The Animal Control Report

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. ❤️

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.

This week on Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with former St. Clair County Animal Control Director Melissa Miller following her recent resignation after a controversial vote by county commissioners to rewrite the county’s animal control ordinance. The changes shifted criminal animal cruelty investigations away from Animal Control and placed those responsibilities with local law enforcement agencies, a move Miller publicly opposed before stepping down. (St. Clair Area View⁠)
Melissa joins us to discuss the events leading up to her resignation, her concerns about the future of animal cruelty investigations, and what these changes could mean for animal welfare professionals, law enforcement, and the animals they serve. This candid conversation explores the challenges of leadership, advocacy, and navigating policy decisions that impact the profession.
Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, veterinarian, or animal welfare advocate, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with the team from Feral Fixers TNR Club to discuss the important role Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs play in managing community cat populations and improving the lives of cats and the neighborhoods they call home.
We explore the realities of community cat management, the challenges faced by volunteers and animal welfare organizations, and how grassroots efforts can create meaningful change. From reducing shelter intake to improving cat welfare and strengthening community partnerships, this conversation highlights the impact dedicated advocates can have when they come together with a shared purpose.
Whether you’re an animal welfare professional, volunteer, rescuer, or simply someone who cares about cats, this episode offers insight into one of the most discussed and important topics in animal welfare today.
Join us for a thoughtful conversation about community cats, collaboration, and helping people help animals.

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop sit down with Dr. Sara Pizano, founder of Team Shelter USA, for a candid conversation about the current state of animal sheltering in America.
From intake diversion and community-based programs to public policy, field services, and shelter operations, Dr. Pizano shares lessons learned from working with shelters and communities across the country. The discussion explores how animal welfare has evolved over the years, the challenges shelters face today, and the difficult decisions that come with balancing animal care, public expectations, and limited resources.
Whether you agree, disagree, or fall somewhere in between, this episode is an opportunity to hear one of the most influential voices in modern animal sheltering discuss where the profession has been, where it is today, and where it may be headed next.