The Association Blog

Meet Animal Policy Group’s VP of Government Relations, and learn how she’s teaming up with shelters to pass important legislation—and where you can find her (and what she’ll be wearing!) these days

Name & Title: Katie Jarl, VP of Government Relations, Animal Policy Group
Member of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement since: September 2024

The Association: How did you first get into advocacy work, and what drew you to focus on animal welfare issues?
Katie Jarl: My advocacy career started in high school, when I noticed that of all the volunteer options available to us, not one involved helping animals. So, I decided to fix that problem myself, and made my way over to the Houston SPCA to sign up as a dog walker and kennel cleaner. Before long, I was helping at off-site adoption events and even answering phones during their annual telethon.

I didn’t realize it then, but those early experiences shaped everything that came next. Even with detours into TV news and public relations, I always had this gut feeling that I’d find my way back to animal welfare fulltime. I am proof that once you experience the heart and purpose of animal welfare, it stays with you for life.

The Association: Our partnership with Animal Policy Group is bringing members a new benefit—access to advocacy guidance and support. How can this empower members in their work?
Katie Jarl: Our goal is simple: take the mystery (and a little bit of the panic) out of advocacy. Through our interactive policy map, members can track animal-related legislation moving in their states and not worry about what’s happening at the Capitol or finding out after the fact. We update it daily with bill movement, hearing dates, and analysis, so you can spend less time searching and more time strategizing.

And for those moments when you’re staring at a bill thinking, “What on earth does this mean?” — we’ve got the Advocacy Help Desk. Members can get one-on-one guidance, brainstorming support, or just reassurance that, yes, that bill really is trying to do what you think it is.

The Association: Can you share an example of a collaboration with an animal welfare professional or organization that led to a meaningful win for animal shelters or animals?
Katie Jarl: Collaboration is the secret sauce in animal welfare. Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked with so many brilliant and passionate people who’ve taught me that advocacy wins don’t happen in a vacuum; they happen around conference tables, in late-night text threads, and dozens of caffeinated Zoom meetings.

Most recently, I teamed up with Sharon Harvey and her amazing team at Cleveland Animal Protective League on two Ohio initiatives. Thanks to her leadership and statewide connections, we passed legislation that allows shelters and pet owners to use veterinary telemedicine, a game-changer for access to care. And because we like to stay busy, we also helped add a pet-friendly lease addendum to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s Qualified Allocation Plan. This means it will soon be a little easier for renters to keep their pets at home where they belong. Both wins were driven by collaboration, persistence, and a shared belief that “good policy” should

The Association: When you’re not working on policy and advocacy, how do you like to recharge?
Katie Jarl: This time of year, you’ll find me in burnt orange at a Texas Longhorns football game, loudly expressing my “policy positions” from the stands! Outside of football season, I love to travel and spend time outdoors hiking with my dogs. Nothing clears the head like fresh air, muddy paws, and no cell service..

Check out what else The Animal Policy Group offers to members of The Association.

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