Some group obviously just sent mail because I’m getting questions again: “What’s the relationship between PHS/SPCA, the Humane Society of United States, American SPCA (ASPCA), and other national-sounding groups?” There is no formal, ongoing relationship.
Some charities operate like “mother ships” with chapters. Donations are shared among the network. If you experience a problem locally you can “go up the ladder.” Not so in animal welfare.
The 8,000 SPCAs and humane societies are separate organizations. PHS/SPCA’s focus is saving lives of individual animals. On the other hand, national organizations are largely about advocacy.
Some nationals make some financial contributions to some local activities. Others don’t. Some local organizations may look to national groups for guidance but not always. Sometimes we all work together, sometimes not. Our different missions and mandates may lead to different conclusions on specific issues.
I’m not saying who you should support, only clarifying who we are. All of us. So if you see a compelling TV ad, or if you get a pen, gardening gloves or umbrella in the mail, you may want to know what your money will do before mailing that check. All of it is important; you just should know what you are supporting. Don’t you agree?
If you’d like to support the homeless animals here, that would be lovely: thank you, but please send it directly. Your gift to one of the national names won’t trickle down to the animals at PHS/SPCA. We get zero support from the nationals. And if you hate something I’ve done, don’t get all huffy with HSUS or ASPCA; they will quite legitimately claim it’s outside their control.
Sure, it’d be great if everyone contributed to, volunteered at, and adopted from PHS. But Oakland, Phoenix, Seattle, Miami and NYC all have animals in crisis — and all have local organizations working to help. If you’re curious who is helping the animals elsewhere, just ask. I’ll be happy to advise.
Ken White is the president of the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.
Read more from Ken White in the San Mateo Daily Journal.