How animal shelters can create a culture of safety for employees, volunteers and community members

April 15, 2021

This is a guest post written by Colleen Parker and Danielle Emery of Urban Resource Institute People and Animals Living Safely (URI PALS). Read part two of this two-part series.  As with any change you're trying to implement at your animal welfare organization, culture starts with policy and is rooted in the people you surround yourself…

Empowering Volunteers to Help Solve Every Challenge

Monica Dangler, Maddie's Fund^® Executive Leadership Fellow, Pima Animal Care CenterApril 2020

Learn how to create a volunteer program that works to the specific needs of your rescue, shelter or community.

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.

Our Vet Just Quit

Alexis Bardzinski, DVM and Jennifer Wilcox, DVMApril 2020

Learn how to stretch the resources you do have to save the most lives possible, even in high-stress moments in your shelter or clinic.

Ergonomics for Shelter Veterinarians

Sara White, DVM, MSc, Founder, ErgovetDecember 11, 2019

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we're rescheduling this webcast for Wednesday, December 11 at 12pm PST / 3pm EST. We apologize for this inconvenience and invite you to register for the new date.

Working with animals can be intensely physical work. Many veterinarians experience musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) related to their work, and good physical ergonomics can improve this situation. Ergonomics includes much more than the gadgets that many associate with the term or keeping a "good posture" while you work.

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.

Maddie’s Shelter Compass is like hiring an extra employee

October 8, 2019

Ever feel like you have too much to do and don't know where to start? Whether it's cleaning out your closet or saving the lives of more pets, we can relate. Often times we end up not starting a task because we simply don't have the time to figure out a plan.  While we can't organize your closet for you, we can help…

Leadership and Communication for Veterinary Nurses

Michelle Albino, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), Senior Manager of Training, ASPCA Animal HospitalJuly 2019

This workshop describes leadership for nurses in the veterinary field. Explore ways to increase professional growth and get the most out of your veterinary career, including transitioning into management, how to successfully lead your team, and how to communicate effectively. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

In-Shelter Diagnostics - Minimize Errors and Maximize Patient Care

Elise Gingrich, DVM, MPH, MS, ACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Senior Director of Shelter Medicine Services, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews proper techniques and discusses common mistakes when performing in-shelter diagnostic tests. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Ringworm for LVTs: Fight the Fungus

Melanie Benetato, VMD, MS, Adoption Center, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews current best practices in ringworm diagnosis, treatment and management in a shelter setting. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Toolkit for the Time-Starved Leader: A Practical Guide to Hiring and Retaining Engaged Employees

Jocelyn Kessler, MBA, Senior Director of Operations, Community Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop provides a clear and simple path hiring the right people, setting goals and expectations and spending worthwhile one-on-one time with your staff. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Change Can Be Fun! A Simple, Proven Framework Can Help Take the Pain Out of Change

Jocelyn Kessler, MBA, Senior Director of Operations, Community Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop walks viewers through a change management model based on research published in the Harvard Business Review. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Personnel Satisfaction - Managing Compassion Stress (Part 1 of 2)

Karen Walsh, CAWA, LVMT, CFE, Director of Animal Relocation, ASPCAJuly 2019

Part 1 of 2. During this two-part workshop, viewers learn how to measure the negative and positive effects of working in a mission driven caring profession. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Personnel Satisfaction - Managing Compassion Stress (Part 2 of 2)

Karen Walsh, CAWA, LVMT, CFE, Director of Animal Relocation, ASPCAJuly 2019

Part 2 of 2. During this two-part workshop, viewers learn how to measure the negative and positive effects of working in a mission driven caring profession. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Managing Intake & Reuniting Pets with Families

Sonia Gonzalez, Intake Coordinator, SPCA of Tompkins CountyJuly 2019

In this workshop viewers learn about how the SPCA of Tompkins County manages its intake in order to create better outcomes, conduct smoother intakes and lower intake. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Ringworm: the Role of Staff and Volunteers in Fighting the Fungus

Melanie Benetato, VMD, MS, Adoption Center, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews current best practices in ringworm diagnosis, treatment and management in a shelter setting. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Valuable Volunteer Programs: Successful Programs Proven to Work

Monica Dangler, Volunteer Manager, Austin Pets Alive! and Gerri Kappler, Austin Pets Alive! Board MemberMarch 2019

Join volunteer leaders to learn how to rethink volunteers and reach your goals together and as a united front.

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

#FeelGoodFriday: 96-old-man visits animal shelter everyday

February 22, 2019

A 96-year-old man brings a toolbox full of treats to an animal shelter in Pennsylvania. Full of home-baked chicken and sliced hot dogs, Frank Lanterman has made the drive to AWSOM Animal Shelter every day for the last five years. “If the dogs are outside in those cages over there, they know this car and…

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.

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…

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.

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.

LifeLine Animal Project's Pets for Life Program

August 31, 2018

No matter the struggles your animal organization is facing, you’re not alone

November 2, 2017

If you are working in animal welfare, it’s easy to think that the challenges faced by your community or your organization are unique — that you have to contend with problems, stakeholders, and circumstances other communities don’t. Amelia Monroe from Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) thought so, too, until she attended Maddie’s® Volunteer Management and…

Lessons from a Maddie’s Kitten Nursery apprentice

September 14, 2017

What can you learn from kittens? For Kat Hamlin, cat adoption specialist for PetsConnect! in northern Indiana and southern Michigan, the answer is hands-on experience, lifesaving techniques and a new perspective. Her only complaint after attending Maddie's® Kitten Lifesaving Apprenticeship Program at Humane Society Silicon Valley?  "I wish I could have stayed longer," she said. The…

How to get your community emotionally attached to your animal organization’s mission

September 5, 2017

There is no animal shelter or rescue group that couldn’t use more fosters, volunteers, adopters, donors, board members and other supporters. Without them, the amount of lives these organizations can save is severely diminished. So, how do you break through the clamoring voices demanding people’s time and attention, and get them to choose you to…

Procrastinators wanted: How animals benefit when everyone gives from their strengths

January 12, 2017

It turns out procrastinating pays off for animal welfare workers — and so does getting everything done on time! In a blog post published last year by ASPCAPro, Julie Morris discussed her own “pre-crastination” — the fact that she gets everything done not just on time, but early. That’s usually what we think of when…

Opitmizing Volunteer Engagement

December 2016

Integrating Volunteers into Your Animal Shelter Programs and Culture

Paula FasseasOctober 2016

Could your animal shelter use 5,000 volunteers?

Learn ‘Compassion Fatigue Strategies’ in online course for shelter/rescue workers, veterinarians

August 23, 2016

What if someone had genuine useful resources that could help those working with animals in the shelter, rescue and veterinary fields cope with emotional numbness, stress, anxiety and burnout? Someone does: The Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is enrolling students in its online course in “Compassion Fatigue Strategies” with certified compassion fatigue…

Turning pet ‘foster failures’ into ‘foster wins’

December 17, 2015

Is it time to put the term ‘foster failure’ to rest forever, and call the adoption of pets by their foster homes what it really is, a ‘foster win’? You bet, say experts at two of the country’s most successful pet foster programs. The dog foster program at Austin Pets Alive! is the largest in…

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.

Getting Big Dogs Out of the Shelter via Canine Good Citizen Training

Marian Cannell and Amy LewisFebruary 2015

Through a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive! embarked on a six-month pilot program to test the effectiveness of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Training on adoption rates.  The results have been very good and show a clear adoption rate difference between dogs who undergo training and those who don’t. 

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.

Rescuing Cats from the Euthanasia List

Frances Flower, PhDFebruary 2015

Learn how to create a sustainable rescue program that relies solely on volunteers to assess cats on the euthanasia list and save the most lives it can that are out of other options for a live outcome. 

How to Create a Successful Barn Cat Program

Monica FrendenFebruary 2015

Often overlooked for rescue, feral and fractious cats can be saved through a progressive Barn Placement Program and given a new lease on life as working cats. Learn how to start a barn program from scratch.

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.

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? 

The Value of Teamwork: Shelter Managers, Staff and Volunteers

Michael and Pam Kitkoski February 2015

Volunteers are a necessity for rescue and shelter organizations working to achieve no-kill. Volunteers must be treated as partners, offering meaningful work and appropriate autonomy. But even in an atmosphere of mutual accountability, conflicts with both staff and volunteers can arise.

Why Creative Writing is Essential to Saving Lives

Elizabeth DoyleFebruary 2015

Learn how to get more pets adopted through better marketing and advertising using online venues and volunteer photographers.

Creating and Keeping a Stellar Lifesaving Team

Marc PeraltaFebruary 2015

Working together is the only way to achieve our lifesaving goals. This seminar concentrates on how to build and maintain a successful team focused on the techniques that result in successful high-volume adoptions.

Exceeding Customer Service Expectations in Relation to Adoptions

Marc PeraltaFebruary 2015

Are doing all you can to help increase the number of animal lives saved? This seminar focuses on the impact of exceptional customer service.

The Adoptline Team: Virtual Frontline of Austin Pets Alive

Patty Lepley Alexander and Gerri KapplerFebruary 2015

Austin Pets Alive!’s (APA) Adoptline Response Team provides email and phone mail responses to inquiries 365 days a year, 14 hours a day and has been critical in increasing APA's adoptions.

Staff and Volunteer Engagement Survey Results

September 2013

Research clearly links high staff and volunteer engagement to high performance and productivity. We surveyed shelters and rescue organizations to: assess overall levels of engagement, investigate potential drivers which may contribute to engagement or disengagement and provide resources to enable organizations to improve engagement.

Training and Development Survey Results

November 2012

Research shows that attention to your workers' training and development can also lead to increased confidence, a deeper connection to the mission, accountability and retention, while reducing monotony and disengagement. We surveyed shelters and rescue organizations to: understand current training and development practices, identify common needs and challenges, and offer tips and resources to improve programs.