In order to maximize the impact of donations from our supporters, the Animal Legal Defense Fund staff focuses our resources on programs to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system. Please read the following for the quickest way to get the information or assistance you are seeking.

Animal Legal Defense Fund’s cases

For the most up-to-date information regarding the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s work, sign up for Action Alerts at aldf.org/signup and follow our social media accounts.

General inquiries

If you have an animal protection question or general inquiry, use the form below to get started.

Please understand that ALDF does not represent individuals in private lawsuits, and we are precluded from giving legal advice for your individual circumstances.

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Legal Help

If you have an animal protection question or general inquiry, please understand that ALDF does not represent individuals in private lawsuits, and we are precluded from giving legal advice for your individual circumstances.

It's wrenching to contemplate, but important to know: You may be entitled to compensation if someone harms or kills your animal family members.

Our animal companions are family. So it’s no wonder that when we split up with our spouses or move out of our family home disputes can arise about who gets to keep the animals.

You may be sued if your dog bites a person or attacks another animal.

The person who’s been harmed — or the person whose animals have been harmed — may file a civil lawsuit against you, seeking monetary redress.

You trust your veterinarian to diagnose, treat, and care for your animal family members. But what if you suspect that your veterinarian made a mistake — and that the mistake has hurt your animal?

This tragic story is all too common: Someone purchases a puppy from a breeder or pet store, only to discover their new furry family member is very sick, oftentimes fatally. If this happens to you, your heart will not mend easily. But you may have some legal recourse against the breeder or pet store.

It’s not uncommon for families to be told they must choose between two bad options: either get rid of their animals, or lose their housing. There are resources to help resolve problems with landlords, property management, and homeowners associations.

Animal law is a relatively new, and growing, specialty within the law, and an increasing number of lawyers specialize in cases involving animals.

In most cases, however, while it may be advantageous, it is not necessary to find an attorney who specializes in animal law specifically.

Witnessed Animal Cruelty

It can be disturbing-and heartbreaking-to witness an act of animal cruelty. Whether it be an acute act of violence or chronic neglect, find out what you can do when you witness animal cruelty.

You’ve stopped into the local pet store on your way home from work to pick up food for your cat. Your kids begged to visit a store that advertises puppies for sale, until you relented. But when you go inside, you’re shocked at what you find: puppies who seem too young to be away from their mothers, who seem sick and poorly-cared for. Other animals for sale are clearly unwell.

It is very disturbing when your local humane organizations are not addressing the needs of animals in your community in an effective and compassionate manner.

It can be heartbreaking to see a neighbor’s animal suffering in a situation of neglect. Depending on the situation, there are various ways you can help the animal or animals involved.

The Internet and social media are reflections of our society — the good, the bad, and the ugly. All too often the Animal Legal Defense Fund gets calls and emails from people who have stumbled across digital content that contains images depicting obvious acts of animal abuse asking us what they should do about the evidence they have discovered.

Get Involved

There are a number of ways you can get involved to help animals:

Advocacy

Learn more about animal protection laws in your state and check our Action Centers for ways to support specific legislation in your area.

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Take Action

Add your voice to the Animal Legal Defense Fund's initiatives to improve the lives and advance the interests of animals through the legal system.
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Sign Up!

You can help make an impact in our fight against animal cruelty and injustice by signing up to receive SMS and email notifications that will let you know about important legislation, cases, campaigns, events, and rapid response legal work happening in your city and across the nation.
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The ROAR Program

Join the Animal Legal Defense Fund's social media ambassador program! Remote Online Advocacy Representatives (ROAR) are online partners who help us spread the word about important animal issues
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Protecting Animals through Local Legislation

The Animal Legal Defense Fund encourages advocates to lobby for stronger animal protection laws in their local communities and can provide guidance to advocates interested in changing laws at the city and county level.

Finding a career in animal protection

Do you want to work for the animals? Consider a career in Animal Law or find an opportunity to use your experience to protect animals.

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Career Advice for Aspiring Animal Attorneys

Do you want to work for the animals? Are you interested in obtaining a job as an animal lawyer?
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Employment Opportunities

Join the Animal Legal Defense Fund team! We are dedicated to fighting for animals' rights and justice for animal victims. View our Employment Opportunities.

Membership & Donations

To update your mailing or email address, update your credit card information, or update your email subscription, please visit our Member Center.

If you require further assistance, please use the form below.

To update your credit card information please visit our Member Center.

If you require further assistance, please use the form below.

Leaving a legacy gift to the Animal Legal Defense Fund is a simple, yet significant contribution to a future where animals are better protected and are no longer the voiceless victims of abuse and neglect.

You can read about ways to plan your legacy gift to the Animal Legal Defense Fund by visiting this resource on our site.

If you would like have someone at the Animal Legal Defense Fund to contact you, please use the form below.

Please enter your details below to receive information that might be of some assistance to you.

Contact Info

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Due to the volume of emails and calls we receive, we cannot promise a response to your inquiry. 

Please note that your contact with us is not confidential or privileged, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Animal Legal Defense Fund or any member of our legal staff.

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

Members/Donors

Interested in learning how you can leave a legacy for animals? Contact estates@aldf.org to learn more about Planned Giving.

To update your mailing or email address, update your credit card information, or update your email subscription, please visit our Member Center.

If you would prefer, you may call us at 707-795-2533 ext. 1011, or send an email to membership@aldf.org and provide us with a phone number so that we may call you to receive your update.

Media

If you are a journalist, please email media@aldf.org and indicate your deadline.

Website

If you have a technical question about our website, please email support@aldf.org.


Animal Legal Defense Fund
National Headquarters

525 East Cotati Avenue
Cotati, CA 94931

Phone: (707) 795-2533
Fax: (707) 795-7280

Animal Legal Defense Fund’s federal tax ID number: 94-2681680