If you are attending this session please fill out this survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NEFuture before 3/28. 

Companion animal welfare in New England is at a tipping point. Demand for adoptable animals is outpacing supply, changing the very nature of long-standing issues such as euthanasia, sterilization, and adoption. With circumstances rapidly changing, it is critical to evolve strategies and operations to most effectively maintain the well being of animals, and continue to improve the lives of those in need.

Conversations about what New England animal welfare organizations should do to navigate changing conditions have been happening since 2016 with in-person meetings of stakeholders from across the region. Energy and interest has only continued to build, with growing and widespread support to tackle tough questions about the future of companion animal welfare. A small group of leaders have recognized that it is time to take these conversations to next level, and are engaging in a project to provide answers and a new vision for the future. They are working to answer three key questions:

1. How should New England animal welfare organizations evolve their strategies and operations to meet the needs of companion animals now and into the future?
2. What metrics should New England animal welfare organizations be using to truly understand how successful they are at improving the lives of companion animals?
3. What is the roadmap for other organizations, communities, and regions as they approach a similar “tipping point” and figure out how to move beyond it?

In this facilitated discussion, the presenters will lead a conversation surrounding these pressing topics to further explore the changing landscape of New England animal welfare. Participants should expect a robust discussion about the current challenges at their own organization and in their community, how their organization may be able to make changes to best help animals and people, and opportunities to engage in the project going forward.

Lisa Dennison, Executive Director, New Hampshire SPCA

Mike Keiley, Director, Adoption Centers and Programs, MSPCA

Abigail Smith, Executive Director, Animal Welfare Society

Carmine DiCenso, Executive Director, Dakin Humane Society

Amielle DeWan, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Impact by Design

Heather Cammisa-Davenport, CEO/President, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center

Hanna Lentz, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Impact by Design