In this episode, we welcome Rachel Bellis from PETA to discuss the organization’s provocative new commercial challenging the “No-Kill” shelter movement and why they believe the approach is failing animals. Based on PETA’s recent feature “What Does Best Friends Animal Society’s ‘No-Kill’ Push Mean for Animals?”, we dig into the realities behind the rhetoric. PETA

Rachel walks us through PETA’s critiques:

• How “no-kill” policies can lead to shelters refusing to accept animals in need and pushing them back into harm’s way. PETA

• Why simply increasing “live release rates” can mislead the public and mask animal suffering. PETA

• The consequences of “return to field” programs for cats, and other practices PETA considers misleading euphemisms. PETA

• Cases and data PETA cites, including shelters that are reportedly warehousing animals, turning away strays, or overextending adoption criteria in ways that may put animals at risk. PETA

We also explore potential alternatives: what models might actually address animal homelessness, suffering, and overpopulation—without empty promises. Rachel shares what PETA proposes instead: stronger preventative measures (spay/neuter, banning sales by pet shops), transparency in shelter policies, humane euthanasia when absolutely necessary, and accountability. PETA

Whether you support the no-kill movement, are skeptical, or just care about animal welfare, this episode aims to challenge assumptions, bring new data to light, and spark a deeper conversation about what truly helps animals.

In this episode, we sit down with Trevor from Shelterly, a mission-driven nonprofit using technology to transform how communities respond to animal crises. Trevor walks us through the vision behind Shelterly: how the platform streamlines tracking, coordination, and communication in the chaos of disasters. We discuss real-world impact — from wildfire evacuations and mutual aid between animal shelters, to reunification of pets and owners — and explore how Shelterly equips responders with tools to act quickly and efficiently.We also cover the challenges: scaling in the face of diverse needs across counties, building interoperability among animal response teams, ensuring accurate data in stressful moments, and what training and preparedness look like before disaster strikes. Finally, Trevor shares what’s next for Shelterly, and how listeners — whether working in emergency response, animal welfare, or simply animal lovers — can support or get involved.What You’ll Learn:The core features that make Shelterly effective in real emergency settingsHow technology can reduce friction in animal rescue, sheltering, and owner reunificationThe importance of mutual aid, inter-agency collaboration, and training in disaster scenariosHow ordinary people and organizations can help Shelterly’s mission

In this episode of Keep it Humane: The Podcast, Daniel Ettinger and Ashley Bishop sit down with Mary Wakeham, founder of Refuge4Pets.org.uk, an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers for people escaping domestic abuse by providing foster care for their beloved animals. Mary shares the powerful story behind Refuge4Pets, the challenges survivors face when pets are used as tools of coercive control, and how her team offers hope, safety, and new beginnings for both people and animals. Together, we explore the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, the importance of creating safety nets for survivors, and how this model can inspire communities around the world.