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 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.