# Suzana Gartner

Suzana Gartner is a Canadian author, lawyer, mediator, and animal rights advocate. She is known for founding Gartner & Associates Animal Law, identified as Canada's first law firm specializing exclusively in animal law and the mediation of animal law disputes. She advocates for animal rights through writing, public speaking, and media engagements. Her published work includes A Voice for Animals: The Movement that Provides Dignity and Compassion for Animals, a book exploring the emotional connection between humans and animals.
Gartner is a member of The Law Society of Upper Canada.

## Early Life and Inspiration

From a young age, Gartner volunteered at animal shelters. A pivotal experience involving the adoption of an abandoned dog from a municipal center fueled her commitment to ending the euthanasia of adoptable companion animals.

## Career and Contributions

Gartner's career reflects her dedication to both animal welfare and dispute resolution. From 2009 to 2010, she worked as a mediator intern at the Ontario Ministry of Labour in the Dispute Resolution Services Branch.
She then pursued a Master of Laws degree in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School, graduating in 2013. Her master's research explored the intersection of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods and animal law, leading her to develop the "Acceptable Companion Animal Philosophy" (ACAP) framework. ACAP emphasizes recognizing the inherent value and sentience of companion animals and promotes consensus-building as a means to reform animal legislation and alleviate the suffering of homeless animals.
In 2014, Gartner established Gartner & Associates Animal Law. This firm focused on representing clients in animal-related legal disputes, prioritizing the protection of animal interests and the advancement of animal law.
From 2022 to 2024, she served as the Executive Director of Programs and Operations at the Etobicoke Humane Society. Her responsibilities included managing shelter operations, leading the dog and cat teams, presenting at board meetings, implementing new programs for the rehabilitation of shelter dogs, and collaborating with other animal welfare organizations.
Gartner's book, A Voice for Animals: The Social Movement That Provides Dignity and Compassion for Animals, was published in 2023 by Archway Publishing, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

## Professional Affiliations and Leadership

Gartner has held various leadership positions within legal and animal welfare organizations. She served as Ontario Bar Association’s Animal Law Executive Committee and was a member of both the Ontario Bar Association’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Executive Committee and the Jackman Humanities Institute (JHI) working group at the University of Toronto. Additionally, she served on the Board of Advisors for Animal Justice Canada.

## Publications and presentations

* "The Importance of Building Enduring Human-Animal Bonds in Psychology Today
* "The "Why" Behind "Adopt Don’t Shop"" in Female First
* "Animal law: Reducing Euthanasia in City Shelters" to the Canadian Bar Association.
* "Improving Canadian Federal Anti-Cruelty Legislation" at the Institute of the Ontario Bar Association's session ‘Current Trends and Important Developments in Animal law’.
* "Pet Custody Disputes: Companion Animals as Sentient Beings", in the Newsletter of the Animal Law section of the Ontario Bar Association (November, 2015).