News, ideas & inspiration from industry leaders
Guest Voices
Introducing Kristy Gonyer, The Association’s Director of Professional Development
The Association’s incoming Director of Professional Development shares her plans for her new role, along with a sneak peek at some exciting changes in the works In the three months...
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Word on the Street with Leann Quire: In Praise of the Exit Interview
Do you know why employees leave your organization? Animal Rescue League of Berks County’s Chief Engagement & People Officer shares an important tool for finding out the answer Having a...
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Word on the Street with Alisa Gray: Compassion Is Still a Powerful Force
Reflecting on her 18-year-career, Kentucky Humane Society’s President & CEO shares what still gives her the most hope I think, as a field, we’re evolving to be even be more...
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The Thing Nobody in Animal Welfare Wants to Talk About
June 24, 2026, Kim Alboum
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Bullying is running rampant in our industry. It is time to name it, face it, and do something about it. Bullying is not a new phenomenon in the animal welfare...
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Why Limited Admission Shelters Must Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
The goal is not to eliminate or shrink from risks, but to take the right risks, at the right time, in service of better outcomes for animals By nature, animal...
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Why Pet Insurance Matters More Than We Think: A Shelter Leader’s Perspective
“It’s not just a financial product,” states The Association’s Executive VP. “It’s a retention strategy.” “Pet insurance.” It’s a phrase most of us have heard—but in animal welfare, it’s often...
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Policy That Matters: The Animal Welfare Trends Defining 2026
High-level updates on the more than 500 animal welfare bills introduced across the country this year Back in February, we highlighted four policy areas identified by members of The Association as top...
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When Your Direct Reports Ask “What’s Next?”
Jamie Gay shares why Tree House Humane created role tiers to help staff grow within the organization (& P.S., this new process is already having an impact) Early in my...
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Everyone Has a Role
Wenatchee Valley Humane Society’s ED & CEO unpacks the success of their new matching grant program offering free TNR for community cats When I started at Wenatchee Valley Humane Society,...
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Wait – What?!
What more than 22,000 adopters say once they get home “We have been working on aggression toward my 16-yr-old son. He walks her, feeds her and gives her treats, but she...
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Tugging Heartstrings Without Pulling Punches: The New Rules of Fundraising
For decades, the nonprofit fundraising playbook was simple. TrueSense Marketing’s Creative Director outlines the new guiding principles The rules of nonprofit fundraising are being rewritten as you read this. For...
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Policy That Matters: Animal Welfare Legislation On the Move in 2026
Highlights of the more than 500 animal welfare bills introduced across the country in January As animal shelter executives, you understand a core truth of our work: public policy shapes animal outcomes. Decisions...
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