In this episode of Keep it Humane, Daniel and Ashley explore an inspiring initiative where teens aren’t just learning about animal welfare—they’re actively shaping it. We dig into the story of the Snake River Animal Shelter’s “Paws for a Cause” program, which brought local teenagers into direct service with shelter animals and their community. East Idaho News
You’ll hear how the five-week program immerses teens in the world of animal care, advocacy and emotional growth—starting with tours and instruction on humane treatment, engaging presentations from animal control officers and vet techs, and then reaching a hands-on high point: creating enrichment activities for shelter pets and a visit to a nearby assisted-living facility with a shelter dog in tow. East Idaho News
We’ll discuss how this kind of humane education benefits everyone involved:
For teens: building life skills, emotional health, leadership, and a sense of purpose. East Idaho News
For shelter animals: improved socialization, enrichment, and increased chances of adoption. East Idaho News
For the community: stronger connections between youth, animal welfare and service.
We’ll also unpack how shelters and agencies can replicate or adapt similar programs in their own jurisdictions—even if resources are limited—and how these initiatives tie into larger themes of staff and volunteer engagement, retention, and building culture in animal welfare (something we often talk about on this show).
Grab your earbuds, because this conversation brings hope, practical ideas and a reminder that when young people are empowered—and animals are included—the ripple effects can be powerful.
Takeaways for listeners:
What it actually looks like to run a hands-on humane education program for teens.
How to measure and communicate the benefits for all stakeholders (teens, animals, shelters, community).
Ideas for adapting the model to your local animal control or shelter setting.
Lessons on staff and volunteer culture: empowering younger generations, creating meaningful roles, and building an inclusive “we” culture.
Inspiration for turning caring into action—both for the animals you serve, and the people working in the trenches every day.
As Albuquerque faces what some are calling a “kitten takeover,” shelters across New Mexico are stretched to capacity. In this episode, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Val Wilson, Executive Director of Animal Humane New Mexico, to discuss what’s behind the surge in kitten intakes and how shelters can adapt to the changing landscape of animal welfare.
Val shares insights from her leadership journey and the innovative strategies her team is using to balance lifesaving outcomes with sustainable operations. From expanding foster networks to improving access to spay and neuter, she explains how collaboration—not competition—is the key to weathering the storm of kitten season.
We also explore the human side of shelter work: how to maintain staff morale, prevent burnout, and lead with compassion during times of crisis.
Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, or advocate for community cats, this episode sheds light on what it takes to keep it humane when the kittens take over.
In this episode, Daniel and OG Bishop dive into an inspiring story out of Eastpointe, Michigan, where Animal Control Officer Ashley Sanchez is making a real difference for pets and their owners. They explore how strict city ordinances (Eastpointe spans just five square miles) have been paired with a compassionate outreach program: a pet-food pantry, low-cost vaccination and micro-chip clinics, and a full-service shelter transformation under Sanchez’s leadership. CBS News
Daniel asks: what does this approach tell us about community responsibility and the bond between humans and their animals? OG Bishop brings in a personal angle—how reform and empathy co-exist in unexpected places, and how giving even one creature a better chance changes a bigger story. They’ll unpack the article’s key moves (grant funding for free microchips, the “Four-Legged Friends Pantry,” a microchip-scanning station) and reflect on how similar models might work elsewhere. CBS News
Listeners will hear about the challenges of animal welfare, the creative pivot from a three-kennel garage to a full shelter under Sanchez’s drive, and leave with practical ideas: how to support local pet-owners in financial stress, how to volunteer or set up a micro-chip clinic, and why enforcement plus empathy is a powerful combo for community change. CBS News
Tune in for an uplifting conversation that shows animals’ wellbeing and human community health are more connected than we often think.
In this unfiltered episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley drop the script, silence the filters, and just talk. No guests. No agenda. No BS.
They open up about the highs and lows of working in animal welfare — the burnout, the wins that keep them going, the moments they’ve doubted themselves, and the people who’ve helped them grow along the way. This is an honest, vulnerable conversation between two friends who’ve seen it all in the world of animal control and sheltering.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of the work or questioned whether you’re making a difference, this one’s for you.
In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Steve Kaufman, former leader at PetSmart Charities and now a respected consultant in the animal welfare space. Steve shares his unique perspective on how access to veterinary care is evolving and why it’s one of the most pressing issues facing shelters, rescues, and communities today.
We explore his views on the future of animal welfare, the balance between data-driven strategies and compassion-driven care, and how his consulting work helps organizations build stronger, more sustainable programs. Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, or advocate for pets and people, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of the field’s most experienced voices.
Join us for a captivating conversation with Arthur von Wiesenberger, the visionary host and executive producer behind AnimalZone. In this special episode, Arthur takes us behind the scenes of the series and shares how his lifelong passion for animals shaped his mission to uplift their stories through media.
We dive into:
Arthur’s early life, education, and the formative moments that ignited his love for animals
The evolution of AnimalZone: its purpose, challenges, and key milestones over more than 130 episodes Telvue Video Player+3Animal Zone+3Animal Zone+3
His journey in motion picture production, and how it intersects with animal advocacy Animal Zone
The role of rescue and sanctuary in his personal life — from cats and donkeys to a rescued pit bull named Mikey Animal Zone
Highlights from memorable episodes and international shoots — including work in Japan with ARK and projects with regional shelters LinkedIn+1
His vision for the future of AnimalZone: how he hopes it will grow, influence, and continue inspiring audiences worldwide
Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply love stories of compassion and creativity, this episode offers an intimate look at how one person’s dedication can bridge entertainment and advocacy. Tune in as Arthur reflects on the power of storytelling to give animals a voice, and encourages all of us to take action in whatever ways we can.
In this episode, we welcome Rachel Bellis from PETA to discuss the organization’s provocative new commercial challenging the “No-Kill” shelter movement and why they believe the approach is failing animals. Based on PETA’s recent feature “What Does Best Friends Animal Society’s ‘No-Kill’ Push Mean for Animals?”, we dig into the realities behind the rhetoric. PETA
Rachel walks us through PETA’s critiques:
How “no-kill” policies can lead to shelters refusing to accept animals in need and pushing them back into harm’s way. PETA
Why simply increasing “live release rates” can mislead the public and mask animal suffering. PETA
The consequences of “return to field” programs for cats, and other practices PETA considers misleading euphemisms. PETA
Cases and data PETA cites, including shelters that are reportedly warehousing animals, turning away strays, or overextending adoption criteria in ways that may put animals at risk. PETA
We also explore potential alternatives: what models might actually address animal homelessness, suffering, and overpopulation—without empty promises. Rachel shares what PETA proposes instead: stronger preventative measures (spay/neuter, banning sales by pet shops), transparency in shelter policies, humane euthanasia when absolutely necessary, and accountability. PETA
Whether you support the no-kill movement, are skeptical, or just care about animal welfare, this episode aims to challenge assumptions, bring new data to light, and spark a deeper conversation about what truly helps animals.
In this episode, we sit down with Trevor from Shelterly, a mission-driven nonprofit using technology to transform how communities respond to animal crises. Trevor walks us through the vision behind Shelterly: how the platform streamlines tracking, coordination, and communication in the chaos of disasters. We discuss real-world impact — from wildfire evacuations and mutual aid between animal shelters, to reunification of pets and owners — and explore how Shelterly equips responders with tools to act quickly and efficiently.We also cover the challenges: scaling in the face of diverse needs across counties, building interoperability among animal response teams, ensuring accurate data in stressful moments, and what training and preparedness look like before disaster strikes. Finally, Trevor shares what’s next for Shelterly, and how listeners — whether working in emergency response, animal welfare, or simply animal lovers — can support or get involved.What You’ll Learn:The core features that make Shelterly effective in real emergency settingsHow technology can reduce friction in animal rescue, sheltering, and owner reunificationThe importance of mutual aid, inter-agency collaboration, and training in disaster scenariosHow ordinary people and organizations can help Shelterly’s mission
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Mary Wakeham, founder of Refuge4Pets.org.uk, an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers for people escaping domestic abuse by providing foster care for their beloved animals. Mary shares the powerful story behind Refuge4Pets, the challenges survivors face when pets are used as tools of coercive control, and how her team offers hope, safety, and new beginnings for both people and animals. Together, we explore the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, the importance of creating safety nets for survivors, and how this model can inspire communities around the world.
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we take a hard look at the viral Beaumont, California video showing an animal control officer roughly handling a dog.
The incident didn’t just spark outrage online—it reinforced the very “dog catcher” stereotype that professionals have worked for decades to move beyond. Daniel, Ashley, and Ashlee unpack why this kind of behavior sets the entire field back, eroding community trust and undermining the compassion that should define animal control.
Together, they discuss:
What we know about the Beaumont case and the city’s official response.
How one officer’s actions can fuel damaging stereotypes.
The ripple effect of viral footage on public trust in animal welfare.
What true professional, humane handling looks like—and how agencies can hold their teams accountable.
This isn’t just about one dog, one officer, or one city. It’s about what happens when animal control strays from care and compassion—and how the profession must demand better.
Listen in as Daniel, Ashley, and Ashlee confront the behavior that set this controversy in motion and call for a higher standard in animal welfare.
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Temma Martin, a longtime animal welfare advocate and communications professional. Temma shares her journey from media to animal rescue, her work supporting shelters and communities, and her passion for collaboration across the industry. We talk about the challenges shelters face, the importance of spay/neuter, and how communication can inspire real change for animals and the people who love them.
Learn more about Temma’s work at operationpawpulation.org.
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we welcome reptile enthusiast and animal welfare professional Tabitha Blewitt to talk about one of the most overlooked populations in shelters—reptiles. From proper housing and nutrition to common mistakes shelters make when caring for snakes, lizards, and turtles, Tabitha brings her expertise and passion to the conversation. We explore how shelters can create environments that meet reptiles’ unique needs, why public education is key, and how giving these animals the right care improves both their welfare and adoption outcomes.
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop explore the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in animal welfare. From managing tough decisions to balancing compassion with community safety, they share lessons learned from the field. Along the way, they discuss Tallulah McGee’s thought-provoking article, “No Kill Isn’t So Simple — And It Is Costing Lives,” as one example of how leadership choices ripple through shelters, rescues, and the public.
In this episode, we sit down with John Peaveler, the founder and principal consultant of Humane Innovations LLC, a company driven by real-world experience in animal control, shelter systems, wildlife management, and disaster response. John brings over 20 years of global expertise to the table, having launched the first animal shelter and control program in Kuwait in 2004 and serving in leadership roles across NGOs and response teams worldwide (Humane Innovations, Humane Innovations).
We dig into:
How John’s work in Kuwait shaped his vision for humane, effective animal capture and control methods. (Humane Innovations, Humane Innovations)
The founding of Humane Innovations as a solution-driven platform offering professional-grade equipment, field training, capture methods, and consulting. (Humane Innovations)
His experiences responding to major disaster situations internationally—including in the Philippines, Japan, Haiti, Turkey, Ukraine, and the U.S.—and lessons learned from coordinating animal care during crises. (Humane Innovations)
The intersection of product design, training, and operational support in safer and more efficient animal rescue, shelter, and field programs. (Humane Innovations)
John’s role as an instructor and speaker for major animal care organizations such as NACA and the World Organization for Animal Health, and what drives his passion for helping professionals and communities prepare for and manage animal-related emergencies (Humane Innovations).
Listeners will walk away with:
Real-world stories from disaster zones and shelter programs.
Insights into what it takes to develop field‑tested equipment that saves countless animal lives.
Advice for trainers, responders, and agencies looking to build or scale humane animal-care capacity.
Why preparation and proper tools can make all the difference when disaster strikes—both for animals and humans.
Tune in for a deep conversation that blends innovation, compassion, leadership, and frontline ingenuity.
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley sit down with Adam Blankenship, an Animal Control Officer in Virginia Beach, to talk about one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of the job: community engagement and education.
Adam shares his passion for proactive outreach, building trust with the public, and empowering residents with the knowledge they need to better care for their animals. From classroom visits and neighborhood pop-ups to creative social media strategies, Adam highlights how ACOs can move beyond enforcement and become trusted allies in the community.
If you're looking for practical tips, success stories, and inspiration to bring more education and engagement into your role as an ACO, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with the passionate leaders of The Animal Alliance, an organization committed to advancing the welfare of animals through advocacy, education, and community action.
We explore:
How The Animal Alliance got started and what drives their mission today
Their work in pushing for smarter legislation and policies that protect animals
Strategies for building strong partnerships with shelters, rescues, and local governments
The role of public education in creating lasting change
How individuals can get involved and make a meaningful impact in their own communities
From grassroots efforts to statewide campaigns, The Animal Alliance is reshaping the way we think about animal advocacy. This episode is a powerful look at how organized, compassionate action can lead to systemic progress for animals across the country.
In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we’re joined by the inspiring Dr. Alba Michelle Gonzalez—veterinarian, forensic expert, and founder of the Animal Welfare Junction podcast. Dr. G shares her journey from veterinary medicine to launching the Rascal Unit, a mobile clinic providing high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter and essential veterinary care in underserved Ohio communities.
We dig into the realities of veterinary deserts, how the Rascal team pulls off over 13,000 surgeries a year, and why training the next generation of veterinarians in high-volume techniques matters now more than ever. Dr. G opens up about her hands-on mentorship program, her team’s efforts to integrate social work into mobile clinics, and the broader vision of access-to-care as a “One Health” solution that uplifts both animals and communities.
From quality-of-care debates to the future of shelter medicine education, this episode dives deep into how mobile vet clinics can be a game changer—and why Rascal might just be more beloved than the Cleveland Browns.
🎧 Plus, don’t miss the music from Mike Sullivan and check out resources at rascalunit.com and keepithumane.com.
Whether you’re a vet, ACO, student, or advocate, this conversation will remind you: the road to better animal welfare is paved with passion, persistence, and a whole lot of heart on wheels.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Daphna Nachminovitch, Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations at PETA, to unpack the growing controversy surrounding the “no-kill” movement—specifically the bold promises made by Best Friends Animal Society. With a reported annual revenue of $173 million, Best Friends has pledged a "no-kill nation by 2025," a goal PETA says is not only unrealistic, but deeply harmful to animals and the people trying to help them.
Daphna shares PETA’s concerns about how this rhetoric has shaped sheltering policy across the U.S., encouraging shelters to prioritize optics over outcomes. We explore how the use of emotionally charged language like "killing" instead of "euthanasia" and aggressive advocacy tactics have created a culture of fear, burnout, and resentment among animal welfare professionals.
This is a critical, no-holds-barred conversation about what true compassion in animal sheltering looks like—and the cost of chasing promises that sound good but ignore the complex realities on the ground.
In this classic Animal Control Report episode, we tackled the annual chaos that hits shelters and animal control agencies around the Fourth of July. With fireworks booming, pets go missing in record numbers, kennels fill up overnight, and officers work overtime to reunite families.
We break down why this holiday is one of the most intense for the field, what agencies do to prepare, and how the public can actually help prevent the crisis.
It's a reminder of how we’ve always tried to keep it humane—even before the podcast had its new name.
In this episode, we sit down with Audra Michael, the current Secretary of NACA and Director of Pinal County Animal Control in Arizona. With a career in animal welfare that began in 2007, Audra has served in nearly every field role imaginable—from training new officers to supervising field operations. Audra is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), a Certified Public Manager through Arizona State University, and holds an Executive Leadership certification from Southern Utah University. She also serves on both the Arizona Companion Animal Committee and the Arizona Animal Cruelty Taskforce. Join us as Audra shares insights into her journey, her expertise in state laws and ordinances, and her unwavering dedication to protecting animals and supporting communities across the nation.