What is the difference between a Humane Society and a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)?
While the terms themselves are sometimes used interchangeably, “SPCA” usually designates an organization that is actively involved in prevention of cruelty to animals such as through education and/or cruelty investigations. A “Humane Society “generally refers to an organization that engages in on-site sheltering of animals. Because the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s mission, programs, and services include animal cruelty investigations, sheltering, adoptions, education and more, both terms describe our organization.