Our Experts & Contributors

Meet the veterinarians, shelter professionals, and pet care writers behind our free vet advice and shelter management resources. Every article is reviewed for accuracy so you can trust what you read.

GetBuddy Authors

Alec Colon

Alec Colon

Account Executive

Alec Colon is passionate about using technology to make a meaningful difference in animal welfare. With a focus on building strong relationships and understanding the needs of shelters and rescues, he works to help organizations discover solutions that simplify operations and allow them to devote more time to the animals in their care. He believes that the right technology can empower nonprofits to expand their impact and save more lives. Through his work at GetBuddy, Alec helps connect animal welfare organizations with tools that improve efficiency, increase pet visibility, and support successful adoptions. Dedicated to collaboration and service, he is committed to helping shelters and rescues overcome everyday challenges so they can focus on what matters most, finding loving homes for every animal.

Miguel Madero

Miguel Madero

Software Engineer

Miguel Madero is a software engineer with a passion for building thoughtful, reliable technology that makes a meaningful difference. He specializes in developing scalable software and intuitive user experiences, with a focus on creating tools that solve real-world challenges for animal shelters, rescues, and pet adopters. By combining technical expertise with a user-first mindset, Miguel helps ensure that every feature is designed to be both powerful and accessible. At GetBuddy, Miguel works across the platform to improve performance, build new functionality, and support the technology that connects adoptable pets with loving families. His work is driven by the belief that well-built technology can remove barriers for animal welfare organizations, allowing them to spend more time focused on the animals and communities they serve.

Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard

Founder and CEO

Ryan Howard is the founder and CEO of GetBuddy, a platform dedicated to making pet adoption more accessible and helping more animals find lifelong homes. Driven by a passion for animal welfare and technology, he founded GetBuddy with the belief that every adoptable pet deserves the opportunity to be seen by the right family. His work focuses on building innovative tools that connect shelters, rescues, and adopters while improving the overall adoption experience. Ryan is committed to using technology to solve meaningful problems and expand the reach of animal welfare organizations. Through GetBuddy, he works to increase pet visibility, improve adoption outcomes, and create solutions that help more animals leave shelters and enter loving homes. His mission is to make finding a pet as simple, transparent, and accessible as possible while supporting the organizations that make those adoptions possible.

Teagan Harris

Teagan Harris

Marketing Manager

Teagan Harris is a lifelong animal advocate with a deep appreciation for animals and the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them. His passion for animal welfare has driven him to support organizations working to improve the lives of homeless pets, while advocating for better resources and technology that help shelters and rescues save more lives. Now based in New York City, Teagan works at the intersection of technology, marketing, and animal welfare. He is passionate about educating pet owners, supporting the rescue community, and helping organizations adopt modern tools that make it easier to care for animals, connect with adopters, and strengthen their impact.