Name: Savannah Baller

Position: Shelter Manager

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background before joining ARL: Growing up I knew I wanted a career that made a difference as I had always been drawn to helping both people and animals. With the intention of going into the private practice vet med field I began studying Animal Science/Business in college. However, after joining the ARL, I quickly learned that my heart was in the nonprofit work of Animal Welfare, and I never looked back! 

When did you start working at ARL, and what led you to join: I started at ARL in 2015 so September 21, 2025, marks my 10-year anniversary! My family fostered dogs through what used to be the Grey Muzzle foster program at the shelter and that experience really got me rooted in animal welfare. I was looking for a way to turn my love for animals into a career that truly makes a difference, when I saw the ARL was hiring for front desk staff I knew it was meant to be. Upon joining the team, I immediately fell in love with the work and the shelters mission and knew I was where I belonged. 

What inspired you to work in animal welfare: Animals have always been a huge part of my life. I’ve seen firsthand the impact that compassion and second chances can have on them. Knowing I could play a role in helping both animals and the people who love them, inspired me to commit my career to this work. I wanted to be part of an organization that not only helps animals but also focuses on the people caring for the animals. I owe it to my mom for getting us into fostering that really laid the groundwork for my love for animal welfare. 

What does a “day in the life” look like for a shelter manager: No two days are the same, but that’s one of the things I love! Some days I’m supporting the staff while ensuring our animals get the best care possible, helping them land in their forever homes. While other days I’m making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, helping to grow our team individually and as a whole. As a sworn Humane Police Officer, you may also see me jumping into the field from time to time. Every day brings a mix of challenges, but that variety is part of what makes the work so fulfilling. This role is a combination of leadership, problem solving, and hands on animal care all in one! 

What’s the most rewarding part of your job: Seeing animals go from uncertain, sometimes heartbreaking situations to thriving in loving homes. We see animals come through our doors in horrible, shut down, broken states and we are the lucky ones who get to play a part in rebuilding them to start their new chapter in a loving home. Watching that transformation never gets old. I also find it extremely rewarding to support my team and see them grow in their own animal welfare careers. It’s something I love most about the role I am in. Being someone who started in this industry at 21 years old, very green in the animal welfare world, watching our staff start in the same state and then grow into leaders is just as rewarding as the animal wins. 

Is there a particular animal or story that has stuck with you during your time here: 10 years has brought me so many memories, stories, some heartbreaks and lots of huge wins. There are so many cases that have molded me into who I am today. My most recent long term foster, Eeyore, really reminded me why I do what I do. He came to the shelter emaciated and abused and we weren’t positive he would make it the first night. I don’t think I have ever cried so much over a dog but something about him really got me and I wasn’t willing to give up on him. With the help of our amazing medical team at ARL and my ever so patient husband, we nursed him back to health and after a few months he was ready for adoption. My husband’s best friend adopted him and now we get to see him live out his second chance at life and have unlimited play dates! These are the moments that stick with me forever and remind me why the hard days are worth it. 

How do you stay motivated during tough days: I focus on the little victories, the dog that finally wagged its tail after weeks of being shut down, the cat that found the perfect home after living in deplorable conditions, or the foster family that stepped up just in time to save another one. I always try to celebrate the “wins,” big and small. Even if the day is hard, knowing that an animal is safe, a family found their new best friend, or a team member feels supported keeps me going. I also try to remember that progress in animal welfare is made one life at a time. Reminding myself of the lives changed, one by one, and never forgetting my “why” is what keeps me going.

Do you have any pets of your own: Yes! We have 5 rescues! I share my home with a goofy Great Dane named Moose who takes his zoomies very seriously, a Pitbull named Six who’s favorite hobby is being horizontal (just like her mother), and 3 (foster failed) cats, Milly, Alvin and Herbert! They definitely keep life interesting and are daily reminders of why this work matters. 

What’s a fun fact about you that people might be surprised to learn: One of my favorite scents is a horse barn. I wear the badge of being a “horse girl” proudly. Getting into horseback riding at a young age is what kickstarted my passion for animals. My parents put me into lessons pretty young to help with my JRA and scoliosis and it truly changed my life, both physically and mentally. I ended up loving it and got into showing immediately and continued that passion all throughout school. To this day the smell of a freshly swept barn strangely calms me down. 

What are you most excited about in ARL’s future: I’m mostly excited about the continued growth of our programs and the ways we’re expanding to meet the needs of both animals and people in our community. We are constantly adapting and evolving while looking for new innovative ways to serve out our mission.  The future of animal welfare is about connection and collaboration, and I’m proud to see ARL leading the way. We are blessed with such an amazing team of leaders and I am super excited to see the path so many young team members will grow into within the organization. 

Any last words of wisdom: Animal welfare is never ending and most definitely not always easy, but it is absolutely always worth it. Every adoption, every rescue, every second chance, and every small act of kindness, adds up to something bigger than ourselves. All in all, it takes a village to do what we do, and I’m honored to be a part of it at ARL.