Data-Driven Animal Welfare with Michelle Dunivan
What does it look like to use data not just to report, but to change outcomes at a national scale?
In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and I are joined by Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society. Michelle shares how Best Friends uses data, partnerships, and trust-building to advance its bold mission of making the entire United States a no-kill nation.
We talk about the realities of animal welfare as an under-resourced social sector, the lack of standardized data across communities, and how Best Friends has built one of the most comprehensive animal welfare data systems in the country. Michelle explains how data can help shift policy, guide local practice, and “myth-bust” the idea that things are only getting worse, even in challenging times.
This conversation is also about something bigger than animal welfare. It’s about how nonprofits can use data ethically, transparently, and collaboratively to improve outcomes, build trust, and create collective impact across an entire field.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why animal welfare data is uniquely challenging and deeply local
How Best Friends collects and uses data across thousands of shelters
The role of trust, transparency, and relationships in data sharing
How data can support continuous improvement
What nonprofits in any sector can learn from this approach
If you’re interested in evaluation, data strategy, collective impact, or using information to drive real change, this episode offers powerful lessons that extend far beyond animal welfare.
Our Guest
Dr. Michelle Dunivan is Senior Director of Insights & Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society, where she leads data strategy and analysis to advance animal welfare initiatives nationwide. With over 15 years of experience in research and analytics, Michelle drives Best Friends' efforts to establish the organization as a thought leader in data-driven animal lifesaving.
A key architect of the Shelter Pet Data Alliance (SPDA), Michelle is building collective data capacity across the animal welfare field through innovative approaches to data sharing and collaboration. Her work focuses on creating scalable solutions that enable shelters and rescue organizations to make more informed, evidence-based decisions about animal welfare programs and resource allocation.
Michelle holds a PhD in Communication with specialized training in research methods and statistical analysis. Her expertise spans strategic communications, presentation development, and translating complex data insights into actionable strategies. Prior to joining Best Friends, she taught collegiate-level courses and worked across multiple industries applying data-driven approaches to organizational challenges.
Michelle is passionate about demonstrating how collaborative data ecosystems can transform social impact work and drive meaningful outcomes for vulnerable populations.
