Dedicated Legal Advocacy for Animals and the People Who Love Them.
Thompson Animal Law PC is a California law firm focused on civil litigation, family law, and counsel for animal-related organizations in disputes involving dogs and other nonhuman animals.
The firm brings a tailored and personalized, research-driven approach to dangerous dog and dog bite matters, companion animal custody disputes, veterinary malpractice, as well as governance and compliance issues for animal rescues and nonprofits.
Based in California, our firm brings courtroom experience and a genuine commitment to animal welfare to every case we take on.
WHAT WE DO
Legal Support Built Around What You & Your Animal Need.
Thompson Animal Law delivers comprehensive, individualized legal advocacy for animals, their guardians, and the organizations that protect them, offering creative solutions tailored to each situation.
CUSTODY AND DOMESTIC DISPUTES
Your Family, Your Companion, Our Fight
Guiding clients through animal custody matters that intersect with civil, family law, and domestic violence proceedings with sensitivity and skill.
NONPROFIT & CORPORATE COUNSEL
Counsel for the Organizations Doing the Work
Supporting animal welfare nonprofits and animal-friendly businesses with corporate, tax, employee benefits, and litigation counsel, including low-bono assistance for qualifying organizations.
CIVIL LITIGATION
Legal Support Built Around What You & Your Animal Need.
Holding negligent veterinary clinics, boarders, groomers, and trainers accountable, while also pursuing claims involving shelter reform and false advertising.
PROTECTING DOGS
Defending Dogs,
Protecting Families
Defending families in dangerous dog hearings to prevent unjust euthanasia and providing strategic defense in dog bite litigation.
FARMED ANIMALS AND
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
Advocacy Beyond
the Household
Legal matters involving animal agriculture practices, corporate accountability, and support for organizations working on farmed animal protection and policy.
WHO WE ARE
About Us
Led by an Attorney Who Advocates in the Courtroom and Beyond.
Sarah Thompson founded Thompson Animal Law after building a track record as lead counsel on more than 200 cases, spanning veterinary malpractice, shelter reform, pet custody disputes, and more. She has been recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers for seven consecutive years and serves as Adjunct Faculty at the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School. Beyond her practice, Sarah is the Co-Founder and President of Red Wolf Rescue, reflecting the firm's broader commitment to strengthening protections for animals, including wolves and wolf dogs.
INSIGHTS & ADVOCACY
Insights and Updates from the Front Lines of Animal Law
Sarah Thompson regularly publishes on pet custody and animal agriculture issues in legal journals including The Daily Journal and ABA GP Solo, and speaks at institutions such as UCLA Law and international conferences on wildlife protection.
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to Discuss Your Situation.
Whether you are a pet owner facing a custody dispute, a family confronting veterinary malpractice, or a nonprofit seeking counsel, our team is ready to listen and help you understand your options.
