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...

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.

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...

In this session, we will have a panel led by Community Cats Podcast host, Stacy LeBaron, to share the story of how two Massachusetts communities have significantly reduced their cat population over the years. Executive Directors, Crystal Arnott(Lowell Humane Society) and Karen Glass(Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society) will share statistics and their experience on what programs and support was needed in orde...

This presentation will delve into the critical elements that influence how to capture captivating pet photographs. By examining factors such as the inclusion of humans or children, accessories, setting, text overlays, photo quantity and quality, variety, and platform-specific nuances, we will uncover actionable insights to create captivating pet imagery. This research-based presentation will provide valuable g...