Bruce Wagman, JD

Since 1992, Bruce Wagman has been using his legal degree to protect and save animals and assist those who care for them—from individuals to the largest international animal welfare groups. His experience in animal law is unparalleled. Bruce runs the San Francisco SPCA’s Shelter Policy and Legal Services program, which provides pro bono legal services to over 100 shelters and rescues in California and engages in policy work and projects aimed at increasing access to veterinary care around the state. He also represents numerous animal protection organizations around the country as well as private individuals. His practice covers a broad range of animal-related legal issues, including cases involving animal cruelty, animal rescue, wildlife, and the use of animals in entertainment, legal issues surrounding animal shelters and veterinary care, and animal agriculture/food production. Bruce is the only lawyer running an exclusive animal law practice in a major United States firm, and he focuses on matters that benefit both society and the animals themselves.

Availability

In-person

Day

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Speaking Schedule

Saturday, June 20, 2026

8:00 AM–9:15 AM

Shelter Policy and Legal Services (with Dr. Jennifer Scarlett)

The San Fransico SPCA’s Shelter Policy and Legal Services “Shelter PALS” is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind program focused on providing free legal advice to shelter veterinarians. This session will delve into how Shelter PALS works to change laws that protect animals, inform the public about the challenges faced by animal shelters, and provide legal guidance so that shelter veterinarians can focus on day-to-day animal care.

9:25 AM–10:25 AM

Ten Most Common Legal Myths in California Veterinary Practice

As the only lawyer running an exclusive animal law practice in a major United States firm, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila’s Bruce Wagman has dedicated his legal career to navigating the law for the benefit of society and animals. In this session, we will tackle common misconceptions surrounding the laws affecting veterinary practices in California, and how veterinary teams can expand access to care by correcting these myths.

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