Moral Injury, Compassion Fatigue & the Emotional Cost of Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is rewarding work—but it can also come with an emotional cost that isn't talked about nearly enough. In this episode of Keep It Humane: The Podcast, we sit down with Jamie McNally of Fortifyu for an honest conversation about moral injury, compassion fatigue, burnout, trauma, and the psychological challenges faced by people who work with animals. What happens when you know what you believe is right for an animal, but circumstances, policies, resources, or the system prevent you from doing it? How does repeatedly facing those situations affect the people doing this work? We explore the difference between burnout and moral injury, why animal welfare professionals can experience unique forms of emotional distress, and what organizations and leaders can do to create healthier, more supportive workplaces. This isn't just another conversation about "self-care." It's a deeper look at the realities of animal welfare work—and what happens when caring deeply becomes emotionally exhausting. If you've ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, powerless, or simply worn down by this work, this episode is for you. 🐾 Keep It Humane: The Podcast Real conversations about the people, challenges, and issues shaping animal welfare.