Top Dog Podcast with Jakie Hernández | Breaking Barriers & Building Compassionate Animal Welfare

Top Dog Podcast with Kristen Hassen | The Leadership Mindset Behind Lifesaving Innovation

What does transformational leadership look like in animal welfare? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Kristen Hassen, Founder and CEO of Outcomes Consulting, about the systems, leadership strategies, and cultural shifts needed to create lasting change in animal shelters and rescue organizations. With decades of experience leading large-scale shelter transformation, Kristen shares how data-driven decision making, foster-centered care, and strong organizational leadership can dramatically improve outcomes for both animals and people. In this conversation, we discuss: • Leading large-scale shelter transformation • Building foster-centered shelter systems • Using data to improve animal outcomes • Creating healthy organizational culture • Supporting teams in high-stress environments Kristen shares practical leadership lessons for animal welfare professionals and explains why innovation, collaboration, and people-first leadership are essential to the future of the industry. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Rachel Ide | From Rescue Cases to Transforming Animal Services

What happens when animal services focus on keeping pets and people together? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Rachel Ide, Animal Services Director at Young-Williams Animal Center, about building modern community-centered animal services programs that go far beyond traditional sheltering. Rachel shares her experience working on the historic rescue of 4,000 beagles and explains how innovative programs like managed intake, pet resource centers, behavior support, and access-to-care clinics are helping transform outcomes for pets and families in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this conversation, we discuss: • The impact of the 4,000 beagle rescue case • Community-centered animal services programs • Managed intake and pet retention strategies • Supporting families through access-to-care services • Building strong, compassionate shelter teams • Creating more humane communities for people and pets Rachel also shares why meeting people where they are — without judgment — is essential to improving animal welfare outcomes. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Stephen Knight | Leading with Purpose Through Crisis and Recovery

What happens when saving a dog also helps save a human life? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we talk with Stephen Knight, Founding Executive Director of Dogs Matter, about building one of the most unique foster-based recovery programs in animal welfare. After overcoming addiction himself, Stephen founded Dogs Matter to help people entering drug and alcohol treatment place their pets in temporary foster care — eliminating one of the biggest barriers preventing many individuals from seeking help. In this conversation, we discuss: • The connection between recovery and the human-animal bond • Building a mission-driven nonprofit from the ground up • Supporting people and pets through crisis • Why temporary fostering can save lives • Expanding compassionate community programs nationwide Stephen also shares how Dogs Matter’s long-term recovery support model is helping people rebuild their lives while keeping their beloved pets by their side. 🐾Dogs Matter’s annual Tails of Triumph: A New Era event takes place on June 11 in Dallas, Texas, celebrating powerful recovery stories, second chances, and the transformative impact of the human-animal bond. The evening features client success stories, community celebration, artwork, and fundraising efforts supporting Dogs Matter’s expanding mission. Learn more here: https://www.dogsmatter2.org/tails-of-triumph 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Caroline Hegarty | The Future of Ethical Horsemanship

What does true horse welfare actually look like? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Caroline Hegarty, founder of Equitopia — an educational platform focused on evidence-based horse welfare, ethical horsemanship, and responsible horse ownership. Originally from Ireland and now based in California, Caroline shares how her lifelong passion for horses led her to challenge traditional horse culture and advocate for a more compassionate, science-driven approach to equine care. In this conversation, we explore: • Why horse welfare needs a culture shift • The dangers of dominance-based training methods • Building trust and partnership with horses • Evidence-based approaches to horse care and riding • The responsibility that comes with horse ownership Caroline shares powerful insights on advocacy, education, and why understanding horses as prey animals changes everything about how we care for and interact with them. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.

Top Dog Podcast with Melissa Giordano | From Rescue Flights to GPS Innovation

One vacation to Puerto Rico changed everything. In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Melissa Giordano — animal rescue advocate, foster mentor, and Rescue Partnerships Manager at Fi. What started with rescuing two stray dogs from a beach in Puerto Rico turned into a lifelong mission helping shelters, rescues, and foster networks save more animals. In this conversation, we explore: • The realities of rescue work in Puerto Rico • Why compassion matters in animal welfare leadership • The growing challenge of lost foster and adopted dogs • How GPS tracking technology is changing rescue outcomes • The power of fostering and community support Melissa shares lessons from years in rescue, the importance of meeting people without judgment, and how innovative tools like GPS tracking and microchipping can help keep pets safe and out of shelters. 👉 Learn more about tools supporting animal welfare organizations at https://doobert.com/ Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare.