The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The ASPCA is one of the most active pro-pet groups in the world. A nonprofit company, the ASPCA sponsors countless numbers of groups and events to protect animals' and pet owners' rights. The ASPCA has attempted to reduce pain, fear, and suffering in animals through humane law enforcement, legislative advocacy, education, and hands-on animal care.

The ASPCA was founded in 1866 by a diplomat named Henry Bergh. Today, the ASPCA supplies a number of different services to pet and animal lovers all across the country. They are perhaps best known for helping shelter strays and foster adoptions.

ASPCA 424 East 92nd Street New York, NY 10128-6804 (212) 876-7700 www.aspca.org

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is another of the nation's largest animal-protection organizations. HSUS promotes the “humane treatment of animals and to foster respect, understanding, and compassion for all creatures.” The HSUS uses such venues as the legal system, education, and legislation to ensure the protection of animals of all kinds.

The HSUS was founded in 1954 and currently has nine major offices in the United States. Unlike the ASPCA, the HSUS does not have any affiliate shelters. The HSUS mainly concerns itself with wildlife protection, companion animals, and animal research violations. However, they do sponsor many events for pet owners and do encourage pet rescue (adoption).

Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 www.hsus.org

The American Humane Association (AHA)

Based in Englewood, Colorado, and founded in 1877, the American Humane Association (AHA) is a welfare organization involved in assisting both animals and children. These days the AHA oversees the treatment of animals on movie and television sets and is working to establish standards for dog trainers, among many other things.

American Humane Association 63 Inverness Dr. East Englewood, CO 80112 www.americanhumane.org

Delta Society

The Delta Foundation was established in 1977 in Portland, Oregon, under the leadership of Michael McCulloch, MD, and Leo K. Bustad, DVM, PhD, dean of a veterinary college and a pioneer in human-animal bond theory and application. From the beginning, Delta provided the first comprehensive training in animal-assisted activities and therapy to volunteers and health care professionals, and it continues to develop standards-based training materials. It is committed to its mission to improve human health through service and therapy animals.

Delta Society P.O. Box 1080 Renton, WA 98057 www.deltasociety.org

Therapy Dogs International (TDI)

Elaine Smith founded TDI in 1976 to create an organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registering therapy dogs as well as their handlers. Through this process, they are better prepared and able to assist in visits to nursing homes, hospitals, and other institutions where therapy dogs are needed.

Therapy Dogs International 88 Bartley Road Flanders, NJ 07836 www.tdi-dog.org