Animal Welfare Professionals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

• Huddle #1 - All animals have identification & are returned in the field rather than at the shelter -
  https://maddies.fund/huddle1returntohomechallenge
  

• Huddle #2 - Return to home policies & lost/found techniques are marketed to the community & technology is used to reunite pets and owners -
  https://maddies.fund/huddle2returntohomechallenge
• ​Huddle #3 - Organization embraces a culture of return to home and works with community to help facilitate return to home - partial recording available here: https://maddies.fund/3rO0RHD 
• Huddle #4 - Regulations and laws encourage return to home - https://maddies.fund/huddle4returntohomechallenge
  

​You have also been randomly selected as the winner of the September Resource Drive! I will be in touch privately to get your prize delivered to you. Thanks to you and everyone who participated in September. ​​

------------------------------
Charlotte Otero
Community Strategist at Maddie's Fund
she/her

Original Message:
Sent: 09-21-2022 06:45 PM
From: Kelsey Quinn
Subject: September 2022 Resource Drive: Return to Home

We help the Lee County Animal Shelter try and network dogs and cats that come in as strays, however our challenge is that the shelter has limited resources and the Health Department who oversees the shelter will not approve most of their requests. Most of the dogs and cats that come in as strays never have an owner reclaim them. We would love to hear suggestions from other rescues (and even shelters) on how they collaborate with local county shelters to help with return to home rates. The Lee County Shelter only has 16 dog kennels and 12 cat kennels so they get full very fast! Return to home is a critical need for this shelter and we would love to help them any way we can! 

Here is a link to their page to gain a better idea of strays that come in and how they currently showcase them: https://leecountync.animalshelternet.com/stray_search_a.cfm

Thank you for the feedback! 

-Lending Paws a Hand, lpah.org

------------------------------
Kelsey Quinn
Volunteer
Lending Paws a Hand

Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2022 11:49 AM
From: Charlotte Otero
Subject: September 2022 Resource Drive: Return to Home

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals

The focus for our September 2022 resource drive is Return to Home!

Return to home expands on the term return to owner and acknowledges that most pets who enter shelters as "strays" have homes. Return to home also acknowledges that some cats have more than one family that cares for them, like Fatty, who eats dinner at many different houses and sleeps wherever he feels like it. Nationally, return to home rates vary greatly and remain low. The RTH rate for dogs is typically 5 to 30%. The RTH rate for cats is abysmal, in the 1 to 5% range. - via Lost Pet Reunification Course on Maddie's University

Help increase the number of animals returned home and the number of joyful reunions by contributing resources!

You Can Participate In Two Ways:

What Type of Resources Should You Share?

• Educational Training for in Shelter (Online Courses, Best Practices, Blogs, etc.)
• Marketing materials to educate people about what to do when they find a lost pet or lose their pet (Pet owner tips, Finder tips, etc.)
• Technology, apps or strategies you use to reunite pets
  

Where Will All the Return to Home Resources be Stored? How do I view them? 

All return to home resources will be accessible in the Return to Home/Lost & Found folder in the Maddie's Pet Forum Library: https://maddies.fund/RTHresources

Share & You'll Be Entered To Win $50

Everyone who uploads a file, shares a resource on this thread or replies with information about return to home during the month of September will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Amazon, Petco or PetSmart (winner's choice).  Start sharing now!

Pro-Tips for sharing resources: 

• Use the "Upload File" button when replying to this thread to attach a file. We encourage you to attach the file versus hyperlinking to the file whenever possible. Files that are attached get automatically added to the Maddie's Pet Forum Resource Library so attaching helps make the resource searchable and improves accessibility within the forum.
• Yes, you can share resources that your organization did not create. Sharing is caring and this applies to resources too! Make sure the creator allows the resource to be shared publicly and be sure to give credit to the creator or source organization.

"Adoptions are not the only important thing we do. First and foremost, it is our responsibility to get pets back home where they belong, where they have a name, a couch, and a family who loves them." --Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals