081: The Animals Changed Everything: Chiara Saitta's Path to Purpose

What happens when the life you built no longer reflects what you believe?

For Chiara Saitta, becoming vegan changed far more than what she ate. It prompted her to leave a career in fashion and film, help open Rome's first vegan patisserie, and eventually dedicate herself to caring for rescued animals in Portugal.

In this episode of the Better Life for Animals podcast, Chiara shares the experiences that led her to Riza Animal Sanctuary, where she helps care for around 60 animals through a fully volunteer-run operation.

From meeting a rescued pig to watching her brother reconsider his choices after an encounter with a cow, Chiara has seen how connecting with animals can open hearts in ways a conversation alone sometimes cannot.

She also offers an honest look at what happens behind the scenes of sanctuary life. Compassion must be supported by veterinary care, appropriate diets, dependable volunteers, and consistent funding. Chiara explains how she draws on her business experience to meet those needs, including founding the Coimbra Vegan Market to help generate income.

Looking ahead, she shares plans for a larger sanctuary property and a vegan cooking school where food, education, and meaningful encounters with animals come together.

You will learn... •      Why Chiara's vegan bakery was designed to welcome people who were not vegan.

•      How sanctuary visits can inspire lasting changes in perspective.

•      Why rescuing animals is only the beginning of providing lifelong care.

•      How community events can support sanctuary fundraising.

•      What animals taught Chiara about staying present during difficult times.

https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/081-Chiara-Saitta