Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals


A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a common name for non-profit animal welfare organizations around the world. The oldest SPCA organization is the RSPCA, which was founded in England in 1824. SPCA organizations operate independently of each other and campaign for animal welfare, assist in the prevention of cruelty to animals cases, rehabilitation and finding homes for maltreated and unwanted animals that can be reestablished into new homes. Policies regarding animal euthanasia, handling feral cats, and similar issues vary by organization.
All SPCAs around the world are independent of one another and are not affiliated in any way. Every SPCA has its own governing policies, financial reports, board of directors, and organizational goals.

SPCA organizations by continent

Africa


Asia

Canada

In the United States, all organizations using the name SPCA are independent; there is no umbrella organization. Some of the more notable organizations include: