The mission of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. They seek to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.

IFAW was founded in 1969 to confront the cruel commercial slaughter of harp and hooded seals. Having successfully rallied worldwide condemnation of the hunt, they have grown to become one of the largest international animal welfare organizations in the world.

Today IFAW has offices in 12 countries and a staff of more than 200 experienced campaigners, legal and political experts, and internationally acclaimed scientists. They are a pragmatic and dedicated family of professionals who believe that animals suffer far too much from commercial exploitation, habitat destruction, and needless cruelty. And they are joined in that belief by more than 1.8 million supporters.