Christy Schilling | Keeping People and Pets Together in a Housing Crisis
Christy Schilling | Keeping People and Pets Together in a Housing Crisis
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In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Christy Schilling, Executive Director and Co-Founder of BetterTogether Forever, discusses how her background in social work helped shape a unique approach to animal welfare centered on prevention, resource navigation, and preserving the human-animal bond.
After years of working in both social services and animal rescue, Christy realized that many pets entering shelters weren’t there because their families wanted to give them up. Instead, people often lacked access to affordable housing, veterinary care, pet food, or other critical resources.
“We really need to look at prevention.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of keeping pets and people together before a crisis leads to surrender. Through programs like pet food assistance, veterinary support, emotional support animal assessments, and housing-related services, Better Together Forever helps families stay intact during difficult times.
“We really try to provide options.”
Operating in Los Angeles, where housing restrictions and rising costs create significant challenges for pet owners, Christy and her team work as connectors, helping people navigate complex systems and find resources they might not otherwise know exist.
“We bridge gaps. We connect people.”
She also emphasizes that animal welfare is about more than helping pets. By supporting the people who care for them, organizations can create stronger and more sustainable outcomes for entire families.
“When people suffer, pets suffer as well.”
One of the most inspiring aspects of Better Together Forever’s work is its focus on collaboration. Rather than trying to do everything themselves, the organization partners with veterinarians, shelters, nonprofits, and community groups to maximize impact and help as many families as possible.
“It’s definitely a collaborative effort.”
At its core, this episode is about compassion, prevention, and ensuring that families have somewhere to turn before they reach a breaking point.
“I just want people to know that everyone matters.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, volunteers, and animal welfare professionals. By focusing on prevention and support, we can help keep more pets where they belong — with the people who love 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.