Katherine Polak

Vice President, Companion Animals and Engagement

Katherine Polak is the vice president of Companion Animals and Engagement at Humane Society International. She works to improve companion animal welfare around the world through humane management of street dog populations, community engagement, veterinary trainings and fighting the cruel dog and cat meat trade in Asia. Before joining HSI, Polak managed animal welfare programs and campaigns across Southeast Asia at FOUR PAWS.  

She is a veterinary specialist and holds master’s degrees in forensic medicine and public health. She sits on the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s animal wellness and welfare committee and the international advisory board for the Alliance for Contraception of Cats and Dogs.  

Polak lives with two mischievous dogs named Mom Maam and Mali.