The Foster Files - Stories about Animal Rescue and Welfare
On The Foster Files we are telling stories about adoptable animals and the people who save them. Our focus will be on highlighting adoptable animals while discussing the joys, struggles, highs and heartbreaks of choosing to foster animals in need. You can expect to hear about training, rehabilitating, adoption and rescue stories, and animal welfare issues and concerns all while learning about animals in your community who need a home. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next great love
Episodes
61 episodes
Animal Advocacy Academy - A Conversation with Penny Ellison
The animal welfare laws you think are "common sense" are often stalled by funding, enforcement gaps, and legislation most people never see. Penny Ellison breaks down where the system breaks - and the surprisingly practical ways advocates can ac...
Humane Action Pennsylvania - Natalie Ahwesh
Pennsylvania animal policy is quietly shaping what happens to wildlife, companion animals, and even survivors of domestic violence - and Natalie Ahwesh explains why the biggest wins come from education, enforcement, and smart legislation, not j...
Poison Control
One bad snack nearly became a $3,000 surgery - and Kelly turns the mistake into a lifesaving reminder for every dog owner. If you’ve ever tossed your pet a “harmless” treat without thinking twice, this episode could save you from a panic-filled...
At it again.....Kelly & Kayla Talking Toxic Language
Most animal lovers don’t realize that the stories behind fostering are more complex—and more urgent—than most realize. Kelly and Kayla Powers cut through the myths and misconceptions to reveal the harsh realities of animal rescue: why fostering...
Back to My Roots - A Conversation with the YCSPCA
Most animal shelters are fighting impossible odds — but what if the key to saving more lives isn’t just more resources, but a radical rethinking of how we see and manage pet populations? Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County SP...
A Satisfying End to Max's Foster Journey
Join Kelly and Michael as they share the emotional journey that transformed doubts into unwavering love and reveal the hidden joys that come with adopting a dog with behavioral scars. Perfect for pet lovers, rescue advocates, and anyone curious...
Healing a Broken Heart - A New Foster's Journey
Losing a beloved pet can feel devastating — and yet, for one woman, it became the catalyst to save even more lives. Susan never imagined she’d open her heart again so soon, but after Schuyler's sudden passing, she found an unexpected purpose in...
Setting Boundaries in Animal Welfare - Beyond Compassion Fatigue
This week's episode is a conversation Kelly had on the podcast, Beyond Compassion Fatigue: Make Your Passion for Helping Animals Sustainable with Jennifer Blough. This time she's the one being interviewed about the way she and her husband appro...
Heat Stroke
Kelly dives into the rapid temperature rise inside vehicles—just five minutes in an 85-degree day can turn a car into an oven dangerous enough to cause heatstroke or death. She reveals how even tinted windows and open vents do little to slow th...
What NOT to Say to Fosters
This solo episode uncovers the often-overlooked impacts of foster language on morale, public perception, and animal welfare. Kelly shares powerful insights from her own experiences and discusses common phrases like "keeping them" or "giving the...
SPECIAL EPISODE: Tragedy and The Fight to Ban Carriage Horses
The tragic death of a carriage horse in Central Park has ignited a fire under the fight to end NYC's horse-drawn industry—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With footage of the heartbreaking incident circulating widely, the urgent questi...
Director of No-Kill Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society
Most animal shelters are caught in a cycle of tragedy and miscommunication—until now. Tawny Hammond, Director of No Kill Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society, unveils a revolutionary approach that’s transforming shelters into lifesaving h...
Paws & Pints - An Adoption Event in Oakmont, PA
Recorded at the "Paws and Pints" event in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, it features interviews with representatives from various rescue organizations, including Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Biggie's Bullies, Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valle...
World Animal Protection
Most of us are unknowingly supporting a billion-dollar industry that's devastating the planet, exploiting countless animals, and harming human health — but Cameron Harsh reveals how a shift in awareness and action can tip the scales toward comp...
Animal Defense Partnership
When it comes to protecting animals, having the right legal foundation can be the game-changer your organization needs—but most nonprofits are flying blind when it comes to navigating regulations, governance, and funding challenges. Jaclyn Leed...
Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus - Senator Nick Pisciottano
Nick Pisciottano is a dedicated Pennsylvania state senator and animal advocate committed to bipartisan progress on animal welfare. His insights illuminate the often-hidden legislative process, empowering everyday advocates to be part of meaning...
How Can One Person Make Real Change Happen? A Conversation with Kimmi Rasky
Most people don’t realize that investing in prevention and retention can drastically reduce the number of animals entering shelters—and save lives. Kimmi Rasky shares her inspiring journey from fostering to building innovative programs that foc...
Just Leave Wolves Alone! A Conversation with the Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Join Kelly as she explores the fascinating world of gray wolves and wolf dogs at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Michelle Vanderneut shares incredible stories about wolf reintroduction, the importance of respecting their wild instincts, and the chall...
Meet Your Dog Where They Are, Not Where You Wish They Were
Most pet owners underestimate how quickly an incident can escalate when safety isn't a top priority. In this episode of The Foster Files, Kelly exposes the unseen risks that can turn a routine walk or playtime into tragedy—and what every animal...
Pup O'Clock - A Subscription Box for Kids with Two Legs & Four
Most kids are bored easily—and that's a problem for dogs and responsible pet ownership. But what if a subscription box could transform the way children connect with their furry friends?Enter Pup O'Clock, a revolutionary program that tur...
Pennsylvania Voters for Animals - A Conversation with Suzanne Gonzalez
Suzanne Gonzalez, president and co-founder of PAVFA, uncovers the nonprofit's innovative approach to reforming animal welfare through policy and politics. She shares how they’re leveraging bipartisan efforts, educational webinars, and direct en...
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary - A Conversation with Jesse Rothacker
Reptiles are more than just misunderstood creatures — they’re fascinating, social, and full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Jesse Rothacker of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary shares stories that will change how you see these oft...
Don't Look in The Freezer - A conversation with Patti Eddington
Most of us overlook the emotional complexity behind veterinary care—and that sacrosanct image of vets as heroes masks the human, loving, sometimes imperfect beings they truly are. Patti Eddington, a veterinarian’s wife and author of Don't L...
A Reminder to Care for Yourself So You Can Care for Others
This week the organization I work with lost an important member to suicide. This episode about Compassion Fatigue with Jennifer Blough is a great listen and can help you learn the tools you need to protect yourself in this hard and demanding wo...
The Hidden Connection Between the Welfare of People and the Welfare of Animals
Most animal advocates focus solely on habitats and laws — but understanding how political change happens can turn passion into real victories.In this episode, Ali Feldman Taylor, founder of Voters for Animal Rights, reveals the secret strat...