The Human Side of Animal Care

Callista Tai

The Human Side of Animal Care is a podcast that shares stories and insight from people dedicated to helping animals. We explore topics in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and more. https://humansofanimalcare.wixsite.com/humanside-animalcare

Episodes

  1. Saving Sea Lions: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Marine Mammal Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release

    Apr 1

    Saving Sea Lions: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Marine Mammal Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Release

    Found a stranded sea lion? Call the professionals! Jennifer Levine (she/her) is the Stranding, Operations, and Animal Care Manager of the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI). She teaches us what to do if we encounter a stranded marine mammal on the beach: do not touch the animal or pour water over them, give them plenty of space, identify your location, call a marine mammal rescue hotline, and keep the public and pets away while waiting for the professionals to arrive. We talk about a typical rehabilitation shift at CIMWI, the impressive resilience of marine mammals, and how rewarding it is to see recovered patients thriving in the wild. We also discuss the impact of domoic acid on marine mammals as a result of harmful algal blooms in the ocean. Sources California Department of Public Health https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/pages/fdbprograms/foodsafetyprogram/domoicacid.aspx  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) https://www.noaa.gov/what-is-harmful-algal-bloom Music Credits Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    21 min
  2. Exotic Vet Med, Medical Ethics, and the Financial Reality of Working in Animal Care

    Jan 23

    Exotic Vet Med, Medical Ethics, and the Financial Reality of Working in Animal Care

    Alex is a registered veterinary technician (RVT) in an emergency animal hospital, with experience working with exotic animals. She discusses the fascinating natural history of reptiles, as well as the dynamics of general and professional interest in exotic veterinary medicine. We talk about the financial reality of working as a veterinary nurse (compared to management positions and big corporations), such as low hourly wages and limited opportunities for raises. We touch on topics of medical ethics like recommending euthanasia, navigating diverse belief systems, and managing personal opinions when collaborating with clients. Alex also provides insight on getting started in the field, such as working your way up the totem pole, taking direction, working in a team, and asking all the questions! Sources  AMA Journal of Ethics https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/physician-assisted-suicide-law-and-professional-ethics/2003-01 PBS https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kevorkian/chronology.html Music CreditsGlow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    33 min
  3. From “Not College Material” to Veterinary Practice Owner: An Equine DVM’s Resilient Journey

    10/22/2025

    From “Not College Material” to Veterinary Practice Owner: An Equine DVM’s Resilient Journey

    From socioeconomic obstacles to learning disabilities, discouraging college counselors to veterinary school rejections — Ingrid Wolff has faced many hurdles in her academic and career journey. But through it all, she persevered. Today, Ingrid is an equine veterinarian and practice owner. In this podcast episode, we learn about how disability accommodation services and farrier school changed Ingrid's trajectory for the better. We hear about what it's like to work as an equine vet, and the benefits and hardships of practice ownership. Above all, Ingrid encourages aspiring veterinarians to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    25 min
  4. Channel Island Foxes, Island Spotted Skunks, & Getting to Know Your Wild Neighbors

    09/29/2025

    Channel Island Foxes, Island Spotted Skunks, & Getting to Know Your Wild Neighbors

    How did the endangered Channel Island Foxes recover after a significant population decline in the '90s? What is wildlife tracking? How can the general public help with conservation efforts through citizen/community science? Mike Watling answers all of these questions and more in this episode. During the work week, Mike Watling is Director of Technical Operations at a life science company. During his time off, Mike serves as President of Friends of the Island Fox, conducts wildlife monitoring for Ventura Land Trust, and leads hikes as a Naturalist for Channel Islands National Park. Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    27 min
  5. Improving Access to Veterinary Care: Strides in Shelter Medicine

    09/23/2025

    Improving Access to Veterinary Care: Strides in Shelter Medicine

    Pre-vet students, first-year veterinary students, and shelter medicine enthusiasts—this episode is for you! Katie Marrie is the Chief Veterinary Officer at Santa Barbara Humane. We learn about how the organization has been working to improve access to care by offering a range of veterinary services, from vaccines to dentals, and parvovirus treatment to mass removals. Katie discusses the importance of mentorship for new-graduate veterinarians and gives advice for every step of the DVM journey. Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    24 min
  6. Wildlife Rehabilitation & Medicine: Healing Wild Populations, One Patient at a Time

    09/18/2025

    Wildlife Rehabilitation & Medicine: Healing Wild Populations, One Patient at a Time

    Delaney Vail (she/her), is an experienced wildlife rehabilitator currently working towards her registered veterinary technician (RVT) license. We learn about Delaney's path to wildlife medicine—from apprentice to hospital manager. We discuss the importance of public education when encountering wildlife, and how individual patient care contributes to large-scale population dynamics. We also get to hear about the extensive planning behind the field disentanglement of an elephant seal! Follow us on Instagram @thehumansideofanimalcare :) Music Credits: Glow by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckleyMusic promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    30 min
  7. A Vet Tech is a Nurse, and So Much More

    01/21/2025

    A Vet Tech is a Nurse, and So Much More

    Sam Patera is a registered veterinary technician working in emergency medicine. We learn about Sam’s time working as a keeper aide at the Santa Barbara Zoo, how she took the leap to become an RVT, and how she manages imposter syndrome in the field. We discuss the tricky parts of her job such as wearing multiple hats in addition to her RVT role, and presenting large financial estimates. We also hear about some of the wonderful patients she's worked with so far! Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Sam's story: ⁠⁠⁠@humansofanimalcare⁠⁠⁠ Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

    24 min
  8. Caring for Community Cats: The Fieldwork of Animal Welfare

    01/15/2025

    Caring for Community Cats: The Fieldwork of Animal Welfare

    Gina is a volunteer at ASAP Cats shelter, serving as their Community Cats & TNR Program Director. We learn about why it is important to spay female cats, why unfixed male cats can be a nuisance, and the lengths the shelter will go to socialize and find homes for cats that come in. Gina describes her career as a fire investigator/inspector, and how her perspectives allow her to work well with outdoor cats. We also hear two stories about kittens that Gina rescued! Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Gina's story: ⁠⁠@humansofanimalcare⁠⁠ Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

    22 min
  9. Life in Zoo School: The Ins and Outs of Moorpark Teaching Zoo, Exotic Animal Care and Training

    01/12/2025

    Life in Zoo School: The Ins and Outs of Moorpark Teaching Zoo, Exotic Animal Care and Training

    Zoo school. What's it like? Max tells us about his experience in the Exotic Animal Training & Management Program at Moorpark College's Teaching Zoo. We learn about the day-to-day, and how the program led to Max's current work with marine mammals. We discuss the topics of animal training, finding your path in the animal care field, and dealing with euthanasia. We also find out Max's favorite animal he's worked with so far. Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Max's story: ⁠@humansofanimalcare⁠ Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

    18 min
  10. The World is an RVT's Oyster: Pet Ambulances, Technician Specialties, and More

    01/09/2025

    The World is an RVT's Oyster: Pet Ambulances, Technician Specialties, and More

    Bret is an RVT working in emergency medicine with goals to become a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care. We learn about the range of animals Bret has worked with (including a black panther and a baby giraffe), and what it takes to do well in the veterinary field. Bret describes the variety of paths he's interested in exploring with his RVT license. We discuss the hardships of working with animals, such as lack of recognition, euthanasia, and low pay (compared to human nursing). We also hear about Bret's involvement in a ferret rescue! Check out our Instagram for photos accompanying Bret's story: @humansofanimalcare Music Credits: Intro – Coral by LiQWYD; Outro – Embrace by Sappheiros

    24 min

  11. Episode 1 Trailer

    About the Podcast

    Welcome to Humans of Animal Care :) Here's a little info on what this project is all about. Our first episode will launch in January 2025! Stay tuned. Follow us on Instagram: @humansofanimalcare Website: coming soon Music: Coral by LiQWYD

    1 min

Trailer

About

The Human Side of Animal Care is a podcast that shares stories and insight from people dedicated to helping animals. We explore topics in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, and more. https://humansofanimalcare.wixsite.com/humanside-animalcare

Information