Modeled after the Guardian Ad Litem Program, Pets Ad Litem (PAL), is an alliance of advocates and professionals providing a legal voice for animals. PAL's goals include enhancing public awareness of responsible pet ownership, offering legal assistance to state and local governments on animal law issues, providing legal representation for the interests of animals in legal proceedings, and protecting the rights and promoting the best interests of animals. PAL's projects support the Tallahassee Animal Services Center and include assisting the City of Tallahassee with the development of the new animal ordinances. PAL has also developed a humane education program (RPO) to provide education in responsible pet ownership to the general public and those persons cited for violations of the City ordinances. Through RPO, PAL provides humane education courses on a variety of topics including tethering, hot cars, animal nuisance law, dangerous dogs, and proper shelter and nutrition, among other topics. Presenters include lawyers, teachers, veterinarians, and government officials, all of whom provide live instruction and take-home materials. PAL is proud to have facilitated the formation of the first Animal Law Society (ALS) at the Florida State University College of Law. Over 40 students expressed an interest in animal law issues, and ALS is now an official student organization. Through ALS, law students are made aware of animal law issues and may receive pro bono credit for conducting animal law research or for drafting memoranda, pleadings, subpoenas, and other legal documents. PAL assists with many local and national events throughout the year including Tails and Trails, Puppies in the Pool, the annual Spay Day event, and the City of Tallahassee's rabies clinics where free vaccinations are provided to local residents. Additionally, PAL sponsors a bi-annual dog house build, frequent dog washes during the summer months at Tom Brown Park, and monthly shelter days when PAL volunteers have washed and walked dogs, assisted with shelter projects and even planted a rain garden. Any proceeds raised during these events are used to fund shelter projects and produce responsible pet ownership course materials.
