Educational Topics

Advocacy in Action: Integrating Government Relations, Fundraising, and Public Messaging

Explore the power of advocacy in animal welfare by delving into the interconnected strategies of government relations, fundraising, and marketing. This track will guide attendees through the essential components of effective advocacy, demonstrating how to influence policy, mobilize public support, and secure the resources necessary for impactful change. Learn how to build strong relationships with policymakers, create compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with the public, and develop robust fundraising initiatives to sustain your efforts. Join us to gain practical tools and expert insights that will empower you to champion animal welfare with greater efficacy and reach.

In this track we will hear from experts in both human and animal services to share the stories and experiences that bond them and entice collaborative work models between both worlds. We will dive deeper into the realities of animal cohabitation in community shelters, animal shelter employees working and building programs to aid vulnerable populations, and the links that unify them in a one health approach towards compassion. Behind every surrender at an animal shelter is a human living some type of trauma, and our goal is to learn methods and share ideas that help create proactive support models to aid the human/animal bond before surrenders need to be considered. Let us learn how to keep animals out of shelters and get to know and support the people who share a life with them!

The track aims to foster the exchange of actionable ideas and research advancements aimed at reforming animal welfare standards and promoting sustainable, humane practices. Furthermore, it will draw on global perspectives to challenge attendees in addressing Canada's animal welfare system, offering concrete insights from corporate engagement in improving welfare practices. 

With practical takeaways this track will serve as a dynamic and solution-oriented space for all professionals committed to advancing animal welfare and sustainability.  Thought-provoking dialogues, collaborative strategies, and data-backed insights, will leave participants with renewed perspectives on building a more humane world for farmed and wild animals.

Discover transformative approaches to animal care that integrate innovation, behavioural science, and inclusive practices. This track focuses on the intersection of innovation and access to care in veterinary medicine, addressing the behavioral needs of shelter animals, and understanding the cultural dynamics within organizations and communities. Through expert-led sessions, explore the latest advancements in veterinary care, effective strategies for managing animal behaviour, and practical solutions to overcome shared challenges. Learn how to create a culture of empathy, accessibility, and continuous improvement, ensuring positive outcomes for both animals and caregivers.

The demands for sheltering and community medicine support are increasing with the cost of veterinary care rising and the shortage of veterinary staff. Innovation is becoming a must in providing access to preventative veterinary care, diverting medical surrenders, providing capacity for care for sheltered animals and shelter staff and humanely and efficiently managing in shelter medical cases. Come to participate and learn about current Sheltering and Community medicine innovative programs and strategies.

In this learning lab we will hear from experts in the field who are putting forth innovative strategies to build up community programs and harness local support from human services, with the goal of working in a unified direction to help those struggling with pet care. We will hear case stories and guidelines for running shelter programs geared to supporting the public, as well as new ideas to propose a greater reach at gaining partners, fundraising and awareness.

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the world of fundraising by focusing on an aspect that forms the critical bedrock of successful fundraising.

Trust leads to increased commitment. Donors who believe in an organization’s mission and trust its leadership are more likely to contribute in bigger ways. They feel confident that their investment will yield positive outcomes. Additionally, trustworthy relationships encourage donors to refer others. Satisfied donors become advocates, spreading the word about the cause and encouraging their networks to get involved. But how do we build trust?

Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, a volunteer, or an aspiring fundraiser, this track equips you with the tools to make a lasting difference. Join us and transform your passion into meaningful impact!

Join animal welfare leaders from across Canada for a day of learning and connection around current challenges and opportunities in our sector. During this session, we will hear from leaders tackling these issues meaningfully. Presenters will share their experience and facilitate a conversation among participants about generations in the workplace, compassionate leadership and cultural intelligence. You’ll walk away with new ideas and inspiration for addressing these critical topics in your organization.

“Marketing with Heart: Strategies for Effective Animal Welfare Communication“ delves into a comprehensive exploration of communication methods crucial to advancing animal welfare causes. From mastering media relations and crafting compelling narratives to leveraging digital platforms and engaging in community outreach, participants will gain insights into diverse strategies. This track equips attendees with the tools needed to create impactful campaigns that resonate deeply, drive awareness, and inspire meaningful action.

Take a deep dive into engaging in anti-violence work through humane education. In these workshops you will learn how to work with your community to develop a humane education strategy and program to engage allies (particularly men and boys) in preventing violence and increasing compassion for all living beings. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to join our presenters as they share valuable insights and perspectives to explore how to expand your education program to engage in anti-violence work, address broad challenges and provide solutions to support implementing innovative education programs to bring positive change for animals and humans.

The demands for sheltering and community medicine support are increasing with the cost of veterinary care rising and the shortage of veterinary staff. Innovation is becoming a must in providing access to preventative veterinary care, diverting medical surrenders, providing capacity for care for sheltered animals and shelter staff and humanely and efficiently managing in-shelter medical cases. Come to participate and learn about current Sheltering and Community medicine innovative programs and strategies