Louisiana Delegate Joins National Pet Professionals in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – September 16, 2025 — Victor McShan of Amite, Louisiana, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. as the official delegate representing dog breeders for the State of Louisiana with the Breeder Leadership Council (BLC). He joined a diverse assembly of pet professionals—from breeders and trainers to aquatics specialists, exotic pet caretakers, and veterinary service providers—in a multi-day advocacy and listening tour.

McShan met with a number of congressional offices and key staff, including offices of Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator John Kennedy, and Representative Julia Letlow, among others, to share on-the-ground perspectives from everyday pet professionals.

McShan was selected for this role because of his decades of experience in responsible breeding, his commitment to ethical animal care, and his leadership in connecting families and fellow veterans with meaningful companionship through his work with Golden Puppies and Operation Friendship. As the BLC’s Louisiana delegate, he brought a grounded, real-world perspective to conversations shaping the future of the pet care community.

This delegation was brought together by the Pet Advocacy Network (PAN), the national policy voice of the responsible pet care community, which champions priorities such as animal health, responsible ownership, environmental stewardship, and strengthening the human-animal bond across all pet sectors. PAN’s leadership ensures that the stories of all pet professionals—whether dog breeders, reptile specialists, fish experts, or veterinarians—are represented in national conversations.

“This trip was about more than legislation,” McShan said. “It was about lifting up the voices of those who dedicate their lives to animals—the champions of the human–animal bond, delivering daily care, all while sustaining their small businesses. Breeders, groomers, veterinarians, fish and reptile specialists—we are all part of the same community. Every pet matters, and every professional’s insight must be part of the conversation.”

McShan’s participation highlights not only the dedication of Louisiana breeders but also the importance of uniting all pet professionals across industries to ensure responsible practices and strengthen the bond between people and animals.