an· i· mal
1: any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things . . . having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation (animal)

wel· fare
1: the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity
2a: aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need
2b: an agency or program through which such aid is distributed (welfare)

The Internet facilitates the animal welfare movement, through both World Wide Web presence and electronic messaging. The communication medium offers boundless potential for animal welfare education, activism and community, as well for as humanitarian and environmental causes.

Two of the most widely-known animal welfare organizations, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), share a combined presence on the Web that seems to encompass nearly every animal welfare issue on Earth.

According to HSUS, its Web site contains nearly 1,000 pages of information about HSUS activities, worldwide happenings affecting animals and guidance for people who want to help them. (Publications)

In addition to PETA and HSUS, numerous other organizations, worldwide, are sharing the benefits of this communication phenomenon while contributing to the animal welfare education, activism and community online.