Frequently Asked Questions Questions about WSPA How do I contact WSPA?
What is WSPA?
What are the main issues that WSPA works on?
Where does WSPA work?
What are Member Societies?
How can I get more information about WSPA?
How can I get a job with WSPA USA?
How can I volunteer with WSPA USA?
I don't live near a WSPA office, what other ways can I get involved besides volunteering?
Where can I get products with WSPA logos? Donations and Membership How do I become a WSPA Member?
Can I donate to WSPA by check?
Can I donate with credit or debit card?
How much of my donation will go to helping animals?
How can I change my contact information?
How can I make changes to my monthly donations?
How can I donate to WSPA as a gift or in honor of someone?
What is WSPA's tax identification number?
Animal Welfare Where can I find local humane societies or animal shelters?
How do I sign your petition for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare?
How do I report animal cruelty or neglect within the United States?
What should I do if I witness animal cruelty while traveling?
Can I adopt from or surrender an animal to WSPA?
Questions about WSPA How do I contact WSPA? 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
We value your submissions and feedback, but please note that it may take 2-3 weeks for a response due to volume of incoming inquiries.
What is WSPA? The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is an international animal welfare organization. WSPA works with over 900 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. Our mission is to build a united animal welfare movement. More about who the WSPA is and what we do >>
More information about our policies >>
What are the main issues that WSPA works on? 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)
- Bear Parks (Japan)
- Bush-meat (Africa)
- Bullfighting (Spain)
- Commercial Whaling
- Dolphins in entertainment
Emergency Disaster Relief Farm Animal Welfare Education Legislation Read more about WSPA's involvement with the issues listed above >>
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Where does WSPA work?
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. Back to top
What are Member Societies? A Member Society is an independent animal welfare organization that is a part of WSPA's global network. The WSPA Member Society Network is the largest international alliance of animal welfare organizations in the world, with over 900 groups in more than 150 countries. In all aspects of its work, WSPA aims to collaborate with and support animal welfare groups through the WSPA Member Society Network. WSPA believes that the Network is an international force that governments and decision makers cannot fail to listen to, and this is helping to create a momentum of positive change for animals worldwide. Member Societies range from large national organizations, covering a range of welfare issues, to small specialist groups, working on specific problems. Whether they work alone, with WSPA, or with one another, they are all looking for effective ways to improve animal welfare, be it on a local, national or international scale. Learn more about the member society network >> Back to top
How can I get more information about WSPA?
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 Resource page as well as our What We Do page.
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How can I get a job with WSPA USA? 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. Back to top
How can I volunteer with WSPA USA? 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. Back to top
I don't live near a WSPA office, what other ways can I get involved besides volunteering? 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 Get Involved 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 fundraising 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. Back to top
Where can I get products with WSPA logos? 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. Back to top
Donations and Membership How do I become a WSPA Member? There are several meaningful ways to become a WSPA member. One of the best and most rewarding means of making a difference for animals in need is to join the WSPA Animal Rescue Team by becoming a monthly donor. To learn more, please visit our Monthly Giving page. If you prefer to make a one-time gift, you can donate any time by visiting our online Donation page. With a donation of $35 or more, you will receive our magazine, Animals International, twice a year.
To review all of WSPA's giving options, please visit our Ways to Give page.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact WSPA USA. We greatly appreciate your support! Back to top
Can I donate to WSPA by check? You can donate to WSPA by check or money order. Please make them payable to WSPA and send them to: WSPA
P.O. Box 55451
Boston, MA 02205-8153 Please let us know your name, address and supporter number (if you have one) on all correspondence. Back to top
Can I donate with credit or debit card? Giving by credit/debit card is quick, easy and secure. We can take donations on American Express, Mastercard, Visa, and Discover. You can make a secure donation online or call Supporter Services at 1-800-883-9772, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Back to top
How much of my donation will go to helping animals? Our responsibility to protect animals is one we take very seriously. Every possible effort is made to stretch each dollar for the animals and to keep costs down. WSPA USA's expenditures for 2008 were allocated as follows:
75% to Animal Protection and Humane Education
21% to Fundraising
4% to Management & General Please contact us if you would like to receive a hard copy of our 2008 Global Review. WSPA is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that receives no government funding, and our work is entirely made possible through donations from people like you who care about animals. Without this much-needed financial support, all of our intentions, expertise and hopes would grind to a standstill. In making decisions as to what projects to undertake, our goal is always 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. A donation in any amount is greatly appreciated, both by WSPA and by the animals, who are the primary beneficiaries of your generosity. Please make a donation today. Back to top
What is WSPA's tax identification number? WSPA's EIN number is 04-2718182.
How can I change my contact information? To change your address or contact information in our database, please fill out a Change of Contact Information Form or call our Supporter Services staff at 1-800-883-9772 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Back to top
How can I make changes to my monthly donations? Changes to your monthly donation can be made at any time. Please contact us via email or call 1-800-883-9772 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Please visit our Monthly Donation FAQ for additional questions about your monthly donation. Back to top
How can I donate to WSPA as a gift or in honor of someone? Donating to WSPA as gift or tribute is a great way to honor and remember special people in your life and to help animals. Many people donate to WSPA as a birthday or holiday gift, wedding present, or in memory of a loved one. We will send you an acknowledgement for the gift and also send a card notifying the recipient or family of the gift. Simply include a note with your donation specifying the name of the gift recipient and address where the card should be sent, and our gift administrators will be happy to take care of the rest. To make a secure donation online, please go to our online donation page. You can also call our office to speak with our Supporter Services staff at 1-800-883-9772 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Back to top
Animal Welfare Where can I find local humane societies or animal shelters? For a listing of animal welfare organizations and shelters in your state and throughout the world, visit the World Animal Net website. Back to top
How do I sign your petition for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare? WSPA is leading efforts to urge the United Nations to adopt a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare. We are seeking to gather 10 million signatures to present to governments, to show them that animal welfare matters, and encourage them to support the declaration.
Please take a few moments to learn more about the campaign and sign the petition.
How do I report animal cruelty or neglect within the United States? If you witness animal cruelty or neglect, contact your local police department. Depending on who is responsible for enforcing anti-cruelty laws in your community, they may assist you themselves or direct you to your local humane society or animal control. Read our guidelines here. Because WSPA's work is focused in developing nations, we do not have a team that can respond directly to animal cruelty cases within the United States. Through our network of animal welfare organizations, we are at times able to find out what can be or is being done about the situation, or request other animal welfare organizations to act on the issue. You are welcome to file a cruelty report using our online form and our staff will do their best to advise you.
What should I do if I witness animal cruelty while traveling? Please take a look at WSPA's tips on Compassionate Travel, which provide guidelines on how you can take action if you witness animal cruelty or neglect while traveling abroad. Back to top
Can I adopt from or surrender an animal to WSPA? WSPA is not an animal shelter, and we do not have any animals at our offices around the world. We make every effort to rehabilitate rescued wild animals and return them to the wild. Where this cannot be done, we re-home them in sanctuaries. To adopt or surrender a companion animal, please visit World Animal Net to locate your nearest animal shelter. Back to top |