Veneita Lynne Porter

I attribute my success to a combination of my work in non-profit leadership, my dedication to animal behavior research, and a lifelong commitment to social welfare, justice, and strengthening the human–animal bond. My career began at the intersection of compassion and crisis, working in AIDS advocacy in San Francisco during a time when fear and urgency were almost inseparable. While recognition for that work was meaningful, the most impactful part was witnessing communities fight for their right to exist with dignity. That early experience in public health and human rights profoundly shaped the perspective I bring to animal welfare, rehabilitation, and service dog training today.

Animals have consistently been my greatest teachers. My journey in animal behavior began with rescue and rehabilitation, learning to interpret the silent language of trauma, trust, and healing. Each animal I’ve worked with has reinforced the importance of patience, observation, and empathy—qualities that are essential both in human and animal interactions.

One of the most pivotal experiences in my life was training a service dog for my mother after she lost her sight. What began as a personal necessity evolved into a lifelong passion for understanding the ways dogs can enhance human independence, emotional resilience, and connection. This experience continues to inspire my approach to training, behavior consulting, and advocacy for both animals and the people they serve.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to push forward with confidence and resilience. I’ve always believed that when you refuse to accept “no” as the final answer, you open the door to possibilities. Positioning yourself so that denial isn’t an option, and maintaining a strong sense of self—especially as a minority woman—is essential.

Follow your passion, even through uncertainty. Some of the most rewarding work comes from unexpected paths. For example, training a service dog for my mother became a pivotal experience that ultimately shaped my career in animal behavior and advocacy. Trust the instincts that guide you toward work that feels meaningful and impactful.

Never stop learning. Education doesn’t end in the classroom. I continue to deepen my understanding of animal behavior through volunteering, research, and hands-on training. Every opportunity to learn brings new ways to serve both animals and the people who rely on them.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming ageism when pursuing new career opportunities, even with extensive experience. Many roles value novelty over expertise, which can make it difficult to have your knowledge and skills fully recognized.

Another challenge is that much of the work in animal behavior, advocacy, and non-profit leadership happens behind the scenes, where recognition is rare. This can make it easy for contributions to go unnoticed, despite their meaningful impact.

At the same time, these challenges create opportunities. Advocating for myself and the work I do has allowed me to expand its reach and ensure it benefits wider audiences. By combining experience with strategic visibility, it’s possible to turn behind-the-scenes impact into lasting, recognized change.

The values that guide both my work and personal life are compassion, education, and empowerment. My mission has always been simple: to stand at the intersection where animals and people uplift one another.

In practice, this means pursuing a degree in animal behavior with a focus on service dog training, while actively volunteering with organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and the SPCA. I also dedicate my time to evaluating shelter dogs and seeking opportunities to support veterans and individuals living with PTSD.

Through every endeavor, I strive to foster understanding, build meaningful connections, and empower both people and animals to thrive together.