044: From Local News to National Reach: Animal Sanctuary PR Strategies with Heather Ripley

What if national media coverage for your animal sanctuary did not start with a big pitch or a major publication, but with your local newspaper?

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals Podcast, host Cheryl Moss sits down with Heather Ripley, founder and CEO of Orange Orchard PR, to unpack what actually works when it comes to media visibility for animal sanctuaries.

Heather shares how a successful career in traditional public relations evolved into purpose driven work after she went vegan and aligned her professional skills with animal advocacy. That shift led her to create Orange Orchard PR, an agency dedicated to helping sanctuaries and animal advocacy organizations tell their stories with clarity and impact.

In this conversation, Heather explains:

• Why local media coverage is the foundation for regional and national visibility

• How clear and consistent messaging builds trust with reporters and producers

• Why sanctuaries must think like businesses to achieve long term sustainability

• How donor connection and animal focused storytelling lead to recurring support

• When investing in professional communication delivers lasting results

This episode is packed with practical insight for sanctuary founders, board members, staff, and advocates who want to grow awareness without losing the heart of their mission.

If you care about helping sanctuaries move beyond survival and into stability, this is an episode you will want to listen to and share.

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/044-Heather-Ripley