The Animal Welfare Junction: Recent Episodes
A. Michelle Gonzalez, DVM, MS
The Animal Welfare Junction is a podcast developed to bring awareness to different topics in animal welfare. The host, Michelle Gonzalez (Dr. G) is a veterinarian who provides affordable veterinary care in the State of Ohio, and also a Forensic Veterinarian helping with the investigation and prosecution of cases of animal cruelty and neglect. The topics presented are based on the experiences of Dr. G and our guests and include discussions about real cases, humane projects, and legal issues that affect animals and the community. Due to the nature of the discussion, listener discretion is advised as some topics may be too strong for some listeners.
Dr. G chats with the Executive Director of Cat Hustler, Julia Grosz, about the Acatemy, a weekend program geared towards cat owners, rescuers, and caretakers. Learn about the program and the amazing speakers who will be featured at this event.
About the AcatemyThey say “it's all about the cats” but The Acatemy understands that nothing can be achieved without people like you behind the scenes.
Our programming is designed to support individuals and their organizations by providing a space for networking, education, personal and professional growth, community building, skill development, and fostering brand connections that advance the cause while becoming the best version of yourself. The two-day conference includes:
- Advanced and masterclass content from dozens of your rescue peers and industry leaders.
- Activity spaces, specialized meetups, structured breakout sessions, interactive experiences, and more to help build your life-saving network.
- Face time & opportunities to build relationships with event sponsors and industry professionals.
To learn more, visit theacatemy.org
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
The interconnection between humans and animals extends beyond the human-animal bond into many different ways in which we interact with animals. On this episode, Dr. G and guest Marika Bell, dive into Anthrozoology, behavior, shelter animals, and more. Marika also shares her experiences interviewing individuals who helped the animals from the Maui wildfires.
About our guest: Marika has an MA in Anthrozoology from the University of Exeter, holds a BA in Zoology (UW) and has been a CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, since 2011. As the host of The Deal with Animals, she enjoys chatting with authors, nonprofits, professionals, academics, and enthusiasts about the various ways they connect with animals. She also offers mentoring to others who are interested in starting podcasts around animal welfare, knowledge, and connection. www.thedealwithanimals.com or Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thedealwithanimals/
Help us by liking, rating, and sharing this episode!
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
The Animal Welfare Junction Episode 70: The Puppy Mill Pipeline to Texas, with guest Shelby Bobosky, Esq.
Attorney Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, joins us to discuss the puppy mill pipeline to Texas, Texas breeder laws, and how consumers are dumped into spending thousands of dollars on sick puppies.
For information on the efforts of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, visit www.THLN.org
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
All animals deserve a life free from pain and suffering, and this includes farm animals.
Dr. Susan Krebsbach, Executive Director for the Veterinary Association for Farm Animal Welfare, joins us to discuss this difficult topic. While we realize that animal use for food and fiber won't end soon, we must ensure that these animals are not abused and neglected simply because of their final fate. This is a discussion of what is currently being done, what can be done better, and how we can all help farm animals live a better life.
Please take a moment to like, rate, and share so we can spread the word to other animal advocates.
To learn more about VAFAW, visit www.VAFAW.org. The 1st year of membership is free!
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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Dr. Rustin Moore, Dean of The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine and author of the book "Unleashing the Bond: Harnessing the Benefits and Safeguarding the Risks of Human-Animal Interactions", joins us to discuss the importance of the human-animal bond and his upcoming book release. This book is for all audiences, and shares the science behind the bond as well as stories that highlight the important role animals have in our lives.
To pre-order, visit www.rustinmooredvm.com
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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This episode of The Animal Welfare Junction podcast takes place during the My Dog is My Home and Found House 10th Anniversary celebration in Cincinnati, OH. These organizations help individuals experiencing homelessness with their pets.
This episode contains the stories of four individuals who, for different reasons, found themselves homeless along with their animal companions. They share their stories of heartbreak and hope, and how Found House and My Dog is My Home helped them along their journey. For more information, visit www.mydogismyhome.org and www.foundhouse.org
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Dan Ettinger, host of The Animal Control Report, joins Dr. G to discuss SMART animal shelters and its goal to Save More Animals Responsibly Together.
For more information on SMART, visit www.keepithumane.com
Like our content? Help us by rating and sharing our podcast. Together we can make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them.
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Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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What is a puppy mill? Mark Dinner, Ohio State Director for the Humane Society of the United States shares information about puppy mills, their horrible practices, the problems with the current laws and what advocates are doing to help both the dogs and consumers.
Did you know that Ohio is the 2nd state in Commercial Dog Breeding and Broker licenses, second only to Missouri? This is not something that Ohioans should be proud of, and it is up to advocacy groups, government entities, and consumers to put a stop to this practice.
Please help us spread the word by liking, rating, and sharing this episode. If you live in Ohio, please consider signing the petition to Governor DeWine or sending him your own message about ending puppy mills.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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This is part two of a two-part series on the petition created by the Harvard Law School's Animal Law Clinic on behalf of wildlife animal advocates seeking to eliminate anticoagulant rodenticides in Massachusetts. Not only are these poisons a cruel way to kill rodents, the victims of these devices extend to wildlife and even species that are protected.
Our guests will discuss how they have come together in this fight, the importance of education of the public on this issue, and what we can do together to promote species conservation and welfare. They will also share their personal experiences as they are first hand witnesses of the injuries suffered by eagles, hawks, owls, and other wildlife.
Part I guests are:
Lla Anderson, Law student at the Harvard Law School
Laura Kiesel, founder of Save Arlington Wildlife
Part II guests are:
Marci Cemenska founder of Save Lexington Wildlife
James Joyce II, founder of Friends of Horn Pond
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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This is part one of a two-part series on the petition created by the Harvard Law School's Animal Law Clinic on behalf of wildlife animal advocates seeking to eliminate anticoagulant rodenticides in Massachusetts. Not only are these poisons a cruel way to kill rodents, the victims of these devices extend to wildlife and even species that are protected.
Our guests will discuss how they have come together in this fight, the importance of education of the public on this issue, and what we can do together to promote species conservation and welfare. They will also share their personal experiences as they are first hand witnesses of the injuries suffered by eagles, hawks, owls, and other wildlife.
Part I guests are:
Lla Anderson, law student at the Harvard Law School
Laura Kiesel, founder of Save Arlington Wildlife
Part II guests are:
Marci Cemenska founder of Save Lexington Wildlife
James Joyce II, founder of Friends of Horn Pond
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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When animals are in danger, people are in danger.
We know that there is a direct link between animal abuse and interpersonal violence, which is the driving force behind mandatory reporting laws. This is not just for cases of violence but also of neglect.
Our guest Rachel Batten, Humane Officer at the Medina County SPCA in Ohio, shares her experience with a case of animal hoarding that revealed child neglect. Thanks to her efforts both the animals and the child were removed from the situation.
Listen to the story of how it unfolded and the end result.
Help us spread the word by liking, rating, and sharing the podcast. Together we can make a difference in the life of animals and in communities everywhere.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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Use keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Dr. Diego De Gasperi, Equine clinician and faculty at the University of Florida, helps us understand the uniques needs of horse dental care, common problems, and the consequences of dental disease.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Dr. Jim Crosby is an expert on animal aggression and dog bites, especially fatalities. With a previous background in police work, he brings a different perspective to crimes involving dog bites. What makes a dog bite? How serious are bites depending on severity? What is the Dunbar Bite Scale? We answer these questions and more.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
We all have rights against illegal search and seizure, but how are our rights leveled with victim rights and what can officers do to ensure that evidence collected is allowed in trial? Prosecutor Lauryn Day asnwers these questions and gives advice on how to help build a strong case.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Preparing for court has many moving parts and Jamie McManus discusses the process from initial hearings to trial. She also explains witness preparation and what veterinarians can do to be better advocates for animals.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Dr. Maria Serrano explains the live animal forensic examination and what veterinarians can do to be better advocates for animals.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
What is photogrammetry and how can it help in animal crime investigations? Eileen Roy-Zokan discusses the use of known objects in images to estimate the size of other objects, how this is done now, and where is this technology headed.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
We all know, or at least think we know, the uses of DNA in criminal cases, but with true crime and criminal drama shows, our expectations may not be realistic. Ginger Clark, DNA Analyst at the University of Florida Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory, discusses the uses of DNA in forensics and answers questions about truth or fact based on what we learn from television and movies.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Dr. Jason Byrd, Board Certified Forensic Entomologist, discusses the use and importance of insect collection at crime scenes and from deceased animals, how to submit them, and the information that can be obtained from this forensic tool.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Shoe prints and tire tracks can help place individuals at crime scenes. To learn more about this we interviewed Katherine Beck from the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
Geographic Information Systems is the use of technology to identify crime hotspots through the use of spatial data. This is very useful in the prevention of wildlife crimes and poaching. Experts Jessica Pfohl and Anne Washington from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, share their knowledge and how others can obtain information and resources to implement this technology in their areas.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
In this episode, Forensic Photographer Heidi Nichols from the Miami Dade County Medical Examiner's Department shares information on the use of pictures to document a crime scene and the evidence recovered.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
This episode is the first interview of the conference, and we have Amber Wallyn, Animal Cruelty Investigator in Lake County, Florida. She will discuss best practices in an animal crimes investigation to build a strong case. This episode is valuable to all individuals involved in the case, from veterinarians to ACOs and law enforcement.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty
investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic
Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We are in person at the 2024 Animal Forensic Conference in Gainesville, Florida! Dr. G will be interviewing several of the speakers to give our audience a bit of the knowledge gained through the presentations. We will be releasing each interview individually to allow our listeners to find topics of interest.
This episode is our introduction to the series, and joining us is Dr. Adam Stern. Learn about the purpose of the conference and what to expect from the next set of episodes. These talks are applicable to all individuals involved in animal cruelty and investigations, including wildlife crimes.
We would also like to invite our listeners involved in animal cruelty investigations to visit and join the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences https://isafs.org/
Mentioned in this episode:
10% off Tomahawk products
Use keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Vicki Deisner from Ohio Animal Advocates joins us to share with our listeners the Real Ohio Tours 2024 schedule and the advocacy efforts supported by these programs. From birds to foxes to farm animals, there is an opportunity to visit and learn about the places that care for these animals, how we can help support them, and the advocacy efforts occurring to change laws affecting their welfare.
For information about Ohio Animal Advocates, visit www.ohioanimaladvocates.org or follow them on social media.
Like our content? Please take a few seconds to rate, like and share. Together we can be a strong voice for animals.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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The Jefferson County Humane Society was established in Ohio back in 1915 by a group of women who wanted to help animals. For over 100 years, generations of women have worked hard to build a great shelter facility and a shelter clinic. Learn how and why on this in-person interview directly from the humane society.
For information about the shelter, visit their website at https://jeffersoncountyhumanesociety.net/
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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Warning: This episode discusses the details of a case of animal cruelty where the defendant was charged with felony animal cruelty.
We are joined by Sandusky Chief Dog Warden Kelly Pocock, whose hard work and determination resulted in the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of a dog killer. Solving this case involved crime scene investigation, necropsy, blood spatter, interrogation, and interviews and is a case that should be an example to other officers facing similar cases. This case also includes the presentation to the court of a Victim Impact Statement on behalf of the deceased dog, something that we do not see because animals are not normally recognized as victims of crime, just property.
In addition to the interview with Kelly, our listeners will be able to hear the interview with the suspect and, along with us, dissect the information to determine if he is telling the truth or not.
Following Kelly's interview, we follow up with the Humane Society of the United States' Laura Koivula, who shares how the HSUS assisted this small rural town with this big investigation.
Help us spread the word by liking, rating, and sharing this podcast. Let's share the voice of this dog and encourage others to do more.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
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We are back after a short break, and we couldn't have asked for a better guest to get us back on track. Dr. Adam Stern, professor of forensic pathology at the University of Florida, joins us to discuss poisonings and starvation in the veterinary forensic setting. This is an educational and informational episode and, while it is a difficult topic, there is nothing gory about our discussion.
This topic is good for everyone, but in particular an excellent resource for veterinarians and humane agents wanting to improve their knowledge and learn about resources available to them.
Dr. Stern also is one of the founders of the International Society for Animal Forensic Sciences, an organization we highly recommend for anyone involved in animal cruelty and neglect investigations regardless of their experience or knowledge level.
Websites of importance shared on this episode:
https://isafs.org
https://animalforensics.vetmed.ufl.edu
Mentioned in this episode:
10% off Tomahawk products
Use keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Everyone knows someone who says they work with animals because they hate people. Or maybe you are that someone. But what we must realize is that as animal welfare advocates we cannot separate the animals from their humans. The human-animal bond is a very important relationship, and to care for one we must acknowledge the other.
Dr. Jonathan Gonzalez is a veterinarian practicing in the State of Texas and is very passionate about fostering the relationship between animals and humans and being part of the family medical team. We will discuss the importance of client communications, how to work through hard situations and when to learn to step away, and overall how to change our outlook to improve our own mental health.
Like this episode? Help us by rating and sharing so we can reach more animal advocates like you.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Use keyword keepithumane at checkout at livetrap.com
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
This episode contains topics that may be difficult to hear or that can be triggering to some listeners. Please take care of yourself and pause or stop if needed. This episode also has explicit language.
Our guest K.D. Hearst, host of “Don’t F* up the Crime Scene”, joins us to discuss a case he worked on years ago in the state of Georgia involving sexual assault on a dog by two young kids. Authorities were called to the scene for a “dog bite” complaint and they did not expect to find what they did. Spoiler: everyone is fine.
This case addresses sexual abuse, dog bites, and dangerous dogs. Dog bite level definitions are explained using the Ian Dunbar scale. Sexual assault to animals is a difficult topic to discuss, but one that is important to understand and acknowledge as it goes beyond the cruelty to the dog. These perpetrators can be dangerous to the community, especially to other innocent victims such as children, and current laws may not properly address this crime.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Episode 37: SpayFirst with founder Ruth Steinberger
Shelter euthanasia is not the problem. Shelter overpopulation is not the problem. We are looking for a solution to animal welfare issues while overlooking the real problem. Pet overpopulation and lack of access to care is the cause of increased shelter intake and thus shelter euthanasia. Until we acknowledge that lack of affordable and accessible care is the cause of the problem, we will not be able to reach a solution, and more animals and people who care for them will continue to suffer.
To speak about this pet overpopulation crisis, we invited Ruth Steinberger, founder of SpayFirst. Ruth has been involved in providing affordable and accessible care since the ‘90s and shares what her organization is doing to provide solutions, how the current intake processes are doing more harm than good, and what needs to happen to truly help decrease shelter euthanasia. We are all responsible for this problem, and we all need to be part of the solution.
You can help us reach a wider audience by following, rating, and sharing our episodes. Together we can make a difference for animals and the community.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
In 2017, officers Daniel Ettinger and Salvador Aguirre were able to close a case that started in 2014. Marleen Puzak avoided investigation for years following complaints of animal neglect at her property. This episode breaks down the details of the case, a review on hoarding disorder, and the importance of mental health evaluations.
Our guest Daniel Ettinger (co-host of the Animal Control Report) shares with us his experience on this case, how he was able to obtain a warrant, his findings, what worked well, what could have worked better, and how him and his partner helped both the animals and quite possibly Ms. Puzak herself. This is an informational episode for anyone interested in learning more about animal hoarding.
Like this episode? Help us reach a bigger audience by following, rating, and sharing!
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
There has been a lot of media attention to a "mystery" respiratory disease affecting dogs, and many pet owners and rescues are understandably concerned. But is it as mysterious or dangerous as it is being reported?
To answer this question, we have invited Dr. Jeanette O'Quin, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. O'Quin has training and experience in public health, infectious disease management, and outbreak response and presents us with an educated perspective on this important issue.
For our shelter friends, Please visit the Association of Shelter Veterinarians website at https://www.sheltervet.org/resources/guidelines for assistance in maintaining as healthy a population as possible.
Homelessness is a serious crisis in the United States, with the most recent report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development dated December 2022 finding over 580,000 unhoused people on a single night in January of 2022 (hud.gov). It is a sad reality that pet ownership by housing-insecure individuals and families is a significant obstacle to sheltering and affordable housing. The lack of affordable co-sheltering facilities and pet-friendly affordable housing can be the factor that keeps someone at risk in the streets.
From their website: "My Dog Is My Home's mission is to increase access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals. By securing their ability to maintain their most important relationships and find adequate shelter, we ensure every family’s right to build a home."
Founder Christine Kim shares with us the story of the organization, how it helps communities with co-sheltering and affordable housing initiatives, and her advocacy work with the Providing for Unhoused People with Pets (PUPP) Act, a federal bill to provide financial assistance to homeless service programs, shelters, and housing.
If you like our content, you can help spread our message by rating and sharing. Together we can make a difference for the people and animals in our communities.
https://www.mydogismyhome.org/
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/hud_no_22_253
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
The lack of financial access to veterinary care creates a ripple of negative effects. It poses challenges such as delayed or foregone medical treatment for pets, compromising their health and undermining the broader objectives of the One Health approach. This issue is exacerbated by credit inequality, where individuals with limited financial resources may struggle to afford veterinary services, potentially rupturing the human-animal bond due to economic euthanasia or owner surrenders. Surrenders due to owner financial constraints then contribute to the overcrowding of shelters, the need for more adopters, and the cycle begins all over again.
Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, including the expansion of more accessible payment options at the point of care, which is where VetBilling hopes to fill the gap for pet owners who can’t access conventional financing. Ou guest, Suzanne Cannon, is the co-founder of VetBilling and we will discuss the problem pet owners face as well as how their company helps both the pet owner and veterinary clinic with payment plan solutions.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
On this episode, our guest Dr. Michael Blackwell explains the concept of OneHealth and the importance of caring for both animals and their caretakers to promote wellness throughout the community, with a particular emphasis on services for communities lacking in resources. Family health does not stop at the humans or the animals, but involves both. And this must incorporate mental and physical health care.
A collaborative effort between veterinarians and social workers is important in providing a comprehensive program for long term results and not just a “spot fix”. And this approach has broad benefits to the environment, diseases, and even the current shelter overpopulation problem.
Dr. Blackwell is the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity in the Center for Behavioral Health Research at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is also the Director of AlignCare Health Inc.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
We hear the term no-kill often within the rescue and shelter community, but do you know what no-kill actually means? You may be surprised to learn the facts behind what it takes to be a no-kill shelter and the impact it has on the current pet overpopulation and rescue hoarding crisis.
Our Guest, Daphna Nachminovitch, head of PETA's Cruelty Investigations Department, joins us to discuss this topic, educate our listeners on the problems seen when no-kill goes too far, and help the community understand how their misconception and demands are promoting overpopulation, warehousing, and hoarding. We do not want animals to die needlessly at shelters and all adoptable animals should have a home, but euthanasia is not the problem, the current animal care crisis is.
Please note that this is a statement on the no-kill perception and not an episode against Best Friends Animal Society. We believe that they do amazing work in providing resources and ideas to help shelters, but we would love for them to use different language that is not divisive and that best exemplifies their movement.
This episode discusses sensitive topics, including animal abuse and interpersonal violence.
Domestic violence affects the whole family and unfortunately, often the family pet and animals. What most people don’t realize, is that abuse of a family pet can be one of the most serious indicators of the most at risk people and children. Perpetrators who harm animals rarely stop at animal victims and are some of the most lethal abusers. Often people who are experiencing violence feel like they can’t leave an animal behind to seek their own safety, either because the animal will be unsafe, hurt as a means to control the human victims or commonly, because they are deeply bonded with the animal. Pets and animals can be a source of joy, offer a sense of purpose and be a significant comfort during hard times, for both adults and children.
Based in Australia, Lucy’s Project works to make it easier for people and animals to find safety from domestic and family violence. Founder, Anna Ludvik, shares what inspired her to pursue this work and how through education and advocacy we can make a safer place for animals and humans victim of domestic violence and other crimes.
The shelters are overcrowded. This is a sad reality. And these animals are there at no fault of their own. Part of the problem is when individuals purchase animals without researching or learning about the traits of the breed or the individual dog and end up with a pet that is not compatible with their lifestyle.
Today's guest, Elizabeth Menegon, is the creator of Hands 2 Paws, an app that helps individuals browse animals that may be a better fit based on the qualities of the dog instead of just aesthetics. We also discuss the dangers of purchasing from back yard breeders, puppy mills, pet stores, and online services.
We will always believe in Adopt Don't Shop, but for those with specific needs that must purchase a dog, please shop responsibly.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Puppy mills are facilities in which dogs suffer in mass to produce puppies for sale. If you purchase a puppy from a pet store, there is a risk that it is coming from a puppy mill.
But what are puppy mills? Who regulates them? How can consumers protect themselves?
Shalimar Oliver, Animal Crimes Manager from the Humane Society of the United States, joins us again to discuss these and other questions regarding this form of "legalized cruelty".
Puppy mills only exist to make money, so it is within our power as consumers to shut them down by stopping demand. Learn more about puppy mills and how the HSUS Puppy Mills campaign is working to help these dogs and protect the community in this episode.
If you find this episode helpful and educational, help us spread the word by rating, liking and sharing with your friends and family. Together we make a difference for animals.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Dr. Jeff Young is the founder of Planned Pethood International, but many know him as Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet. His passion for helping animals and their caretakers as well as educating the next generation of veterinarians is clear. Join us for a 45-minute ride into many topics affecting pet care, affordability, and the veterinary profession. We discuss compassionate care, technician utilization and compensation, compassion fatigue, the human-animal bond, and why the veterinary field has shifted so much in the last decades. This is an episode for everyone, pet owners, advocates, and those in the profession.
If you enjoy our content and want to help us reach more animal advocates, please like, rate and share our episode. Together we make a big difference for animals everywhere.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Warning: This episode dives into animal crimes and sensitive topics
On this episode, Dr. G and guest Mark Randell discuss different animal crimes and the LINK between animal and interpersonal violence from a local and global perspective.
Mark Randell is a retired senior detective from the UK police. In that role he was was responsible for covert operations, criminal intelligence and analysis and international cooperation on serious crime and terrorism. He retired from the police 13 years ago and has been running undercover ops, campaigning and training about crimes against animals and their relevance in society on 5 different continents.
Mark is currently a campaign manager for Naturewatch Foundation, a UK based charity responsible globally for World Animal Day, and also campaigning within many areas inclusing wildlife crime, animal experiments and puppy farming. Mark’s campaigns include working in Ukraine which Naturewatch Foundation has done since 1994 and ‘Protect Animals. Protect People’ that highlights the animals– human abuse link.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Episode 25 explores the affordable and accessible veterinary care and social work service provided by Columbus Humane's Essential Care Center. Rachel Finney, CEO, and Dr. Laura Advent, Chief Medical Officer, discuss why the center was created, who their target pet owners are, the services the provide along with pricing structures, and how others can follow this example.
The ability to afford veterinary care for our pets is not only income dependent. And with pet overpopulation in shelters, keeping animals in their homes helps everyone. Put away your judging cap and open up your mind to how we can help people and animals stay together.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
For most families, their pets are part of the family and, when met with housing difficulties, they may face the decision of choosing a roof over their head or their pets. This is a decision no one should have to make.
In Cincinnati, Ohio, an amazing organization called Found House Interfaith Housing Network (FHIHN) provides pet support to individuals facing or experiencing homelessness. Garrett Parsons, Pet Support Director at FHIHN, shares their program, stories, goals, and how others can emulate this in their areas.
About Found House: Found House Interfaith Housing Network’s (FHIHN) mission is to provide shelter, housing, and support to families experiencing housing insecurity and to strengthen those services through interfaith and community partnerships. Found House IHN works toward the overarching goal of helping families find and retain stable housing, while keeping families together, including pets. Found House IHN recognizes that families often include four-legged members, and the Pet Support Program is designed to meet their needs. Established in 2014, the Pet Support Program is a pet shelter embedded into Found House IHN’s social service center providing a coordinated network of care for people and pets experiencing the crisis of homelessness, housing insecurity, or related crisis, with the central goal to keep people and their pets safe and together. This reduces the trauma of unnecessary pet surrenders and decreases animal shelter intake numbers. The Pet Support Program works to provide solutions for pet owners with the goal to re-unite pets with their human families upon obtaining stable, pet-friendly housing.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keep it Humane Podcast Network
The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Podcast Network. Visit keepithumane.com/podcastnetwork to find us and our amazing animal welfare podcast partners.
Do you know what to do if your pet gets lost? Or if you find a lost pet?
Leslie Poole, Executive Director of Pet FBI, shares the history of Pet FBI, how to utilize the services or the organization, and what we can do as pet owners to increase the chances of reuniting with our pets.
For more information, visit www.petfbi.org.
What is veterinary social work?
This episode’s guest, Alicia Kennedy, is a social-hearted veterinarian who provides care to animals but also the people who love them. Through the use of social workers, she has created a practice that centers around the human-animal bond. It is an amazing service, one that we hope others will learn from and perhaps bring into their own practices.
What is Give Them Ten? Learn about this movement, aimed at giving cats an extra life by promoting spay neuter and other efforts that benefit shelter and community cats.
Deborah Cribbs and Monica Tarrant share with us how this program got started and the reach it has today. They also have information on how organizations throughout the country and beyond can become part of the Give Them Ten movement and gain the resources they provide.
For more information, visit www.givethemten.org.
Dogfighting is a cruel and barbaric act that is not only harmful to the animals, it is also a danger to the community. To understand this topic, we have invited dogfighting expert from the Humane Society of the United States, Janette Reever, to discuss what is dogfighting, what isn't, and what it means for Pit Bulls. We also touch on the breed, breed specific legislation, responsible sheltering, and responsible ownership of these dogs.
Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. If you suspect animal fighting, contact your local animal control officer, police department, office of the inspector general, or our friends at HSUS. You are not only saving the dogs, you could be saving people as well.
Tessa Cannon, founder and director of For the Love of Primates, joins us to discuss the topic of primates as pets and in research, both conditions that lead to physical and mental health problems in this species.
Join us to learn about the needs of primates, why they need our help, and how you can be involved as a Primate Protector.
For more information on the organization, visit www.fortheloveofprimates.org
What is the best age to sterilize dogs and cats? There are many opinions on both the benefits of sterilization as well as the risks, and most of the concerns expressed currently are based on research published from a referral hospital. But is the information applicable to all animals? What are the risks and benefits? And what are the implications of not sterilizing our pets?
Dr. Phil Bushby, Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon and Marcia Lane Endowed Chair of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at the College of Veterinary Medicine in Mississippi State, breaks down the research and helps clarify what the data tells us. In reviewing the research for and against early age sterilization, we discuss bias as well as the power of statistics and how numbers can be manipulated to prove significance when there may not be any.
There are risks and benefits in every decision we make for the pets in our lives. We hope that this episode can help clear some of the confusion behind this topic so that pet owners and caretakers can make educated decisions about their care.
Dr. Sam Valerius, from All Critters Veterinary Clinic in Grove City, Ohio, joins us to share information on the basic needs and common ailments of exotic pets. We discuss (in order) snakes, lizards, turtles, birds, spiders, fish, rats, mice, hamsters, and wildlife.
If you own an exotic pet, are contemplating getting one, or if you are in the veterinary field and interested in helping exotics patients in your practice, Dr. Sam is a wealth of information on exotic patient care.
You can find out more information about All Critters Veterinary Hospital at www.allcrittersvet.com
Do you know the do's and don'ts of large scale investigations? Are you looking to learn more about procedures or resources available to humane officers and officials investigating animal crimes?
Shalimar Oliver, Animal Crimes Manager from The Humane Society of the United States, joins us for a detailed discussion of what it takes to properly conduct an investigation as well as the things to avoid. Preparation is Key, and Shalimar does an excellent job painting a full picture.
This episode is recommended to anyone working in animal cruelty investigations, from veterinarians to animal control officers, humane societies, law enforcement and prosecutors.
Dr. G and Dan Ettinger, from The Animal Control Report, have a discussion on the importance of leash laws and how they can help protect our pets and the community. Cases of injuries to animals are broken down to assess how the situation could have been handled differently for the benefit of all involved.
The human-animal bond describes the relationship between us and our pets, in which we give and gain something from the other. As we evolve into better humans, we understand the importance of the non-human animals around us, and more importantly those that live with us.
On this episode Courtney Wennerstrom, author, blogger, and podcaster, joins us to talk about the importance of pets to their caregivers, the barriers to ownership, and what we have to do as a society to help animals and the people who care for them.
Courtney is the host of the PETestal: on the Human Animal Bond, available on your favorites podcast provider.
This week KD Hearst, from Don't F* up the Crime Scene, joins us to discuss... well... how to not mess up on criminal investigations. As an animal control officer and educator, he provides insight into how to address animal cruelty and neglect assessments, developing rapport and assessing the situation before coming up with a solution.
This episode is labeled explicit for language and content, so listener discretion is advised. But this is a fun and wild ride into the world of the ACO and it is both entertaining and educational.
Vicki Diesner, Esq., Executive Director and one of the founders of Ohio Animal Advocates, joins us to discuss the role of the organization in fighting for animal welfare issues and laws at the state level, and the many programs and resources available in Ohio. Topics include puppy mills and domestic violence.
This episode contains some examples of animal abuse and interpersonal violence that can be hard to listen to, so listener discretion is advised.
For more information on the programs, including the Real Ohio Tours, visit their website at https://www.ohioanimaladvocates.org/
Warning: Sensitive content related to animal cruelty and neglect cases
Dana Pannella, associate attorney at Holland and Muirden, joins us for a discussion on animal law and prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect cases in Ohio. Learn about the difference in animal cruelty charges and why suspended jail time is not a bad thing. We review the Trumbull v. Charles Parks case, as well as other cases she has worked on including hoarding and bestiality.
Rabbits can make great pets, but it is important to know about their specific needs if we are going to consider giving one a home.
On today's episode, Danielle Patterson and Terri Cook from the Columbus House Rabbit Society join us to talk about all the things rabbits need to have a happy, healthy life. We will discuss their food, housing, reproduction, and diseases.
Do you have a bunny or think a bunny could be in your future? You won't want to miss this!
For more information about rabbits, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages, or visit columbusrabbit.org
TNR, or trap-neuter-release, is the most effective and humane method of controlling the outdoor cat population. On this episode, we are joined by Dan Spehar of the Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats, and Mona McKinniss from Colony Cats to address facts and myths about community cat management.
If you are interested in community cat welfare and control, this episode is a great source of education about the ins and outs of TNR.
The Animal Control Report is a podcast hosted by humane officers to educate and share stories and cases that showcase the role of the animal control officer as well as other individuals involved in animal welfare.
In Part 2, Dan Ettinger joins us to share his experiences as a humane officer in Colorado as well as an educator, and his efforts to help grow the profession and get away from being thought of as simply the "dog catcher".
We also talk about how to deal with compassion fatigue and thoughts on behavioral euthanasia.
The Animal Control Report can be found on your favorite podcast provider or on their website at https://humanemain.com/animalcontrolreport/
The Animal Control Report is a podcast hosted by humane officers to educate and share stories and cases that showcase the role of the animal control officer as well as other individuals involved in animal welfare.
In Part 1, co-host Ashlee Bishop shares her role as an ACO in Wisconsin and talks about some of the cases she has worked on, the law as it applies in her service area, and things that could improve for the benefit of the animals.
The Animal Control Report can be found on your favorite podcast service provider or on their website ar https://humanemain.com/animalcontrolreport/
Trumbull County Dog Warden, Charles Parks, was recently in court after being charged with alleged animal neglect for failing to provide care to animals at the Trumbull County Dog Pound. Dr. G and Diane King, Trumbull County's Chief Humane Officer, share the details of the case and the path of the investigation that lead to the successful prosecution of Charles Parks.
This episode offers a in-depth look into the steps a humane officer must take, as well as the obstacles they face, when investigating animal cruelty cases. We hope this is not only informative, but that it also encourages humane agents and veterinary personnel to become involved to protect animals and the community.
This episode of the Animal Welfare Junction is about learning about our wildlife neighbors. Dr. G will be speaking with experts in the field about what to do with injured wildlife, what diseases we need to worry about, and how to become a wildlife rehabilitation amongst other topics. Joining us are:
David Donahue from the Ohio Wildlife Center
Jess Armstrong from SCRAM! Wildlife Control
Barbara Ray and Gwen Hoogendoorn from the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association.
This is Part 1 of a wildlife topic that we hope to follow soon with Part 2: Wildlife Forensics
What is behavioral euthanasia? This is a very sensitive subject that often brings strong opinions from both sides of the table. On Episode 4 of The Animal Welfare Junction we will discuss this subject matter with individuals who are often faced with making these decisions, as well as a foster and pet owner who had to make this decision herself.
Our guests today are:
Jenn Thomas, Executive Director for the Ross County Humane Society
Missy Haughton, Richland County Ohio Dog Warden
Amanda Wampler, dog foster and owner
This episode is a very honest discussion on aggression and euthanasia, and we know it is not easy. But if we want to help dogs and the community, we have to understand and work together for everyone's benefit.
In this episode we dive into what are hoarders and go into the details of a rescue hoarder case from our 2017 files in Athens County, Ohio. Our guest is Mary Beth Brown, the former Dog Warden who worked with us in this case where we rescued… well… you will have to listen to find out how many dogs this elderly lady had in her house.
Hoarding is not just animal cruelty. This is a mental health problem and we have to do better to protect the animals and to rehabilitate the individual. Without mental health assessments and treatment, animal hoarding has a near 100% recidivism rate, meaning they will likely do it again.
For images from this case visit our facebook page at The Animal Welfare Junction podcast.
Episode 2 is about the veterinary shortage. This is a problem affecting pet owners everywhere, but has an even greater impact in underserved communities. There is no easy answer, and it will take different stakeholders to find solutions to this problem. Our guests today are:
Dan Spehar, Co-Founder of the Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats and Independent Researcher, on a report demonstrating the resource deserts present in Ohio.
Dr. Rustin Moore, Dean of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, on how the school is addressing the need for veterinarians and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in providing veterinary care to underserved communities.
Cheri Storms, Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana and Chair of the United Spay Alliance's Veterinary Shortage Task Force
The questions today are: Is there a veterinary shortage, is it present everywhere, and what can we do. We look to address these questions and also discuss how the veterinary field is affected by this shortage.
Episode 1 discusses the importance of providing affordable and accessible care to animals, especially pets living in underserved communities. Our guests are:
Myke Davis, Founder and Executive Director of The Animal Health Organization
Jenn Thomas, Executive Director of the Ross County Humane Society
Dr. Andrea Iglesias, a clinical and community psychologist working with underserved communities through a non-profit organization.
The question today is: What is your opinion of "If you cannot afford an animal you should not have one"? Our guests will answer this question and provide their experience-based opinion on the importance of pet ownership and pet retention and how providing resources for veterinary care helps both animals and the community.
In this episode we introduce you to our host, Michelle González (Dr. G), and we give you an overview of what to expect from our episodes. If you are interested in animal welfare and veterinary forensics, we invite you to join us on our journey as we explore how different disciplines are involved in keeping our animals and our communities safe.