Kristen Hassen | Transforming Animal Shelters Through Leadership and Data
Kristen Hassen | Transforming Animal Shelters Through Leadership and Data
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In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Kristen Hassen, Founder and CEO of Outcomes Consulting, shares how she helped lead multiple large animal shelters to over 90% live release rates — proving that lifesaving change is possible when organizations challenge outdated systems.
After first entering animal welfare in the late 1990s, Kristen left the field due to the trauma of working in shelters with extremely high euthanasia rates. Years later, she returned with a new mission: changing the system from within.
“We don’t have to do it that way anymore.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of leadership and culture change. Kristen explains that improving outcomes is often less about the animals — and more about changing old mindsets and operational habits.
“The hardest work is changing people.”
Through data-driven decision making and a willingness to challenge outdated practices, Kristen helped organizations rethink everything from foster programs to adoption availability.
“If we decide we’re going to save them… we just do that.”
She also highlights the need for stronger professional development in animal welfare, encouraging leaders to learn from industries outside of sheltering and invest in management education.
“We need the skills to be successful.”
At its core, this episode is about building a future where animal welfare becomes more foster-centered, collaborative, and focused on keeping animals out of institutions whenever possible.
“We need to move from a shelter-centric model to a foster-centric model.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, and shelter professionals. Real change happens when leadership, compassion, and innovation come together to challenge what’s always been done.
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.