Animal Welfare Professionals

Updated 8/18/25 at 1:39 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand!

Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET  for a presentation on "The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story" with @Amanda Foster, Director of Programs, and @Jenifer Reed, Senior Education and Program Specialist, at HASS. 

Shelters often take in pets because of complex human challenges, rarely just a single reason. In this condensed session, you'll discover key insights from the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Intake Triage Project, which replaces transactional intake with a triage-based approach to uncover the full story behind owner surrenders and found pets. Learn how shelters used conversational intake to gather richer, more actionable data, spot trends unique to their communities, and design targeted resources that keep pets with their families. We'll share common themes and proven strategies for addressing financial and housing barriers, resolving behavior concerns, empowering finders to reunite lost pets, and building effective finder-to-foster programs.

Don't forget! $10,000 in grants each month! Maddie's Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants each month! You can enter for a chance to win each time you attend a call or watch it on demand during the month by completing the giveaway drawing entry forms that will be shared in the chat during the calls.

Register for Community Conversations hosted via Zoom: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConversationsRegistration2025
If you have not re-registered for the new season, please do so today. 

🧠 Got Topic or Speaker Suggestions?
We want to hear your ideas! If there's a topic you're curious about or a speaker you'd love to hear from, please share your suggestions with us on our Community Conversations Suggestions thread. 

Looking forward to being in community with you! 

#EducationandTraining

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

I truly appreciate Amanda and Jenifer taking my question about which strategy they recommend starting with for proactive communication to share resources available in our community. Sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. While on the webinar yesterday, another Georgia group shared a list of resources that we are looking forward to linking to the BCAR (Big Canoe Animal Rescue) webpage. This connects to data we have been analyzing as to how much traffic is getting to our webpage and clicking through on other pages currently available. We have a fall fundraising push getting ready to happen and plan to also connect all marketing to the webpage to learn more.

https://www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org/

I'm so happy to be a part of this group and look forward to each Monday webinar and all of the resource offerings available! 

------------------------------
Patti Denny
BCAR Volunteer
Big Canoe Animal Rescue
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Such a smart tactic to look at your website traffic to determine next steps for marketing your support services. Best of luck with everything, Patti! 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-19-2025 06:42 AM
From: Patti Denny
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

I truly appreciate Amanda and Jenifer taking my question about which strategy they recommend starting with for proactive communication to share resources available in our community. Sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. While on the webinar yesterday, another Georgia group shared a list of resources that we are looking forward to linking to the BCAR (Big Canoe Animal Rescue) webpage. This connects to data we have been analyzing as to how much traffic is getting to our webpage and clicking through on other pages currently available. We have a fall fundraising push getting ready to happen and plan to also connect all marketing to the webpage to learn more.

https://www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org/

I'm so happy to be a part of this group and look forward to each Monday webinar and all of the resource offerings available! 

------------------------------
Patti Denny
BCAR Volunteer
Big Canoe Animal Rescue
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA

Thank you Amanda and Jenifer for a great conversation about important topics. I did not have a chance to post my questions so I will do it here.  I love the idea of creating an intake environment that is non-threatening and displays comfort. Do you have any data on whether this approach helps with the surrendering rate? I want to share my one person approach to rehoming. I am a trainer and often look at Nextdoor posts of rehoming pets and there are so many. Depending on what was posted but if  it might be a behavior issue, I contacted the poster privately to see if I could help. Those who accept help indicate to me that they want to keep their pets. I then provided help pro bono quickly over chat or even for a long period of time. One person claimed she had a bad back and could not walk her one year dog and wanted to rehome her dog. I worked with this individual at least 10 sessions, starting out inside getting her to come on board with working with her dog with easy and fun skill first then we tackle the outdoor walk. The idea is that she does not need to walk her dog religiously. There are other thing she could do.  It was crazy that it took me 9 months and yet she kept telling me she still wanted to rehome her dog but I think she finally decided to keep her very sweet dog which is now a year older and displays less of the puppy antics. She was going to get her back surgery but I don't know if she did. I even offered to exercise her dog free of charge during her recuperation. I am a firm believer in proactive and preventive measures. And it is easy for me to do this because I am just a one person organization. I have to say my success rate is not 100%. It is somewhere 50-75% but even just one dog gets to stay in the home is good enough for me. I often thought about offering a free behavior hotline as part of my nonprofit. I have no idea how to structure something like this and wondering if a hot line already exists.  I would love to explore to see how that is done and learn from others. Thanks for the opportunity to ask.

------------------------------
Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Julielani,

 

It sounds like you're doing fantastic work supporting people with their pets! While not all owner surrenders are preventable, we've found that reaching owners earlier, before they reach a crisis point, allows us to provide better support and can significantly reduce the need for surrender. In fact, our sample showed that by the time someone comes to the shelter physically to surrender their pet, 85% indicate that it's too late to receive support.

Your idea of a behavior hotline is excellent and could be a valuable resource for owners dealing with behavior challenges. The ASPCA offers some great resources on this that you might find helpful.

Behavior Helpline Webinar | ASPCApro

 

Best of luck!

Amanda

------------------------------
Amanda Foster
Director of Programs
HASS
MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-19-2025 12:20 PM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thank you Amanda and Jenifer for a great conversation about important topics. I did not have a chance to post my questions so I will do it here.  I love the idea of creating an intake environment that is non-threatening and displays comfort. Do you have any data on whether this approach helps with the surrendering rate? I want to share my one person approach to rehoming. I am a trainer and often look at Nextdoor posts of rehoming pets and there are so many. Depending on what was posted but if  it might be a behavior issue, I contacted the poster privately to see if I could help. Those who accept help indicate to me that they want to keep their pets. I then provided help pro bono quickly over chat or even for a long period of time. One person claimed she had a bad back and could not walk her one year dog and wanted to rehome her dog. I worked with this individual at least 10 sessions, starting out inside getting her to come on board with working with her dog with easy and fun skill first then we tackle the outdoor walk. The idea is that she does not need to walk her dog religiously. There are other thing she could do.  It was crazy that it took me 9 months and yet she kept telling me she still wanted to rehome her dog but I think she finally decided to keep her very sweet dog which is now a year older and displays less of the puppy antics. She was going to get her back surgery but I don't know if she did. I even offered to exercise her dog free of charge during her recuperation. I am a firm believer in proactive and preventive measures. And it is easy for me to do this because I am just a one person organization. I have to say my success rate is not 100%. It is somewhere 50-75% but even just one dog gets to stay in the home is good enough for me. I often thought about offering a free behavior hotline as part of my nonprofit. I have no idea how to structure something like this and wondering if a hot line already exists.  I would love to explore to see how that is done and learn from others. Thanks for the opportunity to ask.

------------------------------
Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA

Thank you Amanda for the resource and link. I will definitely check it out. 

------------------------------
Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2025 10:53 AM
From: Amanda Foster
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi Julielani,

 

It sounds like you're doing fantastic work supporting people with their pets! While not all owner surrenders are preventable, we've found that reaching owners earlier, before they reach a crisis point, allows us to provide better support and can significantly reduce the need for surrender. In fact, our sample showed that by the time someone comes to the shelter physically to surrender their pet, 85% indicate that it's too late to receive support.

Your idea of a behavior hotline is excellent and could be a valuable resource for owners dealing with behavior challenges. The ASPCA offers some great resources on this that you might find helpful.

Behavior Helpline Webinar | ASPCApro

 

Best of luck!

Amanda

------------------------------
Amanda Foster
Director of Programs
HASS
MI
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-19-2025 12:20 PM
From: Julielani Chang
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thank you Amanda and Jenifer for a great conversation about important topics. I did not have a chance to post my questions so I will do it here.  I love the idea of creating an intake environment that is non-threatening and displays comfort. Do you have any data on whether this approach helps with the surrendering rate? I want to share my one person approach to rehoming. I am a trainer and often look at Nextdoor posts of rehoming pets and there are so many. Depending on what was posted but if  it might be a behavior issue, I contacted the poster privately to see if I could help. Those who accept help indicate to me that they want to keep their pets. I then provided help pro bono quickly over chat or even for a long period of time. One person claimed she had a bad back and could not walk her one year dog and wanted to rehome her dog. I worked with this individual at least 10 sessions, starting out inside getting her to come on board with working with her dog with easy and fun skill first then we tackle the outdoor walk. The idea is that she does not need to walk her dog religiously. There are other thing she could do.  It was crazy that it took me 9 months and yet she kept telling me she still wanted to rehome her dog but I think she finally decided to keep her very sweet dog which is now a year older and displays less of the puppy antics. She was going to get her back surgery but I don't know if she did. I even offered to exercise her dog free of charge during her recuperation. I am a firm believer in proactive and preventive measures. And it is easy for me to do this because I am just a one person organization. I have to say my success rate is not 100%. It is somewhere 50-75% but even just one dog gets to stay in the home is good enough for me. I often thought about offering a free behavior hotline as part of my nonprofit. I have no idea how to structure something like this and wondering if a hot line already exists.  I would love to explore to see how that is done and learn from others. Thanks for the opportunity to ask.

------------------------------
Julielani Chang
The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc.
Davis CA


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA

Our organization SPR has pivoted to meet the increasing demands of the local dog problem. Prior to 2019, SPR's intake ratio was 97% of the dogs came from their southern partners in Mississippi and Alabama. 3% of SPR's dogs were local MA dogs (abandoned, stray, owner surrenders.) Since 2019, post Covid, our intake ratio has continually shifted to where now our local intake is upwards of 40%. To that end, we have had to adjust the dogs coming from our southern partners to just 60% of our total intake.

------------------------------
Ellen Mandel-Steiner
Retired Educator, Volunteer
Sweet Paws Rescue
MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Ellen, 

Thanks for sharing, and I'm sorry to hear that your local community is struggling. Hopefully, some of the interventions mentioned in the presentation can help with a pathway forward for your organization. 

Best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2025 12:53 PM
From: Ellen Mandel-Steiner
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Our organization SPR has pivoted to meet the increasing demands of the local dog problem. Prior to 2019, SPR's intake ratio was 97% of the dogs came from their southern partners in Mississippi and Alabama. 3% of SPR's dogs were local MA dogs (abandoned, stray, owner surrenders.) Since 2019, post Covid, our intake ratio has continually shifted to where now our local intake is upwards of 40%. To that end, we have had to adjust the dogs coming from our southern partners to just 60% of our total intake.

------------------------------
Ellen Mandel-Steiner
Retired Educator, Volunteer
Sweet Paws Rescue
MA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA

I know the idea of a spay/neuter program has been tossed around a few times in the years I've been with the rescue. I don't know that we're "scared" necessarily but a lot of folks in this community know it's a lot of work to keep the non-profit rescue going sometimes. I think having dedicated members to support the program is really required as well so understanding who within the rescue is reliable and can be consistent with upkeep of whatever the program or "thing" is will also be very important.

------------------------------
Kendra Swindler
Grants Lead
RESCUEDohio
OH
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

I work at a small animal shelter and when MNSNAP stopped coming out during Covid there was a serious need. We only do surgery for in house and public twice a week. There's a three-month waiting list but it's worked so far and has helped a lot during kitten season. It is doable with a small team. Office staff handle pickup and tech staff (all two of them) handle drop-off. But our vet is fast, I mean, he can crank out 30 surgeries in a day, so that helps. 

------------------------------
Jenny Bork
membership coordinator and shelter advocate
Hawk Creek Animal Shelter
MN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2025 10:25 AM
From: Kendra Swindler
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

I know the idea of a spay/neuter program has been tossed around a few times in the years I've been with the rescue. I don't know that we're "scared" necessarily but a lot of folks in this community know it's a lot of work to keep the non-profit rescue going sometimes. I think having dedicated members to support the program is really required as well so understanding who within the rescue is reliable and can be consistent with upkeep of whatever the program or "thing" is will also be very important.

------------------------------
Kendra Swindler
Grants Lead
RESCUEDohio
OH
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:10 PM
From: Sheila Kouhkan
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Thanks to our speakers, @Amanda Foster and @Jenifer Reed, and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection question: 

What's something you have wanted to try at your organization but have been too hesitant/scared/apprehensive to implement?

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Unfortunately, there are people who keep taking in then surrendering animals. I have a neighbor like this. How do we handle someone like that?" - @Wanda Miller

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Wanda,

It sounds like your neighbor really cares about the pets in your neighborhood! Hopefully, your neighbor can collaborate with your local animal services to determine the best pathway forward for each individual pet. 

 

All the best,

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:13 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Unfortunately, there are people who keep taking in then surrendering animals. I have a neighbor like this. How do we handle someone like that?" - @Wanda Miller

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

We have the same issue!  Our shelters are so full, community members who should not take in stray dogs/cats take them in and then cannot help them/keep them!  We are constantly struggling with community homeless pets.  We wish there was an in between and/or that we had resources to help more than offer food/crate/vet care.  I supposed this is a sign of the times! 

------------------------------
Alana Hastings
Co-Founder
Mendo Shelter Pets Rescue
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:13 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Unfortunately, there are people who keep taking in then surrendering animals. I have a neighbor like this. How do we handle someone like that?" - @Wanda Miller

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Alana, 

I'm sorry to hear your organization/community is struggling with the volume of stray pets! Does your community have a program for community cats? How about a finder-to-foster program?

- Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-30-2025 10:54 PM
From: Alana Hastings
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

We have the same issue!  Our shelters are so full, community members who should not take in stray dogs/cats take them in and then cannot help them/keep them!  We are constantly struggling with community homeless pets.  We wish there was an in between and/or that we had resources to help more than offer food/crate/vet care.  I supposed this is a sign of the times! 

------------------------------
Alana Hastings
Co-Founder
Mendo Shelter Pets Rescue
CA
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:13 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Unfortunately, there are people who keep taking in then surrendering animals. I have a neighbor like this. How do we handle someone like that?" - @Wanda Miller

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Curious question - What are animals (pets) considered in your states? In SC they are property and therefore protected under the 4th Amendment." - @David Jorgensen

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi David, 

 

Thanks for sharing that! To make sure I understand, are you interested in knowing more about how shelters navigate legal pet ownership when building programs that support pet owners with keeping their pets?

 

Best,

Amanda

------------------------------
Amanda Foster
Director of Programs
HASS
MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:13 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Curious question - What are animals (pets) considered in your states? In SC they are property and therefore protected under the 4th Amendment." - @David Jorgensen

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

In MN they are considered property as well. 

-------------------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:13 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Curious question - What are animals (pets) considered in your states? In SC they are property and therefore protected under the 4th Amendment." - @David Jorgensen

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

In MA, pets are considered personal property; however, there is a growing legal effort to consider their well-being in such matters as custody disputes.

------------------------------
Ellen Mandel-Steiner
Retired Educator, Volunteer
Sweet Paws Rescue
MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-03-2025 11:28 AM
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

In MN they are considered property as well. 

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Are there any resources nationwide for veterinary assistance?  All the groups we've found for our pet guardians through the pet help websites that have nationwide groups only give around $100-$200 per person per issue." - @Kristin Moro

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Kristin, 

 

Great question! Here are a few resources to check out:

 

Pet Support Services Providing Financial Support for Pet Medical Emergencies - HASS Toolkit

• See the "Payment Resources for Private Veterinarians" section.

Here's a list of a few organizations that provide funding for medical care. Note: HASS does not have any direct experience with these organizations.

• https://redrover.org/relief/urgent-care-grants/

• https://www.thepetfund.com/

• https://www.browndogfoundation.org/

• https://www.paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php

 

If you're interested in seeking funding for a new program that will enable you to provide direct support, see the HASS Philanthropy Toolkit for Development and Fundraising. 

 

I hope this is helpful! 

 

Best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:14 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Are there any resources nationwide for veterinary assistance?  All the groups we've found for our pet guardians through the pet help websites that have nationwide groups only give around $100-$200 per person per issue." - @Kristin Moro

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi, 

Our foundation is national and assists families with emergency veterinary costs. Our team is composed of veterinary nurses and financial professionals. Our programs can be found on our website. We are currently working on a rescue/shelter specific program that we are projecting for end of year. If you'd like to email me I'd be happy to talk more and see if we can be of resource to your organization. 

• www.theanimalsfoundation.com
• allabouttheanimalsfoundation@gmail.com

------------------------------
Maria Putnam
Founder/CEO
All About the Animals Foundation
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:47 PM
From: Jenifer Reed
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi Kristin, 

 

Great question! Here are a few resources to check out:

 

Pet Support Services Providing Financial Support for Pet Medical Emergencies - HASS Toolkit

• See the "Payment Resources for Private Veterinarians" section.

Here's a list of a few organizations that provide funding for medical care. Note: HASS does not have any direct experience with these organizations.

• https://redrover.org/relief/urgent-care-grants/

• https://www.thepetfund.com/

• https://www.browndogfoundation.org/

• https://www.paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php

 

If you're interested in seeking funding for a new program that will enable you to provide direct support, see the HASS Philanthropy Toolkit for Development and Fundraising. 

 

I hope this is helpful! 

 

Best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:14 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Are there any resources nationwide for veterinary assistance?  All the groups we've found for our pet guardians through the pet help websites that have nationwide groups only give around $100-$200 per person per issue." - @Kristin Moro

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Hi Maria.. This sounds fantastic. I just emailed you directly.

Marci Reynolds Director, Development and Marketing Planned PEThood of Georgia 2860 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096 Mobile 508-633-5447 mreynolds@PEThoodGA.org PEThoodGA.org

------------------------------
Marci Reynolds
State Initiatives Specialist
Thomasville Humane
GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 01:08 PM
From: Maria Putnam
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi, 

Our foundation is national and assists families with emergency veterinary costs. Our team is composed of veterinary nurses and financial professionals. Our programs can be found on our website. We are currently working on a rescue/shelter specific program that we are projecting for end of year. If you'd like to email me I'd be happy to talk more and see if we can be of resource to your organization. 

• www.theanimalsfoundation.com
• allabouttheanimalsfoundation@gmail.com

------------------------------
Maria Putnam
Founder/CEO
All About the Animals Foundation
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:47 PM
From: Jenifer Reed
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi Kristin, 

 

Great question! Here are a few resources to check out:

 

Pet Support Services Providing Financial Support for Pet Medical Emergencies - HASS Toolkit

• See the "Payment Resources for Private Veterinarians" section.

Here's a list of a few organizations that provide funding for medical care. Note: HASS does not have any direct experience with these organizations.

• https://redrover.org/relief/urgent-care-grants/

• https://www.thepetfund.com/

• https://www.browndogfoundation.org/

• https://www.paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php

 

If you're interested in seeking funding for a new program that will enable you to provide direct support, see the HASS Philanthropy Toolkit for Development and Fundraising. 

 

I hope this is helpful! 

 

Best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:14 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Are there any resources nationwide for veterinary assistance?  All the groups we've found for our pet guardians through the pet help websites that have nationwide groups only give around $100-$200 per person per issue." - @Kristin Moro

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Thank you!  Yes I do have all of these on our Medical Resources Guide that we give to folks needing help but they are ones that only give a little bit per family.  There doesn't seem to be any organizations out there covering surgeries or dentals.  Many many of our pets that we receive calls for help that need vet care seem to have terrible teeth that cause life-changing and life-endangering issues for the animals.  Thank you again I will continue my hunt and keep applying for grants.

------------------------------
Kristin Moro
Program Manager
Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Socity
NM
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:47 PM
From: Jenifer Reed
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi Kristin, 

 

Great question! Here are a few resources to check out:

 

Pet Support Services Providing Financial Support for Pet Medical Emergencies - HASS Toolkit

• See the "Payment Resources for Private Veterinarians" section.

Here's a list of a few organizations that provide funding for medical care. Note: HASS does not have any direct experience with these organizations.

• https://redrover.org/relief/urgent-care-grants/

• https://www.thepetfund.com/

• https://www.browndogfoundation.org/

• https://www.paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php

 

If you're interested in seeking funding for a new program that will enable you to provide direct support, see the HASS Philanthropy Toolkit for Development and Fundraising. 

 

I hope this is helpful! 

 

Best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:14 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat:

"Are there any resources nationwide for veterinary assistance?  All the groups we've found for our pet guardians through the pet help websites that have nationwide groups only give around $100-$200 per person per issue." - @Kristin Moro

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Are there any programs focusing on owners/landlords and pets to help pet parents retain their pets or move with them?" - @Debra Schafer

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Hi Debra,

 

There are some other national organizations that have great resources specific to pet owners and landlords. I recommend checking these out:

 

• My Pitbull is Family conducts pet policy research studies and has resources for having conversations with property management companies

• Humane World for Animals also has this resource: Help pet owners find or keep rental housing

• My Dog is My Home has resources focused on increasing access to shelter and housing for people experiencing homelessness with companion animals

------------------------------
Amanda Foster
Director of Programs
HASS
MI
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-18-2025 12:15 PM
From: Community Conversations
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Unanswered question from the chat: 

"Are there any programs focusing on owners/landlords and pets to help pet parents retain their pets or move with them?" - @Debra Schafer

------------------------------
Community Conversations
Community Conversations Committee
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

Thanks to the 127+ people and paws who joined us on today's Community Conversations call! The recording is now available to watch on-demand. Below you'll find a recap of today's call and the resources shared. 

Call Recap

Welcome from hosts

• Elsa Ramos, Bilingual Adoption Coordinator, Oakland Animal Services
• Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund
  
  

Question of the Day: On average, how much time does your staff spend with folks surrendering animals?

• "Everyday. As an ACO we deal with it every day." - David Jorgensen
• "It depends on the situation.  Sometimes five minutes, sometimes half an hour." - Johanna Humbert
• "3 hrs" - Lisa Pearce
• "An hour probably." - Janette Martin
• "Several times a week- assessments are usually an hour or more." - Marcy Anagnostou
• "I will spend approximately 2-3 hours total on each surrender." - Alysa Emden
• "Depends on the surrender, it could take a few hours and up to a few days." - Stephanie Quiroga
• "Time varies but overall, it can add up to a good chunk of time." - Harriett Pooler
• "I agree. Sometimes a few minutes, sometimes longer." - Doris Kempton
• "It can depend on whether it is a planned surrender or not. Usually 10min-2 hrs." - Liz Swaynie
• "Helllo Kaila from Providence animal center center.  Going through emails of surrenders request  full days.  Dealing with surrenders as a process (sign in and evaluating) depends on situations anywhere from 30min-1 hr." - Kaila Rosenberger
• "We do weekly breeder release mostly to other rescues for transport. Our intake is 1-2 hrs, depending on number. Then they see one of our partner vets within the first week for full exam" - Kristen Streeter
• "Since I try to keep them together it is usually a long process before an animal gets brought in." - Karen Vandersall
  
  

National Updates

• Maddie's Fund Monthly Giveaways:  Now you can enter for a chance to win up to  $10,000!  Enter here for a chance to win CA$H.  Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! You must be registered in Maddie's Pet Forum to enter. 
• Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post.  https://maddies.fund/mpfmonthlygiveaway
• We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for Maddie's Community Conversations? Interested in hosting? Have a topic or speaker you would like to hear from? Let us know on Maddie's Pet Forum via the Community Conversations Suggestions discussion thread. Or, you can contact us directly by emailing CommunityConversations@maddiesfund.org. 
• The celebration continues on Maddie's Pet Forum! In honor of Maddie's Fund's 30th anniversary, we're giving away $1,000 every other month, for engaging on a special anniversary-related post on Maddie's Pet Forum beginning August 1, 2025. Simply comment on this thread during August & September and you will be entered to win.

  #ThanksToMaddie

Presentation: The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story        

• Guest Speakers:
  • @Amanda Foster, Director of Programs, HASS
  • @Jenifer Reed, Senior Education and Programs Specialist, HASS
• Resources: 
  • E-mail: Hass-project@hassproject.org
  • HASS Intake Triage Project Resources: Intake Triage Project Overview - HASS
  • HASS webinar on Intake Triage: https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/itp-webinar
  • Matchmaking research collection in this HASS resource on Intake-to-Placement: https://resources.humananimalsupportservices.org/hubfs/Playbook PDFs/Playbook Supplemental Documents/Intake-to-Placement_ Supporting Evidence.pdf
  • Modern Adoption Process project and FREE virtual course:  https://www.humananimalsupportservices.org/the-modern-adoption-process-map-project/
  • Planned PEThood Resources: https://pethoodga.org/pet-help-resources/#financial-assistance
  • Open Door Collective - Microchip Scanning Station Guide: https://opendoorschool.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/microchip-scanning-station
  • Pet Resource and Vet Assistance:
    • Pet Help Finder
    • Human Animal Support Services by findhelp - Search and Connect to Social Care
    • Assistance With Veterinary Care | San Diego Humane Society

Highlights from the Chat

• "Maybe the person is doing everything in the household and doesn't have family support." - Wanda Miller
• "There are so many external pressures on all of us these days, huh? Economic, housing, changing family dynamics... And so many people think that the only thing our organizations can do for them is intake.  Since so many of our orgs can help in other ways, maybe we can work together to get the word out about the support we can give to keep people and their pets together." - Emily Wood
• "The last time I was at our shelter to drop off donations, the staff or front desk personal didn't seem to care. So, ALL staff need to be attentive to folks." - Anita Selby
• "I appreciate you sharing your experience- at the same time, I think it's helpful to remember that shelter staff are often balancing a lot at once-phone calls, medical needs, adoptions, emergencies-sometimes all happening at the same time. What may come across as not caring can actually be staff feeling stretched thin or overwhelmed." - Ivy Ruiz
• "Beck's Place offers foster boarding to help avoid owner surrenders. These were the reasons given last month." - Lindsey Best
  • 
• "How can we better support front line staff to have the time, training, and breaks that allow for the constant exposure to people in traumatic situations that they see?" - Emily Wood
• "Vitally important for veterinarians to offer payment options so pet parents have the ability to determine how to proceed when medical or emergency care is needed." - Debra Schafer
• "Our community does not have low-cost vet care or payment options for folks with credit issues." - Kristin Moro
• "I feel empathy for shelter staff because compassion is not a bottomless well." -  Adriane Blaesing
• "Just a reminder that a phone number or address on a pet's collar needs to be current.  Sometimes information is not accurate.  Called, but no answer." - Doris Kempton
• "Thank you for sharing this data that demonstrates the reasons people have to surrender their pets is nuanced and not as simple as 'people don't care.' I hope data like this helps people think critically rather than jumping to biased, baseless conclusions." - Nadia Oseguera-Ramon
• "Paws 4 Purpose here in Eastern NC has started putting Scanning stations all around." - Anita Selby
• "You could set up one for under $500. So long as the scanner is secure, it could be anyone - a community member or volunteer or staff that could check on it periodically." - Geraldine D'Silva
• "Most of our pet guardians that are surrendering for vet care do not qualify for care credit or similar." - Kristin Moro
• "Breed restrictions are a big problem when people have a life change and need to move. More advocacy needed on eliminating breed restrictions." - Adriane Blaesing
• "Housing Equity & Advocacy Resource Team! We provide direct legal services to tenants experiencing housing issues due to their pets." - Diana Cruz

------------------------------
Sheila Kouhkan
Senior Education Specialist
Maddie's Fund
CA
------------------------------

I loved the presentation yesterday. Owner surrender is a very difficult topic and many people will not feel comfortable discussing their needs or reasons for surrender. I am attaching a sheet with tips for staff and a second with information for clients who need to surrender. Unfortunately, even when providing assistance some people will not be able to keep their pets and it is important to handle those conversations with care.  Having to surrender an animal can cause significant trauma and we must commit to not re-traumatizing people when they seek assistance. Thanks for a very informative presentation!

------------------------------
Shoshana Mostoller
Chesapeake Humane Society
------------------------------

Hi Shoshana, 

Thank you so much for sharing your resources! I've not seen any resources geared toward the client--that one is so great (and compassionate)!

Best,

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2025 09:09 AM
From: Shoshana Mostoller
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

I loved the presentation yesterday. Owner surrender is a very difficult topic and many people will not feel comfortable discussing their needs or reasons for surrender. I am attaching a sheet with tips for staff and a second with information for clients who need to surrender. Unfortunately, even when providing assistance some people will not be able to keep their pets and it is important to handle those conversations with care.  Having to surrender an animal can cause significant trauma and we must commit to not re-traumatizing people when they seek assistance. Thanks for a very informative presentation!

------------------------------
Shoshana Mostoller
Chesapeake Humane Society
------------------------------

Hi again, everyone! 

Thanks to all those who attended and are participating in the great discussion! I also wanted to share with you all the HASS toolkit for Trauma-Informed Care Training. This approach helps facilitate safe, nonjudgmental communication and trust, and reduces the potential for re-traumatization for both organizational staff and the public they serve. Hopefully, this resource is helpful for you and your organization as you move to a conversational approach at the time of support requests and intake.

All the best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Thank you! This is PERFECTLY timed for our organization! 

------------------------------
Patti Denny
BCAR Volunteer
Big Canoe Animal Rescue
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2025 11:04 AM
From: Jenifer Reed
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi again, everyone! 

Thanks to all those who attended and are participating in the great discussion! I also wanted to share with you all the HASS toolkit for Trauma-Informed Care Training. This approach helps facilitate safe, nonjudgmental communication and trust, and reduces the potential for re-traumatization for both organizational staff and the public they serve. Hopefully, this resource is helpful for you and your organization as you move to a conversational approach at the time of support requests and intake.

All the best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

I missed the Community Conversation on 8/18 so thank you so much for posting the recording.

I'd love to see more discussions around strategies to keep dogs in homes and to educate new dog fosters/owners to help avoid them to give up on their pups and provide resources. I am the secretary of LARPBO, Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners in Los Angeles. We provide low-cost dog (and human!) training, free pack walks, etc all around Los Angeles. Many of us on the leadership team and in our membership are also volunteers at Animal Shelters and Rescues in the LA area and we witness day after day that people return the dogs they just adopted, not giving them proper time to acclimate nor learning basic dog training skills so we came up with SRIP (Shelter and Rescue Intervention Program). We award scholarships to recent fosters and adopters from LA-based shelters and rescues to attend free LARPBO training classes. Just this year, we have awarded over 80 of these scholarships. Our goal is to provide recent fosters & adopters with the skills and resources to keep dogs in their homes and we think it's pretty successful. I myself am the best example.
While the SRIP program didn't exist when I fostered my dog Agnes (yup, foster fail here :-)), I was fortunate enough to learn about LARPBO early on. By attending the low-cost classes and becoming a member of the LARPBO family, we learned that we weren't alone in the struggle with a reactive dog.  Agnes and we learned so much that Agnes eventually became a Canine Good Citizen and we became Pitbull/dog advocates.

I wish there were more free training & resources for recent fosters/adopters that would help keep dogs in homes by teaching the humans skills and dog know-how before they give up too soon. If anyone knows about other ideas or similar programs, I'd love to hear about them.

Michaela
Secretary, LARPBO (Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners)

------------------------------
Michaela Ullmann
Secretary, Larpbo
Larpbo - Los Angeles Responsible Pitbull Owners
CA
------------------------------

Hi Michaela, 

What a fantastic program--thanks for sharing! 

Here are a couple of self-paced courses on Maddie's University that may meet your needs for supporting new fosters and adopters. 

• Bringing a New Dog Home
• Helping a New Dog Adjust

All the best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-31-2025 08:54 PM
From: Michaela Ullmann
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

I missed the Community Conversation on 8/18 so thank you so much for posting the recording.

I'd love to see more discussions around strategies to keep dogs in homes and to educate new dog fosters/owners to help avoid them to give up on their pups and provide resources. I am the secretary of LARPBO, Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners in Los Angeles. We provide low-cost dog (and human!) training, free pack walks, etc all around Los Angeles. Many of us on the leadership team and in our membership are also volunteers at Animal Shelters and Rescues in the LA area and we witness day after day that people return the dogs they just adopted, not giving them proper time to acclimate nor learning basic dog training skills so we came up with SRIP (Shelter and Rescue Intervention Program). We award scholarships to recent fosters and adopters from LA-based shelters and rescues to attend free LARPBO training classes. Just this year, we have awarded over 80 of these scholarships. Our goal is to provide recent fosters & adopters with the skills and resources to keep dogs in their homes and we think it's pretty successful. I myself am the best example.
While the SRIP program didn't exist when I fostered my dog Agnes (yup, foster fail here :-)), I was fortunate enough to learn about LARPBO early on. By attending the low-cost classes and becoming a member of the LARPBO family, we learned that we weren't alone in the struggle with a reactive dog.  Agnes and we learned so much that Agnes eventually became a Canine Good Citizen and we became Pitbull/dog advocates.

I wish there were more free training & resources for recent fosters/adopters that would help keep dogs in homes by teaching the humans skills and dog know-how before they give up too soon. If anyone knows about other ideas or similar programs, I'd love to hear about them.

Michaela
Secretary, LARPBO (Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners)

------------------------------
Michaela Ullmann
Secretary, Larpbo
Larpbo - Los Angeles Responsible Pitbull Owners
CA
------------------------------

Thank you for sharing those courses @Jenifer Reed! I want to also point out to @Michaela Ullmann that we purposely put all the videos in those courses on YouTube so organizations can share the relevant video directly with fosters and adopters if registering for Maddie's University may be a barrier for them. 

Other self-paced courses that would be especially useful to fosters who want to improve their skills or support dogs with specific behavioral concerns are:

• Fundamentals of Canine Communication and Safe Dog Handling
• Supporting a Leash Reactive Dog
• Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns
  
  (A course about supporting dogs with resource guarding issues is coming soon.)
  
  Please note also that if an organization would like to know if fosters are completing particular courses, Maddie's University offers a free portal service: https://www.maddiesfund.org/professional-development-portals.htm

------------------------------
Erika Shaffer
Instructional Designer
Maddie's Fund
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-05-2025 10:18 AM
From: Jenifer Reed
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

Hi Michaela, 

What a fantastic program--thanks for sharing! 

Here are a couple of self-paced courses on Maddie's University that may meet your needs for supporting new fosters and adopters. 

• Bringing a New Dog Home
• Helping a New Dog Adjust

All the best, 

Jen

------------------------------
Jenifer Reed
Senior Education and Program Specialist
Human Animal Support Services
TN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 08-31-2025 08:54 PM
From: Michaela Ullmann
Subject: Community Conversations - 08/18/2025 - The Real Reasons Pets Enter Shelters and How to Change the Story

I missed the Community Conversation on 8/18 so thank you so much for posting the recording.

I'd love to see more discussions around strategies to keep dogs in homes and to educate new dog fosters/owners to help avoid them to give up on their pups and provide resources. I am the secretary of LARPBO, Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners in Los Angeles. We provide low-cost dog (and human!) training, free pack walks, etc all around Los Angeles. Many of us on the leadership team and in our membership are also volunteers at Animal Shelters and Rescues in the LA area and we witness day after day that people return the dogs they just adopted, not giving them proper time to acclimate nor learning basic dog training skills so we came up with SRIP (Shelter and Rescue Intervention Program). We award scholarships to recent fosters and adopters from LA-based shelters and rescues to attend free LARPBO training classes. Just this year, we have awarded over 80 of these scholarships. Our goal is to provide recent fosters & adopters with the skills and resources to keep dogs in their homes and we think it's pretty successful. I myself am the best example.
While the SRIP program didn't exist when I fostered my dog Agnes (yup, foster fail here :-)), I was fortunate enough to learn about LARPBO early on. By attending the low-cost classes and becoming a member of the LARPBO family, we learned that we weren't alone in the struggle with a reactive dog.  Agnes and we learned so much that Agnes eventually became a Canine Good Citizen and we became Pitbull/dog advocates.

I wish there were more free training & resources for recent fosters/adopters that would help keep dogs in homes by teaching the humans skills and dog know-how before they give up too soon. If anyone knows about other ideas or similar programs, I'd love to hear about them.

Michaela
Secretary, LARPBO (Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners)

------------------------------
Michaela Ullmann
Secretary, Larpbo
Larpbo - Los Angeles Responsible Pitbull Owners
CA

Depends on the situation

------------------------------
Sarah Hingst
Volunteer Coordinator
Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter
MN
------------------------------

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Thank you for sharing this video! The insights on conversational intake and addressing the real reasons pets enter shelters are so valuable. This could really help foster communities and shelters support families more effectively. Excited to put these ideas into practice!

-------------------------------------------

Thank you for this conversation.  I have reviewed some of the responses and have gained even more insight on how to handle this difficult situation.  I personally have a VERY hard time when the 'reason' is 'I don't have enough time'  My knee jerk response if most certainly not appropriate  I'm looking for ways to improve my response and build a way to work with the individual in a way that maybe they can keep their pet.  

------------------------------
C Hayes
volunteer
ARK of McCurtain County
OK
------------------------------