The Humane Society of the United States was founded in 1954 to complement the work of local organizations by tackling the root causes of cruelty and suffering. We are dedicated to the principles of rescue, reform and results to bring about a truly humane society.

Charity ratings

The Humane Society of the United States earns a top four-star rating from Charity Navigator, which reports that “you can give with confidence,” and is approved by the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance for all 20 of its standards for charity accountability, which address charity governance, finances, effectiveness reporting, appeal accuracy, website disclosures and donor privacy. The HSUS has Guidestar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency for providing donors with information on our strategic plan, impact, leadership demographics and other metrics.

Annual reports

The HSUS annual report provides an overview of the organization's accomplishments for the previous year and a summary of the society's financial operations. Annual reports are available in PDF format below. For more information on the HSUS and its work and financial operations, contact the Department of Philanthropy at 800-808-7858 or gifts@humanesociety.org.

Tax ID number

The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.

Info by State

Form 990: Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

The HSUS, as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, each year files a Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service to provide information to the public on the organization’s finances, public support and activities. As part of its commitment to transparency and accountability, the HSUS makes available its most recent IRS Form 990. The document is available for download below in PDF format.

The form includes the required financial information, detailed descriptions of the HSUS programs and areas that received major financial support and a brief account of the organization’s accomplishments during the year. Due to space limitations, the information provided is not inclusive of all the HSUS programs. Our publications, blogs, websites and other platforms also report on the HSUS activities and provide an accounting of the activities and achievements made possible by the generous support of our members and contributors.

The IRS requires disclosure of grants above $5,000. In addition to its grant-making, the HSUS helps other organizations through a variety of programs and services.

Note: These are large files and may be slow to download.

Audited financial statements

Financial policies

Indirect cost rate

The HSUS and its affiliates are charitable entities and cannot commit to matching the indirect cost rates of other entities. This policy helps ensure furtherance of our charitable purpose. Accordingly, we will pay an indirect cost rate of up to 15% for non‐governmental organizations, international organizations, non‐U.S. universities and other private foundations.

Joint cost allocations

For many years, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has relied on direct mail, email, telephone and other means of solicitation to recruit, expand and maintain its membership. Direct marketing and other donor channels allow the HSUS to share specific details about recent accomplishments and to provide information about current campaigns and priorities to millions of supporters. The HSUS also uses postal mail—and other channels—to educate and to call the public to action to advance its mission and lifesaving work for animals.

This is why, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board guidelines, the HSUS allocates a portion of its direct mail, email, phone and other communication costs to program services and to fundraising. Such costs are allocated to each major program, including,

  1. Education and Engagement: The HSUS reaches tens of millions of people through its website and social media platforms, award-winning videos and magazines, training and educational conferences for animal advocates, national media coverage and more.
  2. Public Policy and Enforcement: The HSUS seeks to strengthen legal protections for animals at the local, state and national levels. We defend our victories in court and train thousands of law enforcement officers to investigate and prosecute animal cruelty.
  3. Direct Care and Service: The HSUS and its affiliates provide hands-on care for more than 100,000 animals every year, including horses, companion animals and wildlife. We respond to major cruelty cases, save animals from the dog meat trade, take in wild exotics confiscated from irresponsible people, provide relief to animals during disasters, rescue animals from animal fighting rings, arrange veterinary care and spay/neuter services for pets in underserved communities and much more.
  4. Corporate Policy: We work with the world’s biggest food companies, cosmetics manufacturers, fashion brands and other industry leaders to improve the treatment of animals in their sectors.