Sarah Swanty | The Power of Preventing the Next Surrender
Sarah Swanty | The Power of Preventing the Next Surrender
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In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Sarah Swanty, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Animal Friends Alliance, reflects on the remarkable journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up. What started with two friends, $1,200, and 17 rescued cats has grown into one of Colorado’s leading animal welfare organizations, proving that lasting change comes from solving problems before animals ever enter a shelter.
Sarah founded the organization at just 25 years old after discovering how many healthy, adoptable animals were being euthanized in local shelters. While rescuing cats made an immediate difference, she quickly realized that rescue alone would never solve the problem.
“We’re not making a difference. We’re just another place where people are bringing homeless animals.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of prevention over reaction. Within a year of opening their rescue, Sarah and her team launched Northern Colorado’s first low-cost spay and neuter clinic, laying the foundation for programs that now include vaccine clinics, pet food assistance, community cat services, behavior support, and public veterinary care.
“That was when we started making a difference.”
Today, Animal Friends Alliance helps approximately 18,000 animals each year—not only through adoptions, but by providing resources that keep pets with the families who love them and prevent unnecessary shelter admissions.
“We’re constantly thinking about what’s next.”
Sarah also discusses how her leadership has evolved over the past two decades. Early in her career, she believed she needed to do everything herself. Over time, she learned that building a strong organization means trusting others, empowering talented people, and allowing teammates to lead with their own strengths.
“You have to see people for their strengths and their skills.”
Looking back, Sarah also emphasizes the importance of balance. While passion fueled the organization’s early success, she now believes sustainable leadership requires healthy boundaries, learning to delegate, and making time for life outside of work.
“You can’t be the best at everything.”
At its core, this episode is about building lasting impact through thoughtful growth, prevention, and a willingness to evolve alongside the changing needs of both animals and communities.
“Shoot for the moon, but do it in baby steps.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, volunteers, and animal welfare professionals. Saving lives isn’t only about helping the animals already in shelters—it’s about creating programs that prevent families from reaching that point in the first place.
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters, transporters, and organizations work together to save lives every day. Visit Doobert.com to get involved.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Top Dog Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Do you know any Top Dogs we should interview? We’re always looking for amazing people in animal welfare to feature on the podcast. Send us an email at tdp@doobert.com.