The Animal Advocacy Club at Carlsbad High School is a new student-led group attempting to raise awareness for animals in need, and giving those without a voice the chance to be heard. The club is founded by students passionate about helping and protecting animals.
The club’s mission stems from the personal experiences of its founders; senior Lexi Han, whose motivation grew from her care and hands-on experience with animals, and junior Phoebe Del Pizzo, whose love for animals grew since childhood. Together, their shared dedication inspired them to create a space where students could actively support and advocate for animal welfare.
”I wanted to start Animal Advocacy Club, because I foster animals for Helen Woodward Animal Center, and I think it’s really important to give back to the animal community,” Han said.
This passion extended to Del Pizzo as she shares the motivation to start the club and create a space where students could advocate for animals. She hopes that by fostering awareness and compassion, the club can inspire meaningful change both within the school and the broader community.
“I wanted to start this club because I have grown up surrounded by animals and have a huge appreciation for the love they bring to so many families,” Del Pizzo said. “I also believe it’s extremely important to ensure that all animals and pets are being treated well and in this club we aim to advocate for them.”
Han explained how the club’s efforts extend beyond campus, working with local organizations to support animals in need. By collaborating with local organizations, the club wants to give students the opportunity to turn their advocacy into real-world action that benefits animals beyond the school campus.
”We worked with Helen Woodward Animal Center for our donation drive for the LA Fires last year and through them, we gave them pet supplies and they were able to deliver those to LA to help during the disaster,” Han said. ”So last year, we did a donation drive for a shelter, and we plan on doing that again.”
The impact of the club extends beyond school walls, reaching wider communities through initiative, like donation drives for animal needs. These efforts allow students to learn how to make a difference while raising awareness about the importance of supporting animals during times of crisis.
“I definitely think the club has made an impact in the community,” Han said. “Not only at CHS, but also in the greater community, through our drive.”
Del Pizzo explains that the club’s impact comes from many different areas around the community. She emphasizes that every small action, from volunteering at shelters to educating others, contributes to a larger movement for animal welfare.
“I believe our main impact is through our volunteering and outreach,” Del Pizzo said. “We use the club to spread messages of animal advocacy and through our social media and meetings we’re able to attract more people to the cause. Additionally, we plan to do many drives to help support shelters.”
The club has many hopes and dreams, and it’s already fulfilling so many of them, making a real difference along the way. The club also hopes to inspire students to take initiative in their own communities, showing that even small actions can create meaningful change for animals.
”I just hope that I can help other students learn about issues that animals face, and also maybe help them find something that they’re passionate about and make a meaningful impact,” Han said. “I think we have through starting this club, we’ve grown it, with more members, and also more plans for the years and leadership.”
Han has noticed that the club has been doing well recently, as more students are slowly becoming interested and participating. She sees this as a sign that the club’s mission is getting the student body involved and interested in the club.
”In the beginning, it was a bit challenging,” Han said. ”I think we struggled with communications, like getting people to hear about the club, but through social media and having new leadership, we’ve been able to expand it a little bit.
Del Pizzo shared that the club focuses on educating students and encouraging interest in working with animals. She adds that the club also provides hands-on experiences, giving students opportunities to interact directly with animals and learn practical skills.
“The main focus for the club is to spread awareness about animals and increase interest in working with animals. Many of our meetings will cover different volunteer opportunities geared towards animals which is a great place for anyone hoping to have a career in a similar path.” Del Pizzo said.
Han and Del Pizzo feel it’s crucial for students to understand the struggles animals endure, so they can help make a difference. By educating students, the club hopes to inspire compassion and encourage long-term advocacy for animal rights.
”Animals can’t speak for themselves,” Han said. “So it’s important that we advocate for them in the issues that are troubling domestic animals.”
