Doug Rae

Background

About Doug Rae

I began my career in animal sheltering in 2003 as a Shelter Manager and quickly advanced to Director of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, and ultimately Executive Director. From the start, I’ve focused on turning around struggling shelters and transforming them into high-performing organizations-always guided by the life-saving No-Kill philosophy. Today, I’m a nationally recognized animal welfare leader with over 20 years of executive and senior leadership experience. I’ve led shelters through operational crises, cultural change, and strategic growth — most recently as Executive Director of Colorado’s top-rated open-admission shelter, where we’ve achieved the highest statewide live-release rate for ten consecutive years. Along the way, I’ve grown revenue, renegotiated municipal contracts, and built donor bases where more than 81% of funding comes from private support. I’ve worked alongside boards as a trusted partner, testified before state legislatures to shape humane policy, and earned national recognition from the No Kill Advocacy Center and the Colorado State Senate. I bring grit, heart, and a no-excuses approach to everything I do. Whether I’m leading a team, testifying at the Capitol, or, yes, still running full-speed in sneakers.(Last summer, I ran my first 10K trail race and deadlifted 270 pounds later that same day. Not bad for a 168-pound guy who still feels like he’s in his early 40s.) This isn’t just my career — it’s my calling. I believe in handwritten thank-you notes to every donor. I believe in showing up with purpose every day. And I believe the best-run organizations are those where both people and animals are set up to thrive.