Animal Welfare Professionals

Hello! I work at a non-profit shelter that does employ a veterinarian. The only issue is that she is not a fan of the foster program (she says she doesn't trust foster homes) and is very against change. Despite this push-back, our foster program is still growing and doing well! However, I would like to introduce new ideas that could really help our shelter and the animals we take care of. I would like to know how others have dealt with similar situations in there shelters or rescues and how you overcame it? Or tips on how to approach our veterinarian in ways that will keep her open to the ideas we share. I know that not every idea is a winner but I would like to be able to discuss them without immediately being shut down. Thank you in advance for any insights or tips!

#FosterPrograms

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Kirsten Jones
Foster Coordinator
SPCA Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
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Hello, I have an issue presenting ideas to our veterinarian, not because she isn't open to new ideas, but simply because it's hard to find time to have meetings. I have found it easier to ask our executive director to set a meeting up with herself, the veterinarian, and myself. I know this is not the same situation, but maybe having a third party in the meeting with a higher status than the vet may help. 

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Erin Robinson
Foster Coordinator
Licking County Humane Society
OH
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I have found that sometimes fear of change is related to a fear of not being in control/anxiety. Not saying that's the case here, but if you can discern the underlying motivation for being resistance to change, it's a bit easier to create a plan that is tailored to your situation. Do you think your vet would be open to approaching it in the following manner: "I have some ideas that will save up to 25% more pets (have the potential impact in the initial ask, no one should be against saving more) and I'd like to bounce these ideas off of you (allowing for open discussion that they are in control of). Separately, you need to compile a possible list of possible objections and have an answer ready in the moment. For example, X idea means more work for me (vet); and as long as it's not a vet's task you have an answer for that such as; we can set up a volunteer or staff schedule and if there's a certain way you'd like for these things to be handled, we can write it down for staff/volunteers to handle so there is a standard. I would also suggest prioritizing ideas and then focusing on 1 or 2 ideas in baby steps so as not to overwhelm. I have also been know to just beg with let me try it for 12 weeks and if it doesn't work, we can go back to the former way or try something else. We've rarely had to go back to prior ways - after 12 weeks it's just the new normal and they see that the sky hasn't fallen. Good luck!

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Sandra Thomas
Vice President of Operations
The Oklahoma Humane Society
OK
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When I first came to my shelter, I met resistance to every idea.  "That's not the way we do things." "Because we've always done it this way."  I learned to position new ideas as "pilot projects" with a trial period after which we can always go back to "the way we've always done it."  Staff learned to trust that I wasn't just blowing up the old way.  A couple of times we did go back, or find a middle ground (notably in extending weekend hours.  We tried closing at 5pm, but no one came in between 4-5 for a month, so we pulled that back.)

If the veterinarian is resistant to medical changes, it would probably be helpful to demonstrate that respected veterinarians have already made the shift.

It's not always easy, but it's well worth continuing to promote growth!

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Johanna Humbert
Michiana Humane Society
Michigan City IN
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Hi Kirsten,

    Is this vet neurodivergent? Asking because struggling with change is a characteristic of neurodivergent humans and animal welfare attracts more neurodivergent humans than many other fields. If the vet is neurodivergent, you'll likely need to plan for a long transition time and lots of time spent talking about the proposed change and the potential you see in it as a idea before making any shifts. 

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Raven Tompkins
Feline Care Specialist
Humane Society of Southern Arizona
AZ
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