The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is America's Oldest Humane Society

The ASCAP's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA offers national programs in humane education, public awareness, government advocacy, shelter support, animal medical services and animal placement. You can support the ASPCA by donating to them, adopting a pet, writing to your congressional representatives to support the ASCAP's political initiatives, or buying ASPCA cards, gifts and other items, the proceeds of which support the organization's work. Other humane societies, such as the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.mspca.org) have many of the same activities, but are separate identities that need their own support.