# Top Dog Podcast with Jakie Hernández | Breaking Barriers & Building Compassionate Animal Welfare

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-top-dog-podcast-7843277/top-dog-podcast-with-jakie-hern-ndez-breaking-barriers-building-compassionate-animal-welfare
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-top-dog-podcast-7843277/top-dog-podcast-with-jakie-hern-ndez-breaking-barriers-building-compassionate-animal-welfare.md
Podcast: [The Top Dog Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-top-dog-podcast-7843277)
Published: 2026-05-07T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://feeds.async.com/ff2ef349-f385-439b-babc-3f5de06c1a28/Subbed%20-%20Jakie%20Hern%C3%A1ndez.mp3
Audio file: https://feeds.async.com/ff2ef349-f385-439b-babc-3f5de06c1a28/Subbed%20-%20Jakie%20Hern%C3%A1ndez.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-top-dog-podcast-7843277/episodes/top-dog-podcast-with-jakie-hern-ndez-breaking-barriers-building-compassionate-animal-welfare
Duration seconds: 1474

## Resource

What does the future of animal welfare look like when trust comes first? In this episode of Top Dog Podcast, we sit down with Jakie Hernández, Vice President of Shelter Operations and Strategy at the Nebraska Humane Society. With two decades of experience and leadership across communities nationwide, Jakie shares why breaking down silos, meeting people where they are, and leading with empathy are essential to lasting change in animal welfare. Jakie reflects on how her own adoption journey shaped her career, why assumptions can limit life-changing opportunities, and how shelters can better serve both animals and people through compassion-first leadership. She also discusses the importance of community outreach, language access, and building programs that create real connection. In this conversation, we explore: • Building trust within diverse communities • Keeping pets and families together through support programs • Why shelters must focus on impact, not just activity • Innovative programs like dog day outs and staycations • Leading teams with compassion, grace, and purpose This inspiring conversation highlights how humane organizations can create stronger communities by saying yes more often, removing judgment, and helping both ends of the leash. It’s a powerful reminder that the future of animal welfare depends on collaboration, empathy, and meeting people where they are. Subscribe for more conversations with leaders shaping the future of animal welfare. Learn more about tools and resources for animal shelters, rescues, and organizations at https://doobert.com/

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## Transcript

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