In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger, Ashley Bishop and Ashlee Bishop sit down with Dr. A. Michelle Gonzalez—veterinarian, forensic expert, and host of The Animal Welfare Junction. Dr. Gonzalez has been leading a groundbreaking investigative series on Steffen Baldwin, a self-proclaimed “trainer” whose history of animal cruelty and misconduct has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community.Together, we unpack the complex layers of this case:• how Baldwin built influence in the dog-training world,• the red flags that were ignored or minimized,• the survivors—both canine and human—impacted by his actions,• and the systemic gaps that allow abusers to hide in plain sight.Dr. Gonzalez shares what she’s learned through extensive research, interviews, and forensic review for her podcast, offering a candid look at how misinformation, inadequate regulation, and industry silencing contribute to ongoing harm.Whether you work in animal control, sheltering, veterinary medicine, law enforcement, or advocacy, this episode provides essential insight into how we can better protect animals, empower victims, and build a safer, more accountable animal welfare landscape.This is an episode you won’t want to miss—honest, unsettling, educational, and ultimately a call to action for all who believe animals deserve better.
While Daniel was somewhere over the Rockies on a flight, Ashlee and Ashley held down the fort and sat down with one of animal welfare’s most respected leaders: Kenny Lamberti.In this episode, Kenny shares insights from his decades of experience in community engagement, shelter operations, and national-level advocacy. Together, they dig into the evolving landscape of animal welfare, the importance of building trust with communities, and how we can better support the people doing the work on the ground. Kenny also talks about leadership, equity in access to care, and what the next generation of animal welfare professionals needs from us.This conversation is packed with honesty, heart, and practical wisdom—perfect for anyone striving to “keep it humane” in their daily work.
In this episode of Keep it Humane, Daniel and Ashley explore an inspiring initiative where teens aren’t just learning about animal welfare—they’re actively shaping it. We dig into the story of the Snake River Animal Shelter’s “Paws for a Cause” program, which brought local teenagers into direct service with shelter animals and their community. East Idaho NewsYou’ll hear how the five-week program immerses teens in the world of animal care, advocacy and emotional growth—starting with tours and instruction on humane treatment, engaging presentations from animal control officers and vet techs, and then reaching a hands-on high point: creating enrichment activities for shelter pets and a visit to a nearby assisted-living facility with a shelter dog in tow. East Idaho NewsWe’ll discuss how this kind of humane education benefits everyone involved:For teens: building life skills, emotional health, leadership, and a sense of purpose. East Idaho NewsFor shelter animals: improved socialization, enrichment, and increased chances of adoption. East Idaho NewsFor the community: stronger connections between youth, animal welfare and service.We’ll also unpack how shelters and agencies can replicate or adapt similar programs in their own jurisdictions—even if resources are limited—and how these initiatives tie into larger themes of staff and volunteer engagement, retention, and building culture in animal welfare (something we often talk about on this show).Grab your earbuds, because this conversation brings hope, practical ideas and a reminder that when young people are empowered—and animals are included—the ripple effects can be powerful.Takeaways for listeners:What it actually looks like to run a hands-on humane education program for teens.How to measure and communicate the benefits for all stakeholders (teens, animals, shelters, community).Ideas for adapting the model to your local animal control or shelter setting.Lessons on staff and volunteer culture: empowering younger generations, creating meaningful roles, and building an inclusive “we” culture.Inspiration for turning caring into action—both for the animals you serve, and the people working in the trenches every day.
As Albuquerque faces what some are calling a “kitten takeover,” shelters across New Mexico are stretched to capacity. In this episode, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Val Wilson, Executive Director of Animal Humane New Mexico, to discuss what’s behind the surge in kitten intakes and how shelters can adapt to the changing landscape of animal welfare.Val shares insights from her leadership journey and the innovative strategies her team is using to balance lifesaving outcomes with sustainable operations. From expanding foster networks to improving access to spay and neuter, she explains how collaboration—not competition—is the key to weathering the storm of kitten season.We also explore the human side of shelter work: how to maintain staff morale, prevent burnout, and lead with compassion during times of crisis.Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, or advocate for community cats, this episode sheds light on what it takes to keep it humane when the kittens take over.
In this episode, Daniel and OG Bishop dive into an inspiring story out of Eastpointe, Michigan, where Animal Control Officer Ashley Sanchez is making a real difference for pets and their owners. They explore how strict city ordinances (Eastpointe spans just five square miles) have been paired with a compassionate outreach program: a pet-food pantry, low-cost vaccination and micro-chip clinics, and a full-service shelter transformation under Sanchez’s leadership. CBS NewsDaniel asks: what does this approach tell us about community responsibility and the bond between humans and their animals? OG Bishop brings in a personal angle—how reform and empathy co-exist in unexpected places, and how giving even one creature a better chance changes a bigger story. They’ll unpack the article’s key moves (grant funding for free microchips, the “Four-Legged Friends Pantry,” a microchip-scanning station) and reflect on how similar models might work elsewhere. CBS NewsListeners will hear about the challenges of animal welfare, the creative pivot from a three-kennel garage to a full shelter under Sanchez’s drive, and leave with practical ideas: how to support local pet-owners in financial stress, how to volunteer or set up a micro-chip clinic, and why enforcement plus empathy is a powerful combo for community change. CBS NewsTune in for an uplifting conversation that shows animals’ wellbeing and human community health are more connected than we often think.
In this unfiltered episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, Daniel and Ashley drop the script, silence the filters, and just talk. No guests. No agenda. No BS.They open up about the highs and lows of working in animal welfare — the burnout, the wins that keep them going, the moments they’ve doubted themselves, and the people who’ve helped them grow along the way. This is an honest, vulnerable conversation between two friends who’ve seen it all in the world of animal control and sheltering.If you’ve ever felt the weight of the work or questioned whether you’re making a difference, this one’s for you.
In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Steve Kaufman, former leader at PetSmart Charities and now a respected consultant in the animal welfare space. Steve shares his unique perspective on how access to veterinary care is evolving and why it’s one of the most pressing issues facing shelters, rescues, and communities today.We explore his views on the future of animal welfare, the balance between data-driven strategies and compassion-driven care, and how his consulting work helps organizations build stronger, more sustainable programs. Whether you’re an animal control officer, shelter professional, or advocate for pets and people, this conversation offers valuable insight from one of the field’s most experienced voices.
Join us for a captivating conversation with Arthur von Wiesenberger, the visionary host and executive producer behind AnimalZone. In this special episode, Arthur takes us behind the scenes of the series and shares how his lifelong passion for animals shaped his mission to uplift their stories through media.We dive into:Arthur’s early life, education, and the formative moments that ignited his love for animalsThe evolution of AnimalZone: its purpose, challenges, and key milestones over more than 130 episodes Telvue Video Player+3Animal Zone+3Animal Zone+3His journey in motion picture production, and how it intersects with animal advocacy Animal ZoneThe role of rescue and sanctuary in his personal life — from cats and donkeys to a rescued pit bull named Mikey Animal ZoneHighlights from memorable episodes and international shoots — including work in Japan with ARK and projects with regional shelters LinkedIn+1His vision for the future of AnimalZone: how he hopes it will grow, influence, and continue inspiring audiences worldwideWhether you’re a fan of the show or simply love stories of compassion and creativity, this episode offers an intimate look at how one person’s dedication can bridge entertainment and advocacy. Tune in as Arthur reflects on the power of storytelling to give animals a voice, and encourages all of us to take action in whatever ways we can.
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, 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 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’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.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Daphna Nachminovitch, Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations at PETA, to unpack the growing controversy surrounding the “no-kill” movement—specifically the bold promises made by Best Friends Animal Society. With a reported annual revenue of $173 million, Best Friends has pledged a "no-kill nation by 2025," a goal PETA says is not only unrealistic, but deeply harmful to animals and the people trying to help them.Daphna shares PETA’s concerns about how this rhetoric has shaped sheltering policy across the U.S., encouraging shelters to prioritize optics over outcomes. We explore how the use of emotionally charged language like "killing" instead of "euthanasia" and aggressive advocacy tactics have created a culture of fear, burnout, and resentment among animal welfare professionals.This is a critical, no-holds-barred conversation about what true compassion in animal sheltering looks like—and the cost of chasing promises that sound good but ignore the complex realities on the ground.
In this episode, we sit down with Audra Michael, the current Secretary of NACA and Director of Pinal County Animal Control in Arizona. With a career in animal welfare that began in 2007, Audra has served in nearly every field role imaginable—from training new officers to supervising field operations. Audra is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), a Certified Public Manager through Arizona State University, and holds an Executive Leadership certification from Southern Utah University. She also serves on both the Arizona Companion Animal Committee and the Arizona Animal Cruelty Taskforce. Join us as Audra shares insights into her journey, her expertise in state laws and ordinances, and her unwavering dedication to protecting animals and supporting communities across the nation.
In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, we sit down with Clay Foley, the stand-up comedian and animal advocate behind Comedy to the Rescue, a unique organization that uses comedy shows to support animal shelters and rescue groups. Clay shares how he combined his passion for stand-up with a mission to make a difference—one laugh (and one adoption) at a time.We talk about the highs and lows of rescue work, the healing power of laughter, and the unexpected ways comedy can bring communities together for a greater cause. If you've ever loved an animal or needed a good laugh, this episode is for you.🔗 Learn more or support the cause at comedytotherescue.org
In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, we’re exploring how smart, evidence-based giving can bridge the gap between farmed animals and the animals we see every day in our shelters. We sit down with the team from Farmkind.Giving, an organization that uses rigorous research to recommend top animal charities—ensuring that every donation goes to the most effective organizations.We’ll learn how Farmkind.Giving’s meticulous approach to charity evaluation mirrors the life-saving work animal shelters do every day—stretching limited resources, saving lives, and making every dollar count. From using Animal Charity Evaluators’ in-depth research to collaborating with expert grantmakers, Farmkind.Giving helps donors maximize their impact, just like shelters aim to do for every animal in their care.Plus, we’ll discuss their innovative Compassion Calculator—a unique tool that empowers anyone to “offset” the harm caused by factory farming, no diet change required. Just like animal shelters provide resources and support for our communities, Farmkind.Giving’s approach to giving helps farmed animals and creates a kinder world for all.Tune in to discover how these lessons in smart giving can inspire animal shelter professionals, volunteers, and advocates to rethink how we can all do more good—together.
In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, hosts Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop and Ashley Bishop take to the skies with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescue—a nonprofit organization that unites aviation and animal welfare in an extraordinary way. Michael shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to pilot on a mission, flying at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster zones to safety and second chances.We discuss the logistics behind lifesaving flights, the emotional impact of rescue missions, and how everyday people can get involved—whether they're pilots, animal lovers, or both. This inspiring conversation highlights the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and compassion in animal welfare.Strap in for a high-flying episode that proves when people work together, even the sky isn't the limit.
Jerry Hursh
Arizona has In and Out Burger
Jerry Hursh
Bisbee is small city, she is no longer with the department, and or an ACO
Jerry Hursh
AZ NUMBER 27
Jerry Hursh
congrats on the win Jamie. it' s all good i didnt qualify for the bed, but i just wanted to give a huge shout out to the team.
Jerry Hursh
Go Ocho