EPISODE · Mar 25, 2026 · 46 MIN
Ep. 58 Quality of Life for Dogs, Staff and Adopters with Kelly Bollen
from Simplifying Shelter Behaviour · host Simplifying Shelter Behaviour
This episode explores the multidimensional concept of quality of life (QoL) within animal shelters, emphasising its impact not only on dogs, but also on staff and adopters. Framed through a behavioural welfare lens, the discussion highlights the interdependence between canine wellbeing, human experience, and organisational outcomes.For dogs, QoL is positioned as more than the absence of distress, encompassing the presence of agency, predictability, social choice, and opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviours.The episode also addresses staff wellbeing as a critical, often overlooked component of shelter QoL. High workloads, emotional labour, and ethical stressors, particularly around euthanasia and capacity pressures, are identified as key contributors to burnout and empathic strain. The importance of psychologically informed workplace practices is emphasised, including training in behaviour, clear decision-making frameworks, and fostering a culture of support, autonomy, and reflective practice.Adopters are considered the third pillar of QoL, with a focus on setting realistic expectations and supporting successful human–dog relationships post-adoption. The discussion highlights the role of transparent communication, behavioural matchmaking, and post-adoption support in reducing returns and improving long-term welfare outcomes.Across all groups, the episode advocates for a shift from throughput-driven models to welfare-centred decision-making. Data-informed approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous evaluation are presented as essential to sustaining improvements.About Kelly As the principal consultant for Kelley Bollen Consulting, LLC, Kelley works with animal welfare organizations to educate staff and volunteers about all things behavior to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in shelters.. Kelley has a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior, is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) and a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Kelley is a nationally recognized expert in the field of shelter behavioral care and has worked with animal welfare organizations for over 20 years. Linkshttps://www.kelleybollen.com/abouthttps://www.humanenetwork.org/animal-shelter-behavior-course
What this episode covers
This episode explores the multidimensional concept of quality of life (QoL) within animal shelters, emphasising its impact not only on dogs, but also on staff and adopters. Framed through a behavioural welfare lens, the discussion highlights the interdependence between canine wellbeing, human experience, and organisational outcomes.For dogs, QoL is positioned as more than the absence of distress, encompassing the presence of agency, predictability, social choice, and opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviours.The episode also addresses staff wellbeing as a critical, often overlooked component of shelter QoL. High workloads, emotional labour, and ethical stressors, particularly around euthanasia and capacity pressures, are identified as key contributors to burnout and empathic strain. The importance of psychologically informed workplace practices is emphasised, including training in behaviour, clear decision-making frameworks, and fostering a culture of support, autonomy, and reflective practice.Adopters are considered the third pillar of QoL, with a focus on setting realistic expectations and supporting successful human–dog relationships post-adoption. The discussion highlights the role of transparent communication, behavioural matchmaking, and post-adoption support in reducing returns and improving long-term welfare outcomes.Across all groups, the episode advocates for a shift from throughput-driven models to welfare-centred decision-making. Data-informed approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous evaluation are presented as essential to sustaining improvements.About Kelly As the principal consultant for Kelley Bollen Consulting, LLC, Kelley works with animal welfare organizations to educate staff and volunteers about all things behavior to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs in shelters.. Kelley has a Master's Degree in Animal Behavior, is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) and a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Kelley is a nationally recognized expert in the field of shelter behavioral care and has worked with animal welfare organizations for over 20 years. Linkshttps://www.kelleybollen.com/abouthttps://www.humanenetwork.org/animal-shelter-behavior-course
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Ep. 58 Quality of Life for Dogs, Staff and Adopters with Kelly Bollen
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