various species and fights for their welfare and conscious adoption.

Key action: Animal shelter management and protection of animal rights.

Donation link: Support Vitadacani by bank transfer (IBAN IT70I0760101600000013545264) or 5x1000 (CF 10734290157) by consulting the "Support us" section.

8. Milan Zoofila Dog Rescue ODV

It is distinguished by the fact that it accepts dogs of all breeds and ages, including those with medical or behavioral problems, and by its non-selective admission policy.

Key action: Rehoming dogs with difficulties.

Donation link: Donate via bank transfer (IBAN IT29R0306909606100000018794) or via Teaming on the donation page.

9. Balzoo - Italian Zoological Bank APS

Italy's first and only pet food bank. It collects and distributes food and essential supplies to feed thousands of four-legged friends in families in need.

Key action: Distribution of food for dogs and cats in financial difficulty.

Donation link: Give a meal and learn how to donate on the Balzoo Donate a Meal Now page.

International dog associations

These organizations operate worldwide and deal with emergencies, stray animals, and the fight against the dog meat trade.

10. Humane Society International (HSI)

A global organization dedicated to the protection of animals, including dogs, and providing international programs against the dog meat trade, stray dogs, and dog fighting.

Key action: International campaigns against animal cruelty.

Donation link: You can make an international donation to support Humane Society International's programs on the official website. Search for "Humane Society International Donate."

11. FOUR PAWS International

A global animal welfare organization. Many of its projects focus on rescuing stray and exploited dogs, often through mobile clinics and sterilization programs.

Key action: rescuing and caring for stray and exploited dogs worldwide.

Donation link: You can support their international rescue and protection projects directly on the FOUR PAWS donation page.

12. World Animal Protection (WAP)

They work to end animal suffering worldwide. With dogs, they focus on the humane treatment of stray animals and the prevention of disease outbreaks (such as rabies) through vaccination and sterilization campaigns.

Key action: Humane treatment of stray animals and the fight against animal cruelty.

Donation link: Support their international campaigns by visiting the World Animal Protection website and looking for the “Donate” section.

Every single donation makes the difference between suffering and hope. What cause are you supporting today to help give our four-legged friends a better future?