Elena Battles of Shelterluv software has been working for animals in one capacity or another since 1999. It was then that she found Trini, a stray beagle who truly changed her life. Elena had been working as a physical therapist, but after rescuing Trini, she was re-awakened to the issues facing animals, and decided to change paths. She began volunteering, then moved on to several staff roles in animal welfare organizations all over the country. Now, at Shelterluv, Elena helps provide those in the animal welfare world with access to the technology she wishes she had when she worked in a shelter. Elena knows that working in animal welfare operations is much more complex than just working with animals, so she is so excited to be able to give people the technology tools to help make that job easier. She tells Stacy that considering making a change in systems often starts with asking some important questions about your organization (and she shares what those questions are). Elena & Stacy talk about configurability vs. customization, and the move towards getting animal welfare software systems to “speak” to each other. Elena also discusses the fact that as far as cost goes, there are a wide range of choices in animal welfare shelter platforms. If you’re thinking about animal welfare software—whether for the first time, or as a change from your existing system, this interview has some great tips for you. In addition, Elena is happy to give you her advice and point you in the right direction, even if it’s not to Shelterluv. To learn more, visit the Shelterluv website or email Elena. You can also find Shelterluv at many animal welfare conferences, like HSUS and Best Friends.