There is something truly special about working in animal welfare. We are connected by a shared purpose and an almost immediate sense of camaraderie. Whether at a conference, visiting a shelter, or meeting someone new to the field, I am always struck by how quickly we find common ground.
I feel fortunate to work alongside people driven by something bigger than themselves. I hear from professionals in other industries that they don’t experience the same sense of connection. In animal welfare, we unite around a shared mission, even when our roles and experiences differ. But are we extending that connection to the people and organizations we haven’t yet welcomed?
The Excitement of Something New
One of the things I enjoy most about this industry is meeting people bringing something new to the table. Whether it’s a startup with an innovative product, a business offering a fresh perspective, or someone from an entirely different background, I am genuinely excited to see what they might contribute.
How fortunate are we that people want to bring their knowledge, ideas, resources, and passion to animal welfare? Not everyone making a difference has spent years working in a shelter or Veterinary clinic. Some bring expertise in technology, business, construction, marketing, or fundraising. They may see solutions to challenges we’ve grown accustomed to navigating.
Yet our excitement about something new can sometimes be overshadowed by skepticism.
When Experience Becomes a Barrier
I’ll admit I’ve questioned whether someone who has never worked in a shelter can truly understand its challenges. I’ve also wondered whether a new business is genuinely invested in animal welfare or simply sees a lucrative opportunity. I don’t think these aren’t unreasonable questions because we know that experience matters. Shelter and Veterinary operations are complex, with limited resources, competing priorities, and challenges that are difficult to understand without firsthand experience.
But when does protecting the integrity of our work become a reluctance to welcome new perspectives?
It’s easy to rely on familiar vendors, established processes, and trusted relationships, especially when organizations are already stretched thin. Change takes time and energy however, if we want to continue improving animal care and supporting the people who provide it, we must make room for new ideas and the people behind them.
Experience Is Valuable, but It Isn’t the Only Perspective
I started my career working summers at a Veterinary hospital before entering the shelter world in a retail position, helping with adoptions and selling supplies. Since then, I’ve worked in shelter operations, Veterinary services, leadership, and consulting. These experiences have given me valuable knowledge that can only come from working directly in the field.
I believe it’s my responsibility to share what I’ve learned with people entering the industry. When someone brings a new idea or product, I can help them understand shelter operations, identify potential challenges, and connect their ideas with the needs of the people who will use them.
That doesn’t mean every idea will work or every product will meet every organization’s needs. It means being willing to have the conversation before deciding it won’t. Our experience should be a resource we share, not a gate we use to keep others out.
Extending the Benefit of the Doubt
Animal welfare has made meaningful progress in how we approach the people we serve. We increasingly recognize the importance of meeting adopters, pet owners, and people seeking affordable Veterinary care with understanding rather than judgment. A lack of resources or knowledge doesn’t mean someone lacks love or commitment to their animals.
I believe we should extend that same understanding to the people and businesses entering our industry. A new company isn’t necessarily less committed to animal welfare. Someone without shelter experience can still bring tremendous value and an unfamiliar idea shouldn’t automatically be considered a bad one.
Of course, we should ask questions and hold businesses accountable for understanding the organizations they serve. Welcoming new perspectives doesn’t mean abandoning our standards but it does mean approaching new opportunities with curiosity rather than immediately looking for reasons they won’t work.
Imagine inviting someone with a new product into a shelter, introducing them to animal care staff, and helping them understand the challenges firsthand. Imagine how much stronger their ideas could become when outside expertise meets firsthand industry experience. That’s where some of our greatest opportunities lie.
Building on What Makes Us Special
Our connections are one of animal welfare’s greatest strengths. We share knowledge, celebrate successes, and support one another through difficult times. But connection shouldn’t stop with the people we already know. It should extend to those finding their place in the industry, businesses exploring how they can contribute, and individuals who see a problem and want to help solve it.
I don’t expect us to agree on every idea or embrace every new approach. But I hope we can maintain the enthusiasm and generosity that make this industry so special.
We are fortunate to work alongside people motivated by something bigger than themselves. Let’s extend that same sense of connection to those just joining us. We may have different experiences, expertise, and approaches, but we can all contribute to a shared purpose.
What if the next great idea in animal welfare comes from someone we haven’t met yet?