Frequently Asked Questions

This list of frequently asked questions answers some of the most common enquiries we receive from our supporters worldwide, and from the public at large. If you have questions of a more specific nature, please do not hesitate to contact your closest regional WSPA office.

Who is the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)?

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is the world’s largest network for animal welfare. It brings together over 600 Member Societies and a whole community of individuals around the world who care about animal welfare.

With consultative status at both the United Nations (UN) and the Council of Europe, WSPA is building a united global animal welfare movement to further our vision of a world where animal welfare matters, and animal cruelty ends.

Our ambition is to create a world in which animals are regarded as sentient, and whose needs are understood, regulated and protected by enforced legislation.

Read more about WSPA's history >>

Read more about WSPA's policy >>

What is WSPA’s mission?

Mission

To unite an informed, global animal welfare movement that helps and protects animals and creates a climate for change, leading to enforced legislation that transforms animals’ lives.

We want people around the world to connect with WSPA to promote compassion to animals, to speak for them and foster understanding of their needs.

Vision

To become, through our campaigns and projects, the world’s leading global animal welfare organisation for exposing cruelty and the suffering of animals. Through recognition and dialogue with all levels of government worldwide, we seek increased legislation to change the lives of animals forever.

Read more about WSPA >>

Where are WSPA offices around the world?

WSPA has 13 offices around the world, which can be found in the following countries and regions:

• Africa


• Asia


• Australia


• Brazil


• Canada


• Colombia


• Costa Rica


• Denmark


• Germany


• Netherlands


• New Zealand


• United Kingdom (Headquarters)


• United States of America

Contact your nearest WSPA office >>

What are the main issues that WSPA works on?

Along with our network of Member Societies around the world WSPA works on countless animal welfare issues.

Some of the main areas we are working on are as follows:

• Companion animal


• Commercial exploitation of wildlife


• Disaster relief for animals


• Farm animals


• Education


• Legislation

Learn more about WSPA's work and involvement with the issues listed above >>

What is a Member Society?

A Member Society is an independent animal welfare organisation that is a part of WSPA’s global network of organisations that work together to improve animal welfare.

The benefits to WSPA of working with local groups around the world are that these people provide expert, hands-on knowledge of local cultures, attitudes and animal welfare concerns. WSPA often supports the work of local groups so the result is that local people are telling their own authorities they want change within their own community. This sends out a very positive and powerful message.

The Member Societies benefit from our 25 years’ experience in animal welfare. WSPA can advise groups on how to campaign for change effectively, how to harness the support of local people, and how to lobby the authorities appropriately. We can also provide education materials and training, for example, in animal handling and health care. WSPA can also provide funding where appropriate.

Currently WSPA has over 600 Member Societies in more than 140 countries.

View our Member Societies Network >>

How can I get involved with WSPA's work?

There are many ways you can get involved with WSPA's work.

From sending messages to officials and leaders to celebrating events and international days, your contribution will make a difference!

Find out more about different ways to get involved with WSPA’s work >>

Take action in support of one or all WSPA's campaigns >>

How can I work and volunteering for WSPA?

All current jobs and volunteering vacancies in the UK are placed on the WSPA UK website. Unfortunately, WSPA is not able to hold details of individuals on file, nor are we able to respond to every enquiry with regard to employment or career paths, due to resource constraints. Details of our vacancies are also available at www.charityjob.co.uk

Read more about jobs and volunteering opportunities at WSPA Headquarters >>

The overseas offices co-ordinate their own recruitment and volunteering opportunities.

For more information about jobs and volunteering vacancies outside the UK, please contact your closest WSPA Office.

How can I donate to WSPA?

Any donation you choose to make to WSPA is an extremely valuable contribution to the improvement of animal welfare around the world.
We very much appreciate all the support we receive from people like you.

Learn more about different ways in which you can make a donation to WSPA or visit the International Donations page to make your donation to WSPA from your own country.

Do you have any information to help me with my school project?

WSPA promotes education programmes working with schools, universities, animal welfare professionals and local communities.

A wide range of educational materials is available to download from our online resources library

Learn more about WSPA’s education work >>

View our educational online resources >>

What to do if I witness animal cruelty when travelling overseas?

Please take a look at WSPA's tips on how to become a compassionate traveller for guidelines on what to do if an instance of cruelty is witnessed while you are overseas.

To report any instance of animal cruelty anywhere around the world, please contact your local WSPA office.

Would you like to buy WSPA recommended books?

If you would like to buy any of our recommended books from Amazon and help WSPA at the same time, please visit the WSPA website of your country or the WSPA UK website