The Best Friends Podcast

Capacity Crisis Marketing

Animal shelters across the country have been in a capacity crisis for the past two years due to rising intakes and adoptions that are simply not keeping pace with the num

Getting caught up with Marc Peralta

After a hiatus, we’re excited for the return of the Best Friends Podcast!  To catch up on what’s been happening around the country since our last episode, we contacted t

Shelter Pet Data Alliance

The animal welfare industry’s approach to data has come a long way in the last few years. As a result, we understand more than ever the importance of tracking our lifesav

Time for a language checkup!

Animal welfare is an ever-evolving field, and as our understanding grows, it stands to reason that the way we talk about our work should also change. When you realize th

Preparing for emergencies

We know that planning for the unknown can be a challenge. That’s why we’re excited to share one of our newest resources, our Emergency Preparedness Toolkit. Geared towar

The 2nd edition of the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters released

Since the Association of Shelter Veterinarians published it in 2010, the “Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters” has been an invaluable resource to shelters

Virtual dog training w/ Goodpup

We know how difficult it is to find veterinary services nationwide, but there’s another shortage impacting animal welfare right now. Dog trainers are also in short supply

More inclusive adoptions with Secondhand Hounds

We always love hearing from listeners, especially when we hear that the podcast has helped you be more effective in your lifesaving work. This is why we loved receiving t

Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance

In the colder parts of the country, warmer temperatures are starting to melt the snow and offer a hint of the spring season to come. But for those in animal welfare, you

Building better boards (rebroadcast)

Nonprofit boards can come in different shapes and sizes, each often taking its own approach in the ways they support the organization. But let's be honest, sometimes supp

What to watch for in 2023

The period to submit proposals to speak at the 2023 Best Friends National Conference is now open! Check out this link for more information on the requirements, timeline,

2022 Year End Happy Tales

This is the final episode of the year! And what a year it has been. Across the country, shelters struggled to manage increases in intake, and while adoptions also increa

Best of 2022

It’s that time, once again, when we take a moment to reflect on the year (and podcast), that was. 2022 was challenging in many ways, and the 42 episodes from this year re

Tackling the housing crisis for pet owners

Housing issues are the second most common reason people surrender pets to shelters. If not priced out by exorbitant pet deposits or monthly pet-ownership fees, arbitrary

What’s the data telling us about shelter adoptions?

It’s been a challenging year for animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country. Lifesaving gains made during the COVID pandemic seemed to disappear for many

Veteran's Day w/ Dogs on Deployment

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day, so we're taking a moment to thank all members of the military, active duty and veteran, for their service. We're also using this as an opportun

A radical transformation at the York County SPCA

When the York County SPCA (YCSPCA) hired a new executive director at the end of 2019, it set in motion plans to transform how the organization operated. To reach and sust

Arin Greenwood

You know those super viral animal-related articles you see all your friends sharing on your social media feeds? You know the ones. Headlines like this one on TODAY.com, “

Managing our mental health

The field of animal welfare can be physically and mentally grueling. At times, it may feel like there is no end in sight with so many requests for help. Unfortunately, de

What "The Real Housewives" can teach us about shelter management

When looking for practical tips and inspiration to help you save lives, chances are you’ve never sought out reality television for answers. But according to this week’s g