Christmas is a season of giving. But other than your family and friends, animal shelters would also appreciate some gifts. After all, they are probably the most underrated heroes in our society.

Animal shelters are known to rescue homeless cats and dogs and give them a shelter where they would receive much-needed love and security. Abused animals can also be rehabilitated and become support animals for those who are in need of it.

But have you ever realized that these shelters benefit society? Think about this: feral animals can also spread diseases like fleas and rabies.

Animal shelters deserve not just recognition, but also a lot of support -- either donations or some volunteers, and these are some amazing organizations that you can visit.

1. Arizona Animal Welfare League

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(Photo : Screenshot from the official website)

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this animal shelter came into life in 1971. Almost five decades later, it is still operating and now considered as one of the biggest no-kill shelters in the United States.

Aside from rescuing homeless animals and fighting against animal euthanasia, they also offer affordable veterinary services and various animal training like behavior and animal care. And of course, they will also appreciate your voluntarism.

2. Humane Society of Sarasota County

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(Photo : Screenshot from the official website)

Another no-kill shelter can be found in Sarasota, Florida. Founded in 1952, the shelter has proven its love for animals by sheltering at least 2,000 pets each year. Aside from animal care training, the shelter also offers behavior reprogramming training, affordable veterinary service, and even counselling service for people who are considering abandoning their pets.

3. Pet Haven of Minnesota

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(Photo : Screenshot from the official website)

People of Minnesota should be proud of Pet Haven since it has worn its foster-based animal rescue organization badge for more than 65 years! Aside from their resident animal care and psychology experts, the animal organization also works diligently to find the best parents for every animal they rescue.

4. BARC Shelter

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(Photo : Screenshot from the official website)

This New York-based shelter is founded in 1987 and has proudly rescued abandoned pets since then. But what sets aside this shelter from the rest is how it used modern technologies to secure the safety of the animals it caters. By using UV sanitizing technology, the shelter can proudly say that its animals were away from deadly germs.

BARC Shelter is in dire need of animal foods and pet-friendly fabric detergent, so if you're considering sending them a package, do not forget to include those.

5. Bainbridge Humane Society

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(Photo : Screenshot from the official website)

Founded in 2002, Bainbridge Humane Society might be young but it has served as a great example of what an animal shelter should look like. The Georgie-based organization was created after predecessors failed to meet the demand of the local government.

Like the BARC, they are also in dire need for animal necessity, but people who want to adopt "old-timers" -- animals who have stayed for a long time in the shelter -- are highly appreciated.

6. Milton Animal League

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(Photo : Screenshot from the official website)

Citizens of Boston, Massachusetts, also refused to be left as they also have an amazing welfare station: the Milton Animal League. They have a long list of partnered animal care professionals which help them give their rescues the highest comfort they could offer.

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