Lisa Holt
Lisa Holt has been generously sharing her extensive expertise—spanning over 15 years as an Animal Behavior Certified Trainer, Certified Mentor Trainer, Certified Nose Work Instructor, Therapy Pet Evaluator, and Certified American Tribal Trainer (just to list a few)—to enhance shelter-staff skills and develop programming that benefits the dogs at APS-FH.
Through a local nonprofit, SJI K9 Detection Club, Lisa has also recruited experienced volunteers who work weekly with Animal Care Team Member and trainer-in-training Brittney DuCote to provide K9 Nose Work activities for shelter dogs. For dogs who have been in the shelter for months—or even years—this enrichment is not just engaging but potentially life-saving.
Nose Work offers physical exercise, mental stimulation, and confidence building. It also strengthens the bond between dog and handler and is increasingly used as an enrichment tool in shelters. Engaging in scent training helps keep dogs mentally healthy while they wait for homes and can even increase adoption rates and retention.
Beyond her time and expertise, Lisa has also helped generate financial support for APS-FH. She teaches Puppy Socialization and other classes in the newly remodeled Education Center, donating tuition fees to support the facility remodel and development of dog training programs.
On March 10, APS-FH will launch a pilot K9 Nose Work class in the Education Center. Under Lisa’s mentorship, Brittney DuCote will teach two K9 Nose Work classes for community dogs and their owners, as part of her Certified K9 Nose Work Instructor program—sponsored by Lisa’s organizations, PADs for Parkinson’s and SJI K9 Detection Club.
Lisa has long envisioned bringing this programming to APS-FH, and when the opportunity arose, she jumped in wholeheartedly—bringing expertise, volunteers, funding, and even her own clients. As if that weren’t enough, Lisa and the NACSW K9 Nose Work Shelter Program have invited APS-FH to participate in a research project studying how Nose Work enhances shelter dogs’ adoptability and improves adoption retention. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting initiative and upcoming classes that will support the shelter at the APS-FH Education Center.
A heartfelt thank you to Lisa Holt and the dedicated volunteers from SJI K9 Detection Club for their incredible support and commitment to the dogs at APS-FH. The staff and Board of Directors at Animal Protection Society-Friday Harbor are honored to recognize Lisa as our Volunteer of the Month!