research

6/28/2023

The 2022 survey conducted by Maddie's Fund® provides valuable insights into the utilization and support of foster care programs for dogs and cats in the United States, shedding light on the changing landscape of foster caregiver processes.

research

Community-Centric Animal Services Practices Survey Results

June 20, 2022

The Community-Centric Animal Services Practices (CCASP) survey was launched in March 2021 and distributed by Maddie's Fund® and several national partners.

webcast

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.

video

Maddie Talks Outline Examples

January 2017

article

Maddie Talks: Video Examples

January 2017

research

Creative Adoption Ideas Survey

February 2016

research

Shy Dogs Survey

February 2016

webcast

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.

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Navigating Anesthetic Drug Shortages in Shelters After COVID

Dr. Sheilah Robertson and Dr. Sarah KirkAugust 12, 2020

In this webcast, you'll learn what your organization needs to know to provide spay/neuter and veterinary care in a time of COVID.

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Kitten Intake in Animal Shelters

Kate Hurley DVM and Hannah Shaw (the Kitten Lady)August 6, 2020

In this session, we discuss new intake philosophies and management models that prioritize kittens' safety, community engagement & keeping feline families together.

webcast

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!

webcast

Caring from Across Town: Practical Telehealth for Shelters & Clinics

Dr. Michael (Mike) Greenberg, Brenton Minish, Julie Ryan-Johnson, DVM, Aimee St.Arnaud and Beth HarrisonJune 4, 2020

Come learn more about the telehealth landscape and how best to implement this tool in your shelter or clinic.

webcast

Boots on the Ground: Caring for COVID-19 Exposed Pets in Shelters

Sandra Newbury, DVM, Director of University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program and Associate Professor at University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program and School of Veterinary Medicine - Department of Medical SciencesApril 30, 2020

Join Dr. Sandra Newbury, Director of University of Wisconsin's Shelter Medicine Program, for practical guidance for essential shelter workers caring for pets who have been exposed to COVID-19.

webcast

COVID-19 Spay/neuter and Vaccine Clinic Preparedness Guide

Aimee St.Arnaud, Elizabeth Berliner, Jennifer Bolser, Gina Clemmer, Natalie Corwin and Cynthia (Cindy) KarstenApril 29, 2020

Learn how to follow social distancing guidelines while safely performing spay/neuter surgeries.

webcast

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.

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Flattening the Kitten Curve While Spay/Neuter is on Hold

Dr. Julie Levy, Aimee St. Arnaud, Hannah Shaw (The Kitten Lady) and Marla BrowneApril 15, 2020

Join a panel discussion to hear ideas on what you can do now to flatten the kitty curve while spay/neuter is on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

webcast

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.

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Rehoming Programs - Safe options for your staff and community

Carina DeVera, Digital Marketing Specialist, Marin Humane, Mandy G. Evans, Executive Director, Panhandle Animal Shelter and the Home To Home Network and Sara Pizano, DVM, MAApril 9, 2020

Marin Humane and Home To Home show how their programs have impacted their communities and shelter by offering a proactive approach.

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Spay/Neuter in the COVID Era

Dr. Julie Levy and Aimee St. ArnaudMarch 31, 2020

In this Covid era, we're told to be #SaferAtHome to avoid overloading the human healthcare system. What does that mean for spay/neuter programs?

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Socking FIP!

Heather Kennedy, DVMPOSTPONED

Due to the immediate challenges shelter and rescue groups are facing amidst COVID-19, we are postponing this webcast until a future date. For those of you who have already registered, you will not have to re-register and will get an email when a new date is put on the calendar. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for understanding and above all, thank you for all you are doing for the animals in your care.

webcast

Million Cat Challenge: Create a Road Map for Your Cats

Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVM, Co-founder, Million Cat Challenge and Director, Koret Shelter Medicine Program at UC Davis School of Veterinary MedicineMarch 11, 2020

Life is a highway and the cats are taking over the fast lane. Isn't it time we created a road map?

presentation

The Most Important Lessons Learned after 12 Years in the Largest No Kill City in America

Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Executive Director of Austin Pets Alive! and American Pets Alive!February 2020

Join Dr. Ellen Jefferson as she guides you through metrics in outcomes, intakes and the 12 programmatic ingredients to propel lifesaving forward in your community.

presentation

Defining No Kill

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Denise Deisler, Rebecca Guinn, Dr. Ellen Jefferson and Teresa JohnsonFebruary 2020

Want to know what the top-performing shelter directors in the country have to say about the term No Kill? Kristen Hassen-Auerbach moderates this panel with expert voices.

presentation

Top 5 Reasons Animals are Dying in Shelters and How to Save Them

Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Denise Deisler, Rebecca Guinn, Ed Jamison, Teresa Johnson, Paula Powell, Cheryl Schneider and Mike WheelerFebruary 2020

Dr. Ellen Jefferson and the Leadership Alive! group share solutions to start saving the lives of the most vulnerable pets in our care.

presentation

Increase Return to Owner Rates in Your Organization

Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals FoundationFebruary 2020

Gina Knepp offers solutions and insight into how to start innovative, progressive and proactive programs to increase RTO rates, anywhere.

presentation

Imagining the Future of Animal Welfare

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Rebecca Guinn and Marc PeraltaFebruary 2020

Hear from some of the most influential voices in animal welfare as they imagine what the future holds for homeless pets.

presentation

Model Government Reporting Requirements

Don Bland, Ryan Clinton and Dr. Ellen JeffersonFebruary 2020

In 2019, Austin passed the most comprehensive set of lifesaving laws in the country. A decade of work drove Austin to be the safest city in the country for homeless pets. Can Austin be a model for communities all over the country to implement reporting requirements?

presentation

Marketing the Euthanasia List

Clare Callison, Canine Lifesaving Advisor, Maddie's Lifesaving AcademyFebruary 2020

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

presentation

A Radical Rethinking of the Role of Animal Welfare

February 2020

Inspiring thoughts on what animals deserve from animal welfare advocates, workers and volunteers.

presentation

Pets are Family: Community Programs to Keep Pets Out of the Shelter

Rebecca GuinnMarch 2020

In this presentation, Rebecca Guinn shares innovative ideas for community programs in the country. Leave with ideas to take back to your own community.

presentation

But We're Full: Smart Strategies to Increase Capacity for Dogs

Stephanie Bilbro, Director, Shelter Lifesaving Operations, Austin Pets Alive! and Kate Mellon, Dog Intake Coordinator, Austin Pets Alive!March 2020

Come to this action-driven session to learn how to outsmart and overcome the impulse to kill in a space crisis.

presentation

Keeping Families Together: The Future of Animal Control

Marc Peralta (Moderator), Audra Michael, April Moore, Lee Ann Shenefiel and Christina SnowMarch 2020

Hear how animal protection units around the country are thinking about what's next for animal protection.

presentation

When to Bring Them In: Pets That Truly Need Shelter

Mark Sloat, Christina Snow and Mike WheelerMarch 2020

Learn policies and procedures to implement in your organization and take the guesswork out of bringing animals in and streamline and prioritize the safety and wellness of pets and people.

presentation

What If You Can't Return Them? When SNR is Not an Option

Ginny Sims, Executive Director, Southern Pines Animal Shelter (Mississippi)March 2020

Learn how you can safely save all the cats, even when SNR isn't an option.

presentation

We're on the same team: ACOs and the Future of Animal Protection

Audra Michael, Director, Pinal County Animal Care and Control (Texas) and Christina Snow, Animal Protection Manager, Pima County Animal Care Center (Arizona)March 2020

This session focuses on how to manage change amongst Animal Control officers and learning how to build teamwork and camaraderie even when things are different and new.

presentation

Your Notes are Everything: How Officer Notes Impact Animals and Communities

April Moore, Animal Control Manager, City of Baytown Animal Services (Texas) and Adam Ricci, Chief of Field Operations, City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare DepartmentMarch 2020

Learn how to ensure your staff is working to keep accurate & thorough notes to save more animal lives.

presentation

Ensuring Accountability Around Life and Death Decisions

Sarah Aguilar, Emma Davenport, Tawny Hammond, Erin Olsen and Lee Ann ShenefielMarch 2020

Learn how to implement policies that will keep your organization accountable and increase lifesaving across your organization.

presentation

You Just Arrived, Now Go Home! Make Pets Ready for Adoption, Immediately

Clare Callison, Canine Lifesaving Advisor, Maddie's® Lifesaving AcademyMarch 2020

Learn how to fast-track animals and make them available for adoption, foster and transfer, immediately.

presentation

Don't Euthanize That! Building a No Kill Culture in Your Clinic

Dr. Alexis Bardzinski, Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive! and Dr. Jennifer Wilcox, Director of Veterinary Services, Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2020

Learn how to instill a culture in your clinic that requires all staff to treat every animal with the care and treatment we would expect for our own animals.

presentation

Innovation and Emerging Practices in Adoption Counseling

Clare Callison, Canine Lifesaving Advisor, Maddie's® Lifesaving Academy and Nikki Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Jacksonville Humane SocietyMarch 2020

Learn the most innovative and creative ways to counsel potential adopters and safely increase adoption in your organization.

presentation

Every Cat! Live Outcome Options for All of Them

Monica Frenden, Maddie's® Director of Feline Lifesaving, American Pets Alive!March 2020

In this session, we'll take a look at innovative programs for cats that work, and outdated practices we still need to replace.

presentation

Steal this! Five Free, Easy Foster Strategies to Start Now

Kelly Duer, Foster Care Specialist, Maddie's Fund® and Regan Goins, Dog Care Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2020

Everything you need to know to recruit more foster homes, start new programs and send more pets to foster.

presentation

Power Up Your Fundraising: Donor Management Systems

Maggie Lynch, Director of Development, Austin Pets Alive! and American Pets Alive!April 2020

This presentation covers why adopting a donor management system is important, when you should get one, how to choose a system that fits your organization's needs and what it can do to help your fundraising take off.

presentation

Moving Through Adversity

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach and Paula PowellApril 2020

This session will shed light on the last 2 years as Paula Powell fights for animals and the people who love them.

presentation

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.

presentation

How to Use Research to Save Lives

Kevin Horecka, Lead Data Scientist, American Pets Alive! and Walmart TechnologyApril 2020

Learn which research is the most important to know about and what it tells us about animal sheltering.

presentation

No Kill Advocacy

Ryan Clinton, Attorney and Founder, FixAustin.orgApril 2020

Learn how animal advocates in Austin, Texas, put no-kill on the City's public-policy agenda, and how you can do the same for your community.

presentation

Leading Through Relationships: Friends Who Can Effect Change

Laura Donahue, Tawny Hammond and Katie JarlApril 2020

Learn how to put No Kill on your community's public policy agenda.

presentation

50 Ways to Keep Pets Out of the Shelter (or maybe 100)

Michael Greenberg, DVM, Director of Outreach Programs, Maddie's Fund® and Lisa Ward, Director of Education, Maddie's FundApril 2020

Learn some amazing ways shelters have come up with to serve the people and pets in their communities in ways other than simply taking them into the shelter

presentation

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.

presentation

Shelter Medicine with a No-Kill Mindset

Alexis Bardzinski, DVM and Jennifer Wilcox, DVMApril 2020

Learn how to spend the least amount of money possible, to spread the meager wealth of medical resources and save more lives.

presentation

New FeLV Guidelines: 5 Critical Takeaways for Your Shelter

Julie Levy, DVMApril 2020

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to tackle the next frontier in cat lifesaving!

presentation

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.

presentation

Our Most Vulnerable Creatures: Disease in Puppies and Kittens

Alexis Bardzinski, Casandra Mensing, Jordana Moerbe and Faith WrightApril 2020

Leave this session with the knowledge necessary to fight disease outbreak, without unnecessary deaths or culling of puppies and kittens.

presentation

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.

presentation

Contagious Disease is Not a Death Sentence: How Communities Overcame Outbreaks without Killing

Jennifer Wilcox, DVM and Nipuni Ratnayaka, DVMApril 2020

Leave this session with the knowledge necessary to fight disease outbreak, medically and operationally from veterinarians who have lived through it.

presentation

FeLV: Current Research and Rehoming Practices

Julie Levy, Monica Frenden and Natascha HammanApril 2020

Learn from shelter medicine expert, Dr. Levy and leading cat advocates Monica Frenden and Natascha Hamman, about the most current research and best practices for rehoming FeLV cats.

presentation

Behavior Dogs Alive! Solving Eight Common Behaviors that Happen in Shelters

Mike Kaviani and Regan GoinsApril 2020

Learn practical and manageable solutions for common canine behaviors and increase your lifesaving immediately.

presentation

What Do We Do About Our Long Stays?

Sarah Aguilar, Deputy Director, Pima Animal CareApril 2020

Learn how to analyze length-of-stay data and know what to do with it.

presentation

The First 72 Hours: A Model Intake & Animal Flow Process

Jordana Moerbe, Faith Wright and Dr. Nipuni RatnayakaApril 2020

Join American Pets Alive! as they discuss what should happen within the first 72 hours after an animal enters any sheltering system.

presentation

Model Animal Shelter Hold Period and Rescue Access Laws

Ryan Clinton, Attorney and Founder of FixAustin.orgApril 2020

Learn how to advocate for implementing model laws to save more homeless pets in your community.

presentation

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.

presentation

ACOs Gone Wild: Handling Fearful and Fractious Wildlife and Companion Animals

April Moore and Mike WheelerApril 2020

Learn animal control officers' tips and tricks for humanely handling even the stickiest situations with fearful and fractious animals.

webcast

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.

webcast

New AAFP FeLV/FIV Guidelines: 5 critical takeaways for your shelter

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DABVPJanuary 16, 2020

Confused about navigating FeLV and FIV in shelter cats? This free, pop-up webinar is designed to bring you au courant in less than 30 minutes.

webcast

Lifesaving Protocol for At Risk Dogs: Part 2

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Director of Animal Services Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson, Arizona & Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB, Director of Research, Maddie's FundOctober 24, 2019

Part 2: The Challenges of Saving Medium and Large Dogs in Shelters. This webcast is the second 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.

webcast

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.

webcast

The Million Cat Challenge: Interventions and observations associated with survival of orphaned shelter kittens undergoing treatment for diarrhea

Jody Gookin, DVM and Sandra Strong, DVMOctober 2, 2019

In this free 30-minute webcast, Drs. Jody Gookin and Sandra Strong provide information for veterinarians and medical support staff on survival statistics and novel treatments for orphan kitten diarrhea.

blog

Shelter dog behavior assessments not reliable, reports ASPCA

September 26, 2019

This post originally ran on June 28, 2018. We wanted to share again because we think this topic is very important.  An in-shelter behavior assessment is not a reliable way to determine whether dogs will or won’t be safe in adoptive homes, reports a new ASPCA position statement. Instead, such evaluations need to be based…

article

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.

article

Dog - Basic Training - Level 1

August 2019

Basic Dog Training - Level 1

article

Cat Aggression Toward New Cats

August 2019

Aggression between unfamiliar cats most frequently occurs when introducing new cats in a home, or if unfamiliar cats appear outside your home.

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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.

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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.

article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

article

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

article

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Straining to Pee in Dogs

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.

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The easiest way to see how your community is doing when comes to pet lifesaving

August 6, 2019

Do you know how your community is doing when it comes to lifesaving? How about your state or region? Best Friends Animal Society revealed its informative lifesaving dashboard at this year's national conference. Data was collected directly from shelters, state and local coalitions, government websites, and FOIA requests. It's their (and our) hope that this…

presentation

Beyond Spay/Neuter: Models for Expanding Access to Veterinary Care

Jocelyn Kessler, MBA, Senior Director of Operations, Community Medicine, ASPCA and Lori Bierbrier, DVM, ASPCAJuly 2019

Join us to look inside organizations who have expanded their services to help remove barriers to care in their communities. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Win-Win: Building Shelter & Private Veterinarian Collaborations

Katie Broaddus, DVM, CAWA, Chief Operations Officer, Austin Humane SocietyJuly 2019

This workshop helps viewers better understand and address the perspectives of shelters and private practice veterinarians. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Keep Them Happy at Home

Rebecca Lohnes, MS, CDBC, ACCBC, Behavior and Training Manager, Lollypop FarmJuly 2019

In this workshop Rebecca Lohnes of Lollypop Farm discusses various strategies and programs aimed at helping to address behavioral issues in the animal's original home before they are relinquished to a shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Basic Principles of Managing a Large-Scale Animal Emergency or Disaster

Dick Green, Senior Director of Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop discusses the basic principles of incident management and why having everyone speak the same language and be under the same incident command structure saves lives. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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How Are They Doing? Assessing Pain and Quality of Life in Shelter Animals

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityJuly 2019

This workshop reviews signs of pain and suffering in dogs, cats and rabbits and identifies simple techniques for assessing pain in animals. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference./

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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.

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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.

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They Can't be Available for Adoption Until When?! Neonatal Care in the Animal Shelter

Erin Henry, VMD, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell UniversityJuly 2019

This workshop discusses the developmental stages, care and pathway planning for neonatal kittens and puppies in the shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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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.

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Gentle Handling: Techniques to Reduce Stress & Save Time

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

Learn techniques for handling the animals in our care in a low-stress, gentle manner. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Capacity for Care & Population Management

Lena DeTar, DVM, DACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine, Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineJuly 2019

In this workshop you will learn how to maximize your potential as a life-saving organization by understanding your limits and expanding your expectations. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Overview of ASPCA Field Investigations & Response and the Nuts and Bolts of Animals in Distress-Disasters

Dick Green, Senior Director of Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop provides a brief history of the ASPCA Field Investigations & Response Team (FIR) and discusses the history of animal rescue and how an emergency becomes a disaster. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Medical Issues in Emergency Sheltering

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

In this workshop, Dr. Gingrich covers some of the more challenging medical issues unique to animals impacted by disaster. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Innovations in Emergency Animal Sheltering

Joe Hinkle, CAWA, Shelter Director, Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this session, the presenter discusses lessons learned and best practices from recent ASPCA emergency shelters with an emphasis on what your agency should be doing now to prepare for setting up and staffing an emergency shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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2018 Year of Disasters in Review

Dick Green, PhD, Senior Director of Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this talk, Dr. Green provides key take-home lessons learned and best practices so that communities and animal welfare agencies will have more tools to enhance animal response capabilities and become more disaster resilient. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Local, State and Federal Animal Response Capabilities in a Disaster

Tim Perciful, Disaster Response Manager, Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

This talk discusses the major findings from three major surveys and how those results may guide local jurisdictions in determining and enhancing animal response capabilities. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

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Turbocharging Pet Adoptions

Sue Cosby, Senior Director, Best Friends Animal SocietyMay 2019

When it comes to our adoption process, we want to keep our animals safe and we want our adopters to tell their friends about the wonderful experience they had growing their family at our shelter. How do we know this is really working?

presentation

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.

webcast

A Playbook Approach to Saving Lives in Animal Shelters

Dr. Sara PizanoWednesday, May 15, 2019

In this webcast. Dr. Sara Pizano will walk you through the steps each shelter, whether public or private and regardless of resources, can take to help and save more cats and dogs.

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Animal Protection Officers: Using a Community-based Approach to Measurably Reduce Intake in the Field

Mark Sloat, Program Manager, Austin Animal Center and April Moore, Engagement Manager, Austin Animal CenterMarch 2019

This session will teach approaches that value the human-animal bond, redefine 'animals in need,' and engage community members, shelter staff, and volunteers to solve problems together.

presentation

Bottle Baby 101 (Part 1 of 2)

Casandra Mensing, Neonatal Ward Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

This presentation will teach you how to start a volunteer-run bottle baby nursery and how to build it to become to be one of the most engaging and lifesaving programs in your community.

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Bottle Baby 102 (Part 2 of 2)

Jennifer Parks, Neonatal Kitten Foster Program Manager at Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

This presentation will teach you everything you need to know to create, train, and retain a foster network for neonates.

presentation

Cat Medical Care on a Shoestring Budget

Monica Frenden, Maddie's® Director of Feline Lifesaving, American Pets Alive! and Dr. Alexis Bardzinski, Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

In this session, you will have the chance to learn how to save cats with medical conditions on a tight budget from national leading cat experts.

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Distemper is Not a Death Sentence

Dr. Nipuni Ratnayaka, Dr. Ellen Jefferson and Jordana MoerbeMarch 2019

Join this session to learn about the process that Austin Pets Alive! developed to combat distemper without hoarding or culling them.

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FeLV: What You Need to Know for Shelter Decision Making

Julie Levy, DVM, Monica Frenden and Natascha HammanMarch 2019

Come learn from shelter medicine expert, Dr. Levy, and leading cat advocates Monica Frenden and Natascha Hamman about the most current research and best practices for rehoming this vulnerable FeLV cat population.

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Saving All the Cats: Live Outcome Options for All Healthy, Outdoor Cats

Adrienne Clark, Monica Frenden, Christi Metropole and Wendy BeaupreMarch 2019

Learn how to start a barn program from scratch, including selecting cats, finding quality homes, relocation procedures, and safe handling and sheltering practices.

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Solutions for the Top Five Reasons Dogs are Dying in Shelters

Mike Kaviani, Director, Orange County Animal Care and Aaron Caldwell, Dog Behavior Co-Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

The presentation will provide you with practical and manageable solutions for the top five reasons dogs are dying and being killed in shelters today.

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Why Are Big Dogs So Hard to Save? Identifying and Maintaining Adequate Capacity

Ellen Jefferson, DVM Executive Director, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

Learn about the essential programs, best practices, and core philosophies needed to start saving big dogs in your communities.

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Proactive Return to Owner Programs

Shyanne Schull, Director, Washoe County Regional Animal Services, and Paula Powell, Director, El Paso Animal ServicesMarch 2019

Learn about how two very large animal shelters reached higher live release rates by attaining Return to Owner rates over 25% - way above best practice!

presentation

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.

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Transport Programs: Get Pets to Safety

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

Hear how your average "Texas brown dogs" are making a big splash in places as far as Oregon, Connecticut, and even Italy!

presentation

Contagious Diseases: Euthanasia is Not the Answer

Alexis Bardzinski, DVM Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive! and Jennifer Wilcox, DVM Director of Vet Services, Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2019

In this session, two veterinary experts will discuss how to handle disease outbreaks medically, handle the PR, and handle the operations that must continue.

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Dog Medical Care on a Shoestring Budget

Alexis Bardzinski, Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive! and Jennifer Wilcox, DVM Director of Vet Services, Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2019

How to spend the least amount of money as possible so that your medical resources can be spread among all those pets that need you.

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Blueprint to a Successful No-kill Journey

Ellen Jefferson, DVM, Executive Director of Austin Pets Alive! and American Pets Alive!March 2019

Join Dr. Ellen Jefferson as she guides you step-by-step through what are considered Best Practice metrics in outcomes, intakes, and the 12 programmatic ingredients of lifesaving.

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Keynote: The Transparent Shelter, Building Trust with Your Community

Kristen Auerbach, Director of Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2019

In this session, no-kill leader, Kristen Auerbach, will tackle two separate but important topics in order for you to be one with your community.

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Million Cat Challenge: Fighting Fungus with Facts

Laura Mullen, Shelter Medicine Outreach Manager, SFSPCA San Francisco, CaliforniaWednesday, March 27, 2019

This webinar outlines research-based protocols that are in use at the San Francisco SPCA and examine how those same concepts apply to a variety of different shelters and rescues.

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How to Check Foster Pets for Dehydration

March 2019

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

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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.

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Million Cat Challenge: Cats, Birds, and Animal Shelters: Seeking Common Ground

Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVM January 23, 2019

In this presentation, Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of the U.C. Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, will explore the real-life implications of various policies proposed to balance the needs of cats and birds.

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Maddie Talk: Cat Town, Oakland CA

January 17, 2019

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Hills, Hollers and Humane Officers

Chelsea Staley, Executive Director, Kanawha-Charleston Humane AssociationOctober 2018

How a shelter in poverty-stricken Appalachia inspired change in the unlikeliest of places, and how you can, too.

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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.

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Saving More Lives with Best Practices

Cynthia Delany, DVM, UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program; Supervising Shelter Veterinarian - Yolo County Animal Services; Executive Director - California Animal Shelter Friends, Inc.October 2018

This talk discuss how you can save more animals while emphasizing welfare (both for the animals, yourself and your staff) by following best practices.

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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?

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Lifesaving Webcast Series: Accelerate your Lifesaving: How to go from 50 to 90 (Percent Live Release Rate) Really Fast

Dr. Kim SandersThursday, December 6, 2018

Learn how to implement lifesaving programs that will take your facility from a save rate of 50% to over 90% in a very short period of time.

presentation

Disease Prevention in the Shelter

Lena DeTar, MS, DVM, DACVPM, DABVP, SMP Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine December 2018

This lecture explores how shelter management, housing, enrichment, intake protocols and population flow can boost the health of shelter populations, decrease length of stay and improve adoptions.

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Feline Coronavirus and FIP: What's New?

Dr. Elizabeth Berliner and Dr. Gary WhittakerDecember 2018

This lecture focuses on updates and where we go from here in diagnosing and managing FIP.

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General Feline Infectious Diseases

Chumkee Aziz, DVM, Senior Director, ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative December 2018

This program provides an overview of common feline infectious diseases that remain persistent challenges for shelters.

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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.

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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.

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Zoonotic Diseases: It Goes Both Ways, Part 2

Jeanette O'Quin, DVM, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine and Veterinary Public Health, Ohio State University College of Veterinary MedicineDecember 2018

This presentation builds on the first hour of discussion on the prevention, recognition and management on zoonotic diseases that come into the shelter via animals or people.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Lifesaving Webcast Series: Intake Mitigation and Managed Intake

Sarah Boyd and Joe HellebrandThursday, November 15, 2018

In this webcast, Brevard County Sheriff's Office Animal Shelter personnel Dr. Sarah Boyd and Joe Hellebrand let you in on the secret that Animal Control shelters can operate as no-kill.

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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.

webcast

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.

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Lifesaving Webcast Series: Saving Lives Through Transport Programs

Colleen HarringtonThursday, November 1, 2018

Hear an overview of the key elements of a good transport program, transport best practices and how to get started on a lifesaving transport program that benefits not only the animals but the sending and receiving partners as well.

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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.

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Million Cat Challenge: Helping vs Enabling: Knowing the Difference Made All the Difference!

Shelly SimmonsThursday, October 18, 2018

Learn how the largest open-admission shelter in South Carolina decreased cat intake in their shelter by nearly 60% and increased the feline save rate from 30% to over 80% in less than three years!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

webcast

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!

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LifeLine Animal Project's Pets for Life Program

August 31, 2018

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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!

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Every Day, Every Dog - Let Them Play! The Impact of Play Groups

Aimee SadlerMarch 2018

It's more than just fun and games; play groups save lives! Aimee Sadler, Founder and CEO shares case studies and evidence that playgroups improve the quality of life of dogs and their caretakers.

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Fighting Fungus: Treat, Foster And Adopt Cats And Kittens With Ringworm

Kristen HansenMarch 2018

Tens of thousands of cats are euthanized each year solely because they have been diagnosed with ringworm. This workshop provides you with information on how to identify, house, and treat cats infected with ringworm.

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Get Your Pit Bull-Type Dogs Adopted with the Canine Good Citizen Program

Carrie MorrisMarch 2018

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 Training on adoption rates. The results have been jaw-dropping!

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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.

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Hurricane Harvey- Dealing with Distemper in the Midst of a Crisis

Ellen Jefferson, DVM and Carley Faughn, PhDMarch 2018

Contagious disease is always a threat to a shelter or rescue group but in the midst of a crisis, when you have make-shift housing and many hands in the pot, it can spread like wildfire.

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Maddie's Idea Lab: Saving Lives and Spreading Good Ideas

Sheila Segurson D'Arpino, DVM, DACVBMarch 2018

Maddie's® Idea Lab supports the implementation and assessment of innovative ideas that have a high likelihood of advancing lifesaving of dogs and cats, the utilization of foster care for dogs and cats or animal welfare leadership. Come to this lecture to find out what we've learned and how these ideas are saving lives.

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

Casandra MensingMarch 2018

Austin Pets Alive! (APA) has saved over 7,500 neonatal kittens since 2009. In this 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 one: How to start and build a bottle baby nursery

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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.

webcast

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.

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Foster Sleepovers: How Temporary Fostering Can Improve the Lives of Shelter Dogs

Lisa Gunter and Kelly DuerMarch 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!

This free webcast on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 9 PM Eastern will show you how temporary fostering can improve the lives of shelter dogs.

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Canine Parvovirus and Community Outreach

PASPCAMarch 2018

Canine parvovirus is life threatening, highly contagious and takes a lot of care. ICU-level treatment can be out of reach for financially-challenged dog owners. This video shows dog owners to show them how to medically care for their parvo-afflicted dogs at home, while providing support and office visits at their outpatient care center.

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Foster Field Trips: A Gateway to Community Engagement in Getting Pets Adopted

Kelly DuerFebruary 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!

In a free webcast on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 9 PM Eastern, Foster Field Trips: A Gateway to Community Engagement in Getting Pets Adopted, you will learn how getting pets out of the shelter for even a few hours can create benefits for the pet, the community, and the adoption organization.

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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.

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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.

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Working Cat Programs

Monica FrendenDecember 14, 2017

Why start a Working Cat Program? Because these cats have no other live outcome, and socialization of adult ferals is extremely difficult and resource intensive. The good news is working cat programs are inexpensive and easy to start, so you can begin saving more lives immediately!

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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.

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Maddie's® Matchmaker Apprenticeship at Austin Pets Alive!

August 2017

Though emphasis on dogs as individuals and a commitment to knowing each dog as thoroughly as they can, Austin Pets Alive! eases the process for potential adopters and is able to find homes for even the most difficult to place dogs.

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Cat Town: Finding Great Homes for Hard to Place Cats

August 2017

Listen to Cat Town as they show you what has made them such a success and how you, too, can start a similar program in your community.

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Heroes and Hounds: Innovative Lifesaving on the Home Front

Amy ButtryAugust 2017

Learn about returning veterans who have volunteered for the Heroes and Hounds Program as they work with at-risk dogs who need a little more special attention to get ready for adoption.

webcast

Return-to-Field from an Animal Control Officer's Perspective

Tim ReederAugust 2017

video

Open Selection: Putting Dogs and Cats on the Fast Track to Adoption

Sarah ByerleyAugust 2017

How can you significantly reduce the length of stay for your dog and cat population and place them in quality homes faster? Find out here with an Open Selection program!

video

FeLV/FIV Testing: Is it time for a policy shift?

Dr. Erica SchumacherAugust 2017

Is automatically testing cats for FeLV/FIV the best course of action or use of available resources? Not necessarily, find out why in this short video.

video

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.

webcast

How Animal Shelters Can Save Lives and Lower Costs with Low and No-Fee Cat Adoptions

Maria Benham and Aimee HeinrichJuly 2017

Want to save more cats, and money? Hear how Iowa's Dubuque Regional Humane Society decreased cat euthanasia by 82% and increased the cat adoption rate by 40%. By shortening length of stay, cat care costs were cut by over $100,000!

video

Reducing Cat Adoption Fees Can Save Lives AND Expenses

Maria M. BenhamApril 2017

Want to decrease euthanasia rates of cats, increase adoptions, AND save big money in yearly expenses?

webcast

Small Changes, Big Results for Cats

Mike Keiley and Bryn Conklin RogersMarch 2017

Learn how making a few small, easy-to-implement changes can spiral into more programs, lower intake and decrease euthanasia at an open admission adoption center.

flash

Low Stress Cat Transport

March 2017

These low stress techniques can be useful for staff or volunteers transporting cats between shelters, as well as for fosters bringing their cats to and from adoption events, veterinary appointments or other locations.

webcast

How Your Animal Shelter Can Save Cats by Helping People

Rachel D. K. FinneyJanuary 2017

innovative programs that allowed each cat in need of help to receive the exact services that individual cat -- and that cat's human caretakers!

video

Photos of Shelter Pets are Their Voices - Make Them Sing!

Tim YeaglinJanuary 2017

Taking a great adoption photograph and giving your homeless pets a voice isn't difficult or time-consuming and doesn't need expensive gear.

webcast

Time to Stop Playing the Breed ID Game

Kristen Auerbach and Caitlin QuinnJanuary 2017

Ending the guessing game of assigning breed labels to shelter dogs will increase adoptions and make better matches between pets and people. Find out what the research says in this webcast!

presentation

Senior and Hospice Foster Program

December 2016

Find out how you can help senior dogs find foster homes and new adoptive homes, as well as providing hospice care through fostering.

webcast

Two Webcasts: Creating Public Policy on Community Cats & Putting Theory into Action

Dr. Sara Pizano and Cameron MooreNovember 2016

Are you an elected official of a community struggling with too many cats in your animal control system? This webcast, designed for elected officials, will help you learn how other municipalities have managed these issues successfully on the public policy and public relations levels.

presentation

Reducing Cat Intake

Jordan CraigFebruary 2017

Learn how the Austin Animal Center (AAC) saves more than 95% of cats.

presentation

Hospice for Cats and Dogs

Clara K. Showalter and Jessica MarshFebruary 2017

Learn how Austin works to save the last few hard to place seniors through the use of specialized hospice foster homes for dogs and cats.

presentation

No Cat Left Behind: How to Get Special Needs Cats Adopted

Monica FrendenFebruary 2017

Learn how to place special needs cats through innovative programs, marketing, and adopter support.

presentation

Matchmaking - Working with Adopters and Pets to Increase Adoptions

Ryan PlunkettFebruary 2017

Learn about how this program develops and maintains cutting-edge initiatives aimed at decreasing dog length of stay and improving the success rate of adoptions.

presentation

Let's Keep Community Cats in the Community Where They Belong

Alice Burton and Scott GiacoppoJanuary 2017

This workshop will help you reduce your intake and euthanasia numbers while helping you focus on increasing your adoption and live release rate.

presentation

Removing Breed Labels: It's Easier Than You Think

Kristen Auerbach and Tawny HammondFebruary 2017

Most of the dogs entering the shelter should be identified as mixed breeds.

presentation

San Francisco SPCA Ringworm Program (SPORE)

October 2016

Managing ringworm in homeless pet populations is easier than you think, if you're equipped with a plan and the right tools.

blog

Study: Do DNA breed tests help dogs get adopted?

October 6, 2016

People, even veterinarians and animal shelter workers, are notoriously poor at identifying dog breeds. What’s more, there’s a growing trend to stop identifying shelter dogs by their breed at all. A recent study at Berkeley Animal Care Services in California took a look at whether or not obtaining DNA tests on dogs in the shelter…

webcast

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.

webcast

One Shelter's Journey to Save More Feline Lives

Dr. Cristie KamiyaAugust 2016

What real-world difference can the initiatives of the Million Cat Challenge make in an animal shelter? Hear an overview of how implementing those initiatives has impacted their life-saving capacity for cats.

presentation

Canine Identity Crisis: How Breed Labeling Affects Adoption, Part 1

Lisa Gunter, MAJuly 2016

Should we continue to use visual identification if it could have adverse effects on length of stay and adoptions?

presentation

Canine Identity Crisis: How Breed Labeling Affects Adoption, Part 2

Liz FinchJuly 2016

Four groundbreaking case studies show that removing labels is a low-cost intervention that could improve outcomes for many, perhaps all, breeds - including pit bulls.

webcast

Stress Reduction: Happy and Healthy Shelter Dogs

Dr. Sara L. BennettJune 2016

Everyone wants to make sheltered life better for dogs while they wait to get adopted. Learn what works and what doesn't in this webcast.

video

When Community Cats Need a New Address: Secrets to a Successful Relocation Program

June 1, 2016

Learn how to start and run a community cat relocation program, how to use low stress humane trapping methods for community cats, and how to evaluate community cats to determine if they are best suited for a relocation program. This course will help you determine the best low stress housing options for community cats in your program, and how to successfully find and talk to relocation adopters.

webcast

Stress Reduction: Happy and Healthy Shelter Cats on a Fast Track to Adoption

Dr. Brenda GriffinMay 2016

Stress can trigger physical, emotional and behavioral problems for cats in animal shelters. What can be done to help overcome stress and its negative outcomes?

video

Maddie Talks: Aha Moments - Inspirational Speakers Getting it Done

May 2016

webcast

Turning Your 'Surrender-ers' into Foster Homes

Sharon Harvy and Ayse DunlapApril 2016

The purpose Foster to Surrender is to enlist community support and keep high-risk animals out of the shelter. See how you can do this in your community!

webcast

Outpatient Parvo Treatment for Dogs

Dr. Jeffrey StupineMarch 2016

Learn about the feasibility of treating symptomatic parvovirus dogs in a twice-daily outpatient setting while minimizing the risk of infection to other dogs in a shelter environment.

research

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.

webcast

How Stress is Sabotaging Your Cat Adoption Efforts

Dr. Sheila D'ArpinoFebruary 2016

It's well known that cat health is quickly and negatively impacted by stress. But is it also making it harder for them to get adopted? Learn strategies to identify those effects not only in individual cats, but in the entire population of cats in a facility.

webcast

How Stress is Sabotaging Your Dog Adoption Efforts

Dr. Sheila D'ArpinoJanuary 2016

Are dogs in shelters developing health and behavior problems because of stress? And does that make adoption more difficult and less likely for those pets? Learn to recognize the harmful effects of stress on sheltered dogs, and strategies to alleviate that stress in this free webcast.

webcast

Getting It Done: How to Bust Myths about Community Cats with Science

Peter WolfOctober 2015

How can cat advocates cut through the misleading press releases and propaganda to combat proposed laws that seek to end lifesaving neuter-return programs and other cat-friendly efforts? With science, data and facts!

research

Maddie's Pet Adoption Days 2014 Adopter Survey Results

May 2015

In December 2014, Maddie’s Fund conducted an online survey that asked adopters who participated in the 2014 Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days Event about the pet they adopted, the organization they adopted from and their event experience. Maddie’s® Pet Adoption Days has supported the adoptions of more than 31,000 homeless dogs and cats since the program’s inception in 2010.

webcast

Removing Barriers to Adoption: How Evidence, Innovation and Compassion Grow Pet Adoptions

Cynthia D. Delany and Kelly LeeMay 2015

Because people in animal welfare often see terrible things befall pets, and because of genuine concern for the animals, we've sometimes gone overboard in terms of regulating, requiring, constraining, screening and even getting in the way of successful adoptions.

webcast

Capacity for Care: When Less Adds Up to a Whole Lot More for Shelter Cats

Ollie Davidson and Kathleen OlsonApril 2015

How can your shelter save more cats? Take in fewer of them at a time, give each cat more room and care for them better.

webcast

Return to Field: Animal Shelters and a New Approach to Healthy Unowned Cats

Scott TrebatoskiApril 2015

What can animal shelters do about healthy unowned cats in their community? One new concept increasingly gaining ground is that, as long as the cats are thriving, the most compassionate, lifesaving approach is to sterilize them, vaccinate them, ear-tip them and return them where they were found.

webcast

Managed Admission: Giving Shelter Cats Their Best Chance at a Great Outcome

Barbara Carr and Kathie JohnsonApril 2015

Not every cat who is presented to a shelter for relinquishment is in need of immediate admission. In many cases, simply knowing that help is available and the shelter can take the cat in the near future is enough to allow the community member to opt for an appointment down the road, when his or her cat can be better cared-for by the shelter. In some cases, supportive management may buy the owner enough breathing room that the cat ends up being able to remain in the current home after all.

presentation

Revolution Relay: Passing the Baton to the Next Generation of Advocates

Becky RobinsonFebruary 2015

As Alley Cat Allies celebrates its 25th anniversary, Ms. Robinson reflects on the past quarter of a century. Where we were, what we have accomplished and what is yet to be achieved by the next generation! Come celebrate the rescued animals and advocacy accomplishments of the past while we also set our sights on the future.

presentation

Achieving and Sustaining No-kill in a Medium-sized, Open Admission Shelter

Cheryl SchneiderFebruary 2015

Learn how Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Texas, an open admission shelter, started on their path to no-kill and how they continue to achieve a high save rate every month.

presentation

Beyond Labels: Advocating for all Dogs, with the Love-A-Bull Team - Part 1

Leala Ward-VinsonFebruary 2015

Take a look into the ways that advocacy on individual and community levels can have a positive impact on treating all dogs equally, eliminating breed-related stigmas, abolishing outdated policies and improving the chances for targeted breeds to find homes and their families access to resources.

presentation

Beyond Labels: Advocating for all Dogs, with the Love-A-Bull Team - Part 3

Lindsey OrtizFebruary 2015

Take a look into the ways that advocacy on individual and community levels can have a positive impact on treating all dogs equally, eliminating breed-related stigmas, abolishing outdated policies and improving the chances for targeted breeds to find homes and their families access to resources.

presentation

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%".

presentation

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.

presentation

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.

presentation

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?

presentation

Saving Parvo Positive Pups

Katie Kresek and Alexis Bardzinksi, DVMFebruary 2015

Parvovirus is a major killer of dogs and puppies in shelters. Austin Pets Alive! built the first parvo ward that actively takes parvo-positive dogs from the community and other shelters for treatment and then placement.

presentation

Effective Dog Marketing for Adoption

Elizabeth Doyle and Summer HugginsFebruary 2015

Marketing dogs, especially hard-to-place dogs, is an art form as well as a systematic process. Learn how to create a winning system utilizing a volunteer force, as well as how to write effectively about those dogs to get adoption applications coming in.

presentation

Medical Treatment for Cats on a Shoestring Budget

Ellen Jefferson, DVM, and Jordana MoerbeFebruary 2015

Austin Pets Alive! Medical Clinic treats thousands of cats a year, many who are straight off of the euthanasia list because of medical conditions such as feline leukemia, FIV, renal disease, hepatic lipidosis, skin problems, viral diseases, and trauma. They save them all and this session is about how they do it.

presentation

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.

presentation

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.

presentation

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.

presentation

DIY: Building a Nice Cattery on a Shoestring

Bruce Walker, PhD and Bob BreezeFebruary 2015

Desperate for cat adoption facilities but not enough funds to get a building? Build out "habitats” in your local pet store or vet clinic!

presentation

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.

presentation

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.

presentation

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.

presentation

Cat Marketing

Ashley FerryFebruary 2015

There is no more powerful way to get cats adopted than through good marketing. Austin Pets Alive! Cat Marketing Team discusses how to save cats by increasing their chances of adoption.

presentation

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.

presentation

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.

webcast

Introducing the Million Cat Challenge - Webcast

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVMJanuary 2015

Every cat counts. That's the premise of the Million Cat Challenge, a joint campaign of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and the Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida.

presentation

The Evolution of Adoption Programs: Taking Breed Out of the Equation, Part 1

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Caitlin QuinnMay 2014

Shelter medicine teams have the opportunity to take the lead in utilizing innovative adoption policies to save more lives. Cutting-edge research reveals that we should focus our efforts on breed-neutral best practices with proven effectiveness to make policy and adoption decisions, rather than relying on breed.

presentation

The Evolution of Adoption Programs: Marketing to Save Lives, Part 2

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, Caitlin QuinnMay 2014

Innovations in the way we consider marketing adoptions in shelters mean that everyone has the opportunity to put on their PR hat - including medical team members! Once breed-neutral policies are in place, learn how to implement strategies that decrease barriers to adoption and increase live outcomes.

webcast

Treating the Treatables: Saving Lives Through Medical Protocols, Foster Care and Proactive Thinking

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, MA, DABVP (Canine/Feline Practice)September 2014

Does your shelter or rescue group have medical protocols in place to care for your pets and for your fostered dogs and cats? Foster programs are critical if we want to help more pets who are facing treatable medical conditions, and to expand the capacity of a community to care for its homeless pets.

webcast

Fears, Facts and Forever Homes: What We Know About Free Pet Adoptions

Susan B. Krebsbach, DVMJuly 2014

Would you love to give your pet adoption program a boost, but fear that free adoptions send the wrong message, attract the wrong people and result in bad outcomes for pets?

webcast

Social Media: 6 New Things Animal Organizations Need to Know

Christie Keith May 2014

Social media is an incredibly powerful tool for getting pets adopted, as well as for growing an adoption organization's pool of donors, volunteers and foster homes. But as social media has grown in power, it's also become more complex and specialized, with changes and new platforms emerging almost daily.

research

Maddie's Pet Adoption Days 2013 Adopter Survey Results

February 2014

Maddie's® Pet Adoption Days is the nation's biggest free pet adoption event. Its purpose is to increase awareness of shelter animals, shed light on the tireless efforts of shelters and rescue organizations and find new families for homeless dogs and cats. We surveyed adopters about the pet they adopted, the adoption agency and the 2013 MPAD event.

presentation

Community Solutions for Community Cats, Part 1

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Shaye Olmstead October 2013

Operation Catnip's proactive "litter prevention" program performs 3,000 trap-neuter-return (TNR) surgeries each year for community cats using monthly high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics capable of sterilizing more than 200 cats in a single day. This program was instrumental in reducing cat euthanasia at the local shelter from 81% to 42% over 13 years. In 2012, the program was expanded to include a reactive "shelter-neuter-return" program targeting the cats most at risk of immediate euthanasia: adult impounded strays. By neutering and returning these shelter cats to their neighborhoods, cat euthanasia plummeted to 13% in 2012, making Alachua County the safest place to be a cat in Florida.

presentation

Community Solutions for Community Cats, Part 2

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Shaye Olmstead October 2013

Operation Catnip's proactive "litter prevention" program performs 3,000 trap-neuter-return (TNR) surgeries each year for community cats using monthly high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics capable of sterilizing more than 200 cats in a single day. This program was instrumental in reducing cat euthanasia at the local shelter from 81% to 42% over 13 years. In 2012, the program was expanded to include a reactive "shelter-neuter-return" program targeting the cats most at risk of immediate euthanasia: adult impounded strays. By neutering and returning these shelter cats to their neighborhoods, cat euthanasia plummeted to 13% in 2012, making Alachua County the safest place to be a cat in Florida.

presentation

Face-to-Face with Feral Freedom: Saving Community Cats

Rick DuCharmeOctober 2013

Feral Freedom is an innovative program that has decreased feline shelter euthanasia between 25% and 50% in every shelter in which it has been fully implemented. This talk, given by Rick DuCharme, Founder and Executive Director of First Coast No More Homeless Pets, presents an overview of the Feral Freedom program.

presentation

Shelter Based Feral Freedom

Joe ElmoreOctober 2013

Feral Freedom return-to-field programs are quickly becoming the gold standard for community cat management in progressive communities nationwide. In Charleston County, South Carolina, animal organizations have implemented the Feral Freedom strategy as a collaboration of local organizations and animal control agencies, affirmed by ordinances created to reinforce this strategy to save more lives and reduce intake.

webcast

Making the Case for a Paradigm Shift in Community Cat Management, Part Two

Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVM; Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Richard Avanzino; Jon Cicirelli; Holly SizemoreJuly 2013

In Part Two of Making the Case for a Paradigm Shift in Community Cat Management, Maddie's Fund® will present some of the nation's leading experts on animal sheltering and community cats in a comprehensive Q&A panel discussion on the information in Dr. Hurley's webcast.

presentation

How to Start a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program in Your Community

Jesse OldhamJuly 2013

The presentation covers a basic overview of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, and explores how TNR programs might differ depending on who is implementing them, the resources available in a community and the desired program outcomes.

presentation

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Target Spay/Neuter Efforts

Janet M. Scarlett, DVM, MPH, PhDJuly 2013

Large numbers of kittens entering shelters continue to be a major problem for many shelters. Geographic information systems (GIS) technology can be used to identify geographic areas that repeatedly are a source of kittens.

webcast

Making the Case for a Paradigm Shift in Community Cat Management, Part One

Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVMJune 2013

Are common cat sheltering and animal control policies helping cats? Are they humane? Effective? Not according to Dr. Kate Hurley, Director of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.

article

How to Sell Policymakers on Fee-Waived Adoption

Jeannette PetersMay 2013

It’s been proven that free pet adoptions save lives, but some communities prohibit the practice. Animal advocates in Alachua County, Florida persuaded their County Commissioners to change their restrictive policy with patience, personal relationships, research and statistics.

article

Free Pet Adoptions: Study Results

November 2012

The University of Florida surveyed 1,928 adopters from a fee-waived adoption event and concluded that successful adoptions do not require a fee; free adoption promotions can increase adoptions without compromising the quality of a pet's life.

presentation

Shelter Crowd Control: Keeping Community Cats Out of Shelters Presentation

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIMAugust 2012

While innovative strategies are saving lives across the country, euthanasia rates for stray and feral cats remain stubbornly high in many communities. This presentation will explore the magnitude of the community cat population problem and redefine definitions for "home" and "rescue".

article

High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter for Community Cats

Kathleen Makolinski, DVMAugust 2012

Free-roaming cats have a variety of temperaments, and those who are "feral" need special consideration when performing anesthesia and spay/neuter. It is important to minimize the cat's stress and maximize safety for the humans who are providing medical care.

article

How to Get the Media to Take Your Animal Welfare Story Seriously: Tips from Christie Keith

Christie KeithAugust 2012

As a pet columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle/SFGate.com and a blogger known to write about no-kill and shelter reform issues, Christie Keith says she received "what may amount at this point to two tons of communications from animal advocates wanting me to write about their cause." Find out why most of these messages are doomed to fail, and how yours can succeed.

article

The Truth About Free Cat Adoptions

August 2012

Research has proven that worries about free cat adoptions are unfounded. Now fee-waived adoptions are catching on in animal shelters nationwide.

webcast

Shelter Crowd Control: Keeping Community Cats Out of Shelters Webcast

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIMJanuary 2012

Do you want to stop the tragic deaths of shelter cats, and cut your shelter's cat intake dramatically and almost overnight? Want to practice high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter and disease management on cats? How about learning how to get your community - including municipal government - on board with trap-neuter-return programs? Want evidence that such programs can actually work to reduce the population of community cats, prevent the spread of disease, and save resources and money for local shelters?

presentation

Seniors and Shelters: Looking After Geriatric Pets in Shelters and Getting Them Adopted

Susan Krebsbach, DVMOctober 2011

Dr. Susan Krebsbach, veterinary specialist in behavior with over 20 years' experience working with animal shelters, talks at the Purdue/Maddie's Shelter Medicine Symposium 2011 about senior pets in animal shelters and how to get them adopted.

presentation

Providing for Community Cats

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM and Jan Scarlett, DVM, MPH, PhDMay 2010

It's been estimated there are as many as 40 million feral and free-roaming cats in the US. Find out how shelters can help protect those cats and reduce the strain on a shelter's housing and resources at the same time.

article

How to Start a Feral Cat Program

Leslie Wilson2001

Everything you need to know from using the right kitten formula to recruiting volunteers, written by an animal lover with years of feral cat experience.