The Animal Advocate

Everyone loves French Bulldogs. But behind those adorable bat ears and smushed faces lies a troubling reality: many of these dogs struggle to breathe every single day of their lives.

Host Penny Ellison, animal law professor and advocate, examines how selective breeding for appearance has created dogs predisposed to suffering—and what we can do about it.

In this episode, we explore:

What can animal advocates learn from the world of wine?

At first glance, the connection isn't obvious. One is associated with pleasure and tradition; the other with reducing suffering and changing law and policy. But the comparison turns out to be more revealing than it seems.

This episode examines what the world of wine understands about persuasion, patience, and human behavior—and what animal advocacy can learn from it. Not wine itself, but the way the wine world has learned how to invite people in, keep them engaged, and let interest deepen over time.

Do adoption fees really protect animals — or do they just make us feel better?

For years, many in animal welfare have believed that adoption fees act as a safeguard: if someone can't afford the fee, how will they afford the pet? Free adoptions, the argument goes, invite impulse decisions and bad outcomes.

In this episode, I explain why I once believed that too — and why I've changed my mind.

Drawing on my experience working directly with shelters, serving on the board of the Pennsylvania SPCA, and running programs that connect people and animals, I ex...

When a dog ends up in a taped-shut box outside a shelter, it's not a single-issue problem — it's a sign of how many pressures families and animals are facing right now.

In this episode, Penny shares why she set aside her planned topic to talk about the growing number of families forced to give up pets because they can't find or keep housing that allows them. Tangi's story illustrates what's happening across the country, and why advocates need to treat this as a housing issue just as much as an animal welfare issue.

In this ep...

Cruelty laws require pet owners to provide necessary veterinary care, but in many communities that care is financially or geographically out of reach—and the law offers no workable way to address that gap.  In this episode, I examine what happens when statutes mandate "necessary veterinary care," but many communities face barriers such as high cost, lack of clinics, transportation challenges, or the absence of a veterinarian accepting new clients.

We cover:

Why inability—not unwillingness—to access treatment is often the real issue

How veterinary deserts, clinic shortages, and transportation barriers shape outcome...

Declawing isn't a nail trim—it's the amputation of the last bone of each toe. In this episode, I break down what the procedure involves, the states banning it, and what advocates should know about the growing movement to end it.

We cover:

What declawing is—and why it's far more invasive than most owners realize

Documented health impacts: chronic pain, nerve damage, back problems, and behavioral changes

Why declawed cats bite more often, and how that affects human health

The seven states that have enacted statewide bans, plus pend...

Rising rents and restrictive housing policies are forcing more families to surrender beloved pets to shelters—a heartbreaking choice driven by systemic issues. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are often seen as a lifeline, but confusion abounds about what ESAs truly are, how they differ from service animals, and what rights pet owners actually have.

Animal law expert Penny Ellison breaks down the legal realities, dispels myths, and arms advocates with the tools to support families facing housing crises.

In this episode, we explore:

The critical differences between emotional support animals (ESAs) and ADA-defined se...

Think you need a law degree or years of experience to pass animal protection laws? Suzanne Gonzalez started Pennsylvania Voters for Animals with no legislative background and helped pass a comprehensive pet sales ban in Easton, PA. Host Penny Ellison shares their step-by-step blueprint that any group of committed advocates can replicate.

In this episode, we explore:

Over 400 cities, counties, and several U.S. states have banned or restricted retail pet sales—but why does it matter to animal welfare and shelter overcrowding? Host Penny Ellison, animal law professor and advocate, examines how laws targeting commercial pet stores are making a difference and what every animal lover needs to know.

In this episode, we explore:

How the retail pet store supply chain enables irresponsible, large-scale breeding operations—and why regulation struggles to keep up

Why retail sales bans target the pipeline that moves puppies from "puppy mills" to store shelves, wher...

Over the past decade, Delaware has altered more than 40,000 pets and vaccinated over 31,000 animals against rabies through a single coordinated program. They've achieved a 90% save rate across their shelter system. How? By creating a centralized Office of Animal Welfare that coordinates everything from lost pets to cruelty investigations to subsidized spay neuter programs.

Host Penny Ellison interviews Joanna Miller, Deputy Director of Delaware's Office of Animal Welfare, and Melody Purdy, the Spay and Neuter Program Coordinator. They reveal how Delaware consolidated fragmented animal services under one state office—and why this model is working so well that ot...

When animal advocates face criticism, burnout, and tough ethical choices, how can they stay effective and inspired? In this episode of The Animal Advocate, I pay tribute to the legendary Dr. Jane Goodall by exploring five powerful advocacy lessons we can all apply—no matter where we are in our advocacy journey.

Discover how Jane's optimism, strategic messaging, belief in youth, holistic worldview, and coalition-building changed the world for animals and people. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the movement, you'll find ideas you can apply to carry forward Jane's legacy.

In this ep...

When animal advocates speak up—especially against powerful industry interests—they often face backlash.  To be effecive, advocates have to prepare to face criticism and retaliation and use ut to strengthen their resolve.

Dr. Crystal Heath is a shelter veterinarian, animal welfare advocate, and founder of Our Honor, a nonprofit working to expose and end systemic harms in animal care systems. Known for challenging unethical practices both within and outside her profession, Dr. Heath has faced criticism, professional retaliation, and outright misinformation campaigns. In this episode, she joins us to reveal how real progress for animals requires both...

When you find an injured stray dog in your neighborhood, who do you call? In many communities across America, the answer might surprise you: there's often no one officially responsible for helping. This creates dangerous gaps that leave both animals and people at risk.

Host Penny Ellison talks with Brian Hackett, Director of Government and Community Relations at Associated Humane Societies of New Jersey, about the uneven patchwork of animal control across the country. This continues our series exploring potential legislation that can move the needle for animals.  This week's focus: making local animal control services mandatory i...

When it comes to stray animals, barking dog complaints, and lost pets, why do some towns seem to run efficient shelters while others barely cover the basics? The answer reveals a surprising patchwork of animal control models—and the role advocates can play in making them better.

Host Penny Ellison breaks down how animal control really works, the difference between animal control and animal sheltering, and makes the argument that animal control should be considered an essential government function.  This is the second in our series exploring potential legislation that can move the needle for animals: making loc...

Guest: Dr. Lauren Hughes, Heal House Call Veterinarians

When veterinary costs skyrocket and transportation becomes impossible, pets suffer and families face heartbreaking surrender decisions. But what if the solution is already in your pocket?

Dr. Lauren Hughes has practiced veterinary medicine across six states and seen firsthand how barriers to care harm animals and families. Now she's taking a different approach—bringing veterinary care directly to people's homes and, when allowed, she's used telehealth to reach those who can't afford traditional clinic visits.

In this episode, we explore:

Millions of pet owners can't access basic veterinary care—not because vets don't want to help, but because a single legal requirement blocks the technology that could help them connect with each other. What if removing one outdated rule could transform pet healthcare overnight?

In this episode, we expose how Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) laws and policies create artificial barriers that keep telehealth from reaching the communities that need it most. While human medicine embraces virtual care, veterinary regulations lag behind, forcing pet owners to choose between expensive emergency visits and watching their animals suffer.

You'll le...

Fighting Puppy Mills Through Youth Activism and "Samson's Law"

After our last episode on cracking down on backyard breeders struck a nerve online, we're diving deeper into solutions with Steve Hughes, founder of Pets in Danger and Youth4Animals. Steve shares how he's mobilizing middle school, high school, and college students to combat the puppy mill pipeline through education and legislative advocacy.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

Every year, 6.5 million animals enter U.S. shelters while countless puppy ads flood Craigslist and Facebook. What if the solution isn't chasing individual breeders, but regulating the platforms that enable them?

In this episode, we explore a revolutionary three-part regulatory framework that transforms online advertising platforms from passive enablers into active enforcement partners. Instead of playing whack-a-mole with hidden backyard breeders, this systems approach creates economic incentives that make unregistered breeding unprofitable.

You'll learn:

Are our wildlife laws failing animals until it's too late? In this episode of The Animal Advocate, Penny Ellison reveals how crisis-based conservation puts entire species and ecosystems at risk, discusses staggering declines in birds and biodiversity, and shares how we can flip the script to foster abundance. Discover proven solutions, real-life success stories, and practical steps you can take to help save wildlife—starting locally. Preserve biodiversity and make a difference for future generations. #WildlifeConservation #AnimalAdvocacy #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalProtection

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
 Why our approach to wildlife protection is fundamentally flawed.

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Have you ever wondered what really happens to lions, tigers, and bears after backyard breeders and shady roadside zoos are finally shut down? Who steps in for these animals when the authorities seize them?

In this episode, host Penny Ellison sits down with Bobbi Brink, the founder and director of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary—a GFAS-accredited sanctuary that offers rescued wild animals a second chance at a real life. Bobbi pulls back the curtain on the underworld of wildlife trafficking, exposes the sham "sanctuaries" that are little more than roadside attractions, and shares incredible stories of re...

In this episode, host Penny Ellison exposes the $15 billion exotic pet industry and its hidden costs. From 17.6 million exotic animals kept as pets in American homes to over 3,000 roadside zoos offering dangerous wildlife encounters, Penny examines the risks to both animals and humans while exploring the patchwork of laws meant to regulate this massive trade.

Episode Highlights:

In this practical episode, host Penny Ellison speaks with Megan, a dedicated volunteer with 17 years of experience at the Pennsylvania SPCA. They explore how to overcome the intimidation of volunteering at animal shelters and the various ways anyone can make a meaningful difference in shelter animals' lives.

Episode Highlights:

In this thought-provoking episode, host Penny Ellison explores two transformative approaches reshaping animal sheltering: managed intake and community sheltering. Penny examines how shelters are addressing the fundamental challenge of having more animals than available homes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Rethinking Broken Animal Shelter Systems: Understanding why traditional shelter models aren't working and the mathematical reality of "live release rates"

05:52 Revolutionizing Shelter Intake Management: How appointment-based sheltering creates breathing room for staff and potentially better outcomes for animals

07:15 Rethinking Animal Shelter Capacity: Insights from UC Davis's "Capacity for Care" model and how national organizations...

Animal shelter advocate  and founder of Who Will Let the Dogs Out Cara Achterberg shares insights from visits to 150+ shelters, discussing rising dog euthanasia rates and approaches used at successful facilities. Hear her perspective on "managed intake" and "community sheltering" concepts, plus practical ways to help homeless pets through fostering, volunteering, and advocacy. Whether you're new to animal advocacy or experienced, discover strategies to support your local animal shelter and help reduce euthanasia rates in your community. #ShelterDogs #AnimalAdvocacy #PetAdoption

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

03:13 Cara's Journey: Fostering Dogs to Advocate for Shelter Dogs and T...

Lost your dog? Learn about the critical first 24 hours, legal shelter hold periods, and prevention strategies that reunite families with their pets. Real stories and actionable advice for pet owners.

Lost Dog Recovery: Legal Timelines & Prevention Strategies That Save Lives

Every year, millions of dogs go missing, and the first 24 hours are critical for recovery. In this episode, we break down exactly what to do if your dog goes missing, how the shelter system works legally, and prevention strategies that could save your pet's life. We also share the powerful story of Polo, who was...

Welcome back to The Animal Advocate, where we're your go-to resource for turning empathy for animals into tangible advocacy. We've been busy behind the scenes creating fresh content, and we're excited to share some changes to our podcast format. Alongside our regular episodes, we'll be bringing you insightful interviews with those on the frontline of animal protection, such as shelter directors and legislative advocates, to inspire and guide your advocacy journey.

In today's episode, we're diving into dog breed discrimination in housing. Many families face the heartbreaking decision of choosing between their homes and their b...

This episode of focuses on changing the narrative around pit bulls. Host Penny Ellison discusses how pit bulls have become unfairly demonized, similar to how other breeds like German Shepherds and Dobermans were stigmatized in the past. She explains that "pit bull" isn't actually a specific breed but a catch-all term for several breeds and mixes. Pit bulls make up 30-60% of shelter dogs and have longer stays and are much more likely to die in shelters than dogs with other breed labels.  Major challenges include overbreeding, negative stereotypes, lack of access to veterinary care, and breed-specific legislation.  Research sh...

Welcome back to "The Animal Advocate," your guide to transforming your compassion for animals into meaningful action. In our latest episode, we examine shelter overpopulation and explore one way to reduce intake: spay and neuter programs. With over 6.5 million animals entering shelters in 2023 alone, many from unplanned litters, we examine whether mandatory spay and neuter laws are the answer or if there's a more effective approach.

Join host Penny Ellison, a seasoned animal law expert, as she breaks down the challenges, such as the financial and logistical barriers pet owners face and presents successful models from across...

In this episode of The Animal Advocate, we dive into animal sheltering. Learn about the different types of shelters - from municipal facilities to private SPCAs to foster-based rescues - and understand their unique roles, challenges, and contributions to animal welfare. We explain how these organizations work together as an ecosystem to serve animals and communities, while addressing common misconceptions and criticisms of shelters. The episode includes practical guidance on evaluating local shelters and ends with actionable steps for listeners to become more informed animal advocates in their own communities.

(2:32) Online cr...

Dog breeding is a controversial topic that affects both animal welfare and consumer protection. In this episode of The Animal Advocate, we explore the complex landscape of dog breeding operations, from well-intentioned breeders who prioritize their dogs' health and well being to problematic puppy mills and backyard breeders focused purely on profit.    The episode delves into federal regulation under the USDA, varying state laws, and enforcement challenges that allow many breeding operations to continue despite violations. Whether you're concerned about breeding facilities in your area or know someone considering a puppy from a breeder, Penny provides crucial guidance on identifying re...

All 50 states have basic protections for pets like dogs and cats, but the details of these laws can vary widely. That's why understanding the laws in your state is crucial for becoming an effective animal advocate! In this episode of The Animal Advocate, Penny takes a deep dive into the specifics of state animal cruelty laws. She breaks down what these laws cover, how they differ across states, and the penalties for offenders.

Penny discusses the specific requirements for essentials like shelter, food, and veterinary care. She also explains how stronger, more detailed laws can make a...

Welcome to the first episode of The Animal Advocate podcast! Today, your host Penny Ellison breaks down the top 10 areas of animal protection laws at each level of government – federal, state, and local. From understanding exactly what the Animal Welfare Act covers to learning why local ordinances can sometimes be more effective for animal advocates than state laws, you'll gain valuable insights into the legal framework of animal welfare.

Penny discusses crucial topics such as anti-cruelty statutes, local animal control regulations, and farm animal welfare laws while providing actionable strategies for getting involved today. If you're passionate ab...

Welcome to The Animal Advocate, the podcast for animal lovers who want to become effective animal advocates. Whether you want to start your own nonprofit, inspire your community to adopt more animal-friendly practices, or push for legislative change, this podcast is here to arm you with the knowledge and inspiration you need.

With over 20 years of experience in animal law and advocacy, your host, Penny Ellison, is a long-time devoted animal advocate. From teaching Animal Law and Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania Law School to serving on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania SPCA and...