the Intake

Dec 11

What does it take to stabilize your donor pipeline, re-engage lapsed supporters, and grow fundraising revenue— without burning out your team ? In this episode of The Intake , host Katherine Shenar is joined by Kendall Paul , CEO of the Vanderburgh Humane Society, and Kristin Serrano , Vice President and Managing Director at TrueSense Marketing , for a candid, data-driven conversation about building a smarter, more resilient fundraising program. Since 2022, Vanderburgh Humane Society and TrueSense have partnered to design and execute an integrated fundraising strategy rooted in strategic segmentation, donor retention, reactivation science, and disciplined acquisition modeling. The results are striking: the highest active donor count in five years, the successful reactivation of long-lapsed donors, and record-breaking fundraising revenue. Together, Kendall and Kristin walk through how the partnership worked, the decisions that mattered most, and what animal welfare organizations of any size can apply to strengthen their own fundraising efforts. If you’re a fundraiser navigating donor fatigue, retention challenges, or pressure to “do more with less,” this episode offers real-world insight—and a roadmap forward.

Dec 5

Are shelter adoptions changing — and what does that mean for pets, people, and the future of animal welfare? In this episode, we dive into the 2025 State of Shelter Adoptions Report , one of the most comprehensive snapshots of what shelters are experiencing right now. Join host Katherine Shenar of The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement alongside industry leaders Ellen Taylor (Humane Society of Charlotte), Chris Ramon (Pasadena Humane), and Meghan Lehman (Hill’s Pet Nutrition) as they unpack the trends shaping today’s shelter landscape. You’ll hear candid insights and real-world strategies on: • Why intakes are rising nationwide • What’s driving longer stays for large dogs • How financial barriers are impacting adoption outcomes • The encouraging rise in cat adoptions • The growing importance of foster programs and post-adoption support Whether you’re a shelter professional, industry partner, policymaker, or passionate pet advocate, this episode offers a thoughtful, data-driven look at where we are — and where we can go if we work together. Access the full 2025 State of Shelter Adoptions Report at The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement’s website. https://theaawa.org/hills-2025-shelter-report/ Listening to this episode is one small step toward improving outcomes for pets and the people who love them. Press play and join the conversation.

Jul 23

Pet insurance might not be the flashiest topic—but what if we told you it could be the secret ingredient to boosting adoptions, supporting your staff, and building long-term trust with pet parents? In this episode of The Intake , we’re joined by two passionate leaders who know the power of partnership: Maggie McSchaefer , Executive Director of Foothills Animal Shelter, and Brian Jorgensen , CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance. Together, they unpack how a simple benefit—30 days of pet insurance—can make a lasting impact on both adopters and animal shelters. We dive into: How Foothills integrates pet insurance into the adoption journey The training they provide to their staff to talk confidently about coverage What it’s like to partner with MetLife and the unique support shelters receive Real-life stories of pet insurance saving the day for new adopters And yes—we ask the ultimate curveball: If pet insurance were a dog breed, what would it be? (Their answers may surprise you—and just might be the most accurate breed comparisons you’ve ever heard.) Whether you’re in animal welfare, vet med, or just want to learn how to give adopters more peace of mind, this episode delivers insight, heart, and practical takeaways. Listen now and discover why pet insurance might be the next big thing your shelter needs.

Feb 4

If you’re an animal welfare professional looking to reduce intake, increase RTO, and provide faster solutions for lost pets and worried families, this episode is for you. Katherine Shenar hosts Front Street Animal Shelter’s Phillip Zimmerman and Jackie Rose of DocuPet.

Oct 15, 2024

This episode kicks off Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Hannah Shaw, widely known as The Kitten Lady, and Jackie Noble, the newly appointed executive director of Orphan Kitten Club , to explore the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of fostering neonatal kittens. The conversation sparked from the 2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition's State of Shelter Adoptions Report that cites some new information about fostering pets. Together, Hannah and Jackie dive into the essential strategies needed for fostering success—from clear communication and access to training and mentorship, to the vital role of veterinary care and fostering retention. They also spotlight Orphan Kitten Club’s incredible initiatives, including $3 million in grants and providing 1 million meals of kitten formula, demonstrating the profound impact on kitten welfare. Learn how to set realistic goals, build strong community relationships, and celebrate even the smallest victories in fostering programs. Whether you're a seasoned foster or just curious about how you can help save tiny lives, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

Oct 15, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Shaw, a/k/a The Kitten Lady, an advocate for cat welfare, especially neonate kittens, and Jackie Noble, executive director for the Orphan Kitten Club, Shaw’s nonprofit she created to help build innovative programs that save the lives of the tiniest and most vulnerable felines . Shaw discusses the launch of Cats of the World , a stunning new book that features over 700 photos from 30 different countries, capturing the deep connections between humans and cats while highlighting global efforts to improve cat welfare. Shaw also delves into a groundbreaking UC Davis study on neonatal kitten mortality, revealing that many losses are due to treatable conditions. She also shares insights on the innovative CASA method for assessing found kittens, stressing the importance of thoughtful community conversations. Plus, Jackie joins us to discuss her experience with kitten diversion programs and why continued research is vital to improving outcomes for vulnerable kittens. Whether you’re a cat lover or passionate about animal welfare, this episode is packed with stories, solutions, and inspiration!

Aug 10, 2024

Hill’s Pet Nutrition just released their 2024 State of Shelter Adoption Report , with data suggesting there could be gains in exploring our messaging to potential volunteers around foster opportunities. The Association’s Katherine Shenar sat down with three animal welfare professionals who have headed exemplary foster programs that have seen big successes. Listen in as she talks about everything from removing barriers to volunteering to the value of short-term fostering with MSPCA-Angell’s Jacquie McKay, Emilee Smith from Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control, and Suzy Clayton, who created programs at both nonprofit and municipal agencies.

Aug 4, 2024

Hill’s Pet Nutrition just released their 2024 State of Shelter Adoption Report , and you may be surprised to learn that 1 in 3 people would be more likely to adopt if foster-to-adopt were an option at their shelter, or that 64% of respondents would foster if their costs were covered. To capitalize on these insights and learn how to grow your foster program, listen in as The Association’s Katherine M. Shenar sits down with Kelly Furnas and Stephani Coe of Carrollton, TX-based Operation Kindness, who will offer tips and techniques they used to increase their foster program by 35% in a year.