Explore Humane Canada’s Summit for Animals 2025 Programming

Communities are the experts in knowing best their barriers, available resources, and what gaps in services they face. Often, human service and animal welfare agencies are siloed in programming, misinterpreting what people tell us, or not consulting those we seek to help. When we serve only the problem immediately in front of us, we may miss the opportunity to address a systemic issue impacting communities. Animal Humane Society (AHS) received a grant to examine how AHS serves the entire family unit, both people and pets. The Whole Family project shifts the traditional outreach strategy. Our first step to a new understanding of how animal welfare and human social services organizations can work together to affect change is a community needs assessment (CNA). This approach ensures that the unique perspectives of all affected communities and stakeholder groups are represented when evaluating outreach programming. We believe that every agency, with a bit of grit and creativity, can conduct their own community needs assessment and create programs that have a more significant impact on the communities they serve.   

Key Learnings  

• The methodology of the Community Needs Assessment (CNA), what worked and what didn’t 
• What the CNA revealed about our current programming 
• How our Outreach Team is using the CNA to develop programs that address the needs identified by the communities we serve 

This presentation will begin by showcasing the role of veterinary social workers, offering practical examples and insights from professionals at the Toronto Humane Society and other shelters across North America. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how social work can be effectively integrated into animal shelter settings, examining its impact on service delivery and the broader implications for community health and well-being. Following this, the session will delve into innovative community support initiatives that enhance the human-animal bond. These programs will be discussed in terms of their ethical and financial benefits to animal shelters, illustrating how they can fundamentally reshape shelter practices by addressing pet owners' emotional and psychological needs. The presentation will conclude by examining promising practices for incorporating social workers into animal shelter teams. Attendees will be guided through the process of assessing the need for a social worker in their organization, as well as identifying the key elements necessary for successful integration and community impact.  

Key Learnings  

• Understanding the role and impact of veterinary social workers within animal shelters, including practical examples from Toronto Humane Society and other North American shelters.  
• Gaining insights into community support programming strengthens the human-animal bond and its ethical and financial value to animal shelters.  
• Learning promising practices for incorporating social workers into animal shelter teams, including how to assess organizational needs and create a successful integration plan.

Atira is a non-profit supportive housing provider dedicated to relieving poverty, with a focus on people affected by inequality and gender-based violence. In 2021, Atira added a program to serve animals living in 30 of their facilities, all located in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. This program is unique in that staff are employed by a non-profit housing provider, rather than an animal care agency, meaning they can easily connect with other service providers for a one health approach. People accessing services often face multiple barriers, such as poverty, substance use disorder, mental health struggles and housing insecurity. The Pet Outreach Program offers a pet food bank, grooming, behaviour and health resources, assisted access to vet care, spay and neuter services, and emergency boarding. 

 
In addition to sharing an overview of this program and the community it serves, this session will provide guidance on how to work alongside human services to access people that traditional outreach programs may not reach. We will discuss the stigma people who use substances face and our own bias when it comes to the question “Who has a right to own animals?”. With shelters across Canada filling up, how can animal care providers shift their lens from seizure to support? 

Key Learnings 

• What a program working directly with a housing provider and other social services looks like. 
• Animal care industry bias, stigma vs. real stories and a trauma-informed lens when working with folks with substance use disorders. 
• How to get started - asking the community you serve what they need, barriers to care, troubleshooting issues, community engagement. 

Traditional fundraising methods focus on donors as the heroes of our story. To centre equity and justice in our work, we must consider engagement from a community-centric lens. In this workshop, Liz LeClair and Esther Lee (CCF Global Council) will teach you the principles of community-centric fundraising and how you can apply them to the animal welfare sector.   

Key Learnings 

• What are the principles of community-centric fundraising. 
• How can these principles be applied in the everyday practices of your organization's work? 
• Why community-centric fundraising aligns with the One Health approach. 

The time is now! There has never been a more critical time to combine donor data analytics and stewardship. The science of fundraising is solid, yet many organizations struggle to embrace the power of their own data.  

As the saying goes, “You cannot manage what you cannot measure.”  

Before the COVID-19 crisis, did you know donor attrition was at an all-time high? We must create deeper relationships with the donors who already donate to our organizations! - this is more important now than ever!  

Second gift conversion, or donors who give once and never give again, is at a low of 40% and sometimes lower, which means that for every ten donors who give to you, only four or fewer continue to be engaged with your organization.  

You will learn about 25 stewardship ideas to help engage more donors today! Using these stewardship ideas with metrics from your donor database allows you to ‘fish in your own pond’ for donors who may have a higher capacity or are prospects for monthly or planned giving.  

You will learn what metrics you need to measure, top stewardship ideas, and many other ideas on how to engage more donors!  

Key Learnings  

• Learn the top metrics to measure for a sustainable fundraising plan, including Long-Term Donor Value, Retention, Reactivation, Consecutive Years of Giving, etc. 
• Learn more than 25 stewardship ideas to implement to inspire more donors.  
• Learn how to engage with lapsed donors strategically to ensure they leave no fundraising dollars on the table 

There are best practices for Major Gifts, and then there are real-life examples of how these relationships play out. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to ask transitional questions with prospective donors to uncover their core values as humans. Alongside these tools, you’ll listen to real-life examples of how the Calgary Humane Society builds relationships, resulting in significant gifts for their mission.  

You’ll learn how to structure your conversations: introductions, transitional questions and follow-up. You’ll uncover your natural approach to asking transitional questions. These tools will benefit you when working with donors, boards, staff, team leads, and your personal life! The journey toward genuine connection begins with meaningful conversations 

Key Learnings 

• Understand the anatomy of a meaningful conversation, and how to transition through the three sections of the conversation. 
• Five tools that participants can implement right away to help guide their next donor conversation. 
• Tips for how to approach donor archetypes for maximum connection and engagement 

In today's diverse workplace, understanding the unique traits and values of different generations is crucial for fostering a cohesive and productive team. Never has the American workforce been so generationally varied. This training session will illuminate the distinctive qualities that each generation brings to the table, promoting mutual appreciation and collaboration. By recognizing and leveraging these generational strengths, we can build a stronger, more unified work environment. Attendees will dive into the existing generations, their quirks and their brilliance. Leveraging both, attendees will explore the defining characteristics and values of each group, develop appreciation for those unique traits, identify strategies to enhance intergenerational communication/collaboration, while fostering a culture of mutual respect, understanding and appreciation. Through humour and contemporary data, attendees will walk away grateful for the differences. 

Key Learnings 

• Understanding Generational Traits and Values: Attendees will learn the distinctive characteristics and values of different generations in the workforce, enabling them to recognize and appreciate each group's contributions and quirks. 
• Intergenerational Communication and Collaboration: The session will provide strategies for improving communication and collaboration between generations, helping students foster a more harmonious and productive team environment. 
• Building Mutual Respect and Cohesion: By promoting a culture of respect and appreciation for generational differences, attendees will be equipped to create stronger, more unified teams, appreciating the diverse perspectives that each generation offers. 

Are you tired of watching talented team members burn out or leave, no matter how hard you try to support them? Do you feel there’s a disconnect between the compassion we show animals and the care we offer to our staff, ourselves, and the community? If so, this session is for you! We’re flipping the script on traditional leadership to help your team not just survive but truly thrive. 
 
Join us for an engaging workshop where we’ll explore how intentional leadership grounded in compassion, clarity, and accountability can transform your organization from the inside out. You’ll discover practical strategies to bridge the gap between leadership ideals and real-world challenges, all while aligning your actions with your core values to foster a healthier, more resilient workplace. 
 
Walk away with actionable tools to weave self-compassion into your daily routine, integrate compassionate leadership in even the most challenging environments, and transform how you connect with your team and community. This isn’t just about retaining staff—it’s about building a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to Live Better and Work Better every single day. 

Key Learnings 

• Self-Improvement: Learn simple daily practices to cultivate self-compassion and emotional well-being, such as setting micro-boundaries and taking short, intentional breaks, allowing you to stay grounded and energized even during your busiest days. 
• Leadership Development: Discover how to integrate compassionate leadership into your day-to-day interactions with staff by practicing active listening, setting clear expectations, and fostering a culture of trust—all of which can be done without adding more to your plate. 
• Community Relationships and Engagement: Learn how evaluating your beliefs and assumptions can lead to stronger relationships with your community. By recognizing and challenging biases, you can better align your organization’s actions and messaging with the diverse values of your community. This approach fosters deeper understanding, trust, and engagement, allowing you to serve your community with greater empathy and inclusivity. 

In an increasingly multicultural society, cultural intelligence is essential for leaders in animal welfare to effectively navigate challenges and seize opportunities. This workshop will provide participants with the tools to understand and respect diverse cultural norms, enhancing their leadership skills and fostering inclusivity within their organizations. Through interactive exercises and real-world case studies, attendees will learn how to apply cultural intelligence to improve team dynamics, client relations, and overall organizational effectiveness. 

Key Learnings 

• Mastering cultural intelligence for effective leadership 
• Enhancing client and community engagement 
• Building inclusive and innovative teams 

This 90-minute workshop will guide participants through the process of pitching story ideas to the media with confidence and success. Learn how to identify compelling angles, craft concise and effective pitches, and build relationships with journalists to increase the likelihood of coverage. Led by a public relations professional from the Toronto Humane Society, this session will provide tips on tailoring pitches to different media outlets and aligning stories with current trends. Participants will also explore following up professionally and maintaining strong media connections for future opportunities. 

Key Learnings 

• How to identify newsworthy angles and tailor story pitches to suit different media outlets and platforms  
• Techniques for writing concise and engaging pitches that grab journalists and editors' attention 
• Best practices for building and maintaining strong relationships with media professionals to improve future pitching success 

In animal welfare, the passion people have for our cause fuels our work and often brings positive support to our organizations. However, this same passion can also lead to heightened emotions when issues arise, making our sector particularly vulnerable to criticism and public scrutiny. Years of effort to build a strong reputation can quickly unravel if these situations are mishandled. 
 
In this workshop, we will explore the crucial role of effective issues and crisis management in protecting your brand, while respecting the deep emotional connection people have with animals. You’ll learn how to distinguish between issues and crises, implement proactive reputation monitoring, and build community trust to help your organization better weather potential challenges. With the right communications approach, addressing both ongoing issues and sudden crises can prevent reputational damage and strengthen relationships with your supporters. 
 
Together, we’ll draw from our real-world experiences in animal welfare and work through hands-on exercises, giving you practical tools and frameworks to navigate challenges with transparency, empathy, and heart. 

Key Learnings 

• Choosing your strategy - Recognize the difference between issues and crises and respond with tailored communication strategies to protect your organization. 
• Brand building - Discover methods for proactive reputation monitoring and building community trust to strengthen your organization’s brand. 
• Planning your approach - Gain practical tools and frameworks to navigate issues and crises with transparency, empathy, and a clear plan of action. 

Need help marketing a behaviourally complex dog? Challenge accepted!  

This engaging session will take you through the real-life journey of three dogs with significant behavioural challenges who faced extended shelter stays. Through these case studies, we’ll highlight both the struggles and successes in finding these dogs new homes. You’ll learn how to craft transparent yet positive messaging that showcases the dogs' potential while acknowledging their needs. We’ll explore strategies for targeting the right audience, focusing on adopters who are more likely to succeed with behaviourally complex dogs. Finally, we'll discuss how leveraging success stories can build trust and drive engagement to help these dogs find their forever families.  

This presentation will provide actionable marketing strategies for overcoming the unique obstacles that behaviourally complex dogs present, equipping you with problem-solving techniques to better market these dogs, helping them thrive in the right homes. 

Key Learnings 

• How to craft transparent but positive messaging about behaviorally challenging dogs that are available for adoption 
• How to identify and market to adopters who are more likely to succeed with behaviorally challenging dogs 
• How to leverage success stories and community partnerships to help boost the adoption of challenging dogs 

The Promising Practices Project aims to identify, adapt, and pilot humane education initiatives that show promise in engaging young men and boys as allies in ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

Main goal(s) of the project: 

• Identify and scale existing humane education practices that show promise in engaging young men and boys as allies in ending GBV 
• Develop and adapt humane education programming through a Gender based analysis plus (GBA+) and gender-transformative lens 
• Conduct a rigorous outcome-based evaluation to demonstrate the impact of community-based humane education programming as promising practices towards addressing root causes of violence. 

This workshop will offer insight into the existing research on the impact of engaging men and boys as allies in violence prevention, as well as share the results of the national promising practices survey. Participants will engage with the Promising Practices Framework – a humane education framework that has been co-developed with leaders from anti-violence organizations and humane education. Participants in the workshop will be able to apply the framework to their own existing humane education programs or initiate humane education programming based on the Promising Practices Framework. 

Key Learnings 

• Understand the importance and the promise of engaging men and boys as allies in humane education to prevent gender-based violence and violence towards animals.,  
• Learn strategies to engage men and boys as allies from current research as well as innovative programs across the countries and understand how to build partnerships with gender-based violence education programs to strengthen humane education community programming. 
• Learn Humane Canada’s Promising Practices Framework and utilize the framework to further or create innovative humane education programming to prevent violence towards humans and animals. 

In a time when many online spaces for young men can promote harmful ideas, this session will introduce the Next Gen Men Alliance (NGMA) Discord Server. In this upbeat, supportive community, boys and nonbinary youth can connect, build friendships, and explore healthier ideas about masculinity. Recognizing that many young people spend significant time online, primarily through gaming, NGMA creates a safe environment within this familiar space where youth can share their thoughts, support one another, and engage in activities that foster connection. Since 2020, NGMA has grown into a thriving community, with over 188,000 messages and 3,200 hours spent on voice chat in the past year alone. It's become a place where youth come together to discuss everything from homework and gaming to mental health. We'll also share insights from our ongoing evaluation, highlighting how this community shapes participants' attitudes and relationships and how NGMA's approach can serve as a model for other organizations to create online spaces that help promote protective factors known to help prevent gender-based violence.  

Key Learnings

• Learn how NGMA's Discord creates a safe space for boys and nonbinary youth to explore their identities and connect 
• Discover how the community supports mental health, personal growth, and stronger relationships through open conversation 
• Understand how NGMA's model promotes protective factors that reduce the risk of violence  

Humane education is pivotal in cultivating empathy, compassion and responsibility, laying the groundwork for a more ethical society. By linking the well-being of animals, humans, and the environment, humane education inspires individuals to make conscientious choices and advocate for positive change. Drawing in program examples from the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), including EHS’ Pet-Sitters Course, The Link and other engaging presentations, this session will delve into the transformative power of humane education and its potential to fundamentally alter how we interact with all living beings. Participants will explore why this approach is essential for fostering a more just and empathetic world, starting by educating children as young as five years old. 

Key Learnings 

• Fostering empathy and compassion: Discover how humane education nurtures empathy for all living beings, creating a foundation for individuals to become more compassionate and socially responsible. 
• Developing critical thinking and ethical decision-making: Learn how humane education encourages critical thinking about the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental issues, leading to more ethical and thoughtful decision-making. 
• Envisioning a world without shelters: Humane education’s goal is a world where shelters, as we know them, are no longer necessary. In this imaginary future, widespread empathy and compassion would prevent animal mistreatment, drastically reducing the need for rescue and sheltering. Instead, our organizations would evolve into hubs for education, community support, and resource sharing, fostering a society prioritizing animal welfare. 

Students start to learn about animals at an early age and continue that learning through K-12 and post-secondary education. But what messages are we conveying through our curriculum and school practices? In this session we will explore society’s often troubled and exploitative relationships with animals, which are frequently perpetuated in our school communities. Mike Farley has been incorporating humane education principles into his teaching at the middle, high school, and graduate school levels for over a decade and will share his experiences and best practices. Using a comprehensive humane education approach that includes animal protection, human rights, and environmental preservation, we will look at solutions such as class activities, projects, resources, and field trips that celebrate animals of all kinds. 

Key Learnings 

• How our current school systems often contribute to the exploitation of animals of all kinds 
• How the protection and celebration of animals of all kinds can be incorporated into K-12 and post-secondary classes and school communities 
• The possible next steps for humane education in Canada 

“I’m so ADHD!” “He’s so OCD!” “I can’t do__________, I have anxiety!” As neurodiversity is gradually becoming a larger part of our conversations in education, it is also creating buzzwords in the lexicon of our youth.  

As some adults are getting long overdue diagnoses, and some children are constantly over or undermedicated, we, as an educational society, must become more aware of the clinical versions of neurodiversity as well as the symptoms that neurotypical people can also experience.  

What does captivating a neurodiverse mind look like in humane education? How does captivating a child or adult with neurodiverse tendencies compare? What are some techniques to manage children, youth and even adults who might hide behind these diagnoses or buzzwords because things in life can be hard to handle?  

In this solution-oriented presentation, Nabila will look at how to engage neurodiverse learners, guide people away from using neurodiversity as a crutch, explain how our words matter, and explain the importance of educating people on the terminology we use.  

Key Learnings  

• Visualize how neurodiversity shows up in our programs and how we need to adjust our plans to accommodate neurodiverse students 
• Defining what neurodiversity means and how to recognize and address it in our Humane Education programs 
• Explore different methods of communication around neurodiversity that help us and our students break out of the boxes that societal norms have imposed 

Albania's transition to democracy has been tumultuous, characterized by political instability, corruption, and civil unrest. Animal welfare was not a priority—and it still isn't. While animal welfare activism has flourished for 150-200 years in western countries, in this region, we have only seen about 15 years of progress. Our cities are home to thousands of stray dogs and cats, from north to south. 
 
What began as a personal initiative to rescue stray animals in 2012 has evolved into a dedicated organization that has rescued over 5,000 animals, sterilized 4,400, and facilitated the adoption of 1,500 pets in Shkoder, Albania. Animals Need Me is the only organization with an agreement with the local municipality, actively lobbying the government for improved policies, providing free legal counsel for animal abuse cases, and implementing humane education programs in schools and the community. 

Key Learnings 

• Supporting women with pets facing difficulties and gender-based violence (GBV)  
• Educational projects and awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership and dog bite prevention 
• Advancements in Animal Rights in Albania, with a focus on the violence link 

The 'Violence Link' is the strong link between animal violence and human violence. Animals are often a primary source of support for survivors experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), and aggressors use the human-animal bond to harm, intimidate and control their partners to be silent about their abuse. As 60% of Canadian households include a dog or cat, Humane Canada is collaboratively developing a Humane Education program to strengthen the GBV sector. This session aims to educate attendees about community-centred work, and how to best engage boys, young men, and male-identifying youths in GBV and humane education work. 

Key Learnings 

• Community-Centred engagement to reach communities that are not your own  
• Best practices for engaging boys, young men, and male-identifying youth 
• What the 'Promising Practices' program outcomes are, how to support and participate, and project updates 

It is widely acknowledged that shelters represent the most stressful environments an animal is likely to encounter. They can face numerous stressors, including frequent handling, transport, and disruptions to their routine. Despite our best efforts to create less stressful environments, human practices continue to stress animals. 
 
In shelters, severe behaviours such as biting or scratching can have a significant impact on an animal's pathway, as well as on the humans who interact with them. Therefore, it is essential to know how to handle them properly to protect both yourself and the animals around you. 
 
Defensive handling is vital to prevent incidents and create a safe and healthy environment for both humans and animals. It is a safety-focused approach for interacting with animals that may exhibit aggression, anxiety, or unpredictable behaviour. By anticipating potential reactions and using appropriate techniques, handlers can minimize risks to themselves and the animal. 
 
This session will focus on improving the defensive handling capabilities of shelter staff and volunteers. We will explore best practices for interacting with animals, including dogs and cats, and ensuring the appropriate use of handling equipment. 

Key Learnings 

• Empowering your team through training 
• Prioritizing safety with safe handling practices 
• Predicting and anticipating animal behavior 

Homeless animals experience illness and trauma, which often require complex surgeries to increase their chance of a positive outcome. Finding adopters or rescues willing to take on these cases can be challenging. The primary reasons for declining to perform these procedures in-house are the concern that these procedures are beyond the capability of the shelter veterinarian and that these procedures place a financial burden on the shelter. This often results in shelters making the impossible decision of euthanizing for length of stay, quality of life, or finances. 

These procedures are an opportunity for challenge, job satisfaction, and success for the shelter veterinarian. Additionally, keeping these procedures in house can improve patient outcomes and decrease length of stay. 

Leg amputations, enucleations, and cystotomies are procedures frequently needed by shelter animals. But they are also all realistically performed in a shelter setting. 

This session will offer practical advice for the shelter veterinarian and review techniques for performing these procedures, as well as discussing realistic shelter costs for each procedure when compared with frequently performed spay/neuter. 

Key Learnings 

• How to perform leg amputations in a shelter setting  
• How to perform enucleations in a shelter setting 
• How to perform cystotomies in a shelter setting 

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) is working on evidence-based guidelines for vaccination of animals in animal shelters and community clinics, combing all the evidence and compiling expert consensus. The result will be the most transparent recommendations published to date. This lecture will be a sneak peek into what evidence is really there, why recommendations are what they are, and how to build a robust protocol for your shelter and community facing services. 

Key Learnings 

• Vaccination is a key preventive step to keeping shelter and community populations healthy, 
• Puppy and kitten vaccination is not straightforward; close attention is needed to protect this vulnerable population 
• Veterinarians should assess total risk to animals when recommending starting and ending dates for vaccines 

Building on sheltering models, such Capacity for Care and “managed intake”, the BC SPCA asked the question – how do we ensure our organization is consistently caring for the most vulnerable animals? As intake demands increase, the BC SPCA is developing a systematic approach to prioritize animal cases based on vulnerability, creating a "Vulnerable Animal Spectrum" that distinguishes between animals requiring shelter care, those suited for foster, and those that could be assisted through outreach strategies or alternative programs. 
 
This presentation will describe the “spectrum”, including what criteria are used for assessing animal vulnerability, as well as outline how the ‘spectrum’ guides triaging animal cases and categorizing intake situations, ensuring that resources are allocated in the best interests of the animals and the communities we serve the “spectrum” is primarily focused on companion animals, while also considering farm, wild, and exotic species to some degree. By creating an objective, , consistent and fair intake model, using the vulnerability criteria, the BC SPCA is optimizing care delivery and improving outcomes for animals in British Columbia. 

Key Learnings 

• Learn ways to understand your organization’s intake decisions, care pathways and outcomes. By analyzing all the ways that animals entered the BC SPCA system, we identified and categorized various intake situations, allowing for consistent decisions to meet the specific needs of different animal types 
• Learn how to develop a “Vulnerable Animal Spectrum” to support consistent, objective and efficient intake decisions and pathways. Establishing a clear framework for prioritizing animals based on their vulnerability helps ensure that resources are allocated effectively, allowing staff to make informed decisions about immediate care, foster placements, or alternative strategies 
• Learn the overall impact of the “Vulnerable Animal Spectrum” on the BC SPCA’s intake and pathway decisions. Review data from ‘before’ and ‘after’ the spectrum was applied, as well as how the spectrum was implemented through system changes, staff training, continuous feedback and allocation of resources 

Animal advocates and animal advocacy organizations have made gains for animals at higher levels of government. However, the municipal level of government has not received as much attention as a mechanism for improving animal welfare because such interventions are relatively time-consuming compared to their impact, given smaller jurisdictional sizes.  

This session will explore the to-date underrealized potential of leveraging progressive municipal animal by-laws to have greater impacts on animal welfare in Canada. It will discuss the feasibility of creating a system whereby progressive changes to municipal by-laws could be catalogued, templates for ideal by-laws by topical area created (e.g., to ban puppy mills and exotic animals), and made accessible to municipalities interested in strengthening theirs. Such a system would enable enhanced animal protection by-laws to have broader impacts beyond one municipal jurisdiction. In a time where there is a growing disjuncture between outdated animal by-laws and public concern regarding animal welfare, such a system could provide municipalities with an alternative to current resource-intensive ways of researching, updating, and drafting by-laws. 

Key Learnings 

• Learn the potential of directed action at the municipal level 
• Learn a potentially complementary strategy to the current focus on federal and provincial levels of government 
• Key learning #3 coming soon.

Each year, nearly 900 million farmed animals in Canada face conditions that often prevent them from experiencing a life worth living, yet there is no federal law governing their treatment on farms. The current system relies on industry-developed codes of practice, mainly non-binding, while provincial exemptions allow inhumane practices under “generally accepted” standards. Compounding these issues is the conflict of interest within ministries that promote agricultural industries and oversee animal welfare. This session brings together animal protection experts to examine the critical need for institutional reform, public oversight, and legally mandated standards of care for farmed animals. Attendees will learn about the current landscape of farmed animal welfare in Canada, the progress made through collaborative efforts with industry, and the collective action required to establish enforceable protections that ensure a basic standard of care across the country.   

Key Learnings  

• Understand the limitations of Canada’s self-regulated farmed animal welfare system, including legal gaps and provincial exemptions.   
• Gain insight into collaborative efforts to improve animal welfare standards and engage stakeholders in progressive reform.   
• Learn about the strategies and partnerships needed to push for enforceable regulations and meaningful oversight in Canadian farmed animal welfare. 

In the rapidly evolving field of animal welfare, technology is becoming a vital tool for enhancing care, monitoring, and overall welfare. However, its integration presents ethical and practical challenges that must be addressed. 
 
This session will showcase current and future technological developments in animal welfare, focusing on real-world applications. Specifically, our speaker will present her PhD research on the use of computer vision to monitor cat welfare in a shelter setting automatically. 
 

Additionally, the session will cover advancements in technology relevant to animal welfare, such as real-time animal behaviour tracking, automated training and feeding systems, large language models for animal care, and other automated monitoring tools like wearables and computer vision systems. 
 
The session will explore how these technologies are integrated into animal welfare practices and their potential to improve both welfare outcomes and operational efficiency. It will also address the challenges associated with adopting these innovations. Participants will consider ethical and practical implications, leaving with actionable strategies to consider the implementation of these technologies for enhanced animal welfare and care. 

Key Learnings 

• Gain a deeper understanding of the technological landscape in animal welfare: Participants will explore current and emerging technologies, such as computer vision and behaviour tracking, and their potential to advance animal welfare practices. 
• Learn about specific research on automatically monitoring shelter cat welfare: Participants will delve into a research project that uses computer vision to monitor cat welfare in shelters, gaining insights into its benefits and the considerations for its application. 
• Engage in a discussion on ethical and practical challenges: The session will involve a group discussion on the ethical and practical implications of these technologies, and explore actionable strategies to enhance the integration of technology into animal welfare practices. 

In this session, we will share insights from a 2024 national survey of an estimated 2,000 Canadian pet owners focused on the challenges of accessing veterinary care, barriers to receiving care as well as impact on shelters and rescues. The survey captures pet owners’ experiences accessing veterinary care and pet ownership/acquisition, paying special attention to ensuring participation from underrepresented communities.  

The findings will be compared to findings from a 2024 U.S. survey to identify key areas of similarity but also to identify challenges specific to Canadian pet owners. The data collected in the survey will serve as a baseline for assessing veterinary access for pet owners and pet acquisition/placement and pointing toward key areas in which the field needs to take note and develop mitigating strategies. 

Key Learnings 

• Key barriers to accessing veterinary care by various geographic areas and client demographics 
• Impacts of accessible care on shelters/rescues 
• Key learnings as a means of improving access to veterinary care 

Join us for an engaging lecture that explores how the Seabird Island Band integrates traditional Sto:lo wisdom with contemporary welfare philosophies to tackle animal care challenges. We will examine the role of government in addressing gaps in animal welfare, revitalizing Indigenous knowledge to inform humane practices, and appplying One Health, One Welfare, and Spectrum of Care frameworks. This session highlights how the Seabird Island Band is pioneering a holistic and culturally grounded approach to improving animal welfare on their reservation. 

Key Learnings 

• Recognizing Animal Welfare Challenges: We will begin by identifying the primary challenges faced in animal welfare, including gaps in current practices and policies that impact animal well-being on reservations.,  
• Government Role and Policy Development: Discuss the potential role of government in bridging these gaps through effective policies and regulations. We will analyze the need for enhanced support and resources to address these challenges comprehensively. 
• Revitalizing Sto:lo Wisdom: Discover how the Sto:lo Nation is revitalizing traditional knowledge to inform and transform animal care practices. This section will highlight the cultural and spiritual dimensions of animal welfare as understood by the Sto:lo people. 

In this session, we explore the complex process of prioritizing actions to improve animal welfare, recognizing the tough decisions that must be made to maximize impact across species with limited resources. Prof Bob Fischer will provide attendees with insight into a framework for evaluating these choices, informed by a multi-year interdisciplinary study considering species differences and varying needs. The session also highlights approaches to identifying and supporting effective interventions. Elisabeth Ormandy, ACE’s Programs Director, will share their research-driven methods for prioritizing aid, particularly for neglected farmed and wild animals, offering insights from the latest developments in global animal advocacy. 

Key Learnings 

• Understand a structured framework for prioritizing interventions across animal species based on need and impact. 
• Learn about ACE's evaluation methods and how they identify effective farmed and wild animal welfare interventions. 
• Discover current trends, innovative approaches in global animal advocacy, and practical recommendations for optimizing resource allocation. 

North America’s animal welfare community is growing, yet it continues to face significant challenges in embracing diversity, particularly in terms of racial and cultural representation. As pet ownership trends evolve, more individuals from diverse backgrounds seek the companionship of animals. However, marginalized communities often feel underrepresented and unwelcome in animal welfare spaces. For the movement to truly thrive, it must embrace inclusive practices that recognize the value of all communities. This session will blend firsthand experiences of discrimination within the industry with practical strategies for building a more inclusive future in animal welfare.  

The speakers will share their personal journeys of overcoming barriers, addressing internal biases, and transforming organizational cultures to foster a sense of belonging for everyone. Participants will learn how compassion, cultural responsiveness, and intentional leadership can unlock the full potential of diversity in animal welfare. Attendees will leave with actionable methods for creating welcoming environments, redistributing power within organizations, and building meaningful relationships with underrepresented communities. 

Key Learnings 

• Explore how a compassion framework and self-awareness can help dismantle barriers to inclusivity and lead to more authentic engagement with diverse communities. 
• Learn about the specific challenges and systemic barriers preventing underrepresented groups from fully participating in the animal welfare community, and how leaders can confront their own biases to create more inclusive spaces. 
• Learn practical, hands-on methods for building intentional relationships with diverse communities. 

The Arizona Humane Society (AHS) Field Team responds to thousands of calls about animals in need yearly. Many times, owners of pets needing medical care either can't afford it or don't have the means of transportation to seek such care. These owners want to do right for their pets but don't have the means. Typically, the animals are either surrendered or confiscated in these cases since the owner cannot provide care. This results in heartbreak for the owners and the pets. Even worse, many of these pets may not make great adoption candidates due to age or behavioural issues.  

To try and alleviate the pain caused by separation and the strain on our physical space and our staff, AHS created Project Resolution, which pairs a Field Emergency Animal Medical Technician (EAMT) with a veterinarian who can complete a house call together.  

Currently, the program runs one day every other week. In just over a year, the team has gone out on the road for 30 days and served 69 pets, resulting in keeping 69 pets, 60 of which were dogs, in loving families and out of the overwhelmed shelter.  

AHS believes this innovative program can be a beneficial addition to other animal shelters and hopes to share the wisdom they have gained with others in the animal welfare community. 

Key Learnings  

• Finding and implementing innovative solutions to decrease shelter intake 
• The Human-Animal bond is powerful. We should be looking for ways to build, not break it apart 
• Empathy can help with education, making an impact now and on the next generation. 

Though 60% of Canadian homes now include a dog or a cat, and most of us consider our companion animals to be full-fledged family members, animals are subject to the same rules that apply to property under family law in the vast majority of provinces. When a couple with an animal splits up, and there's a disagreement about who should keep the animal, courts rule on this issue without considering the animal's welfare or even the animal's attachment to each spouse.  

In 2024, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to enact pet custody legislation, requiring courts to consider various factors related to the animal's interests when determining custody. In response to a highly effective campaign led by the Montreal SPCA, the Quebec government is now considering following suit. This talk will discuss the issue of pet custody and how it intersects with animal welfare, domestic violence and child protection. It will also explore why this issue merits lawmakers' attention and how animal protection organizations can play a crucial role in enacting animal welfare-focused legislative provisions. 

Key Learnings 

• How courts currently handle pet custody disputes across most of Canada.  
• Impacts on animal welfare, domestic violence and child protection. 
• Why animal protection organizations should advocate for pet custody legislation. 

This session delves into the vital role of companies as drivers of change for farmed animal welfare, responding to the growing consumer demand for transparency and humane practices in food production. Various international and national experts will share insights on how the private sector has advanced animal welfare standards globally, primarily through partnerships with food industry leaders committed to transforming their supply chains. Attendees will learn about the progress and challenges in Canada, examining industry trends in meat, dairy, and egg purchases, and the impact of corporate responsibility programs. Speakers will discuss how NGOs, consultants, and public demand support this shift, revealing the complexities of balancing internal goals and external pressures. The session offers practical insights into fostering incremental change and envisions a future where food companies actively contribute to sustainable, humane agriculture.   

Key Learnings  

• Understand the evolving role of the private sector in driving animal welfare standards and how corporate responsibility impacts supply chains 
• Explore strategies and challenges for advancing farmed animal welfare in Canada, including the roles of NGOs, consultants, and public advocacy 
• Gain insight into consumer trends, benchmarking efforts, and incremental reforms shaping a more humane food production system 

Gain insights into common behavioural concerns voiced by new adopters and learn practical strategies to address them, drawing on data from an unreleased report featuring information from Petcademy's partner organizations.  

Recent studies underscore the critical need for accessible behaviour support post-adoption. Powell et al. (2022) found that a substantial portion of adopted dogs were returned within three months primarily due to behaviour issues such as fear and separation-related behaviours. Other findings from Human Animal Support Services (HASS) discovered that 37% of returns were not due to safety concerns but rather nuisance behaviours like barking or scratching furniture (Kalman & Gates, 2023). Shelters often do not have the financial resources to staff behaviour departments, let alone staff that have the time to work with all the animals in their care and provide support to fosters and adopters.  

This session details proactive behaviour support techniques to reduce return rates and enhance post-adoption success.  

Key Learnings  

• Optimize post-adoption support and dynamics  
• Discover the correlation between dog and cat behavioural issues and return rate
• Key learning #3 coming soon. 

Veterinary medicine is experiencing a division between “ivory tower” and “shelter medicine,” which often forces practitioners to choose a side. But maybe bridging the gap with a high-quality, low-cost design is possible. Is it possible to provide the full spectrum of care at an affordable price without sacrificing employee pay or benefits? This discussion will cover: 

• How to start a thriving, high-quality, low-cost clinic 
• How to set pricing to cover expenses as well as growth 
• How to attract, train, and keep quality staff 
• How to maintain a positive workplace culture over the long term 

Key Learnings  

• How to start a high-quality, low-cost clinic  
• How to set pricing to cover your expenses, as well as plan for growth  
• How to attract, train, and keep quality staff 

Join one of the team members behind Humane Canada's Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative, a campaign held last summer to bring awareness to the problem that "no pets" policies in rental housing create for both people and animals. These policies create barriers for society's most vulnerable, including women and children fleeing violence in the home, seniors and young people just starting. They also impact our animal shelters, which are overwhelmed with healthy, young animals that have been surrendered because tenants unable to find accommodation that accepts pets have been left with no other option. It is heartbreaking and unnecessary.  

Learn how Humane Canada worked with government officials and members alike to harness the collective voice of people with pets in a national parliamentary petition and gather crucial information on the reality of Ontario's "no pets void" provision in their tenancy legislation.  

You will also see findings from the Ontario Renters with Pets survey, which could provide critical insight into how the province of Ontario could improve legislation and policies regarding allowing pets in rental facilities and serve as a model for other provinces to follow.  

Key Learnings  

• The Facts: gathering national support for pet-inclusive housing policies and evidence for how we can accomplish this   
• Power in numbers: building relationships and the value of the "share" button  
• Outcomes: observations and real-world experiences from the only jurisdiction that includes a provision for pets in its tenancy legislation – Ontario 

This session explores transformative strategies for building a humane, sustainable food system that respects animal welfare, supports environmental health, and meets consumer expectations for transparency. The session addresses the impacts of intensive animal agriculture, prioritizing production at the expense of welfare and sustainability and driving issues such as antimicrobial resistance and significant environmental degradation. Additionally, the session will highlight practical strategies for implementing plant-based policies across organizations and policy opportunities to drive consumer choices and support farmers in adopting higher welfare farming practices. These topics offer a roadmap for a food system that aligns with humane, environmentally conscious, and health-oriented values.   

Key Learnings  

• Learn about intensive animal agriculture's environmental and health impacts and the benefits of shifting toward plant-based diets 
• Gain practical guidance on implementing plant-based food policies within organizations, including strategies for stakeholder engagement and effective communication 
• Understand the importance of food policies for animal welfare organizations and how they can amplify their impact 

Join Julie Bousfield, Dog Behaviour and Assessment Coordinator, and Sarah Barks, Volunteer Coordinator of the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Alberta, as they present an innovative approach to training and enrichment within a rescue facility environment. This session will highlight ARF's Training and Enrichment Program, designed to meet the diverse needs of puppies, adolescents and mature dogs while optimizing volunteer engagement and leveraging limited resources.

Key Learnings 

• Discover how facility volunteers can consistently implement simple, effective training plans and enrichment activities 
• Explore case studies and examples showcasing successful volunteer engagement and how providing daily behaviour feedback from volunteers has enhanced training outcomes 
• Learn about ARF's supportive framework that empowers volunteers to enrich the lives of facility dogs through structured training and enrichment activities – including a Real-life Room, a dedicated dog enrichment team, group play and community outings 

Transitioning from veterinary school to practice is particularly challenging for new graduates, especially when entering high-volume shelter environments. This presentation will examine the critical role of mentorship in supporting new grads as they navigate their new job.  

In shelter settings, veterinarians manage an elevated caseload while contending with limited resources. Mentorship provides: 

• Essential guidance 
• Helping new graduates develop clinical skills 
• Decision-making abilities 
• Emotional resilience is necessary to thrive in such demanding settings.  

We will discuss the key attributes of effective mentorship programs, including onboarding, ongoing support, and opportunities for skill development. By fostering a culture of mentorship, we not only enhance the professional growth of new veterinarians but also improve the overall quality of care provided to shelter animals. This session will be seen through the eyes of a new (but not so new) graduate veterinarian working at the Montreal SPCA.  

Key Learnings  

• Knowing if we're ready to mentor 
• Onboarding and ongoing support of new grads  
• Opportunities for skill development in mentorship 

Canine Action Project (CAP) is an Indigenous-led Canadian registered charity that partners with First Nations in Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatchewan. We aim to provide proactive, humane, and sustainable solutions for managing pet populations and promoting pet health. By working closely with each community, we strive to address their unique needs and foster responsible pet ownership. 
 
Over the past decade, our partnerships have yielded valuable insights into effective pet population management. Through collaborative programs, we have developed humane approaches that respect each community’s cultural context. Our experience highlights the importance of building trust and maintaining open communication with community members. We’ve learned that effective engagement and knowledge sharing are vital for promoting responsible pet guardianship. Furthermore, data-driven strategies allow us to tailor our initiatives for greater relevance and impact. This session will reflect on the lessons learned, emphasizing the significance of partnership, adaptability, and community empowerment in managing pet populations within First Nations. 

Key Learnings 

• Knowledge sharing is a two-way street: while we provide valuable information on animal health and husbandry, we also gain insights from the community and their lived experiences. This reciprocal exchange enriches our understanding and helps us develop more effective, culturally relevant solutions for pet management 
• Patience and adaptability: successful and long-term sustainability requires time, patience and the ability to adapt, as there are no quick-fix solutions to effectively managing pet populations 
• Data-driven approaches: Utilizing data-driven strategies allows for tailored initiatives that are relevant and impactful. This approach enhances the effectiveness of programs by ensuring they address the community’s specific needs. 

This panel discussion seeks to foster a dialogue among scientists, advocacy representatives, and policymakers on the future of farmed animal welfare in Canada. The conversation will focus on how science can engage diverse groups involved in farmed animal welfare to ensure a sustainable future and avoid polarised debates. 

The panel will feature four panellists, each representing distinct perspectives and backgrounds on animal welfare in agriculture. The lineup includes: 

• An industry-aligned researcher 
• A university-based researcher 
• A researcher specializing in the human element of animal agriculture 
• A policy representative 

A current PhD student will moderate the panel to encourage participation from early-career researchers and support the next generation of farmed animal welfare scientists. By the end of the panel, attendees will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the future of farmed animal welfare in Canada from multiple perspectives. 

Key Learnings 

• The role of science in creating a sustainable rather than polarised future for farmed animal welfare in Canada. 
• How scientists bridge the different interested parties (e.g., industry, policy makers, public) to improve animal welfare together in Canada. 
• How the next generation of scientists contribute and collaborate in this sustainable future. 

In today's interconnected world, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is essential for fostering a sense of belonging. Leaders across the animal welfare profession recognize that embracing DEI is imperative to achieving the mission of advancing the well-being of animals and their human families. However, while studies strongly support the benefits of prioritizing DEI in the workplace, leaders still struggle to implement initiatives that create lasting change. This session will explore leveraging different DEI philosophies to gain broad support and build lasting momentum for DEI in your organization. 
 
Participants will learn about different DEI philosophies, complete a personal assessment, and engage in a small discussion. The facilitators will conclude by sharing strategies to help leaders reimagine their approach to DEI initiatives. 

Key Learnings 

• Discuss the challenges to launching and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 
• Explore different DEI philosophies and their implications in animal welfare organizations. 
• Identify strategies to build broad support for DEI across the organization 

La Maison Benoit Labre is a community organization in southwest Montréal dedicated to supporting unhoused individuals. Their new transitional housing program provides shelter and welcomes people with animals, recognizing the deep bonds many form with their pets during difficult times.  

To ensure the well-being of both the residents and their animals, La Maison Benoit Labre teamed up with Ivy Dog League Dogs to launch the pilot project “Animal Inclusion.” This partnership focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment where residents and their pets can thrive together. They’ve developed tools, methods, and protocols through collaboration to promote animal welfare and ensure pets are well cared for.  

With the help of a dedicated canine educator, the program offers tailored support for those navigating homelessness and pet ownership. Despite the challenges that unhoused individuals face, like substance use, poor health, or incarceration, this unique approach offers quick, effective solutions to reduce risks to animals. The partnership reflects the program’s commitment to harm reduction and low-barrier access, proving that marginalized populations and their pets can be successfully integrated into stable housing.  

Key Learnings  

• Practical experience integrating animals into a housing program 
• Tools and guidelines for structuring animal inclusion  
• Managing the care of animals in transitional housing programs 

This session delves into animal welfare assessment and training advancements, focusing on equine welfare and the broader implications of animal emotional experiences. Animal welfare experts from the Ahloy-Dallaire Lab will provide insights into the evolving understanding of animal emotions and introduce cutting-edge tools for evaluating both positive and negative emotional states in animals. Complementing this, Dr. Shane Bateman and Gayle Ecker will present a pioneering equine welfare assessment training program tailored for animal welfare officers, horse show officials, and other key stakeholders. This innovative program blends online learning with hands-on case studies, making training adaptable and cost-effective. Participants will gain a comprehensive view of how technology-driven welfare assessments and structured training can significantly enhance the quality of life for farmed and wild.   

Key Learnings  

• Understand the role of animal emotions in welfare science and how positive experiences can improve quality of life 
• Gain insights into designing and implementing adaptable, cost-efficient equine welfare assessment training programs  
• Learn about innovative technologies and methodologies for assessing animal welfare, focusing on emotional well-being across diverse animal populations 

Accent discrimination is a universal yet socially accepted form of prejudice. When directed towards people of colour (POC), these attitudes also represent subtle forms of racism. Previous research on accent discrimination towards non-native (NN) English-speaking POC was able to unravel patterns of accent discrimination, including mocking and stereotyping, and the effect that these negative attitudes have towards NN POC speakers as individuals and as part of society. This presentation explores these topics with examples from the veterinary and shelter sectors and advocates for increasing our exposure to NN POC accents to build trust and reduce listeners’ accent biases.  

Key Learnings  

• Accent discrimination is one of the remaining socially acceptable forms of discrimination and is ubiquitous in all aspects of society, including our industry 
• Societal pressure for individuals to conform to a ‘standardized accent’ is nearly impossible and asks people to change a core part of their identity and culture. Language subordination takes away a fundamental human right to speak freely without intimidation 
• There are efficient evidence-based methods to build trust, facilitate comprehension and reduce listener bias against NN POC (non-native people of colour) accents covered in the presentation. 

In this session Mary will use a storytelling approach to kickstart a conversation about building authentic donor relationships that lead to increased trust and larger donations to support your organization. We'll delve into asking strategic questions to create alignment between the donor and your organization and unlock major gifts. Mary will share how a quick phone call with a donor turned into a $1 million gift with a simple question - 'Why?' 

Key Learnings 

• Relationship building - how to build authentic, lasting donor relationships that lead to major gifts. 
• Building trust - learn how to cultivate and steward donors in ways that create trust. 
• Asking strategic questions - what questions to ask to gain deeper knowledge of donor motivation. 

Join us for an insightful session where we delve into our organization's transformative journey toward impactful strategic change.  

In 2022, RSPCA NSW turned 150 years old. At the same time, national statistics revealed that in New South Wales, Australia, there were over 750,000 pets at risk of surrender or neglect because they were part of families living on or below the poverty line. We faced the very confronting reality that despite being 150 years old, we were far from achieving the overall prevention of animal cruelty. We were at a crossroads. We either continued on the reactive path that prioritized enforcement and intake or changed our strategic direction by adopting the 'One Health' model, prioritizing proactive support, education and the preservation of the family unit.  

Two years later, we have conducted multiple pilots and built a transformational strategy called 'One Welfare 2030' that is evidence-based, sustainable and community-focused. A human-centred animal welfare approach that will take us through the next 150 years.  

Key Learnings  

• Results from the pilot program and how it informed the creation of the strategy 
• How to engage internal stakeholders to champion significant cultural change 
• How to ensure communities, donors, and human service agencies embrace and participate in the programs 

Join us for a captivating panel featuring leading experts on bird-window collisions, where they will dive into the surprising—and often alarming—world of bird window strikes occurring right in our backyards, which is a leading cause of global wild bird declines.  

This dynamic discussion will illuminate the latest research and debunk common myths that negatively impact wild birds. You will leave inspired and empowered, armed with practical strategies, knowledge and essential resources tailored to their fields to take action to mitigate this global threat to wild bird populations. Together, we’ll explore actionable solutions to make our built environments safer for our feathered friends. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and champion a cause that can transform how we coexist with nature!  

Key Learnings  

• Bird-friendly basics: Essential insights on what everyone should know about bird-building collisions   
• Misinformation impact: Addressing myths that harm wild bird populations in Canada and how to combat them 
• Veterinary and welfare action: Exploring the critical role of veterinary professionals and animal welfare teams in preventing window collisions and saving millions of bird lives in Canada 

This session advocates for qualitative research in veterinary medicine, highlighting its importance for understanding diverse experiences and thus providing the opportunity for improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. It contrasts qualitative and quantitative methods and addresses the concept of epistemic violence. Emphasizing community-based, emancipatory approaches, it urges adopting humanizing and liberatory research frameworks that challenge traditional research methods, underscoring qualitative research's role in fostering equity, empathy, and deeper understanding within the field of animal welfare. 

Key Learnings 

• This session aims to introduce qualitative research as a necessary complement to quantitative methods in animal welfare, providing deeper insight into human experiences. 
• This session will introduce qualitative research as a tool to combat epistemic violence, ensuring research practices avoid perpetuating harm and marginalization. 
• This session will introduce the value of community-based participatory research and other emancipatory methodologies that position community members as co-researchers and active participants. 

ow does research into donor identities change how animal welfare charities talk to their donors? 
 
What are your donors saying about themselves when they give?  

Would they give more, or for longer if they saw donating to your cause as an extension of their self?  

Shoni Field and Erin Walkey from the BC SPCA will detail their 36-month research journey, in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy, to identify and test what psychological motivations were most important for BC SPCA donors. Field and Walkey will share examples of these learnings in action. They’ll also discuss how nurturing donors’ identities increases their sense of well-being, love and connection, which in turn fuels more sustainable giving. Finally, they will share how the research that started with the BC SPCA inspired the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy's work with RSPCA UK, Animal Welfare League Australia and RSPCA’s Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, highlighting key differences in animal welfare donor identities around the world. 

Key Learnings 

• Understand how you can uplift donor wellbeing 
• Reflect your donor's best self by uncovering their most important identifiers 
• Explore how these learnings can be applied to build connections, rather than barriers, between donors and clients. 

Often, the difference between an animal entering our shelter and a family having to surrender their beloved pet is a single moment in time. Families are better together. Meeting people where they are and listening to their challenges can help identify opportunities to support the community much more effectively. A pet is only as healthy and safe as the family it lives with and its community.  

Matt Pepper will discuss how Michigan Humane is helping people navigate these challenges at both ends of the leash in the community towards keeping families together.    

Key Learnings  

• How engage effectively in your community  
• How a narrative and how you tell your stories can deepen your relationship with your community 
• How pets can be used as a window into and towards stabilizing the lives of families 

This session explores the multifaceted challenges and innovative solutions in wildlife protection and rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation and community engagement.  

You will learn about the Whale Sanctuary Project, North America's first cetacean seaside sanctuary, which provides a refuge where formerly captive whales can thrive in a natural coastal environment.  

The session will also present findings from a survey of urban wildlife helpline users, examining public attitudes toward wildlife rehabilitation and identifying ways to enhance helpline services and community outreach. These presentations underscore the value of collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts to protect and rehabilitate wildlife in both natural and urban settings.   

Key Learnings  

• Understand the role of authentic sanctuaries in improving welfare for formerly captive cetaceans and the standards needed to support them 
• Gain insights into the public's perception of urban wildlife and learn strategies to improve wildlife helpline services and community outreach 
• Explore how collaborations between NGOs and government programs can enhance wildlife rehabilitation efforts, improve public outreach, and align messaging for increased awareness and support 

In this session, two marketing professionals will challenge the ethical constraints often placed on non-profits and advocate for granting them the same freedoms as businesses to achieve their missions better. 
 
While businesses sell products, we sell a mission—offering our donors a unique opportunity to act on their values. But it’s still about the art of selling! In a world filled with important causes, strategic marketing, creative content, public relations, and partnerships with the private sector are essential for survival and growth. Experts must carry out these tasks. Investing in high-performance teams drives revenue growth, allowing for more resources dedicated to animal welfare and societal change. In the current economic climate of inflation, this model of resource management and optimization is even more crucial. 
 
Running a charity like a business also raises questions about the role of human clients in animal welfare organizations. Historically overlooked, today’s clients—whether adopting, volunteering, or bringing in an injured animal—expect positive experiences. We will explore how excellent customer service fosters strong, interdependent relationships and support for the cause. 

Key Learnings 

• Understand how granting non-profits the same freedoms as businesses to invest in experts and creative marketing initiatives can significantly enhance their effectiveness and mission fulfillment 
• Gain concrete marketing ideas by exploring the strengths and opportunities within the animal welfare sector, focusing on strategic marketing, creative content, and partnerships to drive the growth and sustainability of our shared mission 
• The session will emphasize the importance of recognizing the role of humans in our work with animals and the necessary mindset shift to ensure that exceptional customer service, as well as positive collaboration, fosters meaningful change and lasting support