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...

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...

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.