Many animal welfare groups work to improve health, safety and welfare of animals throughout the world. Traditionally animal rights groups takes animal matters one step further than the groups working on animal welfare. However, there are lots of overlaps that it is hard to separate them into pods. More than 17,000 groups all over the world are working on animal rights and welfare.

The Humane Society International (HSI) is the international arm of the Humane Society of the United States that was created in 1991. In addition to North America, the HSI now operates in many parts of the world including Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, and Europe. Its efforts extend over more than 35 individual countries.

The HSI addresses inhumane practices and conditions affecting farm animals, illegal trade activities of wildlife, endangered species, the slaughter of sea animals and use of animals for research.

Working at an international level requires different tact than working with localities on animal issues. This is why HSI working with policy makers, international agreements, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and global industrial conglomerates. It works closely with the International Whaling Commission as well as the United Nations to name a few of its international involvements.