7 tips for recruiting neonatal kitten fosters

May 30, 2024

It's kitten season again, and who isn't on the lookout for more foster caregivers for neonatal kittens? Here are seven tips for finding and keeping them!   Make sure your supporters understand why kittens are in need of foster (i.e., this is a critical time in their development for socialization with humans, and their immune…

Two former animal shelter youth volunteers share the impact it had on them

June 30, 2022

This is the second in a post in a two-part series by Erin Ellis, Community Engagement Director of Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT) about their youth volunteer program. This post highlights two former youth volunteers in a "Where are they now?" fashion. Read the first post.  At Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (HSTT), we had no…

How one rescue organization is using stipends to find foster homes for dogs who are harder to place

June 23, 2022

Dogs and cats who need to be the only pet in the home can be difficult to find placement for in adoptive and foster homes. This can result in longer shelter stays while a home is sought that fits their needs. While finding home-based placement more quickly for these pets is a common conundrum among…

Million Cat Challenge: Kitten Care in the Shelter

August 27, 2020

In this webinar, we'll go inside the shelter to find out what's new in the world of kitten care, pathway planning, wellness, and pediatric spay/neuter.

Maddie Talks: Aha Moments

December 2016

Maddie Talks Outline Examples

January 2017

Maddie Talks: Video Examples

January 2017

Creative Adoption Ideas Survey

February 2016

Million Cat Challenge: Support for Kittens in the Field

Julie Levy, Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Heather Kennedy and Nick LippincottAugust 13, 2020

Find out what field officers, volunteers and fosters are doing to give kittens the best chance of survival while streamlining operations and expanding safety nets outside shelter walls.

Short-term fostering opens the door to recruitment

June 30, 2020

Maddie's® Foster Express Challenge called on participating shelters to focus on short-term fostering to help get more dogs and cats out of the shelter during the hectic holiday season, get them more exposure and attract new foster caregivers. The following is the last in this series.  How do you recruit new fosters? By enticing them with…

Supporting and Engaging Foster Caregivers During COVID-19

Kelly Duer and Lea WilliamsJune 18, 2020

This 60-minute webcast will teach you how to support your fosters and keep them coming back for more!

Check-in with your foster caregivers (new and old!) with our free assessment tool

May 26, 2020

Now is the perfect time to reach out to your foster caregivers and see how you are doing as an organization. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, animal shelter and rescue organizations have seen an increase in foster caregiving. All of the additional focus on fostering presents a great opportunity to hone in on what your…

Empowering Fosters to Help Market Pets from Foster Care

Kelly Duer, Foster Care Specialist, Maddie's Fund^® and Rachel Jones, Adult Dog Foster Coordinator, Pima Animal Care CenterApril 23, 2020

This webcast outlines strategies from several progressive organizations that are empowering foster caregivers to assist in efforts to market their foster pets online.

An Emergency Contraceptive Option for Cats During COVID-19 Delayed Surgery

Joyce Briggs, Michael (Mike) Greenberg, Julie K. Levy, Michelle Kutzler and Linda RhodesApril 10, 2020

Find out about new possibilities with non-surgical contraception solutions for cats during this time of Covid-19 delayed surgery.

Building a Foster-centric Organization

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Dr. Sheila Segurson, Kelly Duer and Teresa JohnsonFebruary 2020

What does it mean to be foster centric? Learn from the people who have elevated foster care from a sideline shelter program to a best practice.

Public Safety and Lifesaving ARE Compatible

Marc Peralta, Senior Director, National Mission Advancement, Best Friends Animal Society and Ed Jamison, Director, Dallas Animal ServicesApril 2020

Join Marc Peralta and Edward Jamison to hear about the increases and impact they have seen in public safety, when lifesaving takes priority.

Build Resilience and Excitement Around Change

Shelly Thompson, Tawny Hammond, Cheryl Schneider, Teresa Johnson and Lee Ann ShenefielApril 2020

Shelly Thompson moderates this panel to help you get the insider tips on how to cultivate a team of resilience and build strong teams that will rally around you.

Managing Big Dogs: The New Horizon

Ellen Jefferson, DVM and Sheila Segurson, DVMApril 2020

In this session you will gain a deeper understanding of lifesaving best practices and innovations to increase lifesaving for big dogs.

Neonatal Kittens Q & A

Rosemarie Crawford and Casandra MensingApril 2020

Listen in with expert kitten lifesavers as they answer questions about neonatal kitten care, including disease treatment and prevention.

The Future of Animal Shelter Data

Kristen Hassen- Auerbach, Sarah Aguilar and Elena BattlesApril 2020

As sheltering evolves, we face an evolving set of challenges. Learn what experts in the field of animal shelter data collection are suggesting.

Million Cat Challenge: Don't steal the cats!

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to postpone this webcast until further notice.  We will publish the new webcast date as quickly as possible. For those of you who have already registered, you will not need to re-register and will receive an email once a new date has been set.  We apologize for this inconvenience and hope you will stay tuned for updates on this page.

Playing with Your Dog- Part One

August 2019

Who doesn't like to play? Dogs play because it's fun, but it also helps them to develop coordination, strength, and confidence.

Communicating urgency without negativity in emergency fostering

October 24, 2019

Emergency foster care initiatives can be a game-changer when an organization or one of its partners is in crisis. Quickly sending pets to foster homes at these crucial times can save lives, but the messaging can be tricky. Emergency foster pleas need to be urgent enough to motivate the community to act, but too much…

What To Do If Your New Dog Is Aggressive

August 2019

Aggression is a form of communication. Keep pets and people safe by preventing aggression from occurring.

What to Do if Your New Dog Won't Eat

August 2019

For the first day or two after arriving at a new home, a dog may not eat. Lack of appetite can have multiple causes, such as environmental change, stress, depression, illness, food allergy or a change in food.

Why Train Your Dog?

August 2019

Training your dog to respond to cues establishes a common language that will help you communicate with your dog. Having a common language will make it easier for you both to bond.

Lifesaving Protocol for At Risk Dogs: Part 1

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Director of Animal Services Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson, ArizonaOctober 23, 2019

Part 1: What is the Lifesaving Protocol for At Risk Dogs? This webcast is the first in a two-part series but can be viewed on its own and will be useful to shelter leadership at all levels, volunteers, advocates and anyone else who struggles to save big dogs' lives.

Teaching Your Dog to Say Please

August 2019

A dog who sits every time they want something (e.g. attention from people) is much easier to live with than a dog that hasn't learned to say please and jumps up or barks when they want something.

Teaching Your Dog to Settle

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to settle down and be quiet when you cue them to "settle". With this cue, your dog can readjust their body but must stay lying down in one place.

Teaching Your Dog to Sit

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to put their rear end on the floor when asked to "sit".

Teaching Your Dog to Touch

August 2019

Goal: The cue "touch" (hand targeting) directs your dog to target your palm with their nose.

Teaching Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog how to change their stride to stay close to you on a loose leash without pulling. It will take time, patience, and consistency.

Dog - The Right Rewards

August 2019

Reward-based training is humane, fun and helps you build a communication style with your dog. Reward based training also bonds your dog more closely to you and your family.

Ways To Train Your Dog

August 2019

The best way to train your dog is by using humane methods that focus on rewarding dogs for good behavior. Here are few ways to train without pain or fear.

How to Handle the Leash

August 2019

A leash is a great management and training aid for your dog. The leash keeps your dog safe, preventing your dog from running away from you and into traffic, chasing other dogs and small animals, and jumping on people.

Reducing Stress During Handling

August 2019

Some dogs might like to be petted, but get stressed when you try to brush them, clean their ears, and/or hold their paws. Be patient with your new dog and teach them how to feel safe around you.

Reducing Your Dog's Stress

August 2019

Review Assessing Your Dog's Stress for behavioral and body language indicators of stress. You can help your dog by modifying the environment slightly and the way you and others behave around them to help them cope with stress.

Scent Games for Dogs

August 2019

Dogs rely on their sense of smell to identify the world. Imagine how much fun you and your dog will have if you encourage your dog to find stuff you need or a game to keep them occupied.

Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to come close to you when you give the cue "come."

Teaching Your Dog to Down

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog lie down on the ground when you give the cue "down."

Teaching Your Dog To Drop It

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to drop or let go of objects in their mouth with the cue "drop it."

Teaching Your Dog to Go to Bed or Mat

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog how to go to their bed or mat and lie down.

Teaching Your Dog to Leave It

August 2019

Goal: Teach your dog to ignore things you don't want them to have or pay attention to with the cue "leave it."

Introducing Your New Dog to Your Dogs

August 2019

Dog relationships are like people relationships. Some dogs will become playmates, others will enjoy the companionship of another dog and others just aren't interested in other dogs.

Playing with Your Dog- Part Two

August 2019

Playing is fun, but it can also relieve stress, provide exercise, teach self-control and instill confidence. Follow the tips below to encourage your dog to play.

Preparing Your Home for a New Dog

August 2019

Before bringing a dog home, prepare carefully. There's much to consider, including what rules to set for your new dog, what equipment you'll need and what questions to ask the shelter/rescue group, foster coordinator or your veterinarian.

Introducing Your Dog to New Dogs

August 2019

Introductions between your new dog and unfamiliar dogs can be easy, but other times it may be challenging. The best results come from being slow and careful.

Introducing Your New Dog to Cats

August 2019

Introducing a new dog to a resident cat can be challenging and should be done slowly and carefully. With time, many dogs and cats can learn to coexist peacefully, become playmates and even friends!

Introducing Your New Dog to People

August 2019

If your dog enjoys meeting new people, follow the tips below to help those greetings be successful.

Improving How Your Dog Responds to Cues

August 2019

Incorporate the 3 D's (distractions, distance and duration) into training each cue into a well trained behavior. Here are ways you can help your dog learn how to respond to cues the way you want them to!

Getting to Know Your New Dog - Part 2 Expanding Your New Dog's Horizons

August 2019

Once your new dog is comfortable with your home and family, you can begin to slowly introduce them to new people and environments. Always pay attention to your dog's body language, as new experiences can sometimes be stressful.

Getting Your Dog's Attention

August 2019

Teaching your dog to make eye contact with you is a great foundation behavior. If your dog is making eye contact and paying attention to you they are less likely to pull on leash, bark at people or dogs, or sniff and eat things off the ground.

Helping Your Dog Adjust to a New Home

August 2019

Your new dog might need a few weeks to months to completely adjust to their new home, depending on the new environment and the dog's personality. This is normal - it's important for you to respond appropriately and help your new dog adjust.

Assessing Your Dog's Stress

August 2019

It's important to recognize signs of stress in your new dog as you get to know them. Some dogs will adjust to stressful situations more easily than others.

Dog - Basic Training - Level 1

August 2019

Basic Dog Training - Level 1

Introducing Cats to Other Cats

August 2019

Some cat-to-cat introductions go smoothly, while others may take weeks or months before the cats co-exist with each other. The best way to do this is to go as slowly as necessary, and make every interaction a positive one.

Introducing Cats and Kids

August 2019

The first few days in a new home are often quite stressful for any cat and, on the other hand, very exciting for a child! Make sure to balance your child's enthusiasm for spending time with your kitty with their need for adjustment and alone time.

Helping a Shy or Fearful Cat Adjust to Your Home

August 2019

Fear is common and a perfectly normal, innate, and adaptive behavior in all animals. Be proactive in managing your cat's fearfulness or shyness.

Appetite Issues in Cats

August 2019

Reasons for a poor or no appetite in cats include stress, illness, and even just a preference for a tastier food. Changes in how your cat is fed, such as location or type of food or food bowl, can affect how much your cat will eat. Changes in environment or people/pets in the environment can also cause a cat to eat less or stop eating. Appetite issues can also be caused by a medical condition. A poor appetite for longer than a couple of days can lead to serious health issues, even if the initial cause was not due to a medical problem.

Appetite Issues in Dogs

August 2019

Reasons for a poor or no appetite in dogs include stress, illness, and even just a preference for a tastier food. Changes in how your dog is fed, such as location or type of food or food bowl, can affect how much your dog will eat. Changes in environment or people/pets in the environment can also cause a dog to eat less or stop eating. Appetite issues can also be caused by a medical condition.

Bringing Your New Cat Home

August 2019

Introducing a cat into a new home can be easy or extremely stressful. A cat's normal reaction to a new place can be to run and hide. Others are curious about the new home right away and want to explore as soon as they exit the carrier. If the cat is allowed to adapt to a new environment at her own speed, everything generally works out. Some cats take minutes or hours; other will take days, weeks, or even months to get comfortable. The length of time needed to adjust to a new territory will depend on the cat's temperament, past experiences, and whether there are other animals present. A normal adjustment period usually takes one to two weeks.

Cat Not Defecating

August 2019

If you don't find feces in the litter box there can be a few reasons, and we will help you trouble shoot.

Cat Not Urinating

August 2019

If you don't find urine in the litter box there can be a few reasons, and we will help you trouble shoot.

Cat Toys and Cat Play

August 2019

There are a variety of cat toys on the market, including food and puzzle toys and toys that bounce, flutter, or move in a way that entices the cat to chase. The best toys for active play are string or wand toys that look like feathers or streamers or a toy dandling from a fishing pole. Even a peacock feather makes a great interactive toy due to its length. With timid cats it's best to stay away from large or noisy toys. Some cats are more attracted to things in the air while others prefer staying closer to the ground. Knowing whether your cat prefers air or ground play hunting will be an advantage, and you may have to try several different toys and rotate them frequently before you find the ones your cat likes best.

Coughing in Cats

August 2019

An occasional cough can be normal for a cat, actually helping clear the airway. If your cat's coughing is mild and there are no other symptoms such as nasal discharge or lethargy, monitoring him/her for the next couple of days may be all that is needed.

Coughing in Dogs

August 2019

An occasional cough can be normal for a dog, actually helping clear the airway. If your dog's coughing is infrequent and there are no other symptoms such as nasal discharge or lethargy, monitoring him/her for the next couple of days may be all that is needed. Keeping your dog separate from other dogs is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection.

Diarrhea in Cats

August 2019

Some soft stool or diarrhea in cats is common with dietary changes or the stress of adapting to a new environment. If your cat has had a small amount of diarrhea once or twice, and if no other symptoms are present (e.g., vomiting, lethargy, not eating) it is acceptable to be patient and continue to monitor him/her. Continued, frequent or large amounts of diarrhea can be a sign of something more serious and could lead to dehydration and weight loss.

Diarrhea in Dogs

August 2019

Some soft stool or diarrhea in dogs is common with dietary changes or the stress of adapting to a new environment. If your dog has had a small amount of diarrhea once or twice, and if no other symptoms are present (e.g., vomiting, lethargy, not eating) it is acceptable to be patient and continue to monitor him/her. Continued, frequent or large amounts of diarrhea can be a sign of something more serious and could lead to dehydration and weight loss.

Difficult or Labored Breathing in Cats

August 2019

Difficult or labored breathing is a very serious and potentially life threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Difficult or Labored Breathing in Dogs

August 2019

Difficult or labored breathing is a very serious and potentially life threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Dogs with Difficulty Urinating

August 2019

Dogs that are having problems peeing often ask to go outside to use the bathroom more than normal. They are usually peeing small, frequent amounts, or they cannot pee at all. They might have pee accidents in the house. Straining to pee, no matter the amount of urine output, is never normal. Peeing should be a comfortable and effortless process, with a steady and adequate amount of urine.

Ear Problems in Cats

August 2019

Ear infections aren't common in cats as they are in dogs, but can be very frustrating when they are present. Cats with ear problems usually have ear mites and might scratch their ears, have smelly ears, and/or shake their heads.

Ear Problems in Dogs

August 2019

Ear problems are fairly common in dogs, especially dogs with floppy ears. Dogs with ear problems might scratch their ears, have smelly ears, and/or shake their heads.

Eye Discharge in Cats

August 2019

Eye discharge in cats is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and has a variety of causes. Eye discharge may be clear and runny, or it may be green/yellow and thick. If your cat's symptoms are mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, and does not have any other symptoms of illness, it is okay to monitor him/her for a few days.

Eye Discharge in Dogs

August 2019

Eye discharge in dogs is a symptom rather than a disease itself, and has a variety of causes. Eye discharge may be clear and runny, or it may be green/yellow and thick. If your dog's symptoms are mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, and does not have any other symptoms of illness, it is okay to monitor him/her for a few days.

Fleas in Cats

August 2019

Fleas are tiny, wingless, blood-sucking insects that live off the blood of their hosts. The fleas biting the skin can cause cats to scratch, bite, lick, and chew at themselves. Fleas can also cause an allergic reaction in some cats. They can become extremely itchy and start losing their fur and getting secondary bacterial infections on the skin (scabs and sores). Heavy flea infestation in cats can lead to death from anemia (blood loss). If your cat's gums are very pale, or if he/she is lethargic/weak, he/she may need emergency veterinary care.

Fleas in Dogs

August 2019

Fleas are tiny, wingless, blood-sucking insects that live off the blood of their hosts. The fleas biting the skin can cause dogs to scratch, bite, lick, and chew at themselves. Fleas can also cause an allergic reaction in some dogs. They can become extremely itchy and start losing their fur and are at risk for getting secondary bacterial infections on the skin (scabs and sores). Heavy flea infestation in dogs can lead to death from anemia (blood loss). If your dog's gums are very pale, or if he/she is lethargic/weak, he/she may need emergency veterinary care.

Inappropriate Elimination in Cats

August 2019

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Intestinal Parasites in Cats

August 2019

Intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea, weight loss, rough hair coat, and/or a pot-bellied appearance. Vomiting can also be seen, sometimes with worms in the vomit. Sometimes cats with intestinal parasites show no signs at all.

Intestinal Parasites in Dogs

August 2019

Intestinal parasites can cause diarrhea, weight loss, rough hair coat, and/or a pot-bellied appearance. Vomiting can also be seen, sometimes with worms in the vomit. Sometimes dogs with intestinal parasites show no signs at all.

Lethargy in Cats

August 2019

Lethargy is a common term for weakness and lack of energy. This is a vague description of a symptom, but it occurs often with many illnesses in cats. Lethargy can range from slight (e.g., not as playful as usual), to moderate (e.g., not interested in play, sleeping more than usual), to extreme (e.g., barely moving, difficulty holding head up).

Lethargy in Dogs

August 2019

Lethargy is a common term for lack of energy and weakness. This is a vague description of a symptom, but it occurs often with many illnesses in dogs. Lethargy can range from slight (e.g., not as playful as usual), to moderate (e.g., not interested in play, sleeping more than usual), to extreme (e.g., barely moving, difficulty holding head up).

Limping in Cats

August 2019

Limping (lameness) in cats can be subtle or very obvious. You may see your cat holding up his/her paw or hopping on three legs from time to time, or you may see your cat consistently not putting any weight on his/her paw at all. Severe lameness needs prompt veterinary attention, as your cat is likely very uncomfortable and in need of medication to relieve pain. Do not give your cat any pain medication without consulting with a veterinarian, as some medications are toxic to cats.

Limping in Dogs

August 2019

Limping (lameness) in dogs can be subtle or very obvious. You may see your dog holding up his/her paw or hopping on three legs from time to time, or you may see your dog consistently not putting any weight on his/her paw at all. Severe lameness needs prompt veterinary attention, as your dog is likely very uncomfortable and in need of medication to relieve pain. Do not give your dog any pain medication without consulting with a veterinarian.

Litter Box Problems

August 2019

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Litter Box Tips

August 2019

If your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Recommended Reading for Cats

August 2019

There are a variety of cat related books on the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose. This list provides you with reading recommendations, but it is not by any means a complete list.

Ringworm in Cats

August 2019

Ringworm (dermatophytosis) is a common skin disorder in cats that is highly contagious to other pets and to people. Children and immunocompromised individuals (e.g. HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, patients on immunosuppressive medications) are especially susceptible to ringworm. This website addresses ringworm from a public health standpoint: CDC: Healthy Pets Healthy People: Ringworm

Scratching Posts

August 2019

Cats scratch on things for two reasons: to shed their claws and to mark their territory. To save your furniture from damage, you need to provide your cat with a scratching post or two and teach him how to use it.

Seizures in Cats

August 2019

Most seizures last one to two minutes and resolve on their own. If your cat has a seizure for more than two minutes, and/or if there is more than one seizure observed, your cat needs emergency veterinary care.

Seizures in Dogs

August 2019

Most seizures last one to two minutes and resolve on their own. If your dog has a seizure for more than two minutes, and/or if there is more than one seizure observed, your dog needs emergency veterinary care.

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats

August 2019

If your cat's sneezing and/or nasal discharge is mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, it is okay to monitor him/her for the first couple of days. Keeping your cat separate from other cats is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection.

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs

August 2019

If your dog's sneezing and/or nasal discharge is mild and he/she has a normal appetite and energy level, it is okay to monitor him/her for the first couple of days. Keeping your dog separate from other dogs is recommended until a veterinarian gives the okay, since he/she may have a contagious upper respiratory infection.

Straining to Pee in Cats

August 2019

Cats that are having problems peeing are often seen going in and out of the litter box more than normal. They are usually peeing small, frequent amounts, or they cannot pee at all. They might pee outside of the litter box. Straining to pee, no matter the amount of urine output, is never normal. Peeing should be a comfortable and effortless process, with a steady and adequate amount of urine.

Urine Marking in Cats

August 2019

If your cat is urinating outside the litter box, we certainly understand your frustration. Luckily, this is a treatable condition in most cases. A medical exam, as well as a few simple changes can help to re-establish proper litter box use.

Vomiting in Cats

August 2019

For some cats, an occasional, isolated episode of vomiting can be nothing to worry about. If your cat does not have any other signs of illness (e.g., fever, lethargy, not eating), it is best to be patient and continue to monitor your cat.

Vomiting in Dogs

August 2019

For some dogs, an occasional, isolated episode of vomiting can be nothing to worry about. If your dog does not have any other signs of illness (e,g, fever, lethargy, not eating), it is best to be patient and continue to monitor your dog.

6 tips for using foster care as a lifeline during animal shelter crises

July 16, 2019

Along with reduced-fee adoption events, emergency foster care is becoming the go-to answer for nearly every crisis an animal shelter can have, including natural disasters, outbreaks of contagious illness, population surges and building renovations. Emergency foster care enables shelters to greatly increase their capacity for care for a short period of time, taking strain off…

Beyond Just Kittens: Strategic & Creative Use of Foster Care

Erin Doyle, DVM, DABVP, Senior Director of Shelter Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this workshop, the presenter reviews the basics of maintaining an organized, proactive foster network and then delve into examples of how organizations are using foster care in thoughtful and creative ways. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Bringing Your Foster Cat Home

June 2019

In this short class, you will learn how to set up your home in a way that creates a safe space for your foster cat and help your foster cat acclimate to their new environment.

Expand or start a pet foster program with our new foster care resources page!

June 11, 2019

Have you been thinking of starting your own pet foster program and not sure where to begin? Or maybe you’re wondering how to expand the one you currently have? Either way, we've got you covered with our new Foster Care Resources page!   We recently gathered some of the best foster program resources to help your organization. Now you can save more…

Just say no to the ‘conventional wisdom’: Sherri Franklin’s Aha! journey saving senior dogs

June 6, 2019

Mayor London Breed just proclaimed June 6th as Adopt a Senior Pet Day in San Francisco, CA. In honor of this special day, we’re sharing this interview by Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s own Sherri Franklin. This post was originally shared on August 9, 2016. Of course, the wisdom still applies today. We hope that senior…

Cultivating a Fostering Community

Kelly Duer, Foster Care Specialist, Maddie's Fund^®May 2019

In this presentation, you'll learn how to create a culture of fostering in your community and recruit the foster caregivers you need.

Nuts and Bolts of Large-scale Cat and Dog Foster Programs

Kelly Duer, Monica Frenden, Regan Goins and Lorian EpsteinMarch 2019

Learn from experts the details of setting up and implementing a large-scale foster program.

Save Lives in Space Crises

Michele Figueroa, Christi Metropole and Faith WrightMarch 2019

Learn how to not end lives due to temporary space shortages by pulling other levers that will decrease the pressure that you feel.

Scrutinize and Market the Euthanasia List

Clare Callison, Canine Lifesaving Advisor, Maddie's^® Lifesaving AcademyMarch 2019

This talk explores why it's important to understand exactly which animals are dying in your municipal shelter and how to let people help you get them out alive.

High Volume Foster Programs for Cats and Dogs

Monica Frenden, Regan Goins and Lorian EpsteinMarch 2019

Learn how to rethink foster care in terms of capacity and expand the concept of what animals should be considered for foster.

Municipal Shelter Leadership: Getting and Starting the Job - panel

Sarah Aguilar, Marian Cannell, Jordan Craig and Mike KavianiMarch 1, 2019

Join this session for expert tips and tricks and leave with a strong understanding of how to apply for, land and start a leadership position at a municipal shelter.

How to Check Foster Pets for Dehydration

March 2019

In this short class, you will learn how to assess for dehydration in foster pets

Million Cat Challenge: Foster Care On-Deck: Strategies to get kittens into foster homes quickly

Erin Doyle, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice) Senior Director, Shelter Medicine - ASPCAWednesday, March 20, 2019

Learn how to get kittens and nursing queens out of the shelter and into foster homes as quickly as possible.

Million Cat Challenge: Outsourcing Neonatal Kitten Rearing for Life-Saving Success

Katie Ingram, Animal Services Manager, Placer County Animal Services, Auburn, CaliforniaWednesday, March 6, 2019

Learn how shelters are increasingly able to care for and save neonatal kittens.

Join us for a kitten webinar series, hosted by Million Cat Challenge

February 28, 2019

Kitten season will be here before you know it, and the Million Cat Challenge (MCC) wants you to have your most successful season yet. Which is why they are hosting three kitten-focused webinars in March to help you prepare. Kittens are a shelter’s most vulnerable population, and MCC wants to help you save as many as…

Maddie Talk: Cat Town, Oakland CA

January 17, 2019

How to Help People Resolve Some Common Behavior Problems and Keep Their Pets

Kelley Bollen, MS, CABC, Owner and Executive Director, Kelley Bollen ConsultingOctober 2018

This talk reviews the most common behavior problems in dogs and cats and provides practical advice that can be shared with the pet owner to help keep pets in their homes.

Leadership - The Who, How, What and When

Susanne Kogut, President and Executive Director, PetCo FoundationOctober 2018

In order to create a lifesaving community, our leadership needs to create a workshop of possibilities...the who is you, the how is together, the what is a positive attitude and the when is now.

Lifesaving Webcast Series: Let Them Go Home - Increasing Adoptions

Monica FrendenThursday. December 13, 2018

How many more lives could you save if instead of keeping animals in the shelter until they are 100% ready, they went home with adopters now - to grow up, heal from injury, or recover from illness?

Transports Make Me Nervous!

Holly Putnam, DVM, Director of Operations and Outreach, Shelter Outreach Services, Ithaca NYDecember 2018

This presentation discusses best practices of transport programs and other tips to help minimize risk, while maximizing lifesaving.

What's Next? Improving Welfare in Your Community with Limited Resources

Carolyn R. Brown and Jocelyn KesslerDecember 2018

This workshop helps you to identify the needs of your community and discover how to maximize your resources and incorporate affordable and accessible preventive and basic veterinary care into your organization.

How to Weigh Your Foster Pet

November 2018

In this short class you will learn how often you should weigh your foster pets, different methods of weighing your foster pets depending on their size, and when you should contact your foster manager about weight changes in your foster pet.

Solving Litter Box Problems

November 2018

In this class you will learn how to understand the various issues related to owner surrender of cats with a history of inappropriate litter box use, the various medical and behavioral causes of peeing and/or pooping outside the litter box, techniques to eliminate behavioral causes of not using the litter box, and how to facilitate a successful adoption of a cat with a history of inappropriate litter box use.

Choosing the Appropriate Walking Gear

November 2018

In this class, you will learn the various different types of dog walking equipment, the pros and cons of each equipment, and what might be best for your foster dog.

Fear Free Pet Brushing

November 2018

In this short video, learn the best way to brush your dog or cat that makes the process fun and easy for both you and your foster pet.

Fear Free Ear Cleaning

November 2018

In this short video, learn techniques for helping your foster pet learn that ear treatments don't have to be a frightening and unpleasant experience.

How to Handle Leash Walking

November 2018

In this short class, learn the best tips for training your foster dog to walk properly on leash as well as a few other training scenarios leashes come in handy for.

Fear Free Eye Treatment

November 2018

In this video, learn how to make these treatments more of a positive experience for your foster dog or cat and make the entire process less of a struggle for both you and your foster pet.

Fear Free Tooth Brushing

November 2018

In this video, learn how you can gain your foster pets approval of teeth brushing as well as turn a potential negative experience into a positive one.

Maddie's Pet Assistant App Revolutionizing Support for Pet Foster and Adoptive Homes

Amber FreiwaldTuesday, November 6, 2018

Introducing Maddie's^® Pet Assistant, a FREE app developed by Maddie's Fund^® to follow up with adopters and foster caregivers once a pet is placed in their new permanent or temporary home.

Million Cat Challenge: 'Care To' Programs at the Winnipeg Humane Society

Val PoultonThursday, November 1, 2018

Learn how the Care to Adopt (for strays) and Care to Rehome (for owned cats) Programs help get cats into new homes without a shelter stay, and include low cost spay/neuter and vaccinations to those adopters.

Webcast: Enhance support for your foster caregivers with Maddie’s Pet Assistant

October 30, 2018

How would you like to provide amazing support to your foster caregivers and adopters from day one? Maddie's® Pet Assistant (MPA) does this for you and we have a webcast, How the Maddie’s® Pet Assistant App is Revolutionizing Support for Pet Foster and Adoptive Homes on November 6 at 6pm PT/9pm ET to tell you all about…

Million Cat Challenge: Albuquerque Case Studies Going Big With Community Cat Programs

Desiree Triste-AragonThursday, October 25, 2018

Learn how the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department partnered with Petsmart Charities and Best Friends Animal Society to drastically reduce euthanasia and intake of cats and kittens coming into the shelter. Learn more about how the program works and how you can replicate it in your community.

Million Cat Challenge: Believe in Saving Lives

Karen SheppardThursday, October 11, 2018

How changing communication approaches, implementing strong programs, and the power of belief all came together to save cats' lives in Huntsville's municipal shelter.

Million Cat Challenge: Keeping Cats out of Shelters

Monica FrendenThursday, October 4, 2018

Learn about how the PASS (Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender) diversion program keeps cats from ever entering shelters

Million Cat Challenge: Managed Intake and Restructuring the Budget

Mandy EvansThursday, September 27, 2018

In this Webcast, Mandy Evans will cover two topics: A panleukopenia outbreak, and how managed intake, housing changes and partnering with the community made all the difference.

Million Cat Challenge: Yes, and....

Seth Montgomery and Natalie CorwinThursday, September 20, 2018

Do you have 15 minutes to save more cats' lives?

In this webcast, you'll discover how an open-admission municipal shelter and a nonprofit veterinary clinic worked together to lower cat intake at the shelter.

Introducing a New Dog to Pocket Pets and/or Birds

September 2018

Introducing a new dog to pocket pets and/or birds can be risky, and needs to be carefully planned and done slowly.

Feeding Your New Dog

September 2018

Nutrition and the food you choose to feed your dog will have a big impact on their overall health and energy.

What Do I Need? Training and Walking Supplies for Your New Dog

August 2019

Here are some basics that will help to be prepared for the best walks of your life with your new dog.

Housetraining - Building Healthy Elimination Habits

August 1, 2019

With a good plan, your new dog can quickly learn to use the outdoor bathroom area you establish.

Play and Toys - Your New Dog's First Few Days

September 2018

Play is a great way to release stress and tension, and a dog occupied with toys or games will also be a dog that isn't chewing on your personal belongings and furniture.

Saving Cats: What Comes After a Million?

Dr. Kate Hurley and Dr. Julie LevyThursday, September 13, 2018

The intrepid co-founders of the Million Cat Challenge (MCC) dared to imagine reaching a tipping point for how cats are cared for in our shelters and communities, and reached their goal of saving 1 million cats a full year early.

The Million Cat Challenge isn't done yet!

LifeLine Animal Project's Pets for Life Program

August 31, 2018

Join the #GetEmHomeChallenge!

Kelly DuerAugust 16, 2018

Is there a better feeling in the world than one of your shelter's long-stay animals finding a home? How about the feeling of receiving a grant? What if you could do both? You can, and in this free Maddie's Fund^® webcast, you'll find out how!

#FeelGoodFriday: Parents fake kids out with stealth dog adoption

May 11, 2018

When it is okay to lie to your kids? When you tell them you’re going shopping but it’s really a stealth pet adoption! These parents told their three kids they were going Christmas shopping, but they actually had arranged to meet a foster dog who was out on a field trip with her foster mom.…

Study: Save 5 times more dogs, cut costs and improve health in your animal shelter

April 17, 2018

Short of finding a magic wand, there’s really nothing better than foster care programs for boosting lifesaving, cutting costs and improving health in animal shelters. Unconvinced? Check out the results of a study just published in the peer-reviewed journal Animals, “Factors Associated with High Live Release for Dogs at a Large, Open-Admission, Municipal Shelter.” The…

Cats are Not Small Dogs: Changing the Shelter System to Save More Cats

Monica FrendenMarch 2018

A shelter system that was built for dogs is still the model applied to cats. As a result, 70% of cats who enter our nation's shelters each year are killed. What changes do we need to make in our industry, in our programs, and in our communities to change this?

Creating and Growing a Dog Foster Network

Ann Lindholm and Kelly DuerMarch 2018

With a viable foster program it's possible to begin saving lives and transforming your community to no-kill, even if you don't have a shelter. Learn how to build a successful foster program that can grow with your organization.

Essentials of Saving Big Dogs

Kristen Auerbach, Mike Kaviani, Clare CallisonMarch 2018

Experts present the essential programs, best practices, and core philosophies needed to start saving the big dogs in your communities. Think of this presentation as the key ingredients needed to move towards and achieve 90% for your community's dogs.

High Volume Cat Foster Program

Ashley MiddletonMarch 2018

Fosters often mean the difference between life and death for cats in the shelter. Austin Pets Alive's Cat Foster Manager discuss how to recruit foster homes, place cats in foster, and maintain a foster network.

Saving All The Bottle Baby Kittens: From Nursery To Foster Presentation - Part 2

Gloria HudsonMarch 2018

Austin Pets Alive! (APA) has saved over 7,500 neonatal kittens since 2009. In this is a two-part presentation, you'll learn how to start and build a bottle baby nursery, plus how to create a foster network for neonates. This is part two: How to create a foster network for neonates.

Venturing Past 90: Who are the Last 10% of Dogs and How Do You Save Them?

Mike Kaviani and Marian CannellMarch 2018

What should your shelter/community expect when you're ready to push past 90%? Come learn about "the last 10 percent", and the programs that are saving the dogs that have historically been deemed unsaveable.

Adult Cat and Kitten Fostering

Jodi Osborne and Christina EllwoodMarch 2018

Whether you're looking to start a foster program at your shelter, or give a boost to an already-existing foster program, Maddie's Fund^® has a webcast series for you!

On Thursday, March 22, 2018, at 9 PM Eastern, Charleston Animal Society Foster and Rescue Coordinators Jodi Osborne and Christina Ellwood will present a free Maddie's Fund webcast, Adult Cat and Kitten Fostering.

Adult Dog Fostering

Kristen AuerbachMarch 2018

Whether you're looking to start a foster program at your shelter, or give a boost to an already-existing foster program, Maddie's Fund has a webcast series for you!

On Thursday, March 15, 2018, at 9 PM Eastern, Kristen Auerbach, Director of Animal Services at Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, Arizona, will present a free Maddie's Fund webcast, Adult Dog Fostering.

Treatment Station: Training for Care

Fear FreeFebruary 2018

Watch this short video on conditioning your foster pet to a treatment station to find out how to best utilize it to help you care for your foster pet.

Basket Muzzle Training

Fear FreeFebruary 2018

Conditioning a dog to be comfortable wearing a muzzle is an important life skill. In this short video by Fear Free you can learn how to do exactly that.

Study: Foster caregiver turnover and how your animal welfare organization can combat it

January 30, 2018

Ever wonder why foster caregivers stop fostering? How can your organization increase retention? Maddie's Fund® set out to answer these questions by sponsoring a recent study at UNC Charlotte on foster care. The results, and what your organization can do about the problem, may surprise you. "The purpose of this study was to better understand…

How to Properly Navigate Adoption Events

Rebound HoundsJanuary 2018

In this short video you will learn some tips for going to adoption events with your foster dog to give your foster exposure to potential adopters.

Foster Teams: Coming Together to Get Pets Adopted

Dr. Steven RogelbergJanuary 17, 2018

Have you ever considered empowering teams of volunteers to work with foster caregivers to help foster pets find homes? Dr. Steven Rogelberg and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte are working with Maddie's Fund to implement foster teams at animal shelters and rescue groups in the U.S.

How an apprenticeship changed a shelter worker’s perspective on no-kill and large dog fostering

October 12, 2017

Can a few days at an apprenticeship change your perspective on no-kill sheltering and foster care for large dogs? After attending Maddie’s® Medium and Large Adult Dog Foster Program Apprenticeship at Austin Animal Center, Patricia Zimmerman from Prince George’s County Animal Services in Maryland says it sure can. And it did. "It was amazing,” she…

Study: Do shelter dogs benefit from short-term foster sleepovers?

September 28, 2017

Can a dog in your shelter benefit from just one sleepover with a foster? You bet, and we've got the research to back it up! A little over a year ago, Maddie's Fund® gave a grant to Carroll College to answer that very question, funding the first sleepover pilot study at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary…

Introducing Your Foster Dog to Strangers Outside

Rebound HoundsSeptember 2017

When introducing a new person to your foster dog you always want to do your best to make it a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.

A Foster Home for Every Pet

Kristen AuerbachSeptember 14, 2017

Learn how to send adult pets to foster care and reduce costs of care, increase capacity for housing and get pets adopted faster and with better matches between the pet and the adopter.

The great big, amazing, underage kitten-raising bible for shelters, rescue groups and foster homes

August 15, 2017

It’s no secret underage and orphaned kittens are at high risk even in the best of circumstances. Fortunately, there is a growing body of experience and resources aimed at helping animal shelters, rescue groups and foster homes give these little ones the best possible chance at a healthy life in a new adoptive home. At…

Keeping Interactions between Foster Dogs and Children Safe

Rebound HoundsAugust 2017

By following a few simple guidelines and educating your children on how to properly interact with your new foster dog, you can keep your children and your foster dog safe, calm and happy.

Introducing Your Shy Foster Dog to Strangers in Your Home

Dogs Out LoudAugust 2017

Learn some helpful tools and techniques to make your shy foster dogs interactions with new people a good experience instead of something to fear.

Helping Your Foster Dog be Comfortable Home Alone

Rebound HoundsAugust 2017

Some dogs can become stressed when being left home alone even to point of becoming destructive. Learn some tips on how to best prevent your dog from feeling anxiety when left home alone.

Introducing Your Foster Dog to Cats

Rebound HoundsAugust 2017

Follow these simple steps and you can have your foster dog and your feline co-exist safely and peacefully.

Advanced Foster Program Management: Taking Your Foster Program to the Next Level

J. Scarlett KingsleyJanuary 2018

If you have an established shelter foster program, learn how to establish clear pathways and procedures for moving fosters in and out of the shelter; how to recruit fosters on the cheap, and much more!

Vet Pets!

Brett FrazierJuly 2017

Learn how your shelter or rescue can save more cat and kitten lives through this unique, easy to implement program.

Emergencies in Cats and Dogs (5 weeks and older)

June 2017

Do you have questions about when to take your fostered dog or cat to the veterinarian, or is this an emergency? Find information in this presentation.

From anxious to adoptable: An expansion of foster care using a Maddie’s Idea Lab Grant

June 7, 2017

Do you have shy or anxious dogs in your shelter who you just know would benefit from being in a foster home and out of the shelter environment? That's exactly how the Anxious Dog Program (ADP) started at Longmont Humane Society in Longmont, Colo. The Anxious Dog Program expands the shelter’s foster program to include specially…

How to wean an orphaned kitten onto solid food

May 23, 2017

Do you think your orphaned kittens are ready for solid foods, but aren’t sure how to make the switch? Orphaned kittens transition from formula to solid foods at about 3-4 weeks of age as their teeth start to come in. This change of diet can create a big mess for you, and tummy troubles for…

Emergencies in Kittens and Puppies (0-4 weeks)

April 2017

What happens to pets after they go to their permanent or temporary homes? There’s an app for that!

April 19, 2017

Congratulations! You've finally found the perfect home for little Scruffy who's been in your program for ages. It was love at first sight and you can just feel it's going to be a success. But a few days after Scruffy gets home, his adopter is concerned about some odd behavior. Scruffy's adopter feels lost and…

Introducing Your Foster Dog to Strangers in Your House

Rebound HoundsMarch 2017

This short video, on introducing your foster dog to a stranger at your house, will demonstrate easy and ultimately rewarding steps to help your foster dog greet new people in a safe and relaxed manner.

Bringing Your Shy Foster Dog Home

March 2017

To help start a foster family of a shy dog get off on the right foot, er paw, this short video will provide helpful tips for bringing your foster dog to your house for the very first time.

Engaging teens to help expand your current foster program

February 1, 2017

Whether you have a well-established foster program or are just getting started, one question always remains: How can you get more fosters? Faith Wright tackles this question and provides innovative actionable ideas in her presentation of Foster Faster: Growing Your Dog Foster Program at the American Pets Alive! 2015 conference. One of her ideas? A…

Playing with your Foster Dog

January 2017

Playing is a great way to bond and get to know your foster dog.

Robust Dog and Cat Foster Program

December 2016

Learn about the Charleston Animal Society foster program

Medium and Large Dog Fostering Program

December 2016

Do you have problems finding adopters or foster homes for medium or large adult dogs?  Want to learn more about how to successfully use a foster care program?

Innovative Fostering: Saving More Dogs with Behavioral Challenges - Presentation

Kristen AuerbachFebruary 2017

Learn proven methods that will help you save 90% or more of dogs with behavioral problems.

The winners of our #ShowUsYourFoster contest have been chosen!

October 11, 2016

We asked and you answered! Thanks to everyone who entered our #ShowUsYourFoster contest. Hundreds of entries poured in, making it that much more difficult for our celebrity judges to choose a winner. So much so that we had to extend the deadline for them, and chose 9 runners-up of both dogs and cats! Drumroll it’s…

Innovative Fostering: Saving More Dogs with Behavioral Challenges

Kristen AuerbachAugust 2016

Has your shelter struggled to achieve live outcomes for dogs who display common behavioral challenges like kennel stress, barrier reactivity and fear-based aggression? Learn how you could turn that around and save more dogs lives.

Just say no to the ‘conventional wisdom’: Sherri Franklin’s Aha! journey saving senior dogs

August 9, 2016

How much of the “conventional wisdom” about adoption and foster programs makes sense, and how much of it just keeps your organization from saving as many animals as it could? That was the question on Sherri Franklin’s mind as she first created Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a San Francisco organization that has saved thousands of…

Download the Alley Cat Allies guide to foster programs for cats and kittens!

June 21, 2016

What happens when you mix a giant name in cat welfare and two leaders in sheltering and adoption? You get incredible resources like Alley Cat Allies‘ guide to fostering cats and kittens, written with Bonney Brown and Diane Blankenburg of Humane Network, who while at the Nevada Humane Society led a successful program that provided…

Social media help for veterinary practices that are fostering orphaned kittens

March 10, 2016

Would you like local veterinarians to help foster orphaned kittens for your rescue group or shelter? Would the clinics be more willing to participate if they were offered some PR support? Or are you a veterinary practice that is already fostering kittens, or would like to, but could use some help getting them adopted, as…

Community Pet Adoption Survey Results - Foster Caregiver Involvement in Adoption

February 2016

Generally speaking, the model for foster programs has been a period of temporary pet fostering, followed by return of the animal to the shelter for adoption. Although foster caregivers are in a unique position to give insights into pet health and pet behavior in a home environment, foster caregiver involvement in the adoption process has been a fairly new and fairly controversial subject. In this survey report, we examined how often caregivers choose to be involved, to what extent organizations actually allow involvement and more.

Community Pet Adoption Partnerships Survey Results: Stray Kitten Scenario

June 2015

During the Summer of 2014, Maddie’s Institute^® conducted a survey to assess strategies that may prevent animals from entering shelter facilities. One such strategy involves asking community members who bring in kittens to care for them until organizational resources are available or they are old enough to be placed for adoption.  This report addresses the extent to which organizations encourage community member care, the frequency of community members who elect to provide care, how organizational resources link to involvement and more.

Creating and Sustaining a Dog Foster Network

Ann LindholmFebruary 2015

With a viable foster program it's possible to begin transforming your community to no-kill, even if you don't have a shelter. Learn how a one person position grew into a dog foster team of more than 35 volunteers. This team supports a network of over 1,000 approved foster parents.

Foster Faster: Growing Your Dog Foster Program

Faith WrightFebruary 2015

Learn how to expand your foster program to save the even harder to place big dogs, often considered "the last 10%".

Rescuing Dogs from the Euthanasia List

Palmer NeuhausFebruary 2015

Fifty percent of the dogs in Austin, Texas were dying in 2008 when Austin Pets Alive! began saving lives. The rescue team had merely one- to two-hours to go through the euthanasia list, choose animals and save them before their time was up. Learn how the rescue team evaluated and chose dogs.

Saving All the Little Dogs: Small Dog Behavior Issues

Faith Wright and Deaven WilsonFebruary 2015

Do you know how many small breed dogs are euthanized in your community shelter?  In Austin, Texas in 2008, it was many more than would have been expected (roughly 500).   Do you know that nearly ALL of them can be saved and although many are marked "aggressive", they rarely are?

Creating and Growing a Successful Cat Foster Program

Ashley FerryFebruary 2015

Fosters often mean the difference between life and death for cats in the shelter. They are essential in addressing overcrowding issues, shelter behavior problems and providing personalized care for medical conditions.

How to Start and Grow a Large Bottle Baby Program in Your Community, Part 1

Casandra MensingFebruary 2015

In this is a two-part presentation, you’ll learn how to start and build a bottle baby nursery, plus how to create a foster network for neonates. In Part 1, Casandra Mensing will share her experience running APA!’s Nursery, from its meager beginnings to the groundbreaking phenomenon that it is today.

How to Start and Grow a Large Bottle Baby Program Part 2

Rachel Sherinian February 2015

In this is a two-part presentation, you’ll learn how to start and build a bottle baby nursery, plus how to create a foster network for neonates. In Part 2, Rachel Sherinian will focus In finding, training, and retaining specialized foster families for kittens, whether you have a nursery or not. 

Taking Troubled Tabbies from Naughty to Nice

Sara Cookson and Kristin Hill February 2015

Every rescue encounters troubled cats with issues that go beyond tortitude. The Austin Pet's Alive! Cat Behavior Team will teach you how to prevent behavior problems before they start.

Cat Adoptions 2.0 High Volume Cat Adoptions

Monica FrendenFebruary 2015

Too many cats, not enough adopters? Supersize your cat adoption program! In this Level 2 seminar, you'll learn how to manage a population of hundreds of cats in varying stages of your organization.

Volunteer 1.0: Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement

Gerri KapplerFebruary 2015

Austin Pets Alive! is well known for its huge volunteer force (over 2,000 hours per week). But in 2008 APA! started with no funds for staff and relied solely on volunteers to do everything related to saving lives and building a huge organization. How did they do it? 

Orphaned Kitten Survey Results

September 2013

Orphaned kittens are the most fragile of homeless animals, and many shelters consider it too resource-intensive to care for them. For that reason, they often make up the largest single group of animals euthanized at many shelters. We surveyed shelters and rescue organizations to gather data on: care and housing, prevalence of health issues, training given to individuals who provide care, and challenges organizations may face in providing care for kittens.

Foster Care Volunteers are Lifesavers

Brenda Barnette2009

The Seattle Humane Society wanted to remain an open door private shelter, but the number of pets coming in exceeded the space it had to properly care for them. The solution: ask the community to help foster. The result: 3,001 dogs and cats in foster care in FY2008-2009.

Fostering Kittens

Leslie Wilson2000

An old pro passes on invaluable information for feeding, cleaning and socializing baby felines.

Fostering Shelter Dogs

2000

Fostering shelter dogs is a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.