Get to know the ARL's Behavior Team!
Kathryn Vry
Animal Behavior and Enrichment Specialist
KVry@arl-iowa.org
515-473-9131
Kathryn knew her passion was for animals at a young age, and began pursuing whatever opportunities were available to learn more. Bringing a background of canine body language from years of working at a doggy daycare and boarding facility, it became clear her fascination with animals was their behavior. Joining the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s Dog Behavior Team in 2019, Kathryn jumped headfirst into animal behavior, ready to learn more about not only dogs, but also other species. Currently she oversees dog training classes, as well as works with shelter behavior for dog, cat, and horse. Kathryn is a graduate of Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science, and is a certified Fear Free Professional. She is always striving to learn more about how to help the animals she interacts with, and enjoys thinking of new ways to benefit the animals around her. One of her favorite parts is seeing the positive changes made between dog owners and their dog, and helping them have fun while doing it.
Cassandra Johnson
Dog Behavior & Enrichment Supervisor
CJohnson@arl-iowa.org
515-473-9125
Cassandra arrived at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in 2013 starting work as an Animal Care Technician. Shortly after starting she knew she wanted to do more to help dogs feel more comfortable during their stay at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and began working part-time with the behavior department six months after her arrival. In 2013 Cassandra joined the Dog Behavior Team full time overseeing the shelter’s enrichment programs, behavior modification programs, and private consulting and training for members of the public. During her time at the ARL she has gone to many conferences (The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, The Humane Society of the United States Animal Care Expo, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor Clicker Expo) and strives to seek continual knowledge to help not only homeless pets, but owners. One of Cassandra’s favorite things about the ARL is working with fearful or reactive dogs helping them modify their behavior and placing them into homes that are a good fit for their needs.