Changing the System to Save More Animals: How Policy, Education, and Coalition Building Create Lasting Change
Changing the System to Save More Animals: How Policy, Education, and Coalition Building Create Lasting Change
Animal rescue is often what people first think about when they imagine helping animals. But according to Animal rescue is often what people first think about when they imagine helping animals. But according to Natalie Ahwesh of Humane Action Pennsylvania, some of the most impactful work happens long before an animal ever enters a shelter.
In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Natalie shares how policy reform, community education, and creative coalition-building are helping create long-term change for animals across Pennsylvania. From domestic violence protections to wildlife education campaigns, her work proves that saving animals is not always about direct rescue—it’s also about changing systems.
For organizations, fosters, and Dooberteers, this episode offers a powerful reminder that advocacy and education can protect thousands of animals for years to come.
One Law Can Help Thousands of Animals
Natalie began her animal welfare journey as a volunteer walking dogs and helping at shelters while working professionally as a mathematics instructor.
But after joining what would become Humane Action Pennsylvania, she realized something important:
“If I can work to pass a law, I could help hundreds or maybe even thousands of dogs.”
That realization shifted her focus from individual rescue to systemic change.
Over the past 11 years, Humane Action Pennsylvania has helped pass nearly 30 animal welfare laws through:
- Legislative advocacy
- Community education
- Coalition partnerships
- Grassroots organizing
And unlike temporary solutions, policy changes can create lasting protection for animals for years or even decades.
Real Change Takes Patience
One of the biggest lessons Natalie shares is that policy work requires persistence.
Some campaigns move quickly. Others take years.
“Policy work is definitely not for people who need instant gratification.”
One Pittsburgh ordinance banning retail sales of commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits moved through city council in just weeks.
Another campaign to eliminate animal circuses took nearly three years.
For organizations and advocates, this is an important takeaway:
Meaningful change often happens slowly—but that doesn’t make it less impactful.
Animal Welfare Is Connected to Human Issues
One of the most unique aspects of Humane Action Pennsylvania’s work is its focus on interconnected social issues.
Their campaigns extend beyond traditional animal advocacy into areas like:
- Domestic violence prevention
- Human health
- Environmental protection
- Urban wildlife coexistence
- Public art and education
Natalie explained that animal welfare doesn’t exist in isolation.
“We look at animal welfare through the lens of how it’s connected with other social issues.”
This broader approach helps bring in supporters who may not initially identify as “animal people” but still care deeply about:
- Community wellbeing
- Public safety
- Environmental issues
- Violence prevention
Coalition Building Creates More Influence
One of the most valuable lessons from this episode is the importance of coalition-building.
Rather than working alone, Humane Action Pennsylvania partners with:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Domestic violence organizations
- Hunting groups
- Environmental advocates
- Public officials
One major success involved passing legislation allowing pets to be included in protection-from-abuse orders for domestic violence survivors.
To make that happen, they partnered with:
- The Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association
- District attorneys
- Police departments
- Domestic violence advocates
“When lawmakers are getting calls from the president of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association, they’re listening.”
For animal organizations, this is a critical insight:
Progress often happens faster when you find common ground with unexpected partners.
Education Can Change Hearts and Minds
Not every issue can be solved through legislation.
Sometimes education creates the greatest impact.
One example is Humane Action Pennsylvania’s “Love Your Wild Neighbor” campaign, which helps communities coexist more humanely with urban wildlife like raccoons.
Instead of focusing only on enforcement or trapping, the organization created:
- Educational online resources
- Humane wildlife conflict solutions
- Public awareness campaigns
- Large-scale wildlife murals in underserved communities
“We want people to start seeing them as neighbors instead of nuisances.”
These projects not only educate the public—they also beautify communities and create conversations around compassion and coexistence.
Innovation Often Comes From Flexibility
One of the most refreshing parts of Natalie’s leadership philosophy is her openness to adapting.
Unlike organizations that rely heavily on rigid long-term planning, Humane Action Pennsylvania stays flexible.
“Almost everything we’ve accomplished has been because the stars aligned and an opportunity presented itself.”
That flexibility allows the organization to:
- Respond quickly to opportunities
- Build new partnerships organically
- Shift priorities when needed
- Explore creative campaigns
For nonprofits and rescue groups, this is an important reminder:
Sometimes adaptability is more valuable than perfection.
Creative Campaigns Reach New Audiences
Natalie’s team also understands the importance of making advocacy approachable.
One example is Pittsburgh’s Vegan Restaurant Week, designed to:
- Promote plant-based food options
- Introduce new audiences to compassionate eating
- Support local businesses
- Create positive community engagement
They’ve also explored:
- Public art campaigns
- Wildlife education events
- Humane coexistence initiatives
These campaigns help expand the “circle of compassion” by making animal advocacy accessible to broader audiences.
You Don’t Need a Traditional Background to Make an Impact
One of the most inspiring aspects of Natalie’s story is that she didn’t begin in politics or nonprofit leadership.
She started as:
- A math instructor
- A shelter volunteer
- Someone simply trying to help animals
That eventually grew into statewide advocacy work influencing legislation and public policy.
For Dooberteers, this is an important reminder:
You do not need the perfect background to create meaningful change.
What This Means for Dooberteers
Whether you foster, volunteer, advocate, transport, or educate others, you are helping create a more compassionate future for animals.
Natalie’s story shows that impact can happen through:
- Education
- Advocacy
- Community conversations
- Coalition-building
- Creativity
Sometimes helping animals means changing the systems around them.
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear the full conversation with Natalie Ahwesh and learn more about policy advocacy, coalition-building, and innovative animal welfare campaigns?
Watch on YouTube:
Listen for the audio versions:
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters, transporters, and animal organizations work together to save lives every day.
Visit Doobert.com to get involved, volunteer, foster, or transport animals in need.
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