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About AIA

Advancing the Interests of Animals grew from a local effort helping dogs and cats in Southern California into an organization advocating for the welfare of animals through education, media, direct action and focused campaigns.

The Beginning

From Desert Paws to a broader mission

AIA traces its roots to Desert Paws, which began in California's Coachella Valley in the early 2000s. Its initial work focused on supporting local animal welfare organizations and shelters through fundraising, public education and direct assistance.

For more than a decade, Desert Paws sponsored a full-page advertisement in The Desert Sun featuring adoptable dogs and cats from shelters throughout the valley. The campaign brought attention to animals in urgent need of homes while also sharing messages about responsible pet guardianship.

The organization also distributed window signs reminding people not to leave animals in hot cars, helped fund spay/neuter and vaccination services for families with limited resources, and assisted rescue groups with needed equipment and supplies.

Expanding Through Education

Connecting animal welfare and human welfare

In 2004, Desert Paws partnered with the Humane Society of the United States to present the First Strike conference. The program examined the recognized connection between animal abuse and interpersonal violence and brought together social workers, law enforcement personnel, animal control officers, animal advocates and members of the public.

The experience helped broaden the organization's emphasis on education and on providing thoughtful information about animal welfare concerns.

2009

Animals Today Radio launches

That growing educational mission led to the launch of Animals Today Radio, created to provide thoughtful discussion and analysis about animals, their environments and the relationships people have with them while encouraging greater compassion and respect.

Animals Today developed into a nationally syndicated radio program and podcast. Its programming includes expert interviews, commentaries, animal news, analysis and educational features covering a broad range of animal-related issues.

Guests have included attorneys, researchers, filmmakers, policymakers, animal advocates and other specialists, as well as well-known public figures. The program has also provided individuals and organizations working on behalf of animals with a platform to discuss their work and ideas.

Community Advocacy

Homeless Animals' Day and local action

Desert Paws also organized Coachella Valley commemorations of International Homeless Animals' Day, bringing members of the community together to remember homeless dogs and cats and to encourage adoption and humane treatment.

2011

Advancing the Interests of Animals

As the organization's work expanded beyond its original focus on companion animals, Desert Paws became Advancing the Interests of Animals (AIA) in 2011. The new name reflected a wider mission and reach.

The name was announced during the Courage in Action Celebration in Rancho Mirage, California, where individuals were recognized for their work on behalf of animals.

2011–2013

Working to improve conditions at the Indio animal shelter

Beginning in 2011, AIA devoted substantial time and resources to efforts aimed at improving conditions at the city animal shelter in Indio, California. Among those efforts was helping fund sturdy coverings over outdoor dog kennels to provide protection from the intense desert sun.

AIA continued advocating for broader improvements at the shelter. After concluding that serious concerns remained unresolved, the organization filed legal action in 2012 against the city, its police department and the shelter. A Riverside County Grand Jury report released the following year addressed many of the concerns that had been raised. The City of Indio ultimately closed the facility.

Education & Outreach

Reaching more communities

In subsequent years, AIA developed Feliz y Seguros Perros y Gatos — Happy and Safe Dogs and Cats — a Spanish-language campaign promoting responsible pet guardianship. The initiative included radio advertising, newspaper articles, community appearances and billboards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person activities were reduced, but AIA continued producing Animals Today Radio and expanding its educational and media work.

2021–Today

A new home in Tucson

In 2021, AIA moved its base of operations to Tucson, Arizona. From there, the organization continues its educational, advocacy and media efforts on behalf of animals.

What Guides Us

Mission & Vision

AIA's work is centered on improving the lives of animals while encouraging greater compassion and respect for all living beings.

Our Mission

The mission of Advancing the Interests of Animals is to improve the lives of animals and encourage increased compassion and respect for all living beings. AIA works toward that goal through focused campaigns, educational activities and informational efforts.

Our Vision

AIA's vision is to serve as an effective, passionate and internationally respected advocate for animals.

Leadership & Advisors

Our People

Advancing the Interests of Animals is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors and an Advisory Board representing experience in animal welfare, law, science, education and advocacy.

Board of Directors

Lori Kirshner

Founder and President

Dr. Lori Kirshner serves as President of Advancing the Interests of Animals and founded the organization when it was known as Desert Paws. She helped guide its growth from a group primarily focused on dogs and cats into an organization addressing animal issues more broadly.

Lori is also host of Animals Today Radio. A native of Southern California, she earned a B.S. in Biology from UCLA and graduated from the George Washington University School of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Arizona and specialized in cataract surgery.

Outside of AIA, Lori enjoys outdoor sports and classic rock, along with the companionship of her dogs and cats.

Dr. Peter Spiegel

Vice President and Secretary

Peter Spiegel serves as Vice President and Secretary of AIA and is a founding member of the organization. Together with Dr. Kirshner, he developed Animals Today Radio, which he produces and co-hosts.

Peter follows animal-related news and current events for the program and has particular interests in children's books about animals and the role of service animals in society.

He grew up in New York, graduated summa cum laude from Clark University and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. His medical career focused on pediatric and neuro-ophthalmology. His interests also include plant-based cooking, high-fidelity audio, piano and painting.

Bob Ferber

Director

Bob Ferber is an attorney whose career has included extensive work involving animal cruelty and neglect. After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College and Columbia University School of Law, he joined the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.

In 2001, he shifted his prosecution work to animal cruelty and neglect cases and became the nation's first full-time animal cruelty prosecutor. He was involved in creating the Los Angeles Animal Cruelty Task Force and worked on legislation intended to provide additional legal protections for animals.

Bob has also developed humane education programs using rescued animals to teach empathy, compassion and nonviolence and has advised animal advocates, rescuers and nonprofit organizations.

Gaby L. Kirshner

Director

Gaby Kirshner was born in New Orleans and raised in Southern California. She worked in commercial real estate administration before focusing on raising her family and volunteering with schools and community organizations.

Growing up, Gaby's family adopted animals from local shelters, including dogs, cats and a rabbit. She continues to be involved with nonprofit and community organizations, including AIA.

Her interests include travel, reading, painting and cooking.

Advisory Board

Marc Bekoff, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado; ethologist and author.

Gary Francione

Distinguished Professor of Law and Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Scholar of Law & Philosophy at Rutgers University; author and scholar of animal rights theory and law.

Steve Hindi

Founder and President of SHARK — Showing Animals Respect and Kindness — and an activist focused on investigation, documentation and legislation.

Frank L. Hoffman

Operator of all-creatures.org, supported by The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation, and a retired Jewish-United Methodist pastor.

Lori Marino, PhD

Founder and Executive Director of The Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy; neuroscientist, comparative psychologist and cetacean expert.

Eric Mills

Founder and Coordinator of Action for Animals and a board member of PawPAC and Ohlone Humane Society.

Eric L. Sakach

Senior Law Enforcement Specialist with the Humane Society of the United States.

Paul Waldau

Philosopher, educator and lead faculty member for the Anthrozoology graduate program at Canisius College; President of the Religion and Animals Institute.

Barry Manilow

Entertainer.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about AIA's purpose, history, work and how the organization is supported.

What is the mission of Advancing the Interests of Animals (AIA)?

AIA works to improve the lives of animals and encourage greater compassion and respect for all living beings. The organization pursues this mission through focused campaigns, educational activities and informational efforts.

How did AIA get started?

AIA grew out of Desert Paws, an organization founded by Drs. Lori Kirshner and Peter Spiegel in Southern California with an initial focus on dogs and cats. Its projects gradually expanded to address the welfare and rights of animals more broadly. In 2011, Desert Paws became Advancing the Interests of Animals to reflect that expanded scope.

What does AIA do?

AIA addresses animal welfare issues through public education, media and focused projects. Its work encourages people of all ages to treat animals with compassion and respect.

AIA's activities have included Animals Today Radio, campaigns addressing companion animal welfare, educational projects, animal-related publishing and advocacy involving a range of animal welfare concerns.

Where is AIA located?

AIA's national office is located in Tucson, Arizona.

How is AIA funded?

AIA is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supported by private donations. Drs. Kirshner and Spiegel donate their time and energy to the organization, and board members serve as volunteers.

How can I get involved?

AIA depends on donor support to continue its work. Donations of any size are welcomed, and tribute gifts may also be made in honor or in memory of a loved one.

Together, We Can
Create a Kinder World

Animals rely on us – and with your help, we can be their voice, protect their future, and create lasting change for generations to come.

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