The Association Blog

Advocacy just became more accessible for our members. Jim Tedford speaks about how The Association is stepping up to support you

Dear Animal Welfare Professional,

As a leader in animal welfare, you wear many hats and are pulled in a variety of directions. At The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, our top priority is supporting you and your organization day in and day out, and we are always looking for ways to help you succeed.

To that end, we are very excited to announce that The Association is partnering with Animal Policy Group (APG), an experienced firm of advocacy professionals. Although there is increasing complexity in the animal welfare landscape, especially around public policy and legislation, few organizations can dedicate adequate staff time to track pending legislation, nor can they afford a lobbyist to do this for them. But legislation can impact budgets, policies and shelter operations. For example, we’ve seen special interest groups create barriers to equitable access to veterinary care in some states.

The partnership with APG will allow you to to improve your capacity to monitor legislation and respond quickly. Legislation can change at lightning speed, making it critical that animal welfare professionals serve as leaders in our own states. APG monitors over 2,500 bills annually across all fifty states, focusing on the veterinary, pet product/services and animal welfare sectors. They also track regulatory action in state veterinary medical and pharmacy boards across several issues including veterinary, pharmacy, pet product, environmental, and more.

The partnership wtih APG, designed specifically for members of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement offers the following benefits:

• Regular updates on key legislative developments
• Access to curated resources and tools to strengthen advocacy efforts
• Guidance on how to take action in ways that protect both organizations and the pets and people they serve

Working with APG, last year we launched an interactive legislative map for members to consult regarding pending legislation. If you’ve not yet visited the map, please do so. We’re tracking what’s happening across the country to make it easier and more efficient for you.

There will be more news to share in the coming months. Please be assured, The Association exists to help you advance your mission. We know that legislation/advocacy is one important pillar in your work, and The Association is proud to be an essential partner in your success. Your communities are better places for people and animals thanks to your tireless and selfless work. Let’s keep changing the world for the better.

With appreciation,

Jim