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...

In this presentation attendees will learn how to accurately age, assess and care for orphaned neonatal kittens. They will also learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of fading kitten syndrome and how to combat it. 

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.

This presentation will talk about the history of the Community Cat Program at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) in Arlington, Virginia including where we were, where we are now, and how we got there. We will discuss how to garner successful support and buy-in for a jurisdiction-wide program, how to resolve the most common community cat conflicts, and what additional suppor...

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.