The RSPCA's mission is to prevent suffering and promote kindness to animals at home and abroad. It is a charity supported entirely by voluntary donations. Over 450 uniformed officers work throughout England and Wales to rescue animals in distress, supporting a 24-hour cruelty and advice helpline handling over one million calls a year. During 2006, RSPCA officers investigated over 122,000 complaints of animal cruelty.

The RSPCA is the largest re-homing animal welfare charity in the UK through its animal centres and branches. It also runs animal hospitals, specialist wildlife centres and clinics, while co-ordinating influential campaigns, practical welfare, education and law enforcement.