Past winners

Blind Cat Rescue

2020 Animaltarian of the Year

The Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary (BCR) exists because of one woman’s passion for saving animals that don’t have a chance. Blind cats and cats who test positive for FIV or feline leukemia are by law immediately euthanized in many states. Begun in 2005 out of a desire and drive to help these condemned cats, who can have normal, happy lives, BCR is now a forever home to blind, FIV- and leukemia-positive cats who will never again be abandoned, hungry or in harm’s way. Because of BCR, more people now adopt cats like them and give them happy, lifelong homes.

With many seniors, FIV- and leukemia-positive cats, providing health care is costly. A typical monthly vet bill is $10,000. The $5,000 donation from winning Animaltarian of the Year will help cover these costs and help keep the BCR cats healthy and thriving.

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Suncoast Animal League

2019 Animaltarian of the Year

Suncoast Animal League, located in Palm Harbor, Florida, has been awarded our sixth annual Animaltarian of the Year award. Rick Chaboudy founded Suncoast Animal League to protect homeless, neglected and abused animals. This no kill, no-time-limit shelter offers rescue, adoption, spay/neuter and foster care to animals as far away as Alabama! In addition to assisting in the placement of cats and dogs in their forever homes, Suncoast Animal League has been known to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife such as an orphaned fawn, baby otter and an owlet! Suncoast Animal League advocates for animals within their community by working closely with law enforcement, schools and community groups to promote animal welfare.

The donation prize will be used to provide medical care to the animals in the shelter to ensure they receive the second chance at life that they deserve.

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Blind Cat Rescue

2018 Animaltarian of the Year

The Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of St. Pauls, North Carolina has been awarded our fifth annual Animaltarian of the Year Award. All the cats living in this sanctuary have bee deemed "unadoptable" and would otherwise be euthanized at a typical shelter. Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary provides these sightless kitties a second lease on life with their specialized healthcare programs and community outreach.

The donation prize will be put to good use funding their spay and neuter program, aiming to reduce the local stray problem.

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Josh and His Critters

2017 Animaltarian of the Year

In 2017, Josh and His Critters from Sun Valley, California earned our fourth annual Animaltarian of the Year Award. Tina Marie Lythgoe rescued West Highland Terrier mix Josh in 2014 before he was set to be euthanized due to a cleft palate. Since then, their mission has been to save as many “unwanted” animals as possible. As a nonprofit, Josh and His Critters provides sanctuary and rehab for abandoned, injured, or sick animals of all species.

As our 2017 Animaltarians of the Year, Tina and Josh will continue to provide the specialty veterinary care and necessary appliances for the mobility of disabled animals. As a true Animaltarian, Tina’s motto is, “Anything with a heartbeat deserves a chance.”

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Big Cat Rescue

2016 Animaltarian of the Year

The 2016 Animaltarian of the Year award goes to Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, Florida. Since its beginning in 1992, BCR has grown into one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the world. Over 80 tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lnyx, servals, ocelots, and caracals with histories of abuse or abandonment are rehabilitated here. They also work with domestic cats! So far, volunteers and staff boast having saved over 350 kittens that need socializing and feeding.

Big Cat Rescue took home the $5000 check after competing with shelters and programs from California to Virginia and to Colorado to South Carolina. They used the prize to fund their supplies needed to foster kittens (food, formula, litter, crates, bottles, heating pads, nebulizers, etc.)

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Southeast German Shepherd Rescue

2015 Animaltarian of the Year

We are proud to announce Southeast German Shepherd Rescue as our 2015 Animaltarian of the Year. The organization was founded in 2010 to save German Shepherd Dogs from abuse, abandonment, and high kill shelters. It’s a non-profit organization that wouldn’t exist without the compassion and dedication of volunteers determined to help Rescue, Rehab, and Rehome this noble breed.

Southeast German shepherd that is located in North Carolina entered the contest and took the win against other non-profits from all over the country. (California, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) We were happy to meet the director, Heather Duggan along with one of her outstanding registered therapy dogs, Koen when providing them with the award and $5,000 check.

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City of Elderly Love

2014 Animaltarian of the Year

Not only is City of Elderly Love is a safe haven for older dogs and cats, but has also been crowned our 2014 Animaltarian of the Year.

City of Elderly Love (an off-shoot of Citizens for a no-kill Philadelphia) entered the contest against other non-profits from all over of the country (Kansas City, Ohio, New York, Maryland, LA, Florida). Over the enagural contest City of Elderly love has over 300,000 views and almost 100,000 votes from across the country. We were able to present this great organization with an award and a check for $5,000 in person.

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