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 ...

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...

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.

It's time to shift perspectives and realize that fundraising is not just the responsibility of a single department but a collaborative effort involving everyone in the shelter.In this inspiring session, I'll share my personal success story of how I significantly boosted monthly donations through innovative fundraising tactics.Through this session, participants will learn:How to integrate fundraising into different shelter departmentsHow to increase the acq...