John Gerrard | Why Animal Welfare Needs More Disruptors
John Gerrard | Why Animal Welfare Needs More Disruptors
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In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, John Gerrard, President and CEO of Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, explains why the future of animal welfare depends on innovation. After spending decades in retail, sales, and marketing, John brought a business mindset into animal sheltering—questioning outdated processes and searching for smarter ways to help more animals find homes.
One of John’s most innovative ideas was adapting Shopify—the popular e-commerce platform—to power animal adoptions. By creating an online adoption experience that is faster, more intuitive, and less stressful for both adopters and animals, his team has significantly improved adoption outcomes.
“Let’s not be afraid of using technology in this sector.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that animal welfare needs more disruption. John believes shelters should challenge outdated systems, embrace new technology, and focus on creating better experiences for adopters, volunteers, fosters, and the animals in their care.
“The status quo is the enemy of our mission.”
John also shares the deeply personal moment that changed the course of his career. After missing an important milestone in his daughter’s life because of constant business travel, he realized success meant more than climbing the corporate ladder. That decision eventually led him into nonprofit leadership and, ultimately, animal welfare.
“I thought I was giving my family everything, but I was missing what mattered most.”
As a leader, John believes organizations succeed by empowering people rather than controlling them. He encourages staff to experiment, embrace failure as part of innovation, and spend time building meaningful relationships with the communities they serve.
“We have to empower people to make decisions.”
Throughout the conversation, John challenges shelters to think beyond traditional practices—from expanding foster care and embracing technology to measuring outcomes differently and advocating for systemic change.
“Think differently about how you work.”
At its core, this episode is about bold leadership, continuous innovation, and having the courage to rethink the way animal welfare has always been done.
“We need more visionary leaders who aren’t afraid to disrupt.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, shelter leaders, volunteers, and animal welfare professionals. Every new idea, thoughtful innovation, and willingness to challenge convention brings us one step closer to helping more animals find loving homes.
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.