
The Open Sanctuary Podcast
Do you work at an animal sanctuary or rescue? Is it your dream to start one? Join the staff of The Open Sanctuary Project as we have accessible conversations about some of the many important topics affecting sanctuaries and compassionate animal care, including species-specific guidance and sanctuary logistics, staff and volunteer support, governance considerations, fundraising and budgeting, public outreach, and effective humane education strategies! For more information and to access our extensive free resource library, including how-tos, courses, free tools, templates, and downloads, check out OpenSanctuary.org!
Questions, comments, or topic requests? Reach out via the form at OpenSanctuary.org/contact
Want to support our work with a donation? Head to OpenSanctuary.org/donation
Latest episodes

Nov 20, 2024 • 25min
34 - Adoption Program Considerations For Animal Sanctuaries
Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss the cases for and against adoption policies at your animal organization and the considerations you must consider when implementing one. We talk about vetting homes, the paperwork you should have in place, the templates we have to help you, and more! To learn even more about how your organization could potentially increase your capacity through adoption, listen to this episode! --- This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: A Forever Home? Adoption Program Considerations For Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Project's Sanctuary Resident Adoption Application Template | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Project's Sanctuary Resident Adoption Contract Template | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Project’s Sanctuary Resident Adoption Record | The Open Sanctuary Project The Microsanctuary Resource Center --- You can learn more about our organization here! You can send us a question, comment, or topic idea here! Want more Open Sanctuary Content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Want to support our nonprofit’s work? Donate here!

Nov 5, 2024 • 27min
33 - Three Helpful Tools For Administering Your Animal Sanctuary
Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss three administrative tools that are helpful (and in some cases necessary) for the effective administration of your animal organization: board bylaws, registered agents, and land surveys! --- This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Nonprofit Board Basics For Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project Board Resources For Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project The Animal Defense Partnership’s Model Bylaws Template | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Project’s Animal Sanctuary Board Member Job Description | The Open Sanctuary Project How Registered Agents Can Help Your Animal Organization | The Open Sanctuary Project What Is A Land Survey And How Can It Help Your Animal Organization | The Open Sanctuary Project Understanding Your Animal Sanctuary’s Zoning Rights And Restrictions | The Open Sanctuary Project Site Planning At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Animal Defense Partnership --- You can learn more about our organization here! You can send us a question, comment, or topic idea here! Want more Open Sanctuary Content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Want to support our nonprofit’s work? Donate here!

Oct 23, 2024 • 37min
32 - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education, Part Two
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Emily Tronetti, a contributor to the Open Sanctuary Project and an expert on farmed animal agency, shares valuable insights on fostering agency in sanctuary settings. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe environments and understanding individual animal comfort zones during educational interactions. Strategies for promoting resident agency without physical contact are explored, along with ways to enhance visitor experiences. Listeners can look forward to practical guides and thoughtful reflections on nurturing animal well-being.

Oct 10, 2024 • 30min
31 - Ten Questions To Ask Yourself Before Starting An Animal Sanctuary
Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss ten critical questions that you should ask yourself before you start a sanctuary! This resource is excellent for those new to the sanctuary movement and a helpful refresher for established sanctuaries and rescue organizations. It serves as a guide to some of the many considerations you will need to consider as you embark upon or continue to provide forever lifelong compassionate care to animals. Along the way, we will point you to our free resources, which will help you tackle these questions more easily! --- This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: So, You Want To Start A Farmed Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Project's 'So You Want To Start A Sanctuary' Brochure | The Open Sanctuary Project Estimating Species Lifetime Care Costs At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Recognizing And Managing Compassion Fatigue At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Recognizing And Preventing Burnout At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Determining Your Animal Sanctuary's Capacity For Responsible Care | The Open Sanctuary Project How To Create An Effective Rescue Policy For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Resources On Budgeting And Fundraising | The Open Sanctuary Project Fostering Positive Relationships Between Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project Resources On Volunteer And Worker Considerations | The Open Sanctuary Project Accuracy And Transparency: Two Critical Responsibilities Of Your Farmed Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project An Introduction To Educational Opportunities Well-Suited For Microsanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project The Microsanctuary Resource Center --- You can learn more about our organization here! You can send us a question, comment, or topic idea here! Want more Open Sanctuary Content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Want to support our nonprofit’s work? Donate here!

Sep 26, 2024 • 31min
30 - Resident Drinking Water Considerations At Your Animal Sanctuary
Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss the ins and outs of an essential sanctuary consideration: resident drinking water! Ensuring your residents receive the nutrients they require for their health and well-being is an essential aspect of animal care, but the importance of water and the logistics around providing it are sometimes overlooked. To learn about the nuances of drinking water considerations, including water testing, how to choose the best containers, and the potential impacts of weather, tune in! --- This Episode’s Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Resident Drinking Water Considerations At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Daily Diet, Supplements And Treats Resources By Species | The Open Sanctuary Project --- You can learn more about our organization here! You can send us a question, comment, or topic idea here! Want more Open Sanctuary Content? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Want to support our nonprofit’s work? Donate here!

Sep 12, 2024 • 20min
29 - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education, Part One
Join Dr. Emily Tronetti, an expert in farmed animal agency and contributor to The Open Sanctuary Project, as she discusses the vital role of fostering agency in sanctuary education. She shares insights on the challenges educators face while ensuring the well-being of animal residents. Through engaging visualization exercises, listeners reflect on their interactions with farmed animals like Billy the playful cow and wise Daisy. Dr. Tronetti emphasizes the importance of consent and autonomy, offering practical strategies to enhance educational practices.

11 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 26min
28 - Collaborating With Other Animal Organizations
This discussion highlights the power of collaboration among animal organizations to tackle common challenges. Effective communication and shared values are key to overcoming misunderstandings and building strong partnerships. The speakers delve into the importance of maintaining professionalism to avoid public disputes, enhancing reputations, and benefiting animals. They also address the emotional toll of online negativity, advocating for community support and resource sharing to strengthen advocacy efforts and improve relationships within the animal protection movement.

Aug 15, 2024 • 28min
27 - Introduction To Agency With Dr. Emily Tronetti
Dr. Emily Tronetti, a passionate contributor to The Open Sanctuary Project and expert in humane education and animal behavior, joins the conversation. They delve into the vital concept of agency for farmed animals, stressing the importance of recognizing their ability to make choices. With practical ways to foster agency in sanctuaries, Tronetti highlights the significance of consent in human-animal interactions. The discussion also covers tailored sanctuary practices that enhance animal well-being and encourages reflection on improving agency for sanctuary residents.

Aug 2, 2024 • 27min
26 - The Importance Of Observation In Animal Caregiving
Observation is a game-changer in animal caregiving. Caregivers learn to notice subtle behavioral cues for early health assessments. Unique insights into diverse species, like pigs and camels, showcase the challenges of understanding different needs. An emphasis on routine and keen observation helps catch health issues before they escalate. Regular health checks combined with attentive observation boost overall animal wellness. The discussion highlights practical tips for enhancing these essential caregiving skills.

Jul 18, 2024 • 31min
25 - Finding Good Information For Your Animal Organization
Tara, a Senior Advisor dedicated to compassionate animal care, and Julia, a Nonprofit Specialist focused on improving information sourcing, dive into the challenges of finding reliable resources for animal organizations. They discuss transparency in references and the role of AI in humane treatment. The duo also explores the complexities surrounding avian influenza and the ethical implications in animal care. They emphasize the need for credible sources and innovative strategies to protect animals, particularly in urban settings where predator threats loom.
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