What we do
We are here for every kind; inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal. For more than 200 years we’ve changed behaviours, laws, industries and animals' lives.
As the largest and oldest animal charity, we rescue and care for those in urgent need, speak up on behalf of every kind of animal, and rally everyone to treat them with kindness and respect.
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Everyone for every animal
Animals are facing some of the biggest challenges in our 200-year history – and we’re ready to tackle them. We help thousands of animals through our vital rescue and care work, and many millions more through advocacy and prevention.
We want to have the greatest impact for the greatest number of animals. But it’ll take all of us to create a better world for every kind. We need as many people as possible to join our millions-strong movement, working with people, partners and communities to improve animals’ lives.
A better world for animals is a better world for us all.
Since 1824
We’ve helped animals in England, Wales and all around the world
- We’ve changed more than 400 laws.
- Our 330 frontline officers are out every day saving animals from cruelty and neglect (2025 figures).
- We investigate around 70,000 cruelty reports every year (2025 figures).
- We rehabilitate and rehome more than 26,000 pets and care for thousands more wild animals (2024 figures).
- We set up the first farm assurance scheme solely dedicated to animal welfare, giving millions of farmed animals better protection.
- We’ve been there for animals through wars, disasters and Covid.
Rescue changes animals’ lives
We’re the only charity that investigates and prosecutes animal cruelty and neglect, with a frontline team of around 330 rescuers who work every day to save animals across England and Wales.
Our vet teams provide life-saving treatment at our hospitals and clinics. Meanwhile, our network of 14 animal centres, four wildlife centres, and 130 branches provide expert rehabilitation and behavioural services, then rehome or release a huge variety of species.
We also run pet food banks to support struggling owners to keep their pets at home, and provide advice to the public to help sick and injured animals get the support they need.
We couldn’t do any of this without the support of more than 10,000 volunteers and partners.
Prevention changes attitudes
Prevention and education are at the heart of everything we do. We provide education resources to schools, young people and families, and work with organisations, businesses and communities to empower everyone to be kinder to animals.
We want to inspire a radical rethink of how we see and treat animals. By showing that animals have emotions, feelings and needs, we change the way people see them and their place in the world we share. We’re also encouraging people to make small diet changes to help transform farmed animals’ lives.
We’re inspiring the next generation to join our millions-strong movement for animals.
Campaigning changes laws
For two centuries we’ve been a voice for animals, helping change more than 400 laws and countless animals’ lives. In recent years, we’ve seen tougher punishments for animal abusers, a ban on live exports, animal sentience recognised in law, an end to greyhound racing in Wales, and a government commitment to phase out the use of animals in science – and so much more.
There’s still more to do. We work closely with governments to push for meaningful policy reforms, here and across the world. Our campaigns can deliver transformational change and safeguard futures, as we bring everyone together to speak up for animals.
Everything we do is backed by evidence. We share our expertise and knowledge with others to improve the lives of animals in the UK and around the world. Our new Animal Welfare Evidence Centre will provide a critical resource to better understand the root causes of animal cruelty.
RSPCA Assured changes industries
We work with industry, farmers and systems (locally and internationally), to change cruel practices that harm animals. Our long history has shown us that changing society is complex and takes time. It’s often better to work with industries to end harmful practices and bring about lasting change for animals.
Through our world-leading RSPCA farmed animal welfare standards, delivered through RSPCA Assured, we raise welfare standards on farms. This means millions of farmed animals live better lives. Our welfare standards have pioneered change throughout the farming industry.
Our Animals in Science team is driving a kinder future, where animals are no longer needed in research. We work with students, researchers, universities, organisations and policy makers to drive change.
Governance
We’re a charity that relies entirely on public donations for our vital work. Our Chief Executive, Jo Rowland, and her executive leadership team is in charge of the day-to-day running of the RSPCA.
Our board of trustees are a group of dedicated volunteers who are responsible for ensuring we’re delivering on our strategy and our charitable objectives.
We’ve been changing animals' lives for more than 200 years, but they need us more than ever. All animals, whether they’re in our homes, on farms, in labs or in the wild, deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
Animal Futures the podcast
In this podcast, host TV presenter and RSPCA Ambassador Kate Quilton, from Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped, explores some of the key themes from Animal Futures the game. She chats to experts in the field of alternative proteins, animal and human behaviour, robotic pets, nature and more to discover what the future might hold for animals - and how we can all play our part in building a better world for every kind. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.
Things that we talk about
- 1 Will advances in AI mean we can talk to animals and could robot pets ever replace the real thing?
- 2 The future of alternative proteins and whether they hold the key to improving farmed animal welfare
- 3 How to reset our relationship with animals and rediscover our connection to the natural world
