A conversation with Meridith Perry, who inherited a Mississippi animal shelter on the brink of collapse. When she took over, the facility was broke, dangerously underequipped, bound by strict city intake contracts, and trapped in a legacy of long-term warehousing. Worse, the local community had no idea how dire the situation really was. In just two and a half years, Meridith completely turned the tide, transforming it into a high-functioning, community-first shelter. In this episode, she opens up about navigating those grueling structural shifts, learning to trust her gut, and leveraging her marketing background to save the shelter and its animals.

To learn more about the animal crisis in the US and find resources and solutions for shelters and rescues, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org.

Subscribe to this podcast and to the blog found on our website for more stories and solutions. We believe that together we CAN let the dogs out.

In this eye-opening episode of Who Will Let the Dogs Out?, co-founder Cara Achterberg tackles the escalating animal crisis with raw honesty and a glimmer of hope. While shelters innovate with new foster models, pet retention programs, and spay/neuter funding, a deeper issue is dragging true animal welfare backward. Cara boldly exposes how the standard "90% live-release rate" for no-kill status has been misinterpreted. This single metric has accidentally incentivized dangerous shelter practices, leaving countless dogs stranded on the streets or trapped in endless kennel confinement.

It is time to look past the numbers and rebuild a system that offers real, responsible lifesaving care.

Cara shares her own questions about what is happening in our shelters now, plus practical ideas to bring real change that fixes our crisis for good.

Episode on Post Adoption programs referenced on this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5nxGFnRFix9rgcZjqEL23G?si=UgebR67eT3OQiW105x8eng

For more information visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

A brief episode explaining why we visit animal shelters, what our purpose is, and what happens when we go there - and afterward.

For more information, visit

WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

If you have questions or would like to suggest a shelter we should visit, contact Cara@WWLDO.org

Shelters and rescues all over the country are overwhelmed. Our stray population is growing. More dogs are being surrendered. More dogs are being killed. Adoptions have slowed. Transports have slowed. And yet, some national animal welfare organizations say things are getting better. It's time for a frank conversation about the situation.

To learn more about us, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org.

This episode dives into the critical pieces of veterinary access and community engagement for shelters and rescues. This is the second half of the chapter on Solutions and it's packed with ideas for programs and practices to help your organization engage your community, as well as, creative solutions to the struggle for veterinary access in the south.

Learn more or get your copy of the book at:

https://whowillletthedogsout.org/who-will-let-the-dogs-out-stories-and-solutions/

Have an idea for a podcast topic? Email Cara (cara@wwldo.org)

Why do volunteers matter and why truly great shelters have them at the heart of their program. This episode offers inspiration and practical ideas for developing a volunteer program at your animal shelter or rescue.

Learn more at:

WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Cara Achterberg, cofounder of Who Will Let the Dogs Out, shares the new program, InstaSnip, for easy and accessible spay and neuter funding available to our shelter partners and to anyone.

To learn more about our work, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

With questions or to talk more about this idea, contact Cara (cara@wwldo.org)

If you're one of our shelter partners and would like to participate in InstaSnip, contact Patty@wwldo.org.

The first half of chapter five of Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues shares stories of leaders who are finding ways to save lives. Includes actionable ideas for putting in place right now and inspiration for leaders.

Click here for more information on Who Will Let the Dogs Out, what we do and how we help shelters.

Click here to purchase a copy of the book, Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues (or look for it on Amazon)

We just completed a shelter tour of six shelters and rescues in North Carolina and Georgia. Here's what happened, who we visited, and what we learned.

To read the blog post this episode is based on (and see pictures of the places we visited), click here.

To learn more about us and the work we do, visit our website:

www.WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

This is the fourth chapter from the book, Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues.

Learn more or get a copy for yourself at:

Who Will Let the Dogs Out

Traveling to shelters and rescues is the basis for all of our work. Here's why we do it and why it's so important.

If you'd like to learn more about Who Will Let the Dogs Out, visit our website: https://whowillletthedogsout.org/

If you'd like to donate to our Shelter Tour Fund, click here.

If you'd like to inquire about sponsoring one of our tours, contact Cara Achterberg (cara@wwldo.org)

This is the third chapter in our book, Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues read for you by the author.

To purchase a copy (or one for a shelter or rescue), click here.

If you are a shelter or rescue, you can request your free copy by contacting Cara@wwldo.org.

To learn more about the work we do visit:

www.WhoWillLetheDogsOut.org

What happens when our "save them all" slogans collide with the heartbreaking reality of underfunded, overwhelmed animal shelters? After visiting over 200 shelters and hearing from thousands of workers on the brink of collapse, Cara pulls back the curtain on the "Impossible Task" we’ve handed our shelter staff.

In this episode, we dive deep into the two worlds of animal welfare: the public advocates demanding change and the exhausted workers just trying to survive the day. We’re moving past the "us vs. them" headlines to explore why public shaming is failing our animals, what shelter staff really need when they say they need "everything," and how a simple shift from judgment to involvement can actually solve the crisis. Whether you’re a frustrated advocate or a burnt-out rescuer, this is a raw, honest look at why we must start saving the people who save the animals. If you've ever felt like the system is failing, this conversation will show you exactly how to help fix it.

To learn more, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Our visit to Memphis Animal Services was eye-opening. It's a tough situation and thankfully a lot of people are working to change that.

You can read the blog post that shares pictures and specifics about our visit here.

If you want to donate to Team Memphis, the incredible network of people working SO hard to save lives from the Euthanasia List, click here.

If you'd like to help my foster dog, Wishbone, who was rescued from the streets of Memphis, and all my other Memphis fosters, you can donate to XPort Paws.

To learn more about Who Will Let the Dogs Out, visit us or donate at WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org.

You can learn more about Cara, her foster work, books, writing and all the places you can find her on social media here.

The second chapter in our book, Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues shares thoughts on the words 'no-kill' - what the original concept was for the no-kill declaration/movement and how it has been misinterpreted by the general public and shelters/rescues.

You can learn more about the book and/or order a copy at WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Who Will Let the Dogs Out is a 501(c)(3) Non profit that raises awareness and resources for homeless dogs and the heroes who fight for them.

This was our second visit to this dog pound in rural Tennessee. Find out what life is like in this Carroll County dog pound in February 2025.

You can see a written version of this visit on our website:

https://whowillletthedogsout.org/improve-huntingdon-animal-shelter/

If you'd like to shop for the dogs at the pound, visit the Amazon Wishlist of the Rescue Sisters: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/PJNCLWF7JULL

And if you'd like to support the two organizations currently saving dogs from the pound, visit:

RARE Rescue: https://www.rarerescue.org/

CASA Transport: https://www.casatransport.org/

You can reach Cara at Cara@wwldo.org

Learn more about Who Will Let the Dogs Out: https://whowillletthedogsout.org/

This is the first chapter of Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues written by Cara Achterberg.

The chapter is titled A Few Definitions and shares the unofficial definitions that may be helpful in reading the book.

For more information about the book and/or to order a paper copy, click here or visit www.WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

To contact Cara, email Cara@WWLDO.org

There are too many animals in our shelters and the number of animals dying in our shelters has gone up for three straight years (after going down for decades). One of the reasons for this is the practices of 'Managed Intake' and 'Community Sheltering." Both policies were developed with the goal of saving animals, but the way they are being implemented in many shelters is actually driving our current crisis.

To learn more about our work, visit WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org.

You can contact Cara at Cara@wwldo.org

Until we have an audio version, we will be publishing the book in podcast episodes for those of you who would prefer to listen rather than read (or you spend long hours on transport vans!).

What book is this, you ask??? Read on, friend....

Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues

Our animal shelters are overwhelmed—and the suffering of dogs is undeniable. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Who Will Let the Dogs Out, Cara Achterberg offers an urgent call to action and a blueprint for transforming shelters into true community resources that save both animals and the people who care for them.

Through over 150 visits to shelters across the US and conversations with hundreds of dedicated professionals—animal control officers, shelter and rescue directors, advocates, veterinarians, and volunteers—Achterberg sheds light on the crisis facing shelters today. But more than just exposing the challenges, she offers real, actionable solutions.

This book is not just for shelter staff and advocates—it’s for anyone who believes in the power of change. Who Will Let the Dogs Out is a primer for those new to the cause, an invitation to get involved, and a source of inspiration for those already working tirelessly to save lives. With stories of successful shelters, innovative strategies, and the key ingredients for success—strong leadership, veterinary access, and community engagement—it’s a celebration of what’s working and a call to scale those solutions nationwide.

Achterberg’s passionate belief in the possibility of change is contagious, and her unwavering commitment to the cause makes this a must-read for anyone who wants to make a real difference. Together, we can stop the suffering and help the dogs—and the people—who need us most.

We want this book to drive a new conversation about how our shelters can become sustainable places that nurture the animals and become a beloved community resource. Our team is seeking opportunities to give presentations, do Q&As, and/or a book signing.

Available free to shelters and rescues. Email Cara@wwldo.org with name/shelter name/address.

Available to the general public via the website (whowillletthedogsout.org), Amazon, and to other retailers on consignment.

For more information, contact: Cara@wwldo.org

Who Will Let the Dogs Out goes beyond just raising awareness—it presents practical, achievable ways that every community can transform its shelter system to save lives. Whether you're a seasoned rescuer or a compassionate animal lover, this book will inspire you to be part of the solution. -C.J. English, author of Rescue Matters.

Who Will Let the Dogs Out is the perfect balance of heartbreaking and hopeful, underscored by the knowledge that things can get better for dogs in need if we pitch in and work together. Achterberg's well-researched book doesn't flinch from the harsh realities of the shelter world, but counters the darkness with a road map that can bring about positive change for the animals (and people!) trapped in the shelter system. A must-read for anyone who loves dogs and wants to make a difference. -Victoria Schade, author of Who Rescued Who

https://linktr.ee/whowillletthedogsout

For more information visit:

WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

In this episode, I talk with Suzy Hollenbach of All 4s Rescue League in Memphis. We talk about how the HAAS model of sheltering being embraced by Memphis Animal Services and others, while excellent in theory, is creating a crisis of loose dogs in the city. All 4s has encountered packs of dogs roaming the city endangering not only themselves as so many are being hit by vehicles, but also the people of Memphis, particularly in the under-resourced areas.

Learn more about All 4's Rescue League, click here.

Click here to learn more about the HASS (Human Animal Support Services).

And to learn more about Who Will Let the Dogs Out, click here.

Community engagement is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to creating a shelter that is sustainable, successful, and saving every savable animal. Cara shares ideas for how any shelter can engage their community and help them see their shelter as an important part of their community offering not only animals for adoption and a safe place for unwanted animals, but as a resource for pet owners, a place to volunteer and meet other animal lovers, and a place where they want to donate their time and the money.

Mentioned in this episode:

Moore County Citizens Pet Responsibility

Kids 4 Paws (a program of WWLDO):

WWWLDO Resource Guide Community Engagement Ideas

If you've got other ideas for community engagement not mentioned in this episode, email us at Info@WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Three elements that hold the key to making a municipal shelter a life-saving resource for its community.

Referenced in this podcast:

Dr. Kim Sanders, Anderson County PAWS

Moore County Citizens Pet Responsibility Committee

Special thanks to Connor Civatte for the original music used at the begining/end of each episode.

For more information on Who Will Let the Dogs Out, visit our website or our linktree to learn more.

Have you ever been to a dog pound? Join me on my first trip to a dog pound in western Tennessee. 

The dog pound in this episode is the Huntingdon dog pound in Carroll County, Tennessee. It is run by dog catchers employed by the city of Huntingdon. The person ultimately responsible for this situation is the mayor of Huntingdon, which means that the citizens who vote for him are also responsible.

To date, multiple rescue organizations have tried to force change, including the Nashville Humane Association and the Humane Society of the United States, and yet nothing has changed. When NHA visited, they took all of the dogs back to their facility. Sadly, one of the dogs was in such bad shape that it died before they could offer treatment.

This situation MUST change. If you know anyone in Huntingdon or Carroll County, or in Tennessee, please forward this podcast. Ask them to speak out and demand change. We can be the voice for those who have none.

To learn more and to get involved, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

The animal shelter world has shifted drastically since the pandemic, and we need to talk about the uncomfortable reality behind the headlines. In this episode, we share what we witnessed during our recent shelter tour—from the unintended consequences of the "No-Kill" label to the heartbreaking rise of animal warehousing.

We dive deep into why the animal crisis is worsening, exploring the ripple effects of veterinary shortages, housing instability, and the explosion of backyard breeding.

We also tackle the controversial policies of "managed intake" and "community sheltering," questioning if these national trends are truly saving lives or simply pushing the problem out of sight. Is keeping a dog in a kennel for years actually "sheltering," or is it something else?

Join us for a candid conversation about the difficult choices shelters face and why transparency is the only way forward.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The reality of "warehousing" and shelter stress.
• How the pandemic broke the spay/neuter system.
• The truth about the 90% No-Kill metric.
• The risks of community sheltering and managed intake.
• Why we can’t "adopt our way out" of this crisis anymore.

We want to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we solve this. Reach out to us on social media or email Cara directly at Cara@WWLDO.org.

Learn more about the work we do at WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Visit Corinth-Alcorn Animal Shelter in Mississippi where they are saving thousands of animals even as the roof falls in on them. A remarkable couple has led this shelter to save 12,000 dogs in the last nine years since taking over. With no real dog laws or public shelters, Mississippi is inundated with unwanted dogs and unplanned litters. Here is one bright spot that could use help to be even brighter.

For more information on Corinth-Alcorn Animal Shelter, click here. You can follow them on Facebook or purchase something for the shelter through their Amazon wishlist. 

To learn about the General's Quarters Inn Bed & Breakfast (mentioned in the podcast), click here.

Who Will Let the Dogs Out mission is to raise awareness and resources for shelters and rescues in our southern states. We are a non-profit initiative of Operation Paws for Homes (an all-breed animal rescue).

For more information on Who Will Let the Dogs Out, click here.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our blog to learn how you can help.

If you liked this podcast, be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts - and tell someone. We believe that dogs do not suffer and die in shelters because people don't care, but because they don't know.  Help us tell them.

Life and death decisions are made on a daily basis at MARL (Mississippi Animal Rescue League) in Jackson, MS which handles over ten thousand animals every year. They are the only 'open intake' shelter for a 100-mile radius. 

For more information on MARL, visit their website.

For more information on Who Will Let the Dogs Out, visit our site and follow our blog. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

You can find pictures of this episode and the blog post that inspired it, at Anger Won't Keep These Dogs From Dying.

A visit to a market in Mississippi where puppies and dogs are sold alongside Chinese-copy sunglasses, t-shirt closeouts, and pork rinds. 

for more information visit, WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org.

Travel with us on our rescue road trip to TN, MS, and MO. Our first stop was an unexpected one, but we're glad we made it. We stopped in Lebanon, Tennessee at the emergency shelter of Animal Rescue Corps. ARC rescues thousands of dogs from natural and man-made disasters using a massive army of volunteers from all over the country, smart practices, and just four paid staff members. You'll be amazed at what ARC is doing - we were! Maybe you'll be inspired to get involved with ARC too.

For more information on ARC, visit their website or Facebook page.

To read the story of our visit to ARC, visit WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org.

Please share this podcast and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Together we can let the dogs out!

Who Will Let the Dogs Out was born while I was traveling to gather stories for my book One Hundred Dogs and Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues which will be released July 7, 2020 from Pegasus Books and is available anywhere books are sold.

For more information on all my blogs and books, visit CaraWrites.com.

Introducing a new podcast to share stories of dogs and the heroes who fight for them. Travel with writer Cara Achterberg and photographer Nancy Slattery as we visit the shelters, rescues, and dog pounds where thousands of dogs suffer and sometimes die while waiting for adoption or rescue. Convinced the problem is not that people don't care but that they don't know, Who Will Let the Dogs Out seeks to share the stories that will inspire all of us to figure out how we can finally let all the dogs out.

To learn more about our mission and how YOU can help, visit WhoWillLetTheDogsOut.org.

The animal crisis in our country is growing every day. The solutions we've used for decades are helping us tread water but make no real progress. We need new solutions. Here's one!

Cara shares four ways to have a Post Adoption Program that helps adopters, dogs, and shelters/rescues. Plus 7 ways why you need to start doing post adoption programs on some level NOW.

Visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org to learn more about the work we do.

To reach care, email Cara@WWLDO.org

Utilizing local businesses and organizations can be a shelter's superpower when it comes to engaging its community. Here are five ways to invite them to help you, not only find the supplies and resources you need, but to get dogs (and cats) into homes faster, and create strong advocates who will make the shelter a beloved resource.

To learn more about our work, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Have thoughts about shelter or rescue work or the animal crisis in the US? Reach out. Cara@WWLDO.org

We just got back from our latest shelter tour. We've now made more than 200 visits to shelters in 16 states, yet I learn more with every tour. We were able to visit some remarkably successful shelters on this tour and I'm going to share 7 key takeaways from the places that are succeeding in not just saving lives but serving their communities.

To learn more about our work, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org.

Explanation of the difference between different types of shelters (municipal, nonprofit, regional), examples of some exemplary ones, and how they function, plus ideas for funding any kind of shelter.

This is Chapter Six of Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues.

This book is available on Amazon or through our website. Book sales enable us to give the book out for free to shelters and rescues.

If you have an idea for an episode or a guest, email Cara@wwldo.org.

For more information about our organization and the work we do, visit our website:

WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

Our mission is to raise awareness and resources for homeless dogs and the heroes who fight for them.

We just got back from a tour of shelters in southern states and some things were very clear. A shelter's intake practices can compound the crisis, but they can also force shelter leadership to make hard choices. This podcast shares some of what we saw and poses some of the questions we all need to ask if we want to solve our animal crisis.

for more information, visit WhoWillLettheDogsOut.org

The mission of Who Will Let the Dogs Out is to raise awareness and resources for homeless dogs and the heroes who fight for them.

Stronger Together is a program to bring together all the players: rescue and shelter employees, volunteers, and advocates, plus government officials and change makers to solve the animal crisis in their community. Here's what it's about and what happens at these free events and why we host them.

Free Registration for Memphis event on 10/25/25:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/stronger-together-west-tennessee

For more information on Who Will Let the Dogs Out, visit our website: https://whowillletthedogsout.org/