Building Trust Saves Lives: Why the Future of Animal Welfare Depends on Community, Compassion, and Saying “Yes”
Building Trust Saves Lives: Why the Future of Animal Welfare Depends on Community, Compassion, and Saying “Yes”
Animal shelters are often seen as places where animals go when something goes wrong. But today’s most impactful organizations are redefining what shelters can be: community resources, support systems, and bridges between people and pets.
In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Jakie Hernández of the Nebraska Humane Society shares why the future of animal welfare depends on breaking down barriers, building trust, and meeting people where they are—sometimes literally in their own language.
For organizations, fosters, and Dooberteers, this conversation is a powerful reminder that saving lives starts with connection.
Every Community Is Different—And That Matters
Before joining the Nebraska Humane Society, Jakie worked with communities all across the United States through Best Friends Animal Society’s National Embed Team.
That experience taught her one important lesson:
“Every community is so different.”
What works in one city may not work in another.
Some communities need:
- More foster outreach
- Better language accessibility
- Affordable veterinary support
- Stronger transportation networks
- Trust-building with underserved groups
And sometimes the biggest issue isn’t lack of support—it’s lack of communication.
“We weren’t reaching them literally in their own language.”
For organizations, this is a critical takeaway:
If people don’t feel included, they may never realize help exists.
One Adoption Changed Everything
Jakie’s journey into animal welfare started with a dog named Douglas.
At 18 years old, she technically looked like the “wrong” adopter on paper:
- No stable income
- Living with parents
- No long-term history as a pet owner
And the dog she wanted to adopt had significant medical needs.
Most shelters would have said no.
But someone gave her a chance.
“I don’t think I would be the person I am today if I had accepted that no.”
That one act of compassion sparked a 20-year career helping animals and communities across the country.
It’s also a reminder that:
Applications don’t always tell the full story.
The Industry Is Shifting From Judgment to Support
One of the strongest themes in this episode is how animal welfare has evolved.
Years ago, many shelters focused mainly on intake and adoption. Today, more organizations are asking:
How can we help pets stay in homes instead?
That shift changes everything.
Instead of simply accepting a surrender, shelters can now offer:
- Food assistance
- Medical support
- Behavior resources
- Training guidance
- Emergency funding
- Foster alternatives
“We want you to keep your animal. What can we do to help you?”
For Dooberteers and shelters alike, this is the future of animal welfare:
Prevention, retention, and partnership.
Good Work vs. Impactful Work
One of the most powerful moments in the conversation came when Jakie reflected on advice from a mentor:
“We’re doing good work, but how can we make impactful work?”
That question challenges organizations to think beyond daily operations.
Impactful work means:
- Solving root causes
- Preventing surrender before it happens
- Building long-term trust
- Creating systems that reduce future crisis
For example:
Instead of simply accepting returned puppies, shelters can offer:
- Free training support
- Behavioral guidance
- Realistic expectation counseling
- Ongoing adoption resources
Sometimes one conversation can save a placement—and a life.
Foster and Dog Day Out Programs Create New Opportunities
Nebraska Humane Society’s “Parks and Rec” program is a perfect example of innovation in action.
Instead of requiring full adoption commitments, community members can:
- Take dogs on outings
- Host short-term sleepovers
- Participate in multi-day staycations
These programs:
- Reduce shelter stress
- Provide valuable behavior insights
- Increase visibility for dogs
- Help potential adopters test compatibility
And the impact goes beyond the animals.
One participant later shared that spending time with a shelter dog during a difficult mental health moment changed the course of their life.
“You never know what another individual might be going through.”
That’s the power of human-animal connection.
Assume Positive Intent
One of the biggest leadership lessons Jakie shared is simple—but transformative:
“Assume positive intent.”
People surrendering animals may be:
- Overwhelmed
- Financially struggling
- Emotionally exhausted
- Facing housing instability
- Trying everything they can before asking for help
Meeting them with judgment closes doors.
Meeting them with compassion creates solutions.
For organizations, this mindset helps:
- Build stronger community relationships
- Reduce conflict
- Increase trust
- Improve outcomes for pets and people alike
Animal Welfare and Human Welfare Are Connected
Jakie also discussed how shelters are increasingly recognizing the overlap between animal welfare and social services.
Nebraska Humane Society is even exploring having an on-site social worker to better support:
- Community members
- Staff wellbeing
- Crisis intervention
- Emotional support services
This reflects an important industry shift:
Helping animals often means helping people too.
What This Means for Dooberteers
Whether you foster, volunteer, transport, or advocate, you are helping build the bridge between shelters and communities.
You help by:
- Creating safe spaces for animals
- Supporting overwhelmed pet owners
- Connecting underserved communities to resources
- Showing compassion during difficult moments
Sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is simply say:
“How can I help?”
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear the full conversation with Jakie Hernández and learn more about trust-building, community engagement, and the future of animal welfare?
Watch on YouTube:
Listen for the audio versions:
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters, transporters, and animal organizations work together to save lives every day.
Visit Doobert.com to get involved, volunteer, foster, or transport animals in need.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Top Dog Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.