The Animal Advocate Podcast
Inspiration and tools to help you become a confident, effective voice for animals
Whether you want to launch your own nonprofit, create change in your community, or influence statewide policy and legislation, this podcast gives you the knowledge, strategies, and real-world stories to turn passion into action.
Hosted by Penny Ellison, an attorney and law professor who has trained hundreds of students in animal advocacy
When Cruelty Laws Collide With Inaccessible Vet Care: What Advocates Can Do
What happens when cruelty laws require veterinary care that many families simply cannot access—and how do we protect animals without criminalizing poverty?
Ending Cat Declawing- Which States Are Enacting Bans in 2025?
Many people think declawing is minor. It isn’t. This episode looks at what the surgery removes, the harm it can cause, and why more places are banning it.
Emotional Support Animals and the Housing Crisis : Loophole or Lifeline
Learn what qualifies as an emotional support animal, how ESAs differ from service animals, and what rights they have in housing.
How to Start an Animal Advocacy Group and Get Results: Lessons from Pennsylvania Voters for Animals
Learn how to form an organization, build partnerships and mobilize community support.
Understanding Retail Pet Sale Bans: What They Do and Why They Matter
Puppies are not like shoes. They don't belong on display in store windows.
How Delaware Created a Statewide Office of Animal Welfare- A Model for Advocates
What happens when a state puts all animal welfare services under one roof? More pets saved and more families staying together.
Five Advocacy Lessons from Jane Goodall
How Jane Goodall stayed joyful and effective through six decades of advocacy.
When Advocacy Brings Backlash: Dr. Crystal Heath on Standing Strong
Ever been criticized for speaking up for animals? If you haven't, you will be. Let's talk about it.
Why Local Governments Should Be Required to Provide Animal Control Services
Animal control services should be considered an essential government function.
How Animal Control Really Works: An Advocate’s Guide
How animal control works -- and often doesn't. Why animal control should be considered an essential government function.
The Pet Care Access Crisis That Telehealth Could Help Solve: A Veterinarian’s View
How Permitting Telehealth Could Improve Wellbeing And Keep Animals With The People That Love Them
Veterinary Telehealth: Expanding Access for Underserved Pet Owners
Why can't your pet get telehealth services? And how we can fix that.
How Youth Activists Are Fighting Backyard Breeders With Steve Hughes of Youth4Animals
Learn how young people -- and you -- can take action against backyard breeding
How To Stop Backyard Breeding: A Novel Approach To Shelter Overcrowding
The Direct Connection Between Craigslist Ads and Shelter Euthanasia—And How to Break It
Rethinking Wildlife Protection: From Scarcity to Abundance
Let's talk about how we protect wildlife BEFORE they're endangered.
Exotic Animal Trafficking and Safe Havens with Bobbi Brink
What happens to seized wild animals and what makes a "Sanctuary" a true Sanctuary?
Wild Animal Ownership: Exotic Pets, Roadside Zoos And Public Risk
Are people really allowed to own primates, big cats and other wild animals?
Getting Started As An Animal Shelter Volunteer
Get over your fears and get in the game - how to volunteer in your local shelter.
Inside 150+ Animal Shelters: Cara Achterberg on Rising Euthanasia Rates and Solutions
Do you want inspiration about how to help the animals in your local shelters?
Lost Dog Recovery: Legal Timelines and Prevention Strategies That Save Lives
Do you know what to do when you or someone you know loses their dog? Being prepared could save his life and the life of a truly homeless dog.
Beyond Breed Bias- Fighting Discriminatory Housing Policies for Dog Owners
How media bias led to breed bans which led to housing discrimination against pit bull type dogs and what you can do about it.
Changing the Pit Bull Story: From Fear to Facts
Let's talk about pit bulls. Why are there so many in shelters and what can we do about it?
Fix It: Making Spay/Neuter Accessible and Affordable
How can we reduce shelter intake through making spay/neuter surgeries accessible to all.
Animal Sheltering: Roles, Challenges and Misconceptions
Municipal shelters? SPCA's? Rescues? Learn about the ecosystem of animal sheltering.
Bad Dog Breeders: Spot Them to Stop Them
What signs should you look for to spot an irresponsible breeder so that you can steer people away from them.
Understanding State Animal Cruelty Laws
Your guide to which animals are protected, what acts are criminalized and what you can do to help.
Welcome to the Animal Advocate
Follow our new podcast, Animal Advocates!
Listen to the Podcast on your favorite channel
Listeners can expect engaging discussions with experts in the field, including veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and advocacy leaders. These conversations shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by animals and the many ways advocates can contribute to positive change. Each episode is designed not only to inform but also to inspire action, encouraging listeners to take tangible steps in their local communities. By building awareness and sharing success stories, The Animal Advocate aspires to create a network of empowered individuals who are ready to turn knowledge into action. Together, we can champion the rights of animals and work towards a future where they are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
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