The Human Side of Animal Care

Saving Sea Lions: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Marine Mammal Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release

Found a stranded sea lion? Call the professionals! Jennifer Levine (she/her) is the Stranding, Operations, and Animal Care Manager of the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI). She teaches us what to do if we encounter a stranded marine mammal on the beach: do not touch the animal or pour water over them, give them plenty of space, identify your location, call a marine mammal rescue hotline, and keep the public and pets away while waiting for the professionals to arrive. We talk about a typical rehabilitation shift at CIMWI, the impressive resilience of marine mammals, and how rewarding it is to see recovered patients thriving in the wild. We also discuss the impact of domoic acid on marine mammals as a result of harmful algal blooms in the ocean. Sources California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/pages/fdbprograms/foodsafetyprogram/domoicacid.aspx [https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/pages/fdbprograms/foodsafetyprogram/domoicacid.aspx]  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) https://www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom [https://www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom] Music Credits Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley] Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com [https://www.free-stock-music.com] Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

Exotic Vet Med, Medical Ethics, and the Financial Reality of Working in Animal Care

Alex is a registered veterinary technician (RVT) in an emergency animal hospital, with experience working with exotic animals. She discusses the fascinating natural history of reptiles, as well as the dynamics of general and professional interest in exotic veterinary medicine. We talk about the financial reality of working as a veterinary nurse (compared to management positions and big corporations), such as low hourly wages and limited opportunities for raises. We touch on topics of medical ethics like recommending euthanasia, navigating diverse belief systems, and managing personal opinions when collaborating with clients. Alex also provides insight on getting started in the field, such as working your way up the totem pole, taking direction, working in a team, and asking all the questions! Sources  AMA Journal of Ethics https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/physician-assisted-suicide-law-and-professional-ethics/2003-01 [https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/physician-assisted-suicide-law-and-professional-ethics/2003-01] PBS https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/chronology.html [https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/chronology.html] Music CreditsGlow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com [https://www.free-stock-music.com]Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

From “Not College Material” to Veterinary Practice Owner: An Equine DVM’s Resilient Journey

From socioeconomic obstacles to learning disabilities, discouraging college counselors to veterinary school rejections — Ingrid Wolff has faced many hurdles in her academic and career journey. But through it all, she persevered. Today, Ingrid is an equine veterinarian and practice owner. In this podcast episode, we learn about how disability accommodation services and farrier school changed Ingrid's trajectory for the better. We hear about what it's like to work as an equine vet, and the benefits and hardships of practice ownership. Above all, Ingrid encourages aspiring veterinarians to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare [https://www.instagram.com/thehumansideofanimalcare/] Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com [https://www.free-stock-music.com]Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

Channel Island Foxes, Island Spotted Skunks, & Getting to Know Your Wild Neighbors

How did the endangered Channel Island Foxes recover after a significant population decline in the '90s? What is wildlife tracking? How can the general public help with conservation efforts through citizen/community science? Mike Watling answers all of these questions and more in this episode. During the work week, Mike Watling is Director of Technical Operations at a life science company. During his time off, Mike serves as President of Friends of the Island Fox, conducts wildlife monitoring for Ventura Land Trust, and leads hikes as a Naturalist for Channel Islands National Park. Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare [https://www.instagram.com/thehumansideofanimalcare/] Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com [https://www.free-stock-music.com]Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]

Improving Access to Veterinary Care: Strides in Shelter Medicine

Pre-vet students, first-year veterinary students, and shelter medicine enthusiasts—this episode is for you! Katie Marrie is the Chief Veterinary Officer at Santa Barbara Humane. We learn about how the organization has been working to improve access to care by offering a range of veterinary services, from vaccines to dentals, and parvovirus treatment to mass removals. Katie discusses the importance of mentorship for new-graduate veterinarians and gives advice for every step of the DVM journey. Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare [https://www.instagram.com/thehumansideofanimalcare/] Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley [https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley]Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com [https://www.free-stock-music.com]Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/]