Animal Humane Society is Upping Adoptions By Design
There is no rule that says all animal shelters must be designed one way for dogs looking to be adopted. Join us on this special episode of the Oh Behave Show as key people from the Animal Humane Society in Minnesota share their revolutionary designs in the dog area that is reducing stress and boosting adoptions. Our special guests are Dr. Graham Brayshaw and behaviorist Liv Hagen. Both share some tips and tricks to enrich the lives of dogs, cats and other companion animals. Tune in now!
BIO:
Liv Hagen
Liv Hagen has been Animal Humane Society's (AHS) Behavior Modification and Rehabilitation Manager since February 2018. Liv and her team evaluate animals with behavior needs, then work to prepare them for adoption.
Liv came to AHS from the Memphis Zoo where she was a marine mammal trainer and large carnivore keeper. Prior to that she did the same job at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. While at both zoos, her favorite animals to work with were California sea lions. She was often the host of their daily presentations and shows, entertaining thousands of people each year.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science from the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. and is currently working on her Master of Science degree in environmental science and policy at Johns Hopkins University.
Her favorite part of her job at AHS is using innovative resources and behavior treatments to successfully home animals with special behavior needs.
When not assessing the needs of homeless animals or studying, she can be found hanging out with her own pets. She is the proud pet mom of kitties Lucy, Topanga, Beaker, Bopper, and Binx, a cattle dog named Joey, and chocolate lab named Abby Waffles. Liv recently adopted Abby Waffles from AHS, who arrived as a pathetic senior dog that was sick. Liv hopes to defy the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" by teaching Abby Waffles to paddle board with her on Minnesota's many lakes.
Dr. Graham Brayshaw, DVM
Dr. Graham Brayshaw is the Director of Animal Services at Animal Humane Society (AHS) and the chief veterinarian at AHS.
Dr. Brayshaw graduated in 2004 with a DVM from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. Before working in animal welfare, he was an associate veterinarian and medical director with Veterinary Centers of America for more than seven years. Dr. Brayshaw started at AHS in 2012 as their senior veterinarian. His areas of interest in include HQHVSN (high-quality, high-volume, spay/neuter), oncology, endocrinology, and balancing individual and herd health.
Dr. Brayshaw was recently appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to serve as a board member on the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. When not working, he enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and spending quiet time with his wife, dog Max, a black standard poodle and many, many cats.
About Animal Humane Society
As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations and the largest in the Upper Midwest, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere.
Last year more than 23,000 animals came through our four shelters in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. We have an almost 97 percent placement rate and partner with almost 100 rescue groups across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
In 2017:
24,490 animals arrived at AHS
20,062 animals adopted (highest in AHS history)
+ 998 animals reunited with owners
+ 1,103 cats returned to field
+ 1,402 animals transferred to partner rescue organizations
23,565 animals placed
96.6% placement rate
Average length of stay for animals in shelter is 10.1 Days
To prepare the animals for adoption, we rely on our expert behavioral and medical staff.
Headquarters and shelter: Golden Valley Minnesota
Other shelters: St. Paul, Coon Rapids and Woodbury, Minn.