Animal Rescue League of Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
- This shelter in three words: Willing, able, creative.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: Because we have very creative people on staff that pour an amazing amount of heart into their work with the animals. The staff do a great job placing cats and dogs who might be considered hard to adopt.
Animal Rescue League of Western PA, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- This shelter in three words: Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: We adhere to a strict philosophy of accepting all species, and our ability to provide care for such a wide variety of creatures makes the Animal Rescue League truly unique. If not for the Animal Rescue League’s open door policy, many of these precious animals would face certain death.
Animal Welfare Association, Voorhees, New Jersey
- This shelter in three words: Engaged. Progressive. Dedicated.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: We are a small organization that understands the big picture. We use progressive programs and ideas to impact the lives of pets in our community and beyond.
Angels for Animals, Canfield, Ohio
- This shelter in three words: Dedicated. Innovative. Challenging.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: Every person in this organization has already dedicated their lives to the betterment of shelter animals. This Challenge simply adds fuel to our fire!
Delaware County SPCA, Media, Pennsylvania
- This shelter in three words: Century of compassion.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: Our innovative promotions and specials like $30 Thursday, for animals here 30 days or more.
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, Lewiston, Maine
- This shelter in three words: We are awesome!
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: We are from Maine, and we love a challenge.
Lowell Humane Society, Lowell, Massachusetts
- This shelter in three words: Innovative. Tenacious. Dedicated.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: Because we have SPIRIT! We may be a small organization, but our staff and volunteer base will do anything for our animals!
Monmouth County SPCA, Eatontown, New Jersey
- This shelter in three words: Caring, community-oriented advocates.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: We've recently completed a fabulous shelter renovation and are leveraging our new digs into great adoption numbers!
New Hampshire SPCA, Stratham, New Hampshire
- This shelter in three words: Saving animals everyday.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: will go to any lengths to save more animals’ lives. We will embrace creative, “out of the box” thinking and will take immediate action to find more homes for more animals in need. We have a long history and proven track record of putting the needs of animals above all else.
PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- This shelter in three words: Rescue. Prevention. Education.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: PAWS's life-saving efforts are carried out with the tireless help of thousands of volunteers, foster parents, local businesses, community groups, sports teams, media partners and other supporters. True life-saving progress can only be made with the support of the whole community, and our friends always rise to the challenge!
Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary, Middletown, New York
- This shelter in three words: Dedicated. Determined. Devoted.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: Pets Alive has helped other rescues become no-kill facilities by sharing our knowledge without hesitation. Our dedicated staff is determined not to waver from our devotion to animals in need.
Rochester Animals Services, Rochester, New York
- This shelter in three words: Compassionate. Proactive. Driven.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: We are passionate about reuniting owners with lost pets, placing other pets in new homes, and proactively addressing the challenges of pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs.
Washington Animal Rescue League, District of Columbia
- This shelter in three words: Community. Rehabilitation. Innovation.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: All across the country people in the field of animal welfare have come to know the League as a shelter that specializes in the rehabilitation of animals who have nowhere else to go.
Washington Humane Society, District of Columbia
- This shelter in three words: Every animal matters.
- Why this shelter is a tough contender: Washington Humane Society is used to tough challenges. We are open to every single animal in need 24/7/365 because the need for help is always present. We provide targeted and long-term humane education resources in areas of the city that many do not venture into. We love our community and the community's animals, and are here to make life better for all.