Mission:
To promote humane principles; prevent cruelty; and alleviate pain, fear, and suffering in animals.

Background:
Widespread cruelty to working horses as well as to stray cats and dogs in New York City in the late 1800s prompted philanthropist and diplomat Henry Bergh and several other wealthy New Yorkers to establish the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1866. One of the group's first accomplishments was to persuade the New York State Legislature to pass the country's first animal anti-cruelty law. The ASPCA now has seven offices nationwide that work to advance the cause of animal welfare through a variety of programs, including education, public awareness, fundraising, poison control, shelter outreach and adoptions, and animal medical services.

Outstanding Feature:
In keeping with the core of its mission, the ASPCA Web site offers comprehensive information about how to care for pets and other animals. The Pet Care and Nutrition section not only covers general care for dogs and cats, but also offers articles on topics such as arrangements for military pets, animal air travel, and tips on caring for animals in hot weather. The site also links to ASPCA Ani-Med, a separate site that provides information on health problems, behavioral issues, and responsible pet ownership for dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, gerbils, and rats.