Guest: Dr. Lauren Hughes, Heal House Call Veterinarians

When veterinary costs skyrocket and transportation becomes impossible, pets suffer and families face heartbreaking surrender decisions. But what if the solution is already in your pocket?

Dr. Lauren Hughes has practiced veterinary medicine across six states and seen firsthand how barriers to care harm animals and families. Now she's taking a different approach—bringing veterinary care directly to people's homes and, when allowed, she's used telehealth to reach those who can't afford traditional clinic visits.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why veterinary costs have exploded since COVID (hint: it's not just corporate greed)
• How telehealth can prevent expensive emergencies through early intervention
• Real examples of successful virtual veterinary consultations
• The legal barriers keeping life-saving technology from pet owners who need it most
• Why a $55 telehealth visit can prevent a $5,000 emergency surgery

Dr. Hughes shares stories from her grant-funded practice serving homeless clients, low-income seniors, and families in veterinary deserts—proving that when we remove barriers, everyone wins: pets get better care, owners save money, and emergencies are prevented.

Key Takeaway: Veterinary telehealth laws need to change. We should trust licensed veterinarians to decide when virtual care is appropriate—just like we do with human doctors. Medicine is a practice for a reason, and veterinarians with their "boots on the ground" know what cases need in-person visits and which can be handled remotely.

Resources mentioned:

• Ready to advocate for telehealth in your state? We've made it easy with template letters, talking points, and step-by-step guidance. Veterinary Telehealth Advocacy Toolkit: animaladvocacyacademy.com/telehealth-laws
• Petopia helps communities create programs that support the bond between humans and their natural environment, pets and agriculture.
• State-by-state VCPR regulations

Subscribe for more episodes on animal law, advocacy, and systemic change.

Because compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better.

Millions of pet owners can't access basic veterinary care—not because vets don't want to help, but because a single legal requirement blocks the technology that could help them connect with each other. What if removing one outdated rule could transform pet healthcare overnight?

In this episode, we expose how Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) laws and policies create artificial barriers that keep telehealth from reaching the communities that need it most. While human medicine embraces virtual care, veterinary regulations lag behind, forcing pet owners to choose between expensive emergency visits and watching their animals suffer.

You'll learn:

• What a VCPR is and why it matters for every pet owner
• How COVID temporarily proved telehealth works—then states banned it again
• Why rural and low-income families are systematically excluded from virtual care
• Which states are leading telehealth reform 
• Specific policy changes advocates can push for in their states

This isn't about replacing in-person veterinary care—it's about creating flexible systems that expand access while maintaining safety. By examining successful telehealth models and emerging state legislation, we can identify upstream solutions that prevent pet surrenders and keep families together.

The Animal Advocate explores systemic solutions to animal welfare challenges through smart policy and advocacy strategies.

Find full show notes and links to resources at animaladvocacyacademy.com/17

Fighting Puppy Mills Through Youth Activism and "Samson's Law"

After our last episode on cracking down on backyard breeders struck a nerve online, we're diving deeper into solutions with Steve Hughes, founder of Pets in Danger and Youth4Animals. Steve shares how he's mobilizing middle school, high school, and college students to combat the puppy mill pipeline through education and legislative advocacy.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How "Samson's Law" would require breeder registration and hold online platforms accountable
• Why the "adopt never shop" message resonates with young people
• How students earn community service hours while becoming animal advocates
• The deceptive tactics backyard breeders use 
• Why prevention through education beats rescue after the fact
• How to build the political momentum needed to pass pet protection laws

Perfect for: Animal advocates, educators, students seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities, and anyone who wants to understand how grassroots organizing can create legislative change.

Guest Bio: Steve Hughes founded Pets in Danger to prevent pet overpopulation and Youth4Animals to engage students in animal advocacy. His organizations are vetted by Florida school boards and help students nationwide earn community service hours while fighting for animals.

Resources Mentioned:

• Youth4Animals: htttps://youth4animals.org

Connect with us: animaladvocacyacademy.com | [email protected]

"Compassion is great, but compassionate action is infinitely better."

Every year, 6.5 million animals enter U.S. shelters while countless puppy ads flood Craigslist and Facebook. What if the solution isn't chasing individual breeders, but regulating the platforms that enable them?

In this episode, we explore a revolutionary three-part regulatory framework that transforms online advertising platforms from passive enablers into active enforcement partners. Instead of playing whack-a-mole with hidden backyard breeders, this systems approach creates economic incentives that make unregistered breeding unprofitable.

You'll learn:

• Why current breeder regulations miss the mark
• The hidden economics driving backyard breeding operations
• How mandatory registration + platform liability = fewer shelter intakes (and more adoptions!)
• Why this approach works when traditional enforcement fails
• Specific legislative language advocates can use in their states

This isn't about building more shelters—it's about preventing the need for them. By following successful regulatory models from credit card and copyright industries, we can create upstream solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.

The Animal Advocate explores systemic solutions to animal welfare challenges through smart policy and advocacy strategies.

Are our wildlife laws failing animals until it’s too late? In this episode of The Animal Advocate, Penny Ellison reveals how crisis-based conservation puts entire species and ecosystems at risk, discusses staggering declines in birds and biodiversity, and shares how we can flip the script to foster abundance. Discover proven solutions, real-life success stories, and practical steps you can take to help save wildlife—starting locally. Preserve biodiversity and make a difference for future generations. #WildlifeConservation #AnimalAdvocacy #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalProtection

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction  Why our approach to wildlife protection is fundamentally flawed.

01:10 – Silent Spring to Silent Seasons Reflecting on Rachel Carson’s legacy and the ongoing decline of bird populations.

03:00 – The Empty Forest Syndrome Explanation of how small decisions have led to massive wildlife losses and quieter forests.

04:25 – Flaws in Current Wildlife Laws Review of crisis-based legislation like the Endangered Species Act and its limitations.

06:35 – State Efforts and Underfunded Solutions Discussion of state wildlife action plans, conservation easements, and funding deficits.

08:43 – The Issue of Habitat Fragmentation Challenges of isolated conservation efforts and their impact on species survival.

10:15 – Why Wildlife Abundance Matters How wildlife loss affects ecosystems, the economy, and future generations.

11:02 – Proactive Local and Federal Solutions Actionable strategies for legal changes and incentives for private landowners.

13:06 – Success Stories in Conservation North American Wildlife Management Plan and effective private land restoration programs.

15:10 – Listener Questions & Be the Change Tips for individuals: create wildlife-friendly yards, support rehab centers, and get engaged locally.

Reach out to diuscuss this or other animal advocacy matters to [email protected].

Have you ever wondered what really happens to lions, tigers, and bears after backyard breeders and shady roadside zoos are finally shut down? Who steps in for these animals when the authorities seize them?

In this episode, host Penny Ellison sits down with Bobbi Brink, the founder and director of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary—a GFAS-accredited sanctuary that offers rescued wild animals a second chance at a real life. Bobbi pulls back the curtain on the underworld of wildlife trafficking, exposes the sham “sanctuaries” that are little more than roadside attractions, and shares incredible stories of rescue, recovery, and advocacy.

Together, we explore the challenges of caring for traumatized big cats and bears, the hard truths about legal gaps and enforcement, and why real sanctuaries—those that never breed, buy, or sell animals—are essential. You’ll also learn how you can get involved in the fight for stronger laws and better lives for exotic animals including leaving them in their natural habitat and fiercely protecting their right to exist there.

Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that will leave you inspired to act on behalf of animals who have no voice but ours.

Episode Highlights:

·      01:14 Where do confiscated wild animals go? Penny explains that government agencies rarely provide long-term care for seized wild animals; accredited sanctuaries must step in but are rare and underfunded.

·      03:23 Only 8% of US facilities calling themselves sanctuaries are GFAS accredited; most "sanctuaries" don't provide proper care.

·      05:17 Introduces guest Bobbi Brink, founder of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary to discuss real sanctuary work and the crisis caused by exotic animal ownership.

·      06:16 Bobbi describes rescuing wild animals nationwide, frequently working with authorities and serving as an education center.

·      07:32 Many animals at the sanctuary come from wildlife trafficking, which is a large and lucrative market—it ranks right after drugs, weapons, and human trafficking.

·      08:35 Animal trafficking methods include being hidden in luggage or vehicles; examples include tigers smuggled across the US/Mexico border.

·      09:14 Exotic animals, like jaguars and tigers, can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars and may change hands multiple times.

·      1010: Social media often tips off authorities about illegal private ownership or breeding; enforcement is inconsistent, and unlicensed breeders are common.

·      11:50 Animal photo ops drive demand; baby animals are bred for short-term use, leading to an endless cycle of exploitation.

·      12:46 Bobbi urges listeners never to take patronize a facility that allows you to photos with baby exotic animals, as this supports harmful industries.

·      13:45 Avenues for advocacy—Bobbi spent years lobbying for the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which faced obstacles like circus industry pushback.

·      16:06 Major differences between true, accredited sanctuaries and facilities misusing the term; accredited sanctuaries don't buy, sell, or breed animals and commit to animals for life.

·      17:08 Regular audits and stringent standards separate accredited sanctuaries from others; Bobbi works with and supports peers to meet standards.

·      18:41 High-profile incidents, like Zanesville, Ohio, helped pass laws restricting private ownership of exotic animals; but laws vary widely by state.

·      20:12 Lions, Tigers, and Bears cares for 65 animals on 42 acres, with individualized care—many rescued animals arrive with health or psychological issues.

·       21:39 Each animal's needs are different, e.g., declawed tigers or with metabolic bone disease require special medical and habitat considerations.

·      23:23 None of the sanctuary’s residents can be released into the wild; if an animal could be rehabbed and released, that's prioritized and explored as a first option.

·      24:33 Bobbi's advocacy is ongoing—her team pushes for new federal and state-level laws, like the Primate Public Safety Act and bans on traveling animal acts.

·      27:18 People can help sanctuaries through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness; more info is available at lionstigersandbears.org.

·      28: 44 Penny wraps up, encouraging listeners to act and referencing further resources at animaladvocacyacademy.com.

Links:

Lions, Tigers and Bears Sanctuary

GFAS Accredited Sanctuaries

More questions or want to get involved: Email us at [email protected]

In this episode, host Penny Ellison exposes the $15 billion exotic pet industry and its hidden costs. From 17.6 million exotic animals kept as pets in American homes to over 3,000 roadside zoos offering dangerous wildlife encounters, Penny examines the risks to both animals and humans while exploring the patchwork of laws meant to regulate this massive trade.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Exotic Animals: Ownership Crisis - How viral videos mask the reality of 17.6 million exotic pets suffering in American homes
• 05:07 Risks of Keeping Slow Lorises - Asia's only venomous primate faces 90% mortality rates and brutal tooth extractions for the pet trade
• 09:24 Exotic Pet Ownership Dangers - From 7,000 pet tigers to 74,000 annual salmonella infections, examining human safety and health risks
• 13:16 Invasive Pythons Threaten Florida Wildlife - How abandoned exotic pets created an ecological disaster in the Everglades
• 15:13 Exotic Pet Ownership and Legal Mess - Navigating the confusing state-by-state regulations with major enforcement gaps
• 20:19 Exotic Pet Trade Laws Lacking Enforcement - Federal legislation loopholes and limited inspection resources
• 23:23 Improving Exotic Animal Welfare - Model state laws, legitimate sanctuaries, and public education solutions
• 26:30 Avoid Ethical Wildlife Exploitation - Listener Q&A on safe, ethical wildlife photography alternatives
• 29:11 Keep Exotic Animals Wild - Action steps for supporting conservation and combating exploitation

Links:

1. How are wild animals transported? See here and here.
2.  Interactive state exotic pet law map
3. Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredited sanctuaries search tool
4. What Federal Agency Staff Does To Protect Animals
5. Center for Biological Diversity - Protecting wildlife habitat

This episode reveals why wild animals belong in the wild and provides practical ways listeners can help protect both exotic species and their communities from the dangers of the exotic pet trade.

For all our epsiodes and more resources, visit animaladvocacyacademy.com

#ExoticPets #WildlifeConservation #AnimalWelfare #PublicSafety #AnimalAdvocacy

In this practical episode, host Penny Ellison speaks with Megan, a dedicated volunteer with 17 years of experience at the Pennsylvania SPCA. They explore how to overcome the intimidation of volunteering at animal shelters and the various ways anyone can make a meaningful difference in shelter animals' lives.

Episode Highlights:

• 00:00 Breaking Down Volunteering Barriers: Penny discusses why many animal lovers hesitate to volunteer and how to bridge the gap between wanting to help and actually helping
• 02:30 Starting the Volunteering Journey: Megan shares how she began volunteering with a friend and formed bonds with individual dogs that kept her coming back
• 04:15 Navigating Shelter Orientation: How the orientation process helps new volunteers feel comfortable and prepared
• 06:45 Exploring Diverse Volunteer Roles: Beyond dog walking - making enrichment toys, handling events, photography, cat work, and media appearances
• 09:30 Creating Flexible Volunteering Schedules: How even busy people can fit meaningful volunteering into their lives
• 11:15 Shelter Success Stories: Megan recounts helping a struggling shelter dog find a foster home
• 13:00 Media Exposure for Adoptable Animals: How television appearances help increase adoption rates
• 15:30 Taking Dogs on "Off-Site" Adventures: The benefits of getting dogs out of the shelter environment
• 18:45 Managing Emotional Challenges: Strategies for handling difficult days, especially in the post-COVID era
• 21:30 Personal Growth Through Volunteering: How 17 years of shelter work transformed Megan into an empath

Penny notes that just two hours of volunteering weekly provides shelter animals with 104 hours of human interaction annually. Megan emphasizes the volunteer community as vital support: "You are part of this giant family... you're all there for the same reason."

For all episodes, show, notes and links visit us at animaladvocacyacademy.com

In this thought-provoking episode, host Penny Ellison explores two transformative approaches reshaping animal sheltering: managed intake and community sheltering. Penny examines how shelters are addressing the fundamental challenge of having more animals than available homes.

• 00:00 Rethinking Broken Animal Shelter Systems: Understanding why traditional shelter models aren't working and the mathematical reality of "live release rates"

• 05:52 Revolutionizing Shelter Intake Management: How appointment-based sheltering creates breathing room for staff and potentially better outcomes for animals

• 07:15 Rethinking Animal Shelter Capacity: Insights from UC Davis's "Capacity for Care" model and how national organizations are supporting managed intake approaches

• 10:58 Managed Intake's Unintended Consequences: Examining equity issues, abandonment risks, and challenges for people in crisis

• 14:48 Examing "Community Sheltering": The philosophy of treating shelters as just one part of a broader safety net rather than the sole solution

• 19:53 Addressing Community Sheltering Challenges: Quality control concerns, increase in strays and unaltered animals in the community, sustainability questions, and potential underfunding problems

• 22:53 Animal Welfare: Shared Responsibility Debate: Why the most successful communities implement thoughtful combinations of both approaches

• 26:43 Pet Food Drive Initiative: Learn how organizing a pet food bank donation drive can prevent surrenders and keep families together during temporary hardships

1. UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program's "Capacity for Care" resources
2. Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet service for direct rehoming
3. My Pit Bull Is Famiy database of dog-friendly housing options
4. Pet food bank search tool from Humane World

This episode offers a nuanced, balanced examination of evolving shelter practices without simple answers, encouraging listeners to consider the complex realities of animal welfare systems in their communities.

#AnimalShelters #PetAdoption #ManagedIntake #CommunitySheltering #AnimalWelfare

Animal shelter advocate  and founder of Who Will Let the Dogs Out Cara Achterberg shares insights from visits to 150+ shelters, discussing rising dog euthanasia rates and approaches used at successful facilities. Hear her perspective on "managed intake" and "community sheltering" concepts, plus practical ways to help homeless pets through fostering, volunteering, and advocacy. Whether you're new to animal advocacy or experienced, discover strategies to support your local animal shelter and help reduce euthanasia rates in your community. #ShelterDogs #AnimalAdvocacy #PetAdoption

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:13 Cara's Journey: Fostering Dogs to Advocate for Shelter Dogs and Their Heros

07:52 "Managed Intake and "Commuity Sheltering" (Differing definitions)

12:29 Rising Dog Euthanasia and Increase in Stray Population

14:30 Successful Animal Shelters' Key Factors

16:41 Community Engagement in Animal Shelters

22:37 Community and Commitment in Rescue

25:32 Importance of Costs of Care laws

27:58 Effective Shelter Support Strategies

32:22 Summary

Links

Who Will let the Dogs Out

Who Will Let the Dogs Out Book on Amazon

Follow us: ● Website: animaladvocacyacademy.com. 

                  ● Email: [email protected]