Critters and Cultures

Shop BIPOC Pet Brands at Super Zoo (Part 2) - S2 Ep 12

This is Part 2 of our holiday special! Join Dr. Azalia Boyd, veterinarian and host of the Critters and Cultures podcast, as she heads to SuperZoo, the largest pet retail conference in the nation, to connect with amazing brands. In this episode, Dr. Boyd interviews diverse entrepreneurs who are leading the way in the pet care industry, sharing their purpose, struggles, and pain points. In this video, you will meet: Brandon Baxter, owner of Palms 'N Paws Canine Massage https://palmsnpaws.com/ [https://palmsnpaws.com/] https://www.instagram.com/palmsnpaws_ [https://www.instagram.com/palmsnpaws_] Juanita Harris: Discover Juanita's journey in the pet industry, starting from a bather and brusher at PetSmart to salon ownership and then to a marketing job with Ryan's Pet Supplies. Monita specializes in social media management, content marketing, and digital marketing for pets and people. She emphasizes the importance of personalized marketing that reflects the diversity of clients. Dre, owner of The Dre Creations https://www.instagram.com/thedrecreations/ [https://www.instagram.com/thedrecreations/] https://linktr.ee/thedrecreationsllc [https://linktr.ee/thedrecreationsllc]  The episode of Critters and Cultures is brought to you by Mattie's Fund, a family foundation that transforms animal welfare through innovation, education, and equity. Go to https://www.maddiesfund.org/ [https://www.maddiesfund.org/] SUBSCRIBE & SHARE Link Tree: http://Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd [http://linktr.ee/azaliaboyd] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures [https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures] Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures] Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/ [https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/] About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

Shop BIPOC Pet Brands at Super Zoo (Part 1) - S2 Ep 11

The holiday season is here, and on this episode of "Critters and Cultures," host, Dr. Azalia Boyd, a veterinarian, is at Super Zoo, the largest pet retail conference in the nation, to highlight some of the best emerging pet brands. This episode offers inspiration from diverse entrepreneurs who are leading the way in the pet care industry. Dr. Boyd interviews three different pet entrepreneurs: Kedisha Clayborne - Francis & Bee's Pets https://francisandbee.com/ [https://francisandbee.com/] https://www.instagram.com/francisandbeepets/ [https://www.instagram.com/francisandbeepets/] Ava from Ava's Pet Palace https://avaspetpalace.com/ [https://avaspetpalace.com/] https://www.instagram.com/avaspetpalace/ [https://www.instagram.com/avaspetpalace/] Daedrien Leyva-Lynn - Spoiled Pets https://shopspoiledpets.com/ [https://shopspoiledpets.com/]  https://www.instagram.com/shopspoiledpets [https://www.instagram.com/shopspoiledpets]  The episode of Critters and Cultures is brought to you by Mattie's Fund, a family foundation that transforms animal welfare through innovation, education, and equity. Go to https://www.maddiesfund.org/ [https://www.maddiesfund.org/] SUBSCRIBE & SHARE Link Tree: http://Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd [http://linktr.ee/azaliaboyd] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures [https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures] Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures] Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/ [https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/] About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

Saving Community Cats in Queens, NYC with LIC Feral Feeders - S2 Ep10

In this episode, we're in New York City's Queens neighborhood to speak with the amazing team from LIC Feral Feeders: Victoria Koulouris, Jannatul (Jan) Ahmed, and Raiana Khan. Tune in as we dive into the vital work this organization is doing with community cats in Long Island City and the challenges they face, from gentrification to addressing different cultural perspectives on animal care. This episode of Critters & Cultures is brought to you by: Maddie's Fund: A family foundation working to transform animal welfare through innovation, education, and equity. Learn more at maddiesfund.org. The BIPO and Animal Well-being Collective: A community for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color connected through care, work, and advocacy in the animal well-being space. Find support or get involved at bipacollective.com. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE Link Tree: http://Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/ Meet Our Guests from LIC Feral Feeders: Victoria Koulouris (IG @therealmisshitwinner)Co-founder of LIC Feral Feeders. A lifelong New Yorker with decades in Queens, she is involved in much of the Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) and rescue work across Long Island City. She brings "history, grit, and a deep love for her neighborhood and outdoor cats". Jannatul (Jan) Ahmed (IG @janskittens) The Director of Operations at LIC Feral Feeders. She is a Bengali Muslim New Yorker, born and raised in Astoria. Her journey began during the pandemic by fostering kittens. Jan advocates fiercely for the immigrant and diaspora communities in Queens, many of whom are being displaced by gentrification and rising costs. Raiana khan (IG @queens.kitties) A dedicated rescuer and Community Cat Coordinator with LIC Feral Feeders.Her hands-on TNR work, cultural perspective, and advocacy for outdoor cats bring a grounded voice to the conversation. Ryana, whose parents are from Bangladesh, shares how her background helps her connect with community members who may have different views on pet care. LICFF Website: https://licferalfeeders.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/licferalfeeders/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/licferalfeeders Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@licferalfeeders About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

Why Animal Shelters FAIL to Build Trust (The Cultural Barrier) - S2 Ep9 with Rousseau Durocher

Dr. Azalia Boyd welcomes Rousseau Durocher, a Haitian-American Intake Supervisor at Broward County Animal Care, to discuss his journey and efforts in cultural repair and community outreach. Russo shares how he works to bridge the gap between animal services and the community, emphasizing respect for every customer. Season 2 is proudly sponsored by Maddies Fund! The power of community and compassion in animal welfare. Go to https://www.maddiesfund.org/ [https://www.maddiesfund.org/] This episode is also sponsored by the BIPOC and Animal Well-being Collective. Go to https://www.bipoccollective.com/ [https://www.bipoccollective.com/]   SUBSCRIBE & SHARE Link Tree: http://Linktr.ee/azaliaboyd [http://linktr.ee/azaliaboyd] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures [https://www.youtube.com/@CrittersandCultures] Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/critters-and-cultures] Website: https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/ [https://www.drazaliaboyd.com/]   About Rousseau Durocher Russo Durocher is a Haitian-American animal welfare professional who currently serves as the Intake Supervisor at Broward County Animal Care. His journey in the industry began as a temporary staff member, and his career growth reflects resilience and cultural navigation. Russo is committed to cultural repair, community outreach, and confronting the stigma surrounding animal services. His leadership style centers on staying motivated, encouraging his staff, and removing biases to ensure every customer is treated with respect and served with a "fresh start". Russo believes in "Collaboration over competition" and stresses the importance of public and private shelters aligning to be more effective. About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.

The Rwandan Genocide: The Lessons This Veterinarian Won’t Let Us Ignore - S2 Ep8 with Dr. Kalenzi

About Dr. Patrick Kalenzi Dr. Patrick Kenzi is a veterinarian, public speaker, and author whose life is a testament to resilience. Born in Uganda to Tutsi refugee parents who had fled the 1958 Rwandan genocide, his early life was shaped by tending cattle and dogs, experiences that formed a lifelong bond with animals. After being the first in his family to attend and graduate from university, Dr. Kenzi moved to the United States to better support his family. Starting by delivering newspapers and working at a pet store, he worked his way to becoming a licensed veterinarian and now owns a successful multi-million dollar veterinary practice and grooming shop in Broomfield, Colorado. Dr. Kenzi navigates life in the United States as a successful Black man, recognizing the echoes of tribalism and systemic injustice he experienced as a refugee in Uganda. He is a two-time TEDx speaker and an author, driven by a mission to honor the wisdom and legacy of his grandfather. For Dr. Kenzi, his greatest achievement is breaking generational curses and supporting the education and independence of his siblings and nieces. Connect with Dr. Patrick Kalenzi: https://www.patrickkalenzi.com/ https://www.rockcreekvet.com/ https://www.tearsrundry.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-kalenzi-93aba018/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.kalenzi/ About Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM Dr. Azalia Boyd, DVM, is a distinguished veterinarian and educator committed to equitable veterinary care and community engagement. A proud alumna of Tuskegee University, she earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in Animal and Poultry Sciences in 2004, recognized with a Presidential Academic Scholarship. As CEO of Boyd Veterinary Services and Consulting, LLC, she mentors youth aspiring to veterinary careers and supports young minority students. Previously, she was the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer for Companion Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE), working to bridge access gaps for BIPOC and marginalized communities. Dr. Boyd actively participates in professional associations like the AVMA and GVMA and holds certifications from the University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Online. An international speaker, she addresses improvements in veterinary care and cultural competency, positioning her as a leader in advancing the field for all.