Audra Michael, who has been effectively steering Pinal County Animal Care & Control towards a more compassionate future for pets, has once again been tapped to lend her expertise to the Best Friends Animal Society’s Network Strategy Council, as per an announcement from Pinal County officials. Michael, who originally joined the NSC in 2025, will continue to serve on this volunteer advisory committee, which plays a critical role in guiding animal shelters and rescue groups within the expansive Best Friends Network, an alliance including over 5,500 partners committed to ending the killing of dogs and cats in shelters.
Hailing from the Best Friends Network, a group lauded for its innovative approach to animal welfare, Michael's tenure on the council has been underscored by her persistent drive for no-kill sheltering practices; during her time at Pinal County Animal Care & Control, the shelter witnessed a leap from a bleak 23% save rate to reach no-kill status, which has Michael quoted as saying, "is a great honor and privilege to share the lessons of this great feat and help other shelters save more cats and dogs." Her continued involvement with the NSC aims to bolster the collaborative effort needed to carry the no-kill philosophy nationwide, ensuring every potential pet has a fighting chance.
The philosophy of no-kill, which Best Friends Animal Society upholds, emphasizes not just the safety of community residents but also the well-being of the pets themselves, ensuring a holistic approach that respects life and seeks to create a sanctuary for the voiceless. The NSC, under the guidance of committed members like Michael, provides direction and expertise to other organizations that are intent on replicating the kind of success stories witnessed at Pinal County Animal Care & Control.
As Michael steps into her renewed term set to run until September 2026 her vision for collective action and shared wisdom will continue to influence the wider community of animal welfare professionals, demonstrating that the milestones achieved in Pinal County are not isolated incidents but part of a growing trend towards humane treatment for all of our four-legged friends; she remains resolute in sharing the successful strategies that have transformed the prospects of countless animals in her care, affirming that, "No-kill happens when we work together, and I’m excited for the opportunity to do just that by serving on the Best Friends Network Strategy Council for another term." according to a statement from Pinal County.
