Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to meet the evolving needs of dogs and their communities. We built on the principle that all dogs are individuals. Our Foundation relies on science-based information on animal behavior and public policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination, derived from our subsidiary National Canine Research Council, a think tank for science and public policy. AFF’s team offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities.
Current AFF programs include our Old Friends program, which is an onsite and foster-based program that gives senior dogs in shelters across the country an opportunity to live out their lives in a loving home. Additionally, we have dogs on the younger side that are also apart of our adoption program, who’ve come to us to await their new homes while enjoying the farm life. Our Family Pantry program recognizes pets as family and, especially during tough times, provide a way to help pets stay with their families.
Furthermore, AFF staff consult with animal shelters across the country on evidence-based, progressive and inclusive enrichment, training, marketing and adoption policies. We also provide toolkits and resources for best practices to governments and community organizations as well as animal shelters and individual dog owners.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Shelter/Rescue Registration: RR286
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1985, Animal Farm Foundation began as a horse rescue. We shifted focus to “pit bull” dogs when our founder, Jane Berkey, discovered that “pit bull” dog owners were not welcome in a lot of communities and spaces. Jane experienced some of that herself when she adopted a “pit bull” from a local shelter. People made a lot of assumptions about her and her dog. She wanted to learn more about those stereotypes and help other dog owners.
Through that work, we’ve learned that assumptions about “pit bull” dogs have no basis in science. In fact, the majority of dogs people think are “pit bulls” actually aren’t a member of any breed at all. The motivation behind “pit bull” dog stereotypes was to keep marginalized people out of communities.
This is why we’ve worked so hard to end breed restrictions, including breed-specific legislation. Recently, we decided to move all of our science-backed efforts, like ending BSL, to our subsidiary organization, National Canine Research Council. This move allows AFF to focus solely on directly helping people, pets, and their communities.
OUR WORK
Dogs may be our main mission but AFF is surrounded by farmland that we put to good use. Rescued and retired horses, cows, and other farm life call the farm home.
Located in Dutchess County, NY on 400 acres, daily life on the farm is one big summer camp with our rolling hills, wide open spaces, and dirt roads. Our CPDT certified staff, along with our dedicated volunteers, make every day the best it can be for our animals. The senior shelter dogs in our Old Friends program have the opportunity to couch surf between staff houses and visit our local town, while our rescued farm animals get to explore the vast fields around the property. Our staff may be small in number but we make up for it in the impact we have on the animals we care for.
We designed every position on our team to link intrinsically with our mission. Everyone here has hands-on experience with why we do what we do – whether that’s training dogs, transporting them, making grants, educating the public and animal welfare workers, or speaking to the world-at-large about animal and human welfare. We keep everyone focused and don’t waste anyone’s time
bclifford@animalfarmfoundation.org
Bernice is the Executive Director at Animal Farm Foundation and the National Canine Research Council. She has a solid background in animal behavior, with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in working with private clients for dog training and behavior, as well as in animal shelters. Bernice started her career in 2001 after adopting a dog named Dixie, who was categorized as a “pit bull.” Through Dixie, Bernice met Dr. Marder and became committed to this path. Throughout the years, Bernice has traveled across the country, collaborating with other shelters and speaking at conferences on topics such as enrichment, training, and behavior modification for shelter dogs. In her home, Bernice shares her life with various animals, including dogs, goats, and chickens.
njuchem@animalfarmfoundation.org
Nicole has worked in a variety of leadership roles over the ten years working for Animal Farm Foundation, and in more recent years, the National Canine Research Council. She started her career in animal welfare in 2013, in that time she established many programs that focus on strengthening the bond between people and pets, including tools that help shelters to drop breed labels. In her new role as Manager of Operations and Public Policy, Nicole oversees many projects for NCRC and AFF but her main focus is on insurance breed restrictions, BSL, and of course, seeing all dogs as individuals. Like most of us that work for Animal Welfare, Nicole has many different roles and is also responsible for IT, web design, graphic design, and marketing. She also volunteers in her local community. Nicole lives with her partner Jesse and is currently fostering senior dogs for AFF. When not at work she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family. Got questions, need advice, or just want to tell us about your accomplishments? Shoot her an email.
cbender@animalfarmfoundation.org
Chris began his journey into dog rescue as a volunteer at the DCSPCA in 2011. His passion for animal welfare deepened when he attended a Dogs Playing for Life seminar at Animal Farm Foundation just a few months later. A defining moment for Chris was when Aimee Sadler remarked, “A minute in a playgroup is worth four times the enrichment for a dog than a minute of walking.” This insight sparked his dedication to the playgroup program.
As a volunteer, Chris led the playgroup program at DCSPCA for several years, where he provided staff with invaluable insights about the dogs in their care. His contributions led to increased adoptions and significantly decreased the length of stay for many dogs. One of Chris’s greatest joys is witnessing the moment when a dog, initially unsure about playgroups, shows their first play bow or other behavior that signals they’re starting to enjoy the experience.
Chris earned his dog training certification from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy in New Jersey. In 2017, he became the Adoptions Manager at DCSPCA, where he played a pivotal role in increasing adoptions by 20% in his first year, largely through additional transfers from shelters in Atlanta.
Outside of work, Chris runs a pet care business and enjoys spending quiet moments with his wife in Rhinebeck. They share their home with two dogs and three cats, most of whom are seniors.
cploschke@animalfarmfoundation.org
Assistant to Awesomeness and Ninja Bookkeeper. That is what Christa brings to Animal Farm Foundation! Christa left behind her mundane career in an accounting firm in pursuit of finding purpose and making a difference. She found that when she began working at AFF. Christa is happy to assistant in the awesomeness that is AFF and brings her bookkeeping skills with her.
Christa shares her life with her rescue dog, Kato. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and watching movies both old and new.
prolleri@animalfarmfoundation.org
cscalzo@animalfarmfoundation.org
Cassidy holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Psychology from Marist College. She also is a certified professional dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. At AFF, Cassidy strategizes all social media content, works directly with the dogs in our care, and provides training for local dogs. She is also passionate about creating an inclusive support system for shelter staff members and the dogs they care for. In addition to working at AFF, Cassidy teaches night class for The K9Konnection in Poughkeepsie, NY.
agenerelli@animalfarmfoundation.org
Over the years Acadia has worked in animal shelters, boarding kennels, and barns. Through it all, she has obtained an extensive knowledge of animals big and small. Acadia strives to treat everyone, humans and animals alike, with compassion and kindness. At AFF, Acadia coordinates foster homes for the dogs, helps with fundraising events, works with each and every dog in our care, and provides them with a more meaningful and enriching life. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her own animals, her family, and photography.
tcummings@animalfarmfoundation.org
Taylor has a wide range of experience with species big and small in agriculture. At AFF, she provides daily care and enrichment for the dogs. She can also be found grooming and spending time with the horses. Taylor is committed to promoting the health and happiness of every animal under her care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, rock climbing and playing video games.
Khoage@animalfarmfoundation.org
Taylor has a wide range of
Kirstyn is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Health and Behavior at Unity Environmental School, where she deepens her understanding of animal behavior and welfare. Her passion for dog training began at a young age and has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping animals thrive.
In her free time, Kirstyn volunteers for her local fire company, reflecting her dedication to community service. She also has a strong affinity for working with livestock, particularly cows, and is fascinated by the science behind dairy production.
Kirstyn shares her love for the outdoors with her dog, Waylon, named after the legendary Waylon Jennings. Together, they enjoy exploring nature on long walks, strengthening their bond and soaking in the beauty of the natural world.
with species big and small in agriculture. At AFF, she provides daily care and enrichment for the dogs. She can also be found grooming and spending time with the horses. Taylor is committed to promoting the health and happiness of every animal under her care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, rock climbing and playing video games.
Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization built on the principle that all dogs are individuals. Our Foundation relies on science-based information about animal behavior and public policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination, derived from our subsidiary National Canine Research Council. AFF’s team offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Shelter/Rescue Registration: RR286
