In this interactive session we will review the basics behind an intake exam and explore some of the most common findings in each species.

This session will cover basic dog body language and fear-free handling and is intended for those new to animal welfare or anyone looking to brush up on their knowledge. Back to Basics: Dog Behavior, Body Language & Fear Free Handling is good for 1 CEU for CPDT-KA certificants. Attendees must bring their certificate number to the session and check in with the N...

Why do so many animal health care professionals dread working with cats?  Is the way we engage with cats and their owners creating a roadblock to care?  When we adjust how we handle and communicate with cats and their people, we will actually look forward to those interactions. This will open the door to developing a more successful relationship with this often misunderstood species and you will gain a reputation for being "c...

Join the discussion on how being a Disruptor is conducive to creating more inclusive, lifesaving programs. We will examine the positive impact of important Disruptors throughout history and the related social changes that positively influence our lives today. We will apply a Disruptor approach to Animal Welfare by reviewing practical steps for assessing programs and identifying opportunities for programmatic changes to support keeping companion pets with their families and embracing “well-bei...

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, various board games, tarot card readings, cornhole, jumbo Jenga, a photo booth and more.

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Workplace culture and environment are critical components to animal lifesaving. It can be the difference between team members who are engaged or burned out, pet owners feeling welcomed or judged, volunteers working with or against us – all of these dynamics either positively or negatively impact animal outcomes. While Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) have become the mainstream ap...

This panel includes representatives from the MSPCA, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, and Save the Unicorns. The panelists will describe how their organizations have rebooted their foster programs to engage more foster volunteers by specific foster need, break down barriers to fostering, increase training, and gain support for some animals that have been hard to find foster options for. 

Caring for shelter animals involves making decisions, often challenging ones, day in and day out.  Whether you're working in shelter administration, operations, medicine, or behavior (or all of the above), you've likely experienced the fatigue that comes with decision-making.  Join us to recognize that we aren't alone and that we can implement strategies including effective communication techniques, collaborative decision-mak...

Caring for shelter animals involves making decisions, often challenging ones, day in and day out.  Whether you're working in shelter administration, operations, medicine, or behavior (or all of the above), you've likely experienced the fatigue that comes with decision-making.  Join us to recognize that we aren't alone and that we can implement strategies including effective communication techniques, collaborative decision-mak...

Enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks while chatting with other conference attendees. Tours will be offered for a behind-the-scenes look at the Rhode Island SPCA’s new facility which opened last fall.This event is being held at the Rhode Island SPCA which is located at 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI. 

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Could we be causing roadblocks for one another? During this session, attendees will uncover ways to work to improve, repair, and create new meaningful relationships with key partners in the work to better serve their communities and uphold their missions. Attendees will do an in-depth dive into existing relationships with peers and receive practical solutions to ensure we are supporting one another to the fullest to improve the lives o...

No matter the size of your organization or budget - at the bare minimum we all have websites, email tools, and lots of data. No one told us that using technology was going to be so hard! Most of us struggle to ‘just make it work’ in one way or another. We feel unprepared, overwhelmed, and just plain annoyed. Let's take a fun and jargon-free look at simple ways that you can decrease your frustration and increase your confidence to use t...

To run a successful volunteer program, we need to create an environment where volunteers feel welcome and that they are contributing in a meaningful way. Investment in quality onboarding and training upfront will pay dividends in the end! Having staff buy-in is essential for building and maintaining a strong program with good volunteer retention. In this session, we will explore some strategies and best practices for getting staff inve...

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 casual discussion on topics from the field of animal sheltering and rescue. There will also be additional prizes raffled off!  Topics will include:ACCESS TO VETERINARY CAREHost: Abigail Smith, Executive Director, Animal Welfare SocietyLOW BARRIER PET PLACEMENTHost...