The mission of The Humane Society of the United States is to create a humane and sustainable world for all animals, including people, through education, advocacy and the promotion of respect and compassion.

The Humane Society of the United States is dedicated to protecting all animals with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture.

Our companion animals and equine protection efforts include offering numerous services to the nation's animal shelters, which are independent from The HSUS. We help shelters run better through training programs, educational materials and consultation services. We host the largest international trade and educational show in the animal care and control field and publish a bi-monthly magazine specifically for that audience. We run a cooperative buying service for shelters that offers significant discounts on products and services. We promote responsible pet ownership to benefit animals and communities and are experts on topics such as dangerous dogs and exotic pets. We offer comprehensive pet behavior information for pet owners and promote the benefits of pet ownership.

Our wildlife and habitat protection efforts include our Urban Wildlife Sanctuary Program, The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust, two wildlife rehabilitation training centers, and advocacy programs on fur, trapping and captive wildlife. We are active on marine mammal issues, including commercial whaling and the Canadian seal hunt.

In the area of farm animal welfare, we work with farmers to improve the treatment of animals raised for food. We educate the public about the plight of farm animals in industrialized factory farms and draw attention to the horrible conditions under which the vast majority of food animals are raised in America.

In the area of research animals, our Pain and Distress initiative is designed to work with researchers and regulators to develop a plan to end the suffering of research animals by the year 2020. We work to give students the right to opt out of animal dissection exercises in anatomy and biology courses. We urge consumers to avoid personal care products tested on animals and urge researchers to consider alternative approaches to traditional animal models.

Other programs include our highly regarded animal in disaster rescue efforts; the Genesis Awards, which honors news and media organizations that educate their audiences about animal protection issues; and Remote Area Veterinary Services, which brings veterinary services to impoverished areas in the United States and Central America. Our First Strike program addresses animal cruelty by offering rewards and lobbying for strong animal cruelty laws. The HSUS is the leading organization in combating animal fighting. We have successfully worked to strengthen state and federal laws and worked with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cockfighting, dogfighting and hog-dog fighting.

The HSUS now includes an Animal Protection Litigation section which conducts precedent-setting legal campaigns on behalf of animals in state and federal courts around the country and help train lawyers and law students working to make a difference for animals.

The Nat'l. Assoc. for Humane and Environmental Education (NAHEE) serves as the youth education division of The HSUS to instill good character in children with a strong emphasis on humane treatment of animals and respect for the environment.

The Humane Society University (HSU) unveiled our Certified Humane Education Specialist self-paced, online program and launched the world's first bachelor's degree, an accelerated online program, in humane leadership with Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement.

The HSUS which marked its 50th anniversary in 2004 is based in Washington, DC and has nine regional offices across the country. Its international affiliate, Humane Society International, supports projects across the globe and has offices in or is establishing offices in eight countries.