Better Laws for Kansas Paws TM
About Us
Kansas Pet Advocates is dedicated to protecting the lives of Kansas pets through legislation, policy, and public education.
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Our mission is to make Kansas a leading state in pet health and well-being by promoting laws and policies that protect pet health, support responsible ownership, and create statewide solutions to pet overpopulation.
Our Advocacy Approach
Legislative Leadership
We collaborate with state lawmakers to craft and promote policies that protect pets from neglect and suffering and elevate pet animal health and well-being. Our evidence-based approach ensures that legislation is grounded in data and aligned with the best interests of Kansas pets and communities.
Data-Driven Strategy
Our advocacy is informed by research, trend analysis, and measurable outcomes. This ensures that our initiatives prioritize issues with the greatest impact and help lawmakers create durable reforms.
Policy Education and Engagement
We educate and engage the public, lawmakers, and stakeholders—sharing insights, success metrics, and real-world stories that support strategic improvements in pet health, shelter operations, and owner accountability.
Current Initiatives
Funding Spay/Neuter Programs
To combat Kansas’s ongoing pet overpopulation crisis, we are partnering with shelters, rescues, and local leaders to expand access to affordable spay and neuter services. Securing stable statewide funding is essential to reducing shelter intake, euthanasia rates, and long-term costs to taxpayers.
Regulatory Reform
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We are working with state policymakers to ensure that shelter and rescue regulations are fair, efficient, and effective. Our goal is to revise or eliminate overly burdensome requirements that hinder lifesaving work—allowing organizations to focus resources where they matter most: the pets.
Policy Successes
Kansas Pet Advocates (KPA) has a proven track record of shaping state policy to improve the lives of pets. Since our founding, we have successfully advanced legislation and secured funding reforms that protect pets, promote accountability, and prevent cruelty.
Preventing the Return of Live Greyhound Racing in Kansas
In 2022, when the Kansas Legislature legalized sports wagering, KPA (then operating as Stray Dog Policy) successfully pushed for a critical safeguard: gambling would be allowed at racetrack gaming facilities without permitting live greyhound racing. This provision ensures that greyhound racing cannot return to Kansas.
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Increased Funding for Animal Facilities Inspection (AFI) program
A 2018 Legislative Post Audit report found that the AFI program lacked sufficient inspectors and failed to hold facilities that were failing accountable. In 2023, KPA worked with the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Kelly Administration to secure funding for both an investigative inspector and a dedicated attorney—strengthening the state’s capacity to oversee pet animal facilities.
Cutting Down on Wasteful “No-Contact” Inspections
KDA reported wasting tens of thousands of dollars annually on inspections where licensees were unavailable. In 2018, KPA proposed legislation requiring licensees to pay a $200 fee for each no-contact inspection. This reform has halved the number of no-contact inspections, saving money and improving efficiency.
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Passed a "Good Samaritan" Law for Pets in Hot Cars
In 2018, the Humane Society Legislative Fund of Kansas (now KPA) played a leading role in passing a “Good Samaritan” law. The statute protects individuals from civil liability when they rescue a child or animal trapped in a hot car. With this victory, Kansas joined 18 other states in giving legal protection to those who act to save lives.
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Take Action
Lend a Paw for Better Laws
Tell Gov. Kelly: Cut the Red Tape and Save Kansas Pets
Governor Kelly proclaimed August as “No-Kill Month,” a promise to give every healthy or treatable shelter pet a chance. Yet the agency she oversees—the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA)—enforces policies that undercut this goal. Tell her to CUT THE RED TAPE and give pets a chance.
Resources
Join our Newsletter
KPA does not handle individual cases of animal cruelty, neglect, local disputes, or shelter/animal control concerns. Contact your local animal control agency, law enforcement, or humane society if you need immediate assistance.
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If your concern relates to statewide policy or law, we welcome your input and support for our advocacy efforts.