Who We Are

Kristin Barney, senior director of lifesaving programs

Kristin BarneyKristin Barney knew that she was destined to work with animals, declaring at age 12 that she would become a dog trainer when she grew up. While her career has included working in behavioral and public health, she fulfilled her childhood declaration and spent seven years as a professional dog trainer, working with pet dogs and service animals. Kristin began her journey with animal sheltering in 2014 when she assumed the role of chief of operations at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona. It was during this time that she developed a passion for animal services and a desire to support the people who work in animal shelters. 

Kristin joined Best Friends Animal Society in 2021 and is currently the senior director of lifesaving programs in the Midwest region.

She earned her doctoral degree in organizational leadership at Pepperdine University, where she studied the proven practices of animal services directors in no-kill communities. Kristin shares her life with her husband and their two adopted dogs, Hansel S. Pumpkins and Joe.