The Open Sanctuary Podcast

Hosted by The Open Sanctuary Project

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Jun 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

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60 recent

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 Project 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 Disease | 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!

October 30, 2025Episode 5758 min

57 - Agency-Centered Animal Sanctuary Education Webinar With Dr. Emily Tronetti

Community Education Specialist Andie and Dr. Emily Tronetti of the Institute for Human Education led a special presentation on October 22nd, 2025 on how to nurture farmed animal agency and consent in sanctuary education. This is the audio recording of that presentation. --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Webinar: Agency-Centered Sanctuary Education: Transformative Practices for Nurturing Empathetic Connections Between Humans and Farmed Animals The Open Sanctuary Podcast - Introduction to Agency with Dr. Emily Tronetti | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Podcast - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education, Part One with Dr. Emily Tronetti | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Podcast - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education, Part Two with Dr. Emily Tronetti | The Open Sanctuary Project An Introduction To Fostering Agency In Farmed Animals At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Asking Other Animals for Consent Handout | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Reflection Workbook | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part One | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Two | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Three | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Four | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Five | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Six | 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!

October 16, 2025Episode 5621 min

56 - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Three

Community Education Specialist Andie and Dr. Emily Tronetti of the Institute for Human Education discuss agency-centered sanctuary education and its connection to off-site programming. Andie and Emily explore the crucial considerations sanctuaries should make before planning and facilitating any off-site educational program with residents. They also discuss the essential factors that sanctuary educators must consider before and during the event to ensure resident safety and support their agency off-site at all times. Finally, they highlight some of the ways sanctuary educators can provide engaging and enriching educational opportunities at off-site outreach events without including the residents' physical presence. --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: The Open Sanctuary Podcast - Introduction to Agency with Dr. Emily Tronetti | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Podcast - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education, Part One with Dr. Emily Tronetti | The Open Sanctuary Project The Open Sanctuary Podcast - Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education, Part Two with Dr. Emily Tronetti | The Open Sanctuary Project An Introduction To Fostering Agency In Farmed Animals At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Asking Other Animals for Consent Handout | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Reflection Workbook | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part One | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Two | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Three | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Four | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Five | The Open Sanctuary Project A Guide to Fostering Farmed Animal Agency in Sanctuary Education: Part Six | The Open Sanctuary Project Fostering Critical Thinking at Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Fostering Empathy Towards Farmed Animals | The Open Sanctuary Project Understanding Biases that Can Negatively Impact Farmed Animals and How to Help Folks Overcome Them | The Open Sanctuary Project An Introduction to Educational Programs and Opportunities Well-suited for Microsanctuaries | The Open Sanctuary Project In-Person Sanctuary Educational Programming: What Are Your Options? The Open Sanctuary Project Virtual Sanctuary Educational Programming: What Are Your Options? | The Open Sanctuary Project Observation: An Important Caregiver Tool | 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!

October 2, 2025Episode 5525 min

55 - Introduction To Turkeys For Your Animal Sanctuary Or Rescue, Part 1

Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Senior Advisor Tara talk turkeys! In the first part of our Turkey series, we discuss how domesticated turkeys got here and how that influences their care, as well as many of the considerations that you need to take into account when welcoming a new turkey resident to your sanctuary or rescue! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Gobble Greetings: New Turkey Arrival Guide | The Open Sanctuary Project 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 Disease | 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!

September 11, 2025Episode 5426 min

54 - When Your Sanctuary Is Contacted To Help Wildlife

Nonprofit Specialist Julia and Community Education Specialist Andie talk about how you might encounter requests outside of the scope of your mission or your capacity generally, and in particular when those requests concern wild living animals. We offer a framework where you can say no, while still offering support, and also what to do when you feel you must say yes! Andie offers additional guidance on safely assisting wild living animals while prioritizing sanctuary staff and resident safety as well! --- This Episode's Referenced Open Sanctuary Project Resources: Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Animal Sanctuary | The Open Sanctuary Project Compassionate Wildlife Practices At Your Sanctuary Infographic | The Open Sanctuary Project Managing Requests to Take In and Help an Animal Outside the Scope of Your Sanctuary's Mission | The Open Sanctuary Project Biosecurity Part 1: Introduction | The Open Sanctuary Project Biosecurity Part 2: Creating And Implementing A Biosecurity Plan | The Open Sanctuary Project Going Green: Your Animal Sanctuary and The Environment | The Open Sanctuary Project Determining Your Animal Sanctuary's Capacity For Responsible Care | The Open Sanctuary Project How To Create An Effective Rescue Policy 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!