5 Tips to Be an Effective Animal Advocate

In a world where compassion knows no bounds, being an animal advocate is a powerful way to make a positive impact. Whether you’re passionate about the well-being of domestic pets, wildlife conservation, or farm animal welfare, advocating for animals requires empathy, education, and action. This guide will explore five actionable steps to help you become an effective voice for our furry, feathered, and finned friends.

1. Educate Yourself

Before embarking on your advocacy journey, educating yourself about various animal welfare issues is crucial.

Understanding the challenges animals face empowers you to speak knowledgeably and passionately about the issues. For example, at TCAP, our mission is to end overpopulation and euthanasia in Texas animal shelters. All of our initiatives aim to advance that goal and be a help to animals.

2. Spread Awareness

Advocacy begins with raising awareness. Use your voice and platforms to share information about animal welfare with your friends and family.

Social media is a powerful tool; share articles, videos, and stories that promote animal welfare. You can also help spread awareness by engaging with the content your favorite animal welfare organizations publish on their social media channels.

3. Support Animal-friendly Legislation

Advocate for change by supporting and promoting animal-friendly legislation. Stay informed about local, national, and international policies related to animal welfare. Engage with lawmakers in your community and bring issues to their attention when necessary. Encourage them to prioritize and strengthen laws that protect animals.

Your city council is a great place to start, and way to affect real change in your community.

4. Volunteer & Support Animal Organizations

Get involved with local animal shelters, rescue organizations, or wildlife conservation groups by volunteering your time or expertise. Volunteering provides hands-on experience and allows you to directly contribute to the well-being of animals. Whether it’s walking dogs, assisting in rehabilitation efforts, or participating in outreach programs, your time and skills can make a meaningful difference.

If time isn’t on your side, you can also support these organizations and their initiatives via monetary donations, purchasing goods and services, or attending their events

5. Lead by Example

Being an effective animal advocate requires consistency in your actions. Lead by example in your daily life by practicing kindness and compassion towards animals. Your personal choices serve as a powerful testament to the values you advocate for.

Encourage your friends and family to join you in the causes you’re passionate about.

Becoming an animal advocate is a journey that requires dedication, education, and a commitment to positive change. By raising awareness, supporting legislation, and inspiring others, you can contribute to a world where animals are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve. Together we can create a better Texas For Them.

Donate to TCAP via Your Electric Bill: Good Charlie Energy Rescue Roundup Partner

Good Charlie Energy Will Donate to TCAP on Your Behalf.

TCAP has partnered with Good Charlie Energy as part of their Roundup for Rescues program — providing another way you can support our mission to end pet overpopulation and euthanasia in North Texas shelters. If you’re in the market for a new energy provider, consider Good Charlie Energy, who will make a donation to your favorite animal welfare organization (that’s us) with every electric bill you pay.

When you sign up for Good Charlie Energy via our page, Good Charlie will make a donation on your behalf every month to TCAP, thanks to their Roundup for Rescues program.

Use promo code RESCUE50 when you sign up.
You will get $50 off your first bill, and Good Charlie will donate $50 to TCAP!

If you already have a Good Charlie Energy account and want to list us as your beneficiary, simply head over to your account portal to change your settings.

Good Charlie’s mission closely aligns with ours, as they strive to make Texas the best place for dogs to live. Another benefit pet parents get when signing up, is access to a $750 pet emergency fund to help pay for veterinary emergencies, and free televet visits for common questions or ailments.

Thank you for your continued support! You can find additional ways to support our mission by visiting our donation page.

Oakmont Ladies Golf Association Raises $1,000 for Texas Coalition for Animal Protection

During its monthly golf tournament, the Oakmont Ladies Golf Association (OLGA) raised $1,000 for Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP), Saturday, Aug. 5.

“We are so grateful to OLGA for raising funds for our mission,” said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. “Their donation will enable us to provide free rabies vaccines to pets whose parents may not otherwise be able to afford them. Rabies vaccines are not only required by law for pets but are critical in keeping our communities safe from the deadly zoonotic disease.”

The tournament commenced with an 8 a.m. tee-off at Oakmont Country Club in Corinth, where 32 OLGA members showcased their skills. OLGA’s members range from 30 to 80 years old, and encompass golfers of all skill levels.

Following the successful tournament, OLGA gathered for lunch and post-tournament awards, during which they presented representatives from TCAP with a generous donation of $1,000. TCAP is a nonprofit organization that has been determined by the IRS to be tax-exempt as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. TCAP relies on charitable contributions to sustain its programs, including its free Feral Fix program and free rabies vaccine events.

According to TCAP, the organization will be able to vaccinate around 200 cats and dogs because of the donation.

The partnership between OLGA and TCAP was inspired by OLGA member Sue LaRocca, who experienced the impactful work of TCAP firsthand. LaRocca, a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, sought assistance from TCAP to address the feral cat population on her property through the feral fix program, which offers sterilization services for stray and feral cats at the organization’s eight spay & neuter clinics.

“OLGA is delighted to collaborate with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection in their mission to provide vital care and assistance to animals in need,” said LaRocca. “Our members are pet lovers who are proud to contribute to TCAP’s efforts.”

TCAP Director of Marketing, Tiffany Ditto, (left) and TCAP Director of Operations, Katelyn McGuire, (right) stand next to OLGA Member Sue LaRocca (center) at a luncheon following OLGA’s tournament Saturday, Aug. 5 2023. At the luncheon, OLGA members presented TCAP with donations amounting to $1,000.

Additional information about OLGA can be found at https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/oakmont-country-club/golf

Cat Lovers Unite: FlexiScoop Sales Benefit TCAP

Self-proclaimed clean freak, cat lover, product designer, and owner of Product Design House, Joan Eckstein, is donating 25% of the proceeds from every FlexiScoop Litter Box Scoop sale to Texas Coalition for Animal Protection.

“We’re continually amazed by the pet lovers of North Texas,” said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. “Product Design House’s donation to TCAP via product sales helps solve two problems cats face: dirty litter boxes and overpopulation. These contributions to TCAP help fund programs like our free Feral Fix — providing free spays and neuters to community cats across North Texas.”

Retailing for $20, the FlexiScoop sports an ergonomic handle, built-in ribs for extra strength, a beveled-edge scraper/rake, and a hanging loop. However, the best part of the FlexiScoop is its ability to help mitigate two problems at once, a stinky litter box and subsidizing free spay and neuter for cats in need.

“I believe that inside cat lovers love all cats,” said Eckstein. “That’s why we’re happy to help community cats with a contribution to TCAP.”

Check out the FlexiScoop, and learn more about its creator at theflexiscoop.com.