Driving Change for Pets and People: A Conversation with Claire of AWI
Claire Coughlin, Director of the Companion Animal Program at the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), describes her position as her “unicorn job”, a perfect match of her passion and purpose. With a career spanning human services, support for abuse survivors, and animal welfare, Claire has long worked at the intersection of compassion for both people and pets. “A central part of my role is ensuring that policies and programs translate into real outcomes,” Claire shared. “The work we do at AWI isn’t abstract; it’s about creating tools and resources that truly help people and animals in crisis.”
Since stepping into her role in 2023, Claire and her team have expanded AWI’s Safe Havens for Pets directory, originally launched in 2011. This nationwide resource helps domestic violence survivors and unhoused individuals find sheltering services that can accommodate their companion animals. With the invaluable assistance of AWI’s Safe Havens for Pets Manager, Val Peña, the directory underwent a significant expansion to include over 200 new listings tailored to people experiencing homelessness, making it a comprehensive resource with more than 1,200 entries.
One way AWI distinguishes itself from other animal protection organizations is by recognizing that human and animal well-being are fundamentally connected. “It’s rare to find an organization that genuinely sees and respects that connection,” Claire said. “What makes AWI special is our reach, our collaboration with others, and our commitment to long-term, meaningful change.”
A recent initiative close to Claire’s heart is AWI’s new Directory of Sheltering Services for Unhoused Pet Owners, which was shared at the 2025 National Conference to End Homelessness. This living directory addresses a critical service gap and provides up-to-date, verified information for people navigating homelessness with their pets.
AWI also takes a dual approach to systemic change by combining public education with policy work. “Education lays the foundation for policy, and sometimes we can support communities even before laws are in place,” Claire said. “We’re committed to both.”
Partnerships with local organizations are a key part of that approach, especially with groups like Ohio Animal Advocates (OAA). “Local organizations are the ones truly connected to their communities,” Claire noted. “We see OAA as the drivers on the ground, and we support their momentum with national resources, data, and training.”
One collaboration she’s especially excited about includes grant-funded outreach and professional development for both human and animal service providers. AWI and OAA are also jointly tracking data on service usage, developing educational materials.
Looking ahead, Claire envisions expanding AWI’s visibility and outreach, especially in areas where human and animal welfare overlap. “I’m proud of how our program has grown," she said. “Now, we need to make sure these tools get into the hands of the people who need them. If we want them to be used, people need to know they exist.”
