What does it take to build a community-wide solution for homeless cats?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Chris Bush, Vice Chair of Chatham Animal Rescue & Education (CARE), about the growing need for community cat programs in rapidly expanding communities — and why collaboration is the key to long-term change.

With decades of rescue experience, Chris shares how Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), affordable spay/neuter access, and local partnerships can dramatically reduce cat overpopulation while supporting both animals and the people who care for them.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The realities of community cat overpopulation

• Why TNR works long-term

• The importance of affordable spay/neuter programs

• Building sustainable community partnerships

• Compassion fatigue and supporting rescue volunteers

• Creating a community cat program from the ground up

Chris also shares powerful stories from the field and explains why solving animal welfare challenges requires communities to work together — not just shelters and rescues alone.

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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What does transformational leadership look like in animal welfare?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Kristen Hassen, Founder and CEO of Outcomes Consulting, about the systems, leadership strategies, and cultural shifts needed to create lasting change in animal shelters and rescue organizations.

With decades of experience leading large-scale shelter transformation, Kristen shares how data-driven decision making, foster-centered care, and strong organizational leadership can dramatically improve outcomes for both animals and people.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Leading large-scale shelter transformation

• Building foster-centered shelter systems

• Using data to improve animal outcomes

• Creating healthy organizational culture

• Supporting teams in high-stress environments

Kristen shares practical leadership lessons for animal welfare professionals and explains why innovation, collaboration, and people-first leadership are essential to the future of the industry.

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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What happens when animal services focus on keeping pets and people together?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Rachel Ide, Animal Services Director at Young-Williams Animal Center, about building modern community-centered animal services programs that go far beyond traditional sheltering.

Rachel shares her experience working on the historic rescue of 4,000 beagles and explains how innovative programs like managed intake, pet resource centers, behavior support, and access-to-care clinics are helping transform outcomes for pets and families in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The impact of the 4,000 beagle rescue case

• Community-centered animal services programs

• Managed intake and pet retention strategies

• Supporting families through access-to-care services

• Building strong, compassionate shelter teams

• Creating more humane communities for people and pets

Rachel also shares why meeting people where they are — without judgment — is essential to improving animal welfare outcomes.

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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What happens when saving a dog also helps save a human life?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Stephen Knight, Founding Executive Director of Dogs Matter, about building one of the most unique foster-based recovery programs in animal welfare.

After overcoming addiction himself, Stephen founded Dogs Matter to help people entering drug and alcohol treatment place their pets in temporary foster care — eliminating one of the biggest barriers preventing many individuals from seeking help.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• The connection between recovery and the human-animal bond

• Building a mission-driven nonprofit from the ground up

• Supporting people and pets through crisis

• Why temporary fostering can save lives

• Expanding compassionate community programs nationwide

Stephen also shares how Dogs Matter’s long-term recovery support model is helping people rebuild their lives while keeping their beloved pets by their side.

🐾Dogs Matter’s annual Tails of Triumph: A New Era event takes place on June 11 in Dallas, Texas, celebrating powerful recovery stories, second chances, and the transformative impact of the human-animal bond. The evening features client success stories, community celebration, artwork, and fundraising efforts supporting Dogs Matter’s expanding mission. Learn more here: https://www.dogsmatter2.org/tails-of-triumph

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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What does true horse welfare actually look like?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Caroline Hegarty, founder of Equitopia — an educational platform focused on evidence-based horse welfare, ethical horsemanship, and responsible horse ownership. Originally from Ireland and now based in California, Caroline shares how her lifelong passion for horses led her to challenge traditional horse culture and advocate for a more compassionate, science-driven approach to equine care.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why horse welfare needs a culture shift

• The dangers of dominance-based training methods

• Building trust and partnership with horses

• Evidence-based approaches to horse care and riding

• The responsibility that comes with horse ownership

Caroline shares powerful insights on advocacy, education, and why understanding horses as prey animals changes everything about how we care for and interact with them.

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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One vacation to Puerto Rico changed everything.

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Giordano — animal rescue advocate, foster mentor, and Rescue Partnerships Manager at Fi. What started with rescuing two stray dogs from a beach in Puerto Rico turned into a lifelong mission helping shelters, rescues, and foster networks save more animals.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The realities of rescue work in Puerto Rico

• Why compassion matters in animal welfare leadership

• The growing challenge of lost foster and adopted dogs

• How GPS tracking technology is changing rescue outcomes

• The power of fostering and community support

Melissa shares lessons from years in rescue, the importance of meeting people without judgment, and how innovative tools like GPS tracking and microchipping can help keep pets safe and out of shelters.

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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The most vulnerable animals in shelters are also the most adoptable.

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Marnie Russ, founder of the National Kitten Coalition and creator of Kitten College — a groundbreaking program focused on saving neonatal kittens through education, foster support, and scalable systems.

After a successful career as an international aerospace lobbyist, Marnie shifted her focus to animal welfare — building one of the most impactful neonatal kitten programs in the country.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why neonatal kittens are the most at-risk population in shelters

• How Kitten College is transforming foster programs nationwide

• Breaking down barriers to fostering through education and support

• Scaling lifesaving programs for shelters of all sizes

• Turning passion into a national movement

Marnie shares how simple, structured systems — combined with the right education — can save thousands of lives and empower everyday people to foster with confidence.

👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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Real change in animal welfare doesn’t just happen in shelters — it happens through systems.

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Natalie Ahwesh, Executive Director of Humane Action Pennsylvania. From a background in mathematics to leading statewide policy initiatives, Natalie has helped pass nearly 30 animal welfare laws — impacting thousands of animals across Pennsylvania.

Her work focuses on addressing the root causes of animal welfare issues through legislation, education, and community collaboration.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How policy creates long-term impact for animals

• Building coalitions with unexpected partners

• The connection between animal welfare and social issues

• Leading without a traditional strategic roadmap

• Staying motivated in long-term, high-impact work

Natalie shares how thinking beyond direct care — and focusing on systemic change — can transform entire communities.

👉 Learn more about how technology supports animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/

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What does it take to lead and evolve animal welfare over four decades of change?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Shelly Moore, CEO of the Humane Society of Charlotte. With more than 40 years of experience, Shelly shares how an unexpected visit to a shelter turned into a lifelong mission of leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Shelly walks us through the evolution of animal welfare—from high-volume sheltering to today’s community-centered approach focused on prevention, access to care, and keeping pets with the families who love them. She also shares how her organization is redefining what a modern animal shelter looks and feels like.

She also reflects on leadership growth, building strong organizational culture, and why compassion, accountability, and non-judgment are essential in serving both animals and people.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How animal welfare has evolved over the past 40 years

• Creating a community resource center instead of a traditional shelter

• Supporting pet owners through crisis and prevention programs

• Leadership lessons in building teams and future leaders

• Why meeting people where they are leads to better outcomes

This powerful conversation highlights how experience, empathy, and forward-thinking leadership can shape the future of animal welfare—and create lasting impact for both pets and people.

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Learn more about tools and resources for animal shelters, rescues, and organizations at https://doobert.com/

What if the key to saving more animals isn’t building bigger shelters—but keeping pets out of them entirely?

In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Sheryl Blancato, Founder of Second Chance Animal Services. From her early days as an animal control officer to leading a nationally recognized nonprofit, Sheryl shares how her organization has grown to help over 64,000 animals each year through innovative, community-based programs.

Sheryl dives into the philosophy of “access to care,” explaining why affordable veterinary services, food support, and community outreach are the real solutions to overcrowded shelters. She also shares how applying business principles like Lean Six Sigma has allowed her organization to maximize impact while staying financially sustainable.

She also reflects on leadership, making tough decisions, and why nonprofits must operate with both heart and strategy to truly create lasting change.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why building more shelters isn’t the solution

• The power of affordable veterinary care and prevention

• Programs supporting veterans and domestic violence survivors

• Using Lean Six Sigma to maximize nonprofit impact

• How community support keeps pets in loving homes

This powerful conversation challenges traditional thinking in animal welfare and shows how efficiency, compassion, and innovation can save more lives at scale.

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Learn more about tools and resources for animal shelters, rescues, and organizations at https://doobert.com/