Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Stories

Staff from the Inyo County Animal Shelter outside with a couple dogs

Helping a small rural animal shelter sustain no-kill

In Inyo County, California, ninth largest county in the nation, a small animal she...
Learn what they're doing
Feature
Family holding a puppy they adopted along with some Best Friends signs

Reaching Hispanic/Latino communities to save more pets

Q&A with Mia Navedo-Williams on connecting Spanish-speaking communities with i...
Hear what's being done to help save lives
Feature
Two people drying a small puppy with a towel

Amazing progress at Brownsville animal shelter

With guidance from Best Friends, a Texas shelter dramatically increased the number...
Read how things have improved
Feature
Jordan Powell holding a black French bulldog puppy in his shirt

Community Voices: Jordan Powell

Meet Jordan Powell! Jordan has been in animal welfare for 10+ years. He has worked...
See what he'd like for the future
Feature
Best Friends Animal Society logo with the words "Best Friends" in white on an orange background

Intent and impact

On the path to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture
Aligning with our guiding principles
Julie Castle Blog
'In the Company of Grace' book cover

Book review: ‘In the Company of Grace’

Having survived an abusive childhood, a veterinarian finds fulfillment in his work...
Learn more about this moving memoir
Feature
Kayla Oliver

Community Voices: Kay Oliver

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Kay Oliver...
Learn how she finds her work rewarding
Feature
Olympica Anderson

Community Voices: Olympica Anderson

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Olympica A...
See how her dog affected her life
Feature
Person touching a smiling heeler-type dog in the back of a pick-up truck

Navajo Nation residents go the extra mile for pets

Local volunteers play a key role in how Best Friends programs serve dogs, cats, an...
See how pets are receiving veterinary care
Best Friends Magazine
Karyn Swoopes

Community Voices: Karyn Swoopes

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Karyn Swoo...
Read her thoughts about sanctuaries
Feature
Donovan Dodds

Community Voices: Donovan Dodds

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Donovan Do...
Learn what he feels most valuable in his work
Feature
Lauren Nembhard

Community Voices: Lauren Nembhard

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Lauren Nem...
Read what motivates her
Feature
Pamela Bryant

Community Voices: Pamela Bryant

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Pamela Bry...
Read about her beliefs about a community mindset shift
Feature
Skye Oseguera

Community Voices: Skye Oseguera

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Skye Osegu...
See what she would like in the future of animal welfare
Feature
Shakela Brown

Community Voices: Shakela Brown

At Best Friends, we use our networks to introduce you to advocates like Shakela Br...
See how she believes community wisdom play a role in her advocacy
Feature