FAQs

Our US office is located in Boston, Massachusetts.  You can contact us by mail, phone, fax, or email.  If you are outside of the USA, please contact the WSPA office in your country or region. 

WSPA USA
Lincoln Plaza
89 South Street, Suite 201
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617.896.9214 or 800.883.WSPA (9772)
Fax: 617.737.4404
Contact us by email

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is an international animal welfare organization. WSPA works with over 1,000 member organizations in more than 150 countries to raise the standards of animal welfare throughout the world. Our vision is a world where animal welfare matters, and animal cruelty ends.

More about who WSPA is and what we do >> 

WSPA's animal welfare programs include a mix of direct fieldwork, campaigning, education and training, and member society development.  Our work around the world focuses primarily on the following issues:

Companion Animals

• Stray Control

• Working horses and donkeys

• Veterinary clinics

Commercial Exploitation of Wildlife

• Bear Bile Farming (Asia)

• Bear Baiting (Pakistan)

• Bear Dancing (India and Pakistan)

• Commercial Whaling

• Dolphins in entertainment

Emergency Disaster Relief

Farm Animal Welfare

Education

• Concepts in Animal Welfare - for veterinary students

• International Animal Welfare Education

• Pet Respect

Legislation

• The Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare

Read more about WSPA's involvement with the issues listed above >>

WSPA's activities are international in scope. Our teams work in more than 150 countries around the world. We strive to do the greatest amount of good, for the greatest number of animals, for the longest period of time and in the most cost-effective manner. WSPA often goes where other animal welfare organizations cannot or will not go, working in parts of the world where the words "animal welfare" are seldom heard.  This means that the majority of our work takes place in and with developing nations.

WSPA Headquarters is located in London, England. Regional offices are maintained in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Asia (Thailand and China) and Africa (Tanzania). Contact information for these offices can be found on the WSPA Offices page.

For an introductory packet of information about WSPA, please contact your nearest WSPA Office. WSPA USA supporters can contact the US office.

You can also find additional information about WSPA and our campaigns on our WSPA's work page.

All available jobs at WSPA USA are listed on our Jobs & Volunteers page. To find out about jobs at other WSPA offices visit our International Site.

If you wish to work with animals (or for animals) in your career, and do not have hands-on experience, the more time you can spend in the field, the better. For example, you may look into volunteering at your local humane society or at a veterinary hospital in your area. Opportunities in the WSPA USA office may also call for experience in non-profit fundraising, marketing, and data entry.

For a listing of animal welfare organizations and shelters in your state and throughout the world, visit the World Animal Net website.

WSPA USA runs a volunteer program at its office in Boston.  Our volunteer positions are currently filled but please check the Jobs/Volunteer Opportunities page regularly as positions will be posted as they become available.

No program currently exists for volunteers to accompany WSPA into the field to rescue animals during natural and man-made disasters or hands-on projects. The majority of our project field and rescue work is carried out by trained WSPA staff working with one or more of our member societies. Joining forces with our member societies allows WSPA to work with personnel who are citizens of the country in which the disaster or need is occurring, are already fluent with the native language of specific locales, and are trained in animal handling.

For more information about volunteering to help animals internationally, please visit WSPA's International Website or visit Working Abroad for a list of other international animal welfare volunteer opportunities.

If you are interested in assisting animals during disasters, a group named United Animal Nations, based in California, operates the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS). EARS volunteers are trained in seminars held all across the nation, preparing them to respond to natural or man-made disasters that occur here in the United States. To find out more about EARS and how you can become actively involved, please contact them at info@uan.org or at (916) 429-2457.

We also always encourage our supporters to volunteer locally at humane societies and shelters. For a list of animal welfare organizations and shelters throughout the world, including your state, please visit the World Animal Net directory.

There are many different ways to help animals through WSPA. You can become a WSPA member by making monetary donations, writing letters, or fundraising for WSPA. Every single supporter who helps WSPA - whether by joining our campaigns, fundraising to support our programs or just helping spread the word – is aiding in the fight to save more animals worldwide.

If you can spare five minutes or five hours a week for the animals, your contributions will truly make a difference. Every individual letter written to a government representative, every donation collected, and every poster displayed helps WSPA continue its work.

Make your voice heard to help protect animals. Please visit WSPA's Action Center web page. Currently, we need you to take action on several important international animal issues – so please, take action today!

Fundraising is another great way to assist WSPA. Please visit our How You Can Help page for more information

Stay informed on urgent animal welfare issues by signing up for WSPA's e-newsletter. Our newsletter will keep you up to date on the latest topics and needs facing animals around the globe.

To get WSPA logo merchandise, please visit our online store at Cafépress. Supporters can order buttons, magnets, t-shirts, and even clothing for pets, as well as photographs of animals WSPA has helped around the world.