What happens when animal shelters face confusing laws and regulations, outdated ordinances, or legal barriers that stand in the way of saving lives? In California, they can turn to our Shelter Policy and Legal Services (Shelter PALS) program for help.
Advancing animal welfare in California
Launched in 2020, Shelter PALS provides free legal services to shelters and rescues across California. Animal law attorney Bruce Wagman, who leads Shelter PALS, and San Francisco SPCA CEO Dr. Jennifer Scarlett saw firsthand how a lack of clarity about animal law hinders shelters’ ability to provide care.
Without legal guidance, shelters can face complex challenges that delay lifesaving work—from unclear holding periods and cruelty case procedures to outdated ordinances governing adoption fees and shelter operations. Questions about proper documentation, the legality of medications, and who can provide veterinary care often create confusion or unnecessary risk. These issues are compounded by the nationwide veterinary shortage, which impacts organizations’ abilities to meet current best practices in animal sheltering.
As a solution to these legal challenges, Bruce and Dr. Scarlett helped bring Shelter PALS to life. Today, this advocacy initiative supports the day-to-day work of shelters and rescues while also tackling animal rights issues statewide.
Recently, HumanePro sat down with Bruce and Dr. Scarlett to talk about the evolution of Shelter PALS, its statewide impact, and how understanding the law can improve the well-being of all animals.