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ADVOCACY FOR ANIMALS ACROSS VIRGINIA
VFHS works to strengthen animal welfare policy by bringing together the experience of shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinary professionals, advocates, and other partners across the Commonwealth.
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Through legislative monitoring, direct engagement with policymakers, member education, coalition-building, and grassroots advocacy, VFHS helps elevate the voice of Virginia’s animal welfare community at the General Assembly and beyond.
HOW IT WORKS
VFHS brings the collective voice of Virginia's animal welfare community to state decision-makers through a range of strategies - before, during, and after each legislative session.
RECENT LEGISLATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some of the key legislative priorities VFHS has championed in recent years:
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ADVOCACY IS A TEAM EFFORT
Animal welfare policy is strongest when lawmakers hear from the people doing this work every day.
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VFHS members bring practical experience from shelters, rescues, animal control agencies, veterinary programs, community-cat initiatives, foster networks, and communities across Virginia. That experience helps policymakers understand how proposed laws may affect animals and the organizations responsible for their care.
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During legislative sessions, members may be asked to:
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contact their Senator or Delegate;
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participate in meetings or Humane Lobby Day;
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share local data, cases, or operational experience;
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respond to legislative alerts;
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help document the real-world impact of proposed policy; or
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participate in VFHS legislative discussions and work groups.
LOOKING AHEAD
Animal welfare policy continues to evolve alongside the challenges facing Virginia communities.
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Recent sessions point toward several areas that are likely to remain important: access to veterinary care, strong animal cruelty protections, responsible commercial animal sales, transparency and accountability, community-based approaches to animal welfare, and policies that help people keep the animals they love.
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VFHS will continue bringing together its members, partners, and policymakers to identify practical solutions and advocate for policies that improve the lives of animals across the Commonwealth.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
When our members speak up, animals benefit.
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Legislative change does not happen through one organization or one person. It happens when people with knowledge, experience, and a commitment to animal welfare show up and speak.
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Stay informed. Respond to legislative alerts. Talk with your lawmakers. Bring your experience to the conversation.
