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After 25 years in the animal welfare technology space, as both a user and a product designer, I’ve seen the best and worst of animal shelter software. While I’m not directly involved in shelter technology today, I still have skin in the game. I care deeply for the animal welfare mission, and through my work with BarkPass, I remain part of the broader ecosystem. But first, let’s talk honestly about why full-service shelter software has failed to evolve and what we can do about

The hidden drag of pet licensing. Why clerks and treasurers can't wait for digital transformation.

Pet licensing isn’t just about compliance, it’s about opportunity. Even small improvements in licensing rates could unlock millions of dollars to support shelters, clinics, and community programs. With that level of funding, we could dramatically expand lifesaving capacity and bring us closer to the vision Emily describes: “a world where fewer pets ever enter shelters in the first place.”