Helping Shelters Help More Animals

Helping Shelters Help More Animals

From Keep it Humane by Keep it Humane

June 2, 2026 · 57 min · Season 6 · Episode 312

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Dr. Sara Pizano on the state of animal sheltering in America and the challenges faced by shelters today.

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

People in this episode

Hosts: Daniel Ettinger, Ashlee Bishop, Ashley Bishop

Guest: Dr. Sara Pizano

Topics covered

  • animal sheltering
  • public policy
  • community programs
  • animal welfare
  • shelter operations
  • challenges in animal care

Keywords

  • animal sheltering
  • public policy
  • community programs
  • shelter operations
  • animal welfare
  • intake diversion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Team Shelter USA

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