About IFAW

Founded in 1969, the International Fund for Animal Welfare saves individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW provides hands-on assistance to animals in need, whether it's dogs and cats, wildlife and livestock, or rescuing animals in the wake of disasters. We also advocate saving populations from cruelty and depletion, such as our campaign to end commercial whaling and seal hunts.

Guiding ideas

Our vision: Our vision is a world where animals are respected and protected.

Our mission: IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world.

Our promise: We promise supporters and policy makers effective animal protection solutions delivered with intelligence, compassion and integrity.

Our belief: IFAW believes in the intrinsic value of animals and that we have a responsibility to protect them from suffering and commercial exploitation.

Our work: We rescue and care for individual animals and deliver effective solutions for the long-term protection of animal populations and habitats.

We promote addressing animal welfare concerns in policy, legislation and society.

Our team: Our team includes rescue workers, veterinarians, policy experts, campaigners, scientists, educators and the highest quality support staff all driven by a determination to help animals in need.

Our approach: We are international, with local expertise and leadership in all of our field offices. Through strong international coordination, we leverage regional campaigns and projects to achieve global influence and impact.

Our work connects animal welfare and conservation, demonstrating that healthy populations, naturally sustaining habitats and the welfare of individual animals are intertwined.

We use our hands-on projects on the ground to inform and influence policy.

We are sensitive to the needs of communities and work for solutions that benefit both animals and people.