Frequently Asked Questions

This list of frequently asked questions answers some of the most common enquiries we receive from our Australian and New Zealand supporters, 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?

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is an international animal welfare organisation. WSPA works with more than 600 member societies to raise the standards of animal welfare throughout the world.

Our vision is a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty ends.

Click here for more about who WSPA is and what we do.

Click here for more information about our policies.

Where does WSPA operate?

WSPA's activities are international in scope. Our teams work in over 140 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 organisations cannot or will not go, working in parts of the world where there is little or no animal welfare legislation. To see some of the countries where our vast network of member societies operate, go to: http://www.wspa-international.org/site/index.php?page=658.

WSPA Headquarters is located in London, England. Regional offices are maintained in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Columbia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Germany, Scotland, Denmark, Netherlands, and Kenya. Contact information for any one of our offices can be found at http://www.wspa-international.org/site/index.php?page=662.

How do I become a WSPA supporter?

There are several ways to become a WSPA supporter. One of the best and most rewarding means of making a difference for animals in need is to join the WSPA Animal Rescue by becoming a monthly donor.

If you prefer to make a single donation, you can donate any time by visiting our online giving page.

To review all of WSPA's giving options, please visit our donation page.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

We greatly appreciate your support.

Can I volunteer for WSPA?

While there are several volunteer opportunities available within WSPA, most of these fall under the realm of administration and fundraising. 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 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.

If you are interested in administrative volunteer opportunities in Australia or New Zealand, our Australian office is located in St Leonards, Sydney and our New Zealand office in Parnell, Auckland. If you would like more information about volunteer opportunities in Sydney or Auckland, please contact us by sending an email to wspa@wspa.org.au or wspa@wspa.org.nz.

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

Finally, we always encourage our supporters to volunteer locally, at their local humane societies and shelters. For a list of animal welfare organisations and shelters throughout the world, including your state, please visit the World Animal Net Directory.

How can I help WSPA in other ways?

There are many different ways to help animals through WSPA. You can become a WSPA supporter by making monetary donations. You can also help animals by writing letters, fundraising for WSPA, and volunteering in our Sydney or Auckland offices (if possible). 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 can be a great way of assisting WSPA. For a leaflet that provides some ideas on how you can help WSPA, please email us at wspa@wspa.org.au.

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

Please visit WSPA's Get Involved web page.

How can I get a job with WSPA?

For a list of WSPA's current employment opportunities, please visit the WSPA International website at www.wspa-international.org. Job openings (when available) within the WSPA Australian and New Zealand offices are advertised on our website in About us > Jobs.

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 veterinary hospital in your area.

For a listing of animal welfare organisations and shelters in your state and throughout the world, visit the World Animal Net web site at www.worldanimal.net.

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

What to do if you witness animal cruelty when traveling overseas?
Please take a look at WSPA's Tips for a compassionate traveller, which provide guidelines on what to do if an instance of cruelty is witnessed while you are overseas.

Where to find local humane societies?

For a listing of animal welfare organisations and shelters in your state and throughout the world, visit the World Animal Net web site at www.worldanimal.net.