I founded Shelter Behavior Integrations to help shelter teams implement behavior-forward practices in ways that are accessible, practical, and deeply impactful. My passion lies in finding calm within the daily chaos of sheltering and improving behavioral support for animals while streamlining operations to benefit both staff and the dogs in their care.

I offer more than staff training, and suggestions. When your shelter or organization works with me, I stay committed to your goals and I promise to improve the quality of care, staff knowledge, and outcomes for your dogs. I will support you on the ground and remotely to make sure we finalize your vision by the end of our journey.

After 16 years in the field, one thing has become clear: the same systemic challenges show up in shelters across the country. Many of our current models are focused largely on outcomes and statistical metrics, such as live release rates. This places the welfare of the individual animal while in shelter and the post-adoption experience off to the side, while we focus on moving them to an outcome first, and retroactively attempting to address behavior challenges as they arise. The cycle of dogs returning to shelter again and again, weighs on staff and volunteers as they watch their favorite dogs struggle to reacclimatize to a home.

At the same time, we are seeing increasing behavior challenges in our shelter dogs contributing to longer lengths of stay, in addition to other varying factors, such as the economy, that are completely out of our control. Too many times have I witness a dog housed in a shelter for months, and sometimes even years, suffering daily from emotional deterioration, before a plan of action is put into place. Compassion fatigue with caregivers is at an all time high.

It's time for a shift. It is time to not only to house and rehome dogs, but to provide daily support and compassionate care the moment they walk into the door to supporting them after they leave. Every shelter, regardless of size or staffing, can integrate behavior-focused systems that create real, measurable change.