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 ...

Stories and messages influence what people think is true. They trigger our brains to ask: What's the problem, who is responsible, and what's the solution? They power thinking about critical issues like overwhelmed shelters, access to care, cruelty, and pet ownership. The problem is that mainstream stories give us the wrong answers. We're stuck with stereotypes, shaming, villainizing, and burnout. We must messa...

Struggling to engage your employees and turn feedback into meaningful change? You're not alone. Many organizations face challenges in seeking, analyzing, and acting on feedback, yet engaged employees are more productive and committed. Join us as we explore the importance of empowering employee voices, featuring the Animal Rescue League of Boston's journey in making feedback central to their culture. Learn to develop a feedback-rich environment, analyze employee input, transform feedback into ...

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...

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...

Biases based on our upbringing, beliefs, and worldview influence how we interact with others. For those in the public service profession who deal with people across different walks of life, these biases shape how the job is carried out. This session explores biases and cynicism – how they develop and their unconscious influence on our decisions and actions, and how to overcome or work around them with awareness of these variables in animal care and control.

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...