Animal Law Clinic Students Help Draft Groundbreaking Colorado Law

A recent legislative victory in Colorado was made possible by the legal work of faculty and students in the Animal Law Clinic. HB26-1229, “Supporting the Human-Animal Bond,” was signed into law by Governor Jared Polis and marks a bi-partisan legislative victory for humans and their companion animals.

The new law formally recognizes that the relationship between individuals and their companion animals is a life-enhancing resource that directly improves health and longevity. The new law defines the human-animal bond as “the mutually beneficial relationship between an individual and a pet animal within the individual’s care and custody” and codifies it into law as a social determinant of health — a non-medical factor that directly impacts human health and well-being.

By enshrining the human-animal bond as a social determinant of health, the law not only acknowledges the significance of the relationships that we have with companion animals but also empowers Colorado’s public health and healthcare agencies to implement policies and programs that support the human-animal bond. With two-thirds of Colorado households caring for companion animals, this allows for a more compassionate, prevention-oriented approach to public health and healthcare access without creating any new costs or programs.

Companion animals play a crucial and measurable role in public health and human health outcomes. A growing body of research links the human-animal bond to improved mental health, reduced social isolation, increased physical activity, and stronger social connection. Studies also associate living with and caring for a companion animal with improved mobility and cardiovascular benefits.

While this pioneering bipartisan legislation is exciting in its own right, we are thrilled to have had a hand in making it possible, as Animal Law Clinic Co-Directors Rajesh K. Reddy and Joyce Tischler, working with students, undertook the legal work necessary to support the bill on behalf of their client, AlignCare Health.

This achievement represents the exact kind of real-world impact the Animal Law Clinic aims to create. Serving as a comprehensive training ground where JD and Animal Law LLM and MSL students handle policy, legislative, and transactional work through client representation, the Clinic empowers students to advocate for the interests of animals through new and novel pathways. In their representation of AlignCare Health, students conducted rigorous legal research, drafted bill copy, and provided oral testimony. The Clinic also authored an accompanying white paper and a model law for other jurisdictions to draw upon to replicate Colorado’s successful efforts.

Makaela Whalen (’25, JD), who was a student in the Animal Law Clinic, worked on the initiative and experienced firsthand how clinical work can result in real-world change for animals. “This incredible clinical opportunity gave me experience in drafting bills, providing testimony, and working directly with a client. This project also gave me the chance to learn more about the legislative process and see how it can be a powerful pathway to protecting human health and animal well-being.”

Rajesh K. Reddy, co-director of the Animal Law Clinic, shared how proud he was of the students’ work and also emphasized the broader implications of the bill. “The passage of this bipartisan bill is a testament to the profound impact that animals have on our lives and well-being, as well as how we can use the legal system to promote our braided interests,” he noted. “I, for one, am eager to see which states next follow suit.”

Lewis & Clark students, enrollment for the Clinic for the 2026-27 Academic Year is now open. To apply, please submit this application form.

The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS) was founded in 2008 with a mission to educate the next generation of animal law advocates and advance animal protection through the law. With vision and bold risk-taking, CALS has since developed into a world-renowned animal law epicenter. CALS’ Alumni-in-Action from 30+ countries are making a difference for animals around the world. The advanced degree program is offered in-person and online. CALS is a self-funded Center within the law school operating under the Lewis & Clark College 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and is able to provide these educational opportunities through donations and grants.