The mission of the American Humane Association, as a network of individuals and organizations, is to prevent cruelty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children and animals and to assure that their interests and well-being are fully, effectively, and humanely guaranteed by an aware and caring society.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. A nonprofit membership organization, American Humane is headquartered in Denver. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane provides national leadership in developing policies, legislation, curricula and training programs - and taking actions - to protect children and animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Hundreds of child welfare and child protective services agencies and professionals are members of American Humane. In addition, hundreds of local humane societies, SPCAs and animal control agencies across the country are member organizations of American Humane.

Children protection
Animals protection
Professional education
Professional training
Professional advocacy
Research evaluation
Human-animals bonds