The International Animal Welfare Foundation, referred to as IFAW, was established in 1969 and its headquarters is in Massachusetts, USA. Its original mission was to stop the cruelty of large-scale commercial hunting of white harp seals on the east coast of Canada. With the continuous development, the International Animal Welfare Foundation has become one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the world.

The work of the International Animal Welfare Foundation mainly focuses on protecting wildlife habitats and avoiding commercial exploitation of wildlife by stopping the illegal trade of endangered species; Rescue animals in natural and man-made disasters and help them return to nature; Support government agencies to protect animals by strengthening legislation and law enforcement; Carry out public education and publicity, and spread the concept of caring for animals, respecting life and harmonious coexistence between people and animals.

The main activities of the International Animal Welfare Foundation include protecting whales, protecting elephants, preventing wildlife trade, saving harp seals and saving companion animals.