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...

Network with conference attendees at Connecticut Humane Society and enjoy a shelter tour. Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. 

The last ten years has seen a shift in animal welfare as organizations across the country began to focus on how to address the root causes of problems facing animals. It became clear that without addressing the human side of the equation, we will only ever be reactive rather than proactive. Program models began to shift away from shelter-based services and increasingly more towards preventative, community-based solutions. As part of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s 2015 str...

Join NEFHS for a craft-themed networking event. Perfect for the introvert and extravert alike, mix and mingle with attendees. Drinks and snacks will be provided.

Do you wish your community better understands the needs of dogs with behavioral challenges? Do you dream of the day that your behavior team can more easily support dogs in the shelter AND in your community? Join us in a 60-minute session where attendees will give voice to the ever-growing need for behavioral support in our communities and take steps in adopting a triage modal approach to providing community behavioral support. 

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 ...

Is there more to enrichment than just food and busy boxes? Join me as we discuss some simple changes and strategies to benefit welfare in your shelter, and help keep our kennels (and kitty cages) calm and quiet.Attendees of this session are eligible for one (1) credit for CPDT-KA.

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...

We'll dive into a successful campaign that combines a modern approach with traditional best practices and show how it boosted revenue in a slow summer fundraising season. Attendees will leave empowered to create inclusive, compassionate campaigns without sacrificing revenue or lives saved.Topics include:Leading with empathy and inclusivityStrength-Based MessagingCompassionate StorytellingPositioning donors as partners, not saviors

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