The Open Sanctuary Podcast

Hosted by The Open Sanctuary Project

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Aug 2026

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About the show

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

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 6725 min

67 - Responding To Loose And Missing Residents At Your Animal Sanctuary

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss scenarios where caregivers must cope with a loose or missing resident. We cover three areas of focus when responding to a loose resident, discuss what to consider if you can't find a resident, and offer suggestions for what you can do before and after an event to best protect your residents! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Protocols For Loose And Missing Residents At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Understanding Flight Zone, Pressure Zone, And Point Of Balance In Sheep And Goats | The Open Sanctuary Project What Is A Resident's Flight Zone? | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide To Safely Catching Stray Birds For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue Part I: Supplies Helpful For The Safe Capture Of Birds | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide To Safely Catching Stray Birds For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue Part II: Planning For The Site And Strategizing Timing | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide To Safely Catching Birds For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue Part III: How Bird Type Or Species Can Impact Your Plans | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide To Safely Catching Stray Birds For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue Part IV: Capture And Handling | The Open Sanctuary Project Observation: An Important Caregiving Tool | The Open Sanctuary Project Observing And Recording Resident Behavior | The Open Sanctuary Project Resident Ongoing Treatment & Observation Record | The Open Sanctuary Project The Importance of Veterinary Care at Your Animal Sanctuary | 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 ! To become a Friend of the Open Sanctuary Project, donate $10 or more monthly here !

August 6, 2026Episode 6655 min

66 - "Five Things I Wish I knew" With Kim Sturla, Founder Of Animal Place

Julia, the Nonprofit Specialist at The Open Sanctuary Project, sits down with Animal Place Founder and Open Sanctuary Project Board Member Kim Sturla to continue our series sharing invaluable perspectives from leaders in the sanctuary and rescue world. In addition to founding Animal Place, Kim also served as Executive Director for a humane society, as well as the Education Director at Fund For Animals, and worked on many legislative campaigns to improve animal lives. Julia and Kim discuss five key points Kim wishes she had known before getting started in sanctuary and advocacy work- a conversation not to be missed! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: 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 Care Staff Retention At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project The Value of Staff Cross-Training At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Guide To Utilizing Shelter Shifts At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Creating A Strategic Plan For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Estimating Species Lifetime Care Costs At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project How To Develop A Fundraising Plan For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Choosing The Right Site For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Understanding Your Animal Sanctuary's Zoning Rights & Restrictions | The Open Sanctuary Project What Is A Land Survey And How Can It Help Your Animal Organization? | The Open Sanctuary Project Establishing Safe And Effective Quarantine And Isolation Protocols For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Determining Your Animal Sanctuary's Capacity For Responsible Care | 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 ! To become a Friend of the Open Sanctuary Project, donate $10 or more monthly here !

July 20, 2026Episode 6526 min

65 - The Golden Years: Senior Care Considerations at Your Animal Sanctuary

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss senior sanctuary residents. They talk about how aspects of senior care may impact sanctuary capacity, but also create opportunities for animal advocates to expand their narratives! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: The Golden Years: How An Aging Resident Population Can Impact Your Sanctuary's Capacity And Create Opportunities To Expand Your Narrative | The Open Sanctuary Project Celebrating Sanctuary Seniors: A Gallery Of Stories | The Open Sanctuary Project Observation: An Important Caregiving Tool | The Open Sanctuary Project Observing And Recording Resident Behavior | The Open Sanctuary Project Resident Ongoing Treatment & Observation Record | The Open Sanctuary Project The Importance of Veterinary Care at Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Building And Maintaining A Good Relationship Between Your Sanctuary And Veterinarians | The Open Sanctuary Project Fostering Positive Relationships Between Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project Determining Your Animal Sanctuary's Capacity For Responsible Care | The Open Sanctuary Project An Introduction To Fostering Agency In Farmed Animals At Your Animal Sanctuary | 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 ! To become a Friend of the Open Sanctuary Project, donate $10 or more monthly here !

June 25, 2026Episode 6432 min

64 - Don't Eat That! Foreign Body Ingestion At Animal Sanctuaries

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss how to take steps to prevent, recognize, and address foreign body ingestion by sanctuary residents. While every resident can be at risk of doing this, the degree of risk can vary, and there are action steps you can take to prevent it! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Don't Eat That! Preventing Foreign Body Ingestion At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Advanced Topics In Resident Health: Heavy Metal Toxicosis In Birds | The Open Sanctuary Project Sharing Your Home With Chickens | 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 ! To become a Friend of the Open Sanctuary Project, donate $10 or more monthly here !

June 12, 2026Episode 6356 min

63 - "Five Things I Wish I Knew" With Alastor Van Kleeck of Microsanctuary Resource Center

Julia, the Nonprofit Specialist at The Open Sanctuary Project, sits down with friend and colleague Alastor Van Kleeck to launch a new interview series dedicated to sharing the invaluable experience and knowledge of leaders in the sanctuary movement. Alastor is an advocate, writer, and educator who wears many hats in the rescue community. Alongside their partner Roz, Alastor founded Triangle Chicken Advocates in North Carolina—a sanctuary that cares for chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats while stewarding a mini-food forest for local wildlife. They also cofounded the Microsanctuary Resource Center (MRC), pioneering a new model for sanctuary by inspiring folks to rescue farmed animals using existing resources and building a vibrant community of activist-caregivers. In this episode, Julia and Alastor dive into a crucial topic for anyone navigating the highs and lows of animal advocacy: the five things Alastor wishes they knew when they first got started in rescue and sanctuary work. Whether you are a seasoned rescuer, a new sanctuary founder, or simply passionate about the movement, this deep dive into the lessons learned along the journey offers essential insights to help folks on the path to lifelong compassionate animal care. To read more from Alastor, visit microsanctuary.org and StrivingWithSystems.com . --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: What Does "Philosophy Of Care" Mean? | The Open Sanctuary Project Understanding Mission And Vision Statements For Your Animal Organization | The Open Sanctuary Project Fostering Positive Relationships Between Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project Determining Your Animal Sanctuary's Capacity For Responsible Care | The Open Sanctuary Project Creating An Effective Set Of Contingency Plans For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project How To Develop A Fundraising Plan For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project How To Raise Money For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Maintaining a Healthy Rooster Flock | The Open Sanctuary Project Additional Care Recommendations For Older Chickens | The Open Sanctuary Project Estimating Species Lifetime Care Costs At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide To Safely Catching Stray Birds For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Microsanctuary Resource Center Striving With Systems

May 28, 2026Episode 6224 min

62 - Fire Safety At Your Animal Sanctuary

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss a concerning but critical topic: fire safety at animal sanctuaries, a "stuff of nightmares" scenario we believe is essential for every caregiver to confront. We examine the sobering statistics on structure fires and common causes such as electrical issues and spontaneous hay combustion. We also share practical mitigation steps—from removing flammable cobwebs to coordinating with local fire departments—and emphasize the importance of practicing evacuation drills. Stick with us to get informed and protect your residents and caregivers! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Fire Safety At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Creating An Effective Set Of Contingency Plans For Your Animal Sanctuary | 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 !

May 12, 2026Episode 6142 min

61 - Nonprofit, or not? A Conversation With The Microsanctuary Resource Center

We're very happy to offer a conversation, hosted by the Microsanctuary Resource Center, with Nonprofit Specialist Julia on the pros and cons of nonprofit status for animal organizations. In it, MRC staff Alastor and Bird discuss with Julia some of the considerations that come into play when deciding whether to go nonprofit! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Microsanctuary Resource Center Website Starting A Nonprofit Organization For Animal Sanctuaries In The United States | The Open Sanctuary Project Weighing The Costs And Benefits Of Nonprofit Status | The Open Sanctuary Project A Suggested Governance Curriculum For Your Animal Organization | The Open Sanctuary Project --- You can learn more about our organization here ! You can learn more about the Microsanctuary Resource Center 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 !

April 24, 2026Episode 6033 min

60 - Helping Downed Cows At Your Animal Sanctuary

Senior Advisor Tara and Nonprofit Specialist Julia discuss how caregivers can best prepare for a scenario in which a resident cow cannot stand. In this situation, time is of the essence, so having a plan in place is key, as is understanding what to look for when assessing a cow resident who may be having difficulty standing. --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: When Cows Can't Stand: Understanding Causes And Making Sure You Are Prepared To Help | The Open Sanctuary Project Observation: An Important Caregiving Tool | The Open Sanctuary Project The Caregiver's Guide To Developing Your Observation Skills | The Open Sanctuary Project Daily Observation For Cow Resident Health And Well-Being --- 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 !

December 4, 2025Episode 5931 min

59 - The Open Sanctuary Project's 2025 Year In Review

Executive Director Mckenzee and Nonprofit Specialist Julia celebrate our eight years of operation by discussing the year in review at The Open Sanctuary Project. We know that our audience of compassionate caregivers are often caught up in the day-to-day work of direct care for animals, so this is your chance to catch up with what's new this year in freely accessible resources to help you do the work of operating your organization and caring for your residents! To get a rundown on the work we've done this year to help you, check out this episode! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: The Open Sanctuary Project's Animal Database The Open Sanctuary Project's AI Tool Usage Policy When Cows Can't Stand: Understanding Causes And Making Sure You Are Prepared To Help Daily Observation For Alpaca Health And Well-Being Daily Observation For Llama Health And Well-Being Addressing Equine Hoof Abscesses (vet reviewed) Understanding Flight Zone, Pressure Zone, And Point Of Balance In Sheep And Goats Pig Vision: More Than Meets The Eye A Cow's Eye View Ocular Insights: Alpaca And Llama Vision A Goat's-Eye View: How Goats See the World The Open Sanctuary Project's Case For Support How The Open Sanctuary Project Measures Our Impact --- 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 !

November 13, 2025Episode 5837 min

58 - Turkeys Part 2: Welcoming A New Turkey Resident To Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue

Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Senior Advisor Tara talk more about turkeys! Building on our last discussion of how turkeys got here and how domestication has impacted them, we talk about the considerations sanctuaries and rescues should keep in mind when welcoming a new turkey resident to ensure all their needs are met! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Gobble Greetings: New Turkey Arrival Guide | The Open Sanctuary Projec t Creating A Good Home For Turkeys | The Open Sanctuary Project Domesticated Turkeys: How We Got Here | The Open Sanctuary Project How to Conduct a Turkey Health Check | The Open Sanctuary Project Predator-Proofing For Bird Residents At Your Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Establishing Safe And Effective Quarantine And Isolation Protocols For Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Daily Observation For Turkey Health And Well-Being | The Open Sanctuary Project Electrical Safety Basics For Farmed Animal Sanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project Understanding Infectious Diseas e | 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 !