In this episode, Dot Baisly describes a vision for best practices in animal sheltering that includes compassion for both animals and humans. We discuss:

• Dot's journey into animal behavior and shelter work.
• Becoming a more effective communicator with humans.
• The multidisciplinary education necessary for frontline animal shelter staff to meet the demands of the modern world. 
• Recognizing the tough emotional demands of shelter work on humans. 
• How shelters can talk to their communities about behavioral euthanasia decisions.
• Promising trends in animal sheltering including the Canine Assessment of Risk for Shelters (CARS) and conversation-based adoptions. 

Dot Baisly's bio:
Dot Baisly is the Executive Director for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Behavior Consultant at Heal Veterinary Clinic in Watertown, MA. Dot also holds a master’s degree in Animal Behavior from Tufts University and is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA), a certified dog behavior consultant (CDBC), certified cat behavior consultant (CCBC), and certified shelter behavior specialist (CSB). Dot is currently a core member of the Shelter Playgroup Alliance team where she facilitates course content for the on-line program and in-person workshops. Most recently she was the director of behavior for Northeast Animal Shelter where she built a behavior program and transformed the organization’s approach to behavior as a result of her leadership. Prior to this she was also the lead behavior staff at the SPCA of Westchester and then the Animal Rescue League of Boston. 

Dot also worked as a consultant for Paws With A Cause, working with service dogs and the clients they serve for over 10 years.  She has been working in animal welfare, veterinary care and behavior for over 20 years, both in animal welfare and rescue organizations and as a private consultant.  Dot has consulted with private clients since her initial certifications, working with owned cats and dogs on a regular basis.  In her private practice, Dot specializes in working with dogs and cats exhibiting significant behavioral concerns, including human-directed aggression.

She also provides consultations to shelters across the country where she has evaluated dogs, educated staff and volunteers and continues to be recognized as a key leader in the animal welfare and shelter behavior community, where she is sought out for her expertise, compassion, and skill in leading change efforts. Prior to working in sheltering, Dot managed a veterinary clinic and worked as a technician where she developed her knowledge and skills in low-stress veterinary handling.  Since that time, Dot has taught those techniques in shelters and at veterinary practices across the country.

Links:
https://iaabc.org/
https://www.shelterdogplay.org/learn-with-us

Theme music composed and performed by Andy Sells

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