Whether you’re considering adopting a special needs animal, or you simply want to show your support for the cause by volunteering or making a donation, check out these 10 amazing shelters committed to improving the lives of handicapped animals across America.

1. Big Sid’s Sanctuary – Grand Rapids, Mich.

Big Sid’s Sanctuary is one of the nation’s largest animal shelters catering specifically for felines with feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia virus. Cats with these diseases often remain unadopted and are put down in many shelters, but at Big Sid’s Sanctuary, these kitties are given a second chance and they receive all the special treatment needed for them to live fulfilling lives.

2. Rolling Dog Farm – Lancaster, N.H.

Providing a loving home for dogs and horses from all over the country, this special rescue center takes in animals who are blind and deaf, as well as those suffering from debilitating neurological disabilities and orthopedic problems. More often than not, these animals have been abandoned or have spent long periods in shelters waiting for a home. At Rolling Dog Farm, the animals are given the opportunity to enjoy life to the max, despite their physical impairments.

3. SNARR Animal Rescue – Saint Martinville, La.

Special Needs Animals Rescue and Rehabilitation is an organization which helps animals who are considered to be unadoptable due to physical, behavioral, emotional, or other health issues. They recognize that these animals are often misunderstood and have been the victims of neglect, but with the right care and attention they can respond positively and in turn become the perfect companion.

4. Bright Haven – Sebastopol, Calif.

Bright Haven Sanctuary offers a loving home to animals in need of specialized care including those with disabilities and elderly animals. Not only do they offer a peaceful caring environment to the animals, they are also a holistic treatment and educational center within the community, helping others to learn the best practices when caring for animals.

5. Center for Animal Protection and Education – Santa Cruz, Calif.

CAPE offers protection and sanctuary to animals with a wide range of issues which often prevent them from finding a home elsewhere. As well as caring for animals with special needs, disabilities, and serious injuries, they have educational programs for adults and children alike, and a current issues campaign team who are always seeking to further educate and inform the public about the treatment of animals.

6. Love Handlers – Greenville, Tenn.

Love Handlers set out on a mission to create a paradise for blind and disabled dogs where they would get a second chance at life after being abandoned or mistreated in the past. They pride themselves on the quality of care and rehabilitation work at the sanctuary, and give dogs a chance to find themselves and to express their personalities in the freedom of a loving environment.

7. Pets With Disabilities – Prince Frederick, Md.

Pets With Disabilities is a charming organization which is dedicated to caring and rehoming pets that have suffered from physical impairments and have been abandoned as a result. Acting as a rescue and adoption placement aid, the sanctuary aims to rehome most of the dogs with loving caring families. However, some of the animals live there permanently as they have special circumstances and need the stability of a forever home at the shelter.

8. SAFE Animal Rescue – Thousand Oaks, Calif.

The dedicated team at SAFE (Saving Animals From Euthanasia) Animal Rescue provide shelter and rehoming options for animals who are due to be euthanized because of their injuries, diseases, or long stay in other shelters. This gives a second chance to animals who are destined to die just because nobody wanted them.

9. Blind Cat Rescue – St. Pauls, N.C.

Sadly, blind cats are not deemed adoptable by many ordinary shelters and therefore they are often euthanized. Thankfully, the Blind Cat Rescue sanctuary offers a wonderful home to these beautiful cats, and provides them with all the love and care they could wish for. Many of the cats are rehomed from the shelter proving that they can find the perfect place. As well as blind cats, they also take in those with FELV and FIV as these cats suffer the same fate.

10. Fallin’ Pines Critter Rescue – Christmas, Fla.

Fallin’ Pines Critter Rescue is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of disabled and unwanted critters, exotics, reptiles, and farm animals. Through their amazing adoption program, they work tirelessly to find the perfect forever homes for all adoptable animals. From kangaroos to parrots and squirrels, Fallin’ Pines cares for animals that can’t easily find shelter in your average rescue center.

Image Source: Anthony Abbott/Flickr