MSPCA launched a collaborative program in Massachusetts, called MASS, aimed at working together to increase adoptions, decrease euthanasia, and build a community of practice around developing behavior strategies to help the animals in shelters that struggle the most. This panel discussion will include key members of the coalition (Dakin Humane Society, MSPCA, and Berkshire Humane Society) who will talk about progress, what positive changes the groups have had that were unexpected, as well as ...

Is there more to enrichment than just food and busy boxes? Join me as we discuss some simple changes and strategies to benefit welfare in your shelter, and help keep our kennels (and kitty cages) calm and quiet.Attendees of this session are eligible for one (1) credit for CPDT-KA.

We all want successful adoptions, and part of making that happen includes preparing not only the adopters but the animals, too. This important, but often overlooked, preparation helps reduce stress (and stress-related illnesses) when animals leave shelters or foster homes and move into new homes with new people. Happy, healthy, less-stressed, and better-prepared pets also mean happier adopters, fewer returns, and better chances for family bonding and positive life-long relationships. This ses...

This session will delve into essential topics such as governance, strategic planning, fundraising, and board member engagement. Participants will gain insights into navigating the unique challenges faced by animal welfare organizations, fostering collaboration, and building a cohesive, mission-focused board that stays engaged and effective. We will discuss successful recruitment strategies, the critical role of organizational by-laws, and provide Executive Director...

Wind down from the day and enjoy some tasty snacks and beverages while getting to know fellow attendees and partaking in some or all of the many activities including arts and crafts, board games, cards, cornhole, a photo booth and more. Great giveaways will be raffled off to attendees.

We use language as a mode of communication every day and can understandably overlook that the words we utilize are rooted in history. Being aware of history, as that which is impacted by cultural and political forces, can actually help us to build compassion, empathy, and inclusion – all of which not only lead to positive outcomes, but also to a deep personal joy in knowing that we have played a part in bringi...

We'll introduce the concept of L.E.G.S. (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self) and discuss how to use this model within the shelter to improve match-making for dogs, enrichment, handling, and more. Attendees will delve into why breed and genetics matter and how to better support both adopters and dogs in their care.

Are you struggling to make decisions for dogs when it comes to their behavior? Are you seeing dogs returned for serious behaviors, or worried you may be euthanizing dogs who could find homes? Do you struggle to figure out what behaviors you can work on in the shelter? You're not alone! This presentation will give you practical steps for building adoptability criteria, decision guidelines for euthanasia, and reasonable training and enrichment strategies for "gray area" dogs in your care.

This presentation thinks about the humans affected during behavioral euthanasia; staff, volunteers, and adopters.  The speakers will aim to reframe behavioral euthanasia through a lens of public safety, the emotional difficulties owners face making this decision themselves, and organizational responsibility. Dr. Carly will share her real-world experiences speaking to owners about the decision-making process and how they grapple with managing a dog with behavioral concerns.Attendee...

Enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks while chatting with other conference attendees. There will also be a shelter spotlight on Lowell Humane Society so you can learn more about the amazing work they do. Great giveaways will be raffled off to attendees.This event is held off-site at Common Craft, 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington. It's adjacent to the Burlington Mall, but entrance is from the parking lot; not from inside the mall. 

Join us for an engaging session featuring two New England animal shelters, the Potter League and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, as they share insights on the vital role of partnerships with non-animal welfare organizations. Hear how these organizations are using collaborations with non-animal organizations to enhance animal welfare, improve community outreach, and support efforts to keep pets and people together. Both organizations will share their strategies and success stories that hig...

Employees start their new job with eagerness and enthusiasm for what is to come. But what happens when our training programs do not set up our employees for success? The employees become disengaged, under perform, or do not meet the job expectations. Sound familiar? Learn how to create a robust training program that not only engages employees in their work but also allows for advancement in their career with meaningful work...

In this AVMA Wellbeing Educator presentation we explore why rudeness in the workplace is on the rise, how we can address challenging behaviors, and why attempts to control others’ behaviors at best aren’t effective. We will also share how to leverage and apply the superpowers veterinary and animal welfare professionals already possess when working with reactivity in animals, to difficult encounters with humans.  Participants can expect to learn about:Factors t...

Cap off the conference with an opportunity to sit with a small group of peers and a host, to share conference takeaways, take a deeper dive, and ask questions in a casual discussion on topics from the field of animal sheltering and rescue. There will also be additional giveaways! Topics include:ACCESS TO CAREHost: Alyssa Krieger, MSPCAANIMAL TRANSPORTHost: Kelly Marinel, NHSPCABEHAVIORHost: Laurie Lawless, S...