Carol Whaley

Carol Whaley has dedicated over two decades to the animal protection sector, blending hands-on care with a commitment to systemic change. At the Animal Rescue League, she launched the Foster Finder program, Return to Field initiative and spearheaded a large-scale targeted TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) project in Pittsburgh, building coalitions among local shelters and community groups to address the city's community cat crisis. During her tenure at Animal Friends, Carol expanded vital programs, including a citywide spay/neuter initiative that grew from 3,000 to 10,000 procedures annually. She played a key role in opening the Animal Wellness Center in 2017 and developing its first community wellness programs. Her advocacy work has led to significant legislative victories, including the creation of the Humane Legislation Committee and the Compassionate Communities program, which works to implement humane policies across local municipalities.