Author: Melanie Sadek, Executive Director, Valley Humane Society
I had never stepped into an animal shelter before joining Valley Humane Society fourteen years ago. Like many, I imagined I’d feel sad. Instead, I felt hope, happiness, and compassion—in a team of dedicated volunteers and a small, but mighty staff working tirelessly for the animals in their care. I was hooked.
My passion has always been rooted in making a difference. From a career in highway safety, I opened Murphy’s Paw in downtown Pleasanton, which became my bridge to animal welfare. I saw an opportunity to use my advocacy experience in highway safety to help animals in our community as well as those across California.
Valley Humane Society’s Advocacy Roots
Over the years, Valley Humane has worked diligently behind the scenes in conjunction with the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) to help shape policies that protect companion animals. We’ve advocated for ending inhumane closed-colony blood banks, where dogs are kept solely as blood donors for other animals. We also fought to ensure that microchips were registered to pet owners and not rescues, enabling a more direct path back home to their families.
Now we are taking a more public stance in our advocacy work, and you’re invited to join us! On April 29, 2025, Valley Humane Society is co-sponsoring Animal Advocacy Day in Sacramento. This is a chance to meet with legislators, share your voice, and help protect the rights of companion animals and their guardians. Their well-being impacts people and communities in profound ways. It’s important for our state legislature to understand that pets aren’t “just” animals—they are family.
Why Advocacy Matters
The more voices that join together, the more positive change we can create for animals and people in our community. And though advocacy can be complicated—not everyone agrees on the best path forward—I believe policy decisions should be based on careful consideration, including who is affected, what problems are solved, and what unintended consequences might occur. That’s why Valley Humane is selective about the issues we focus on, choosing those that directly impact companion animals and their people.
One issue we’re currently challenging is a proposed change by the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) that could make it harder for pet owners to care for their animals. Every five years, the CVMB undergoes a sunset review by the legislature to evaluate its effectiveness. This year, they’ve proposed removing a key exemption in California law that allows pet owners to treat their own animals without a veterinarian’s order.
This exemption is what lets us do simple things like:
- Administer over-the-counter flea prevention and vaccines
- Give joint supplements for arthritis
- Use CBD chews to calm anxious dogs
- Treat minor issues like a bee sting with Benadryl
If removed, these basic treatments and countless others could require a vet’s written plan—despite California having only 12,000 veterinarians serving over 40 million pets. In rural and low-income communities, access to veterinary care is already limited; this change could lead to more suffering and more pets surrendered to shelters because their owners can’t afford care.
The CVMB argues that this exemption is being abused by unlicensed individuals performing dangerous procedures on animals. While we all agree that such acts should be prosecuted, the solution isn’t restricting responsible pet owners—it’s enforcing existing animal cruelty laws. Some within the CVMB also claim that unlicensed practitioners financially harm the veterinary profession. While we support veterinarians, we also believe animal care must remain accessible and affordable.
Valley Humane Society is working with others to protect your right to provide common sense veterinary care on your beloved animals. California shelters are already overwhelmed with animals surrendered due to financial hardship; further restrictions will only worsen this crisis.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Advocacy isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. Valley Humane Society has been involved in shaping animal welfare policies for more than thirteen years, working behind the scenes to create real change, and now, we’re asking for your help. As we begin to share more of our advocacy work publicly, we encourage you to be part of it.
If you ever have questions about an animal-related policy or Valley Humane Society’s position on an issue, I invite you to reach out. We may not always agree, but meaningful conversations can lead to better outcomes.
I hope you’ll join us Tuesday, April 29 in Sacramento as we sponsor Animal Advocacy Day and make a difference for companion animals. Registration is limited, but there is no cost to sign up unless you wish to order lunch.
Valley Humane remains an organization filled with love, compassion, and optimism because of people like you. Thank you for being a part of our incredible team. Let’s continue to work together to make a difference.