Melanie Lyons

Melanie Lyons, LVT, is the Manager of the National Shelter Medicine Program at Best Friends Animal Society. With over 20 years of experience as a Licensed Veterinary Technician, Melanie specializes in shelter medicine, providing expert consultation, training, and mentorship to animal welfare organizations across the country.

She began her work in animal welfare in 2012 at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, where she led the surgery team and significantly increased spay/neuter capacity. She later served as Operations Manager for the Sanctuary’s Medical Department and supported partner shelters like Palm Valley Animal Society with surgical training and medical assessments.

Melanie holds a certification in Animal Shelter Management (2020) and has held leadership roles in both shelter and specialty veterinary settings. She is passionate about increasing access to veterinary care and regularly volunteers with spay/neuter programs in underserved communities.

Based in Big Sky, Montana, she lives with her partner and their rescue dog, Zip.