Advertise on podcast: Keep it Humane

What happens when animal rescue becomes about more than just saving an animal? In this episode, we sit down with The Gentle Barn to talk about the incredible work happening at their sanctuaries in California and Tennessee. From rescuing animals from abuse, neglect, and situations where they might otherwise be euthanized, to creating unique programs that connect people with animals, The Gentle Barn is doing some truly amazing work. We talk about rescue, rehabilitation, animal sanctuary, education, Cow Hug Therapy®, working with children and vulnerable communities, emergency animal evacuations, and the powerful stories behind the animals who call The Gentle Barn home. It’s a fascinating conversation about what happens when animals are given a second chance—and how those animals can, in turn, help people heal.

What happens when a professional hockey team uses its platform to make a difference far beyond the ice? In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Courtney Mahoney of the Chicago Wolves to talk about the incredible community work happening through the organization. Courtney joined us to help promote the Wolves’ upcoming adoption event at their first home game on October 10, 2026, but our conversation quickly became so much more. We dive into the Wolves’ commitment to animal adoption, their long-running Adopt-A-Dog program, community partnerships, charitable initiatives, and the many ways professional sports can create opportunities to help animals and the people who care about them. It’s a great conversation about animals, community, sports, and using a platform for something bigger than the game itself. 🏒🐾 Chicago Wolves vs. Animal Homelessness? Now THAT’S a team we can get behind. Tune in and hear how the Wolves are helping make a difference both on and off the ice.

Animal welfare is rewarding work—but it can also come with an emotional cost that isn't talked about nearly enough. In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Jamie McNally of Fortifyu for an honest conversation about moral injury, compassion fatigue, burnout, trauma, and the psychological challenges faced by people who work with animals. What happens when you know what you believe is right for an animal, but circumstances, policies, resources, or the system prevent you from doing it? How does repeatedly facing those situations affect the people doing this work? We explore the difference between burnout and moral injury, why animal welfare professionals can experience unique forms of emotional distress, and what organizations and leaders can do to create healthier, more supportive workplaces. This isn't just another conversation about "self-care." It's a deeper look at the realities of animal welfare work—and what happens when caring deeply becomes emotionally exhausting. If you've ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, powerless, or simply worn down by this work, this episode is for you. 🐾 Keep It Humane: The PodcastReal conversations about the people, challenges, and issues shaping animal welfare.

What happens when a police K-9 is critically injured in the line of duty? Who is responsible for getting that animal lifesaving emergency care—and what happens when every second counts? In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Lindsay Kendrick of VEG ER for Pets to take a closer look at Nero’s Law in Massachusetts, legislation created to provide emergency veterinary care and transportation for police dogs injured in the line of duty. We discuss the story behind Nero’s Law, how it works in practice, the role emergency veterinarians play when these calls come in, and the unique challenges of treating working K-9s in critical situations. But this conversation goes beyond one law. We also explore emergency veterinary medicine, the relationship between animal control, law enforcement, and veterinary professionals, and what it takes to make difficult decisions when an animal's life is on the line. A fascinating conversation about K-9s, emergency medicine, legislation, public safety, and the people who step up when animals need them most. 🎙️ Keep It Humane: The PodcastBecause every animal matters—and sometimes, saving a life starts with knowing what to do when it matters most.

What happens to animals used in scientific research? And what does the world of laboratory animal advocacy actually look like? In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Meredith Blanchard of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) for a conversation that takes us into a part of the animal welfare world many of us rarely encounter. We talk about laboratory animals, the history of animal research, the push for alternatives, what happens to animals after research, and the complex ethical and policy questions surrounding the use of animals in science. Whether you already have strong opinions on animal research or have simply never thought much about it, this conversation offers a look behind the curtain and into a world you may not even know exists.

In this episode, Ashley, Ashlee, and Daniel explore the resources available to animal welfare professionals—from training and professional organizations to research, grants, tools, and resources for some of the toughest challenges we face. We’ve also created a Keep It Humane Resource Page to make it easier to find trusted organizations and resources all in one place. 👉 Visit: keepithumane.com/resources And there’s a little something extra at the end! 🎉 Listen all the way through for our trivia question. The first person to answer correctly will receive FREE enrollment in a Keep It Humane course! Think you know the answer? Email your response to [email protected].

Holistic pet health has become one of the most talked-about—and debated—topics in animal welfare. In this episode of Keep It Humane, we sit down with Angela Ardolino, founder of CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, to explore the growing world of natural therapies for pets. From CBD and medicinal mushrooms to fresh food diets and the endocannabinoid system, Angela shares how she became one of the leading voices in holistic pet wellness and why she believes a more natural approach can help improve the lives of companion animals. We also discuss the science behind these therapies, where the research stands today, and how pet owners and animal welfare professionals can separate evidence from marketing. Whether you're a skeptic, a supporter, or simply curious about alternative approaches to animal health, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at an evolving area of veterinary care. Join us for an engaging discussion that challenges conventional thinking while emphasizing the importance of informed, compassionate decision-making for the animals in our care.

Join Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop, and Ashlee Bishop as they welcome Julie Choi, founder of YongsanCats in Seoul, South Korea. What happens to community cats when an entire neighborhood is demolished? Julie shares the story behind YongsanCats, the challenges of rescuing cats displaced by urban redevelopment, and how her team has helped hundreds of cats find safety through rescue, foster care, and adoption. The conversation explores community cat management, the innovative Trap-Neuter-Adopt (TNA) model, the impact of large-scale redevelopment on animals, and what other communities can learn from YongsanCats' work. Whether you're an animal control officer, shelter professional, rescuer, or simply a cat lover, this episode offers a unique look at compassionate, community-based solutions from the heart of Seoul.

Elephants are intelligent, emotional, and deeply social animals—but many have endured years of abuse, neglect, and exploitation before finding safety. In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop, and Ashley Bishop sit down with Nikki Sharp, Executive Director of Wildlife SOS USA, to explore the incredible work being done to rescue and rehabilitate elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and other wildlife in India. Nikki shares the remarkable stories behind elephant rescues, the successful campaign to end India's dancing bear trade, and what it takes to care for some of the world's largest and most complex animals. We also discuss the intersection of companion animal welfare and wildlife conservation, why public education matters, and how compassion can create lasting change for animals around the globe. Whether you work in animal welfare or simply love animals, this episode offers an unforgettable look into one of the world's most inspiring wildlife rescue organizations.

Wildlife rehabilitation is more than rescuing animals—it’s about understanding ecosystems, making difficult decisions, and giving animals the best possible chance to return home. In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, Daniel sits down with Erin Stacks, founder of Back 2 the Wild Rehab in Michigan. Erin discusses her journey into wildlife rehabilitation, her work with injured and orphaned animals, the challenges of raising and releasing wildlife, and why education is one of the most important tools in conservation. From orphaned deer to birds of prey, Erin gives listeners a rare look into the dedication, heartbreak, and hope behind wildlife rescue. A must-listen for animal lovers, wildlife professionals, and anyone who wants to better understand the animals living alongside us.

In Part Two of our interview with Kim Alboum, Director of Field Operations at BISSELL Pet Foundation, we pick up where we left off by answering the question Kim posed to us at the end of Part One. From there, we dive even deeper into bullying in animal welfare, respond to questions submitted by our listeners, and even ask AI for its perspective on one of the profession's toughest challenges. If you work in animal welfare, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Real change starts with honest dialogue—and that's exactly what this episode is about. Help people. Help animals. ❤️

Bullying. Toxic workplace culture. Silence. These aren’t topics we often discuss in animal welfare—but they should be. In Part One of this two-part interview, we’re joined by Kim Alboum, Director of Field Operations at BISSELL Pet Foundation, to discuss her powerful article, The Thing Nobody in Animal Welfare Wants to Talk About. Together, we explore why bullying continues to exist in our profession, the impact it has on individuals and organizations, and why creating healthier workplace cultures is essential if we truly want to help animals. This is an honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but incredibly important conversation that every animal welfare professional should hear. And just when you think we’re wrapping up… Kim turns the tables and asks us a question. Be sure to tune in next week for Part Two, where we answer Kim’s question, dive even deeper into bullying in animal welfare, respond to listener questions, and even ask AI for its perspective on one of the profession’s toughest challenges. Help people. Help animals.

Actor, producer, and lifelong animal advocate Billy McNamara joins Keep it Humane for a candid conversation about his remarkable journey from Hollywood to hands-on animal rescue. Billy shares how his passion for animals evolved into a lifelong mission, the unforgettable rescues that have shaped his perspective, and why he believes compassion should always come before convenience. We also discuss the current state of animal welfare, the challenges facing shelters and animal control professionals, and how each of us can make a meaningful difference for animals in our own communities. Whether you know Billy from the big screen or his tireless work advocating for animals, this is an inspiring conversation about purpose, perseverance, and using your platform to create positive change.

The Fourth of July may be a day of celebration, but for animal control officers and animal shelters, it’s often one of the busiest—and most challenging—times of the year. Join Ashlee and Daniel as they discuss the impact fireworks and holiday festivities have on pets, animal shelters, and the professionals working around the clock to reunite lost animals with their families. They also share practical tips to help keep pets safe and reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters over the holiday. Whether you’re an animal welfare professional or a pet owner, this episode is packed with insights that can help make the holiday safer for everyone. 🎧 Give Episode 181 a listen wherever you get your podcasts, and help spread the word before the holiday!

This week on Keep it Humane, we sit down with renowned dog trainer, behavior consultant, author, and speaker Melissa McCue-McGrath. Known for her wit, honesty, and practical approach to animal behavior, Melissa shares lessons learned from years of working with dogs and the people who love them. We discuss the realities of dog training, common misconceptions about canine behavior, and the challenges facing pet owners, shelters, rescues, and animal welfare professionals. Melissa also talks about her books, her podcast, and why understanding behavior is about much more than teaching a dog to sit. Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, trainer, rescue volunteer, or devoted pet owner, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and valuable takeaways. Join us as we explore the human-animal bond, behavior science, and the stories behind a career dedicated to helping dogs and their people succeed.