Ashley Armstrong | Why Animal Shelters Must Become Community Resource Centers
Ashley Armstrong | Why Animal Shelters Must Become Community Resource Centers
Prefer an audio version? Listen here:
In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Ashley Armstrong, Executive Director of We Care Animal Rescue, shares how she helped transform a small sanctuary into a modern animal welfare organization focused on adoptions, community support, and keeping pets with the people who love them. Her story highlights how today’s shelters can save more lives by preventing surrenders before they happen.
When Ashley joined We Care Animal Rescue, the organization primarily cared for long-term sanctuary cats. She saw an opportunity to expand its mission into a full-service adoption center and community resource hub, allowing the organization to help far more animals and families.
“If we changed this into a robust adoption center and community resource center, we can save so many lives.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of meeting people with solutions instead of judgment. Ashley explains that today’s pet owners aren’t surrendering animals because they don’t care—they’re often facing financial hardship, housing instability, or unexpected veterinary expenses.
“We want pets to stay with their people.”
To address those challenges, We Care Animal Rescue offers pet food assistance, emergency veterinary grants, free wellness clinics, training classes, and personalized support for families in crisis. Rather than waiting until pets enter the shelter, the organization works proactively to help them stay home.
“We’re going to try to figure out a way to make that happen.”
Ashley also believes innovation requires courage. Throughout her career, she’s learned that many of the biggest improvements in animal welfare happened because someone was willing to question old practices and simply try something new.
“Just try it.”
As a leader, Ashley focuses on building a supportive workplace where staff can navigate both the emotional highs and lows of sheltering. Through transparency, team-building, and open communication, she encourages her team to care for one another as much as they care for the animals.
“Let’s just try everything.”
At its core, this episode is about embracing change, supporting communities, and recognizing that animal shelters are at their best when they serve both animals and the people who love them.
“We’re not training the next generation of animal rescuers.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, volunteers, and shelter professionals. Every innovative idea, community partnership, and act of compassion helps create a stronger future for animals and the families who care for them.
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.