Keep it Humane

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 shelte...

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 coerc...

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 fiel...

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 ho...

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...

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 Liv...

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 leadershi...

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...

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 Strategie...

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 i...

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 u...

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 pub...

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 Arizo...

In this classic episode from our Humane Roundup days, we tackled a life-saving topic that never goes out of season: the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. With temperatures rising and summer in full swing, we revisited the heartbreaking realities and legal consequences of heatstroke in pets. You'll hear real-life stories, expert advice, and practical tips on what to do if you see an animal i...

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, we sit down with Clay Foley , the stand-up comedian and animal advocate behind Comedy to the Rescue , a unique organization that uses comedy shows to support animal shelters and rescue groups. Clay shares how he combined his passion for stand-up with a mission to make a difference—one laugh (and one adoption) at a time. We talk about the highs and lows o...

In this engaging episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we’re joined by Christine Mott, a powerhouse attorney, dedicated animal advocate, award-winning author, and strategic advisor. Christine brings a wealth of expertise from her work advising businesses and nonprofits on commercial contracts, governance, and corporate strategy. Her impressive client roster includes BlueNalu, Kadem Sustainable I...

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast , we’re exploring how smart, evidence-based giving can bridge the gap between farmed animals and the animals we see every day in our shelters. We sit down with the team from Farmkind. Giving, an organization that uses rigorous research to recommend top animal charities—ensuring that every donation goes to the most effective organizations. We’ll learn...

*Bonus Episode from the Muddy Paws and Hairballs podcast The no-kill movement promised to revolutionize animal sheltering by saving lives and ending unnecessary euthanasia. But behind the catchy slogans and glowing statistics, a different reality lurks – one that’s rarely discussed. In this eye-opening conversation with animal welfare expert Daniel Ettinger, we dig deep into the issues plaguing so...

In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast , hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop take to the skies with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue —a nonprofit organization that unites aviation and animal welfare in an extraordinary way. Michael shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to pilot on a mission, flying at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters and disas...

In this thought-provoking episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast , Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Harvard-educated attorney and author Elizabeth MeLampy for a deep dive into the world of animal law, environmental justice, and the quirky cultural traditions that shape our relationships with animals. Elizabeth shares her journey from clerking for the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial C...

In this episode, we sit down with the Humane Educators of Texas to dive into their incredible work across the country. From their innovative training programs to their community outreach efforts, they’re helping reshape the future of animal welfare through education and advocacy. We explore Humane H.E.L.P. and how it is making an impact on compassion fatigue. Tune in to learn how Humane Educators...

In Part Two of our conversation about KC Pet Project, we discuss the unexpected loss of their animal control services contract and what it means for their organization, their staff, and the community they serve.

In this gripping episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast , we recount a disturbing case that unfolded on January 27, 2022, when a concerned citizen called Denver Animal Protection to report the sounds of a dog being beaten inside an apartment at 5190 Broadway Street. Officer Daniel Ettinger responded to the call and was met with silence, resistance, and ultimately a scene that revealed shocking con...

In this episode, we’re joined by representatives from the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) to dive into their highly anticipated State Rankings Report , a comprehensive annual review of how each U.S. state protects—or fails to protect—animals through its laws. We break down the top-performing states, the ones falling behind, and what these rankings really mean for the animals, the public, and the...

In this powerful episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast , we sit down with Jessica Rock, Georgia’s state animal crimes resource prosecutor, to discuss the staggering 475-year prison sentence handed down to Vincent Lemark Burrell for his role in a massive dogfighting operation. Jessica walks us through the details of this groundbreaking case—how an Amazon driver’s report led to the discovery of 107...