The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) is a fundraising and grant giving charity directed by veterinary and animal welfare professionals which uses science, education and debate to improve animal welfare. AWF funds animal welfare research, supports veterinary education and provides a platform for discussion and debate on key animal welfare issues. The charity was established from a legacy left to the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in 1983 and was set up as an independent charity to work directly with the veterinary profession to promote best practice and improve animal welfare for generations to come. As the BVA’s charity AWF has a close working relationship with BVA, which remains one of its key stakeholders and supporters.