The best decision I ever made was staying true to myself by pursuing my passion in animal advocacy & horsemanship as a career

Jessa Kaitila is a 27-year-old animal rights activist and educator from Toronto, Canada. She uses her educational background and research interests in humane education and critical animal studies to promote a humane world for animals and is committed to ending animal suffering. Jessa actively works with rescued farmed animals from industrial agriculture, as well, has a thriving career in wildlife conservation education, compassionate horsemanship, and teaching with horses (animal assisted learning).

Having been exposed to the hidden truths of factory farming in the ninth grade, Jessa has been participating in the meatless movement ever since. It was challenging for her to go meatless when she was younger, as it is for most young vegetarians and vegans. Dinner was frequently provided by non-vegetarians or vegans. However, since childhood, Jessa had a deep understanding for animal sentience and could communicate with them in ways that felt like magic. This is what pushed her to maintain an independent diet from those around her.

As a non-meat eater, Jessa has developed a deeper connection with the animals she works with, as she regards them as equals. She feels as though going meatless is one of the best ways to connect with animals, both wild and tame, as there forms a mutual respect between human and non-human animal.

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Jessa’s approach to those who are not vegan or vegetarian is one of kindness. She understands that a forceful approach is never the answer. Instead, she uses her educational background as a means to promote animal sentience and encourages people to form connections with animals in order to respect who they are as beings. She helps people to see beyond the facade of factory farming in order for them to understand the detrimental effects that it has on animals bred for consumption.

New vegetarians and vegans are encouraged to spread the word and always educate first, instead of judge those who have not yet become vegan or vegetarian. Education, for Jessa, has always been the catalyst for progress and change!

Tell us more about yourself, please

I’m Jessa Kaitila, a 27-year-old animal rights activist and educator from Toronto, Canada. Animals have always held a special place in my heart, and my journey into animal rights activism began back in the ninth grade when I stumbled upon the heartbreaking truth of factory farming.

Can you tell us about your journey into animal rights activism and education? What sparked your passion for this cause?

It all started in the ninth grade when I was exposed to the harsh realities of factory farming. Witnessing the suffering of those animals was a turning point for me. I decided to go meatless and became deeply committed to promoting a humane world for animals.

Your ability to communicate with animals is quite remarkable. Can you share more about this “magical” connection you feel with them?

Since I was a child, I’ve had a deep understanding of animal sentience. It’s like a form of magic – I can connect with animals on a level that goes beyond words. This special bond fuels my passion for animal rights and drives me to work with rescued farmed animals and teach with horses.

How has being a non-meat eater influenced your work and the way you relate to animals?

Going meatless has strengthened my connection with animals. I view them as equals and treat them with the respect they deserve. Whether they are wild or domesticated, I believe in fostering a mutual respect between humans and non-human animals.

Your approach to promoting veganism and vegetarianism is focused on kindness. Could you explain why you believe this is the most effective approach?

Kindness is essential when it comes to encouraging others to consider a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. A forceful approach only creates resistance. By using my educational background, I can promote animal sentience and encourage people to form connections with animals. Understanding the detrimental effects of factory farming is crucial in sparking change.

What advice do you have for new vegetarians and vegans who may encounter challenges in spreading the message of compassion for animals?

I always encourage new vegetarians and vegans to lead by example and educate first rather than judging others. Education has the power to inspire progress and change. By sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can plant the seeds of compassion in others’ hearts.

Animal Rights Activist & Educator: Jessa Kaitila 🦌

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all images courtesy of Animal Rights Activist & Educator: Jessa Kaitila 🦌