In addition to providing support directly for animals or animal welfare organizations, there are many opportunities to influence change by working with community members and leaders.
Advocacy efforts could include contacting your elected officials to share your opinion on laws or ordinances, educating your friends or coworkers about important issues through social media or personal conversations, volunteering to work at community events, or attending workshops to become more educated on important issues.
Several local organizations listed in our Local Guide offer opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts. You may also wish to support state organizations working on national, state and/or local issues, such as those below.
Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) is the state’s only Texas-based animal organization that serves to address unjust animal welfare laws. Get involved by staying informed, helping to advocate or volunteering. THLN’s Junior Advocate Program gives students ages 9 to 17 the opportunity to make a difference for Texas animals.
Best Friends Animal Society has created local Action Teams to rally citizens on grassroots efforts in their own communities. Their Grassroots Advocacy Toolkit provides many tips for how to engage your community to help animals.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) actively works in Texas to lobby at the state legislature, organize grassroots efforts, and support creation of state policies and local ordinances for animal welfare. This includes efforts related to affordable housing – an issue that negatively impacts many pet owners, especially during the COVID-19 Eviction Crisis. Contact Texas State Director Lauren Loney to get involved and follow efforts on the HSUS – Texas Facebook page.