Who is Kindly Taking Care of Our Furry Friends?
An interview with Kerri Burns, CEO of Santa Barbara Humane
Five minutes into meeting Kerri Burns for the first time I knew I was speaking to someone who was genuinely passionate about what she does. I had so many questions for her about all the different animal agencies in Santa Barbara, and her kind and patient demeanor made it feel like a real opportunity to learn more about this part of our community. What really endeared her to me was the way in which she handled a rather touchy subject (see below).
She was not only unflappable, but she seemed genuinely interested in helping me understand. In fact, her eyes would light up every time I lobbed a question her way. The more time I spent with her, the clearer it became that Santa Barbara has ended up with a jewel of a leader at the helm of Santa Barbara Humane, previously known as the Santa Barbara Humane Society.
ML: I understand you recently stepped into the leadership role as CEO at Santa Barbara Humane (SBH). How did that opportunity find you?
KB: I am so fortunate to do what I love. I have been in animal welfare for over 23 years and have assisted with groups across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia. Prior to SBH, I had worked as an interim Executive Director for a cat shelter in Chicago and when that contract was ending my recruiters said, where do you want to go next? I responded, a place that I can make a difference and has the ocean and mountains. Two weeks later I had an interview with SBH and the rest is history.
ML: I’ve heard that there has been a lot of change at SBH over the last few years. Can you share with us what’s new and different?
KB: I have been with SBH for just over 4 years and in that time, we have taken the organization to the next level of animal welfare. We merged with Santa Maria Valley Humane Society to expand our reach county-wide and re-branded with a new name, new look, and new logo. We designed a new website that is bi-lingual, and developed programs to better serve our communities, such as increased access to low-cost pet spay neuter and veterinary care, affordable dog training classes and animal rehoming services. We collaborate with and assist other local organizations and even transfer animals in from overcrowded shelters throughout California. Basically, we started working outside our walls and strategically thinking from the paws up.
ML: Over the years, from time to time, I’ve heard some negative remarks about euthanasia at SBH. Can you set the record straight and help us better understand SBH’s mission?
KB: SBH’s mission is to be champions for animals and the people who love them. To this end, we accept every animal in-need and through our hard work and donor support are able to save 96%, including those requiring extensive medical care and behavior rehabilitation. As for euthanasia, this is always a heartbreaking topic because no one wants to think about ending an animal’s life. As a Socially Conscious Shelter (visit sbhumane.org/socially-conscious-sheltering for more information on this topic), we go to great lengths to make responsible and compassionate decisions around euthanasia to prevent the suffering of animals and keep our community safe.
ML: What are the values that guide your organization’s decision making as it relates to fulfilling your mission?
KB: Our values are Work Together, Think Big, Care Deeply.
ML: How do you operationalize those values on a daily basis?
KB: Work Together means our teams provide the best possible care for our shelter animals and also look for ways we can go beyond our campuses to our communities and other animal welfare organizations that may need help. Think Big is about envisioning safe, humane communities and creating options that help keep pets in homes, like affordable, and even free, veterinary care, behavior advice, and emergency boarding. We Care Deeply by actively seeking out opportunities to say ‘yes’ to helping an animal or pet owner in-need. Our commitment to these values allows us to stay focused on our Mission every day.
ML: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about SBH?
KB: SBH started in 1887 and is one of the oldest humane organizations in the U.S. We are not funded or controlled by any governmental or national animal welfare groups. We have been around for over 135 years thanks to our donors right here in SB County. When you give local, it stays local.
We are so much more than an animal shelter. We provide veterinary services, Dog Training classes, free cat trap-neuter-return, disaster response sheltering and so much more. Our comprehensive website lists all of our programs and services, and our volunteer program will be relaunched this fall so keep an eye out for that.
We are a resource for people and their pets through all life stages. Thanks to our community’s support, working together we make a difference in the lives of pets.
Monica & Claudia
To learn more about Santa Barbara Humane, visit www.sbhumane.org or give us a call at 805-964-4777. To enjoy the full video interview, visit www.monicalenchesre.com/community-matters