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I can't seem to get it below the a minute... Kotor Kitties leads a cultural revolution for cats in the tiny Balkan country of Montenegro. Because there are far too many cats to shelter, rescue, foster, or adopt, we focus on improving the health of the cats and decreasing the population of unwanted cats by removing all barriers to spay-neuter. We provide: free, high volume spay-neuter surgeries for a wide range of community cats targeted TNR vaccines and minor medical care humane education community connections to equipment, transportation, and volunteer assistance The results are transformative for Montenegro's cats: greater acceptance of spay-neuter as humane population control greater acceptance of community cats more interest in adopting cats as household pets We've sterilized more than 16,000 cats since we started in 2018, because high-volume spay-neuter is the most humane and cost-effective way we can help. Thanks for any suggestions for shortening this! ------------------------------ April King Volunteer and Board Member Kotor Kitties +1 206 407 5336 http://www.kotorkitties.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks, really appreciate the insight :). Sorry for delayed response, didn't get a notification that someone responded! ------------------------------ Deborah Lee Consultant Independent NY ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi everyone! I work for a small nonprofit animal rescue with a spay/neuter clinic and thrift shop that support our mission. After 45 years in two very old, small farmhouses, our shelter outgrew the buildings, and safety and constant repairs made it clear it was time for change. Thanks to five years of grassroots fundraising ($4M raised ), we're nearing completion of a new shelter. We're in a small, rural county where word travels fast, so we're hoping to avoid as many bumps as possible. If you've been involved in opening a new shelter or clinic, I'd love to hear what challenges you faced - or tips that helped- especially around the building itself, crowd flow, ribbon cutting/grand opening, press & PR, small events for major donors, anything related to community partnerships/sponsors, and setting expectations with staff, volunteers, and the community. I would welcome anything you'd like to share, not just limited to what I've mentioned. I'm trying to anticipate as much as possible. 😉 Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom! Jessica Barber Homeward Bound Pets Humane Society McMinnville, Oregon #AccesstoCare #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment #CaseManagement* #CommunityPartnerships* #DisasterRelief #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice #EducationandTraining #FieldServicesandPublicSafety* #FosterPrograms #FundraisingandDevelopment #MarketingandSocialMedia #OrganizationalManagement ... View Discussion

I will be hosting a first ever rescue summit in Los Angeles to bring local rescue groups together to collaborate and discuss ways of helping more shelter pets from being euthanized. I want this to be a successful event so that we can continue building a new type of rescue community. Does anyone have experience doing this or ideas for me? #Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts ------------------------------ Melissa Klaskin psychologist Reducing Animal Stress CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Best of luck in your philanthropic endeavors! I know the dogs appreciate it! ------------------------------ Bailey Evans Grant Writer Animal Allies Humane Society MN ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thank you so much ! it's been very hard since he started my nonprofit. I usually fund it with my own income and haven't had to ask for the public assistance, but now I injured myself and lost my income, so in order for me to continue to help the homeless community with the homeless dogs and continue to bring food to them I have to apply for grants. It hasn't been as easy as I thought it would but thank you for the information and guiding me respectfully Lulu from pirates blessings dog rescue. On Jan 20, 2026, at 12:25 PM, Bailey Evans via Maddie's Pet Forum <Mail@maddiesfund.org> wrote:  Hi Lourdes, I am a grant writer in Northwestern Minnesota, here are some great places to start. Petfinder Foundation Banfield PetcoLove... -posted to the "Animal Welfare Professionals" community View Discussion

Hi Lourdes, I am a grant writer in Northwestern Minnesota, here are some great places to start. Petfinder Foundation Banfield PetcoLove Foundation Look into state programs as well as local philanthropic organizations. You can subscribe to grant hubs like GrantStation, Grants.Gov, and GrantWatch (my personal favorite). Access to these hubs do require some form of payment and prices do change throughout the year. Please look into Foundation Search to see if granters typically fund your needs or in your state. Simple Google searches do work as well, though they not be as specific as you'd like. Check out: Open Sanctuary Animal Grantmakers If you have any questions please feel free to respond here or message me privately. I hope this helps! ------------------------------ Bailey Evans Grant Writer Animal Allies Humane Society MN ------------------------------ View Discussion

I've been asked if I can help our police department in securing placement for a working dog that is being retired. The following is the message I received from the police department: K9 Ryan is retiring from GPD on 2/11/26. Ryan has been out-of-service since last July following TPLO and meniscus surgery from a CCL tear. Unfortunately, Ryan continues to battle arthritis and ongoing lameness in his right knee as he has never fully recovered from the surgery. Ryan also suffers from Addison's disease. Ryan's police partner is not taking custody of Ryan post-retirement. GPD has been trying different strategies to find Ryan a facility where he can be taken care of medically or another option where Ryan can be cared for by someone who can handle a working Belgian. Ryan may be physically lame but mentally he's ready to work, unfortunately, which leads me to be cautious about who handles Ryan. He can be a lot to handle and still has a high drive and aggression. We have already reached out to multiple prior K9 handlers and trainers and police/military K9 vendors including Project K9 Hero and Paws of Honor. We are still waiting to hear back from Project K9 Hero regarding taking custody of Ryan at their facility in TN. We were wondering if you might be aware of any other organization that looks to home prior law enforcement dogs who have on-going medical issues. Let me know if you have any other suggestions for me to pass along to the GPD. Thanks, Chris ... View Discussion

We are new to this community and very grateful that we have found it. I've been in animal and wildlife services for almost 5 years now. We are a small 2-person team overseeing a town of roughly 34,000 people and it's growing each year. This last year we have managed to take on and achieve several great accomplishments by working with several local and state groups to help address several issues that have been constant problems around our town. The first (and probably the one I'm most proud of) is providing several educational tools and public forums to residence to help build a better understanding of domestic animal issues and our ordinances as well as how to live with wildlife and how we manage them. I've put together was granted the ability to produce on a small scale an educational wildlife booklet to help residents understand that value of Urban Wildlife and how to safely live around them and the importance of appreciating them from a distance. One goal I have this year is to include a second book addressing domestic animals including safety tips and responsible pet ownership. Another large goal is acquiring more funding to produce these books on a larger scale. With this approach to public education, we have instituted several educational opportunities by allowing me to get more involved in our public schools and into large public events, providing residence the opportunity to ask questions ... View Discussion

Shannon, I also wanted to point out a parallel conversation that is happening in this forum about the questions asked by food pantries. Catriona Cottle, Animal Services Supervisor at Antioch Animal Services in CA shared that " We attempted to keep data, but with the constant flow of people coming in our doors it was creating a bottleneck and sometimes discouraging people as they didn't want to provide information. We decided to be truly barrier free and limited our food distribution to one gallon zip lock bag of cat food and one gallon zip lock bag of dog food per person per day with no id checks, no questions asked. We have repeat clients daily and some who are just waiting for that next paycheck. We have also had those who then pay it forward and donate back to us. We add handouts with the food for free vaccination clinics, spay/neuter resources and other information and hope that they take advantage of what they need." See also Pet Food Pantry Tracking | Animal Welfare Professionals While handing out food is different from providing veterinary funds, there is some overlap and you may be able to learn from their experience. I also really like the idea of offering handouts with information and other resources to help educate, support, and stabilize families. ------------------------------ Claire Schuch, PhD Associate Director for Research Program for Pet Health Equity University of Tennessee, Knoxville ------------------------------ View Discussion

We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET for "The Business Behind Lifesaving," a conversation with @Tyann Sumpter , Manager of Shelter Support for Charleston Animal Society . The Business Behind Lifesaving explores how strong operations and intentional systems can support sustainable, community-centered sheltering. Drawing from her experience as a former small business owner and sheltering professional, TyAnn Sumpter shares how applying principles often used in successful businesses, thoughtful problem-solving, reducing barriers, and prioritizing staff and community experience can strengthen shelters and improve outcomes for animals. Through storytelling and real-world examples, this session offers a practical, compassionate lens on how operational excellence can build trust, support teams, and help more animals find and stay in homes. This session is especially relevant for shelter leadership, operations managers, and anyone responsible for improving workflows or strategic planning - but all are welcome! 🔑 Key Takeaways: Despite existing state and federal laws, many housing providers ignore legal protections for tenants with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). This results in harassment, resistance, and wrongful denial of accommodations. Examples of the immediate impact of hiring from within your community will be provided The link between access to pet ... View Discussion

Hi Shannon, This is a great question. Overall, the phrasing and types of questions should be nonjudgemental and purpose-driven (i.e. there should be a reason why each question is asked). Asking too many questions may act as a barrier to seeking assistance, but not asking enough may limit your ability to show who you are serving and what the impacts of the funds are (if that is a goal). Also, people typically want to know what will be done with their information and who has access to it. What you need to know may vary based on your organization and what you need to report back to organization leadership/board/funder(s). There are various questions I would consider, such as: - How are you defining eligibility criteria such as "financial hardship"? Are you trying to confirm eligibility through self-reported income (category), location, etc.? - Do you plan on following up with recipients to track outcomes? If so, you should ask their contact information (phone and email) and permission. - Are you asking how much money they need and what they will use it for? Is the money going directly from your organization to the veterinary clinic, or is it going to the family? Are you confirming any veterinary recommendations or estimated costs? Can people ask for funds multiple times (over time or for different pets)? - Do you need any information about the pets being served, such as species, age, sex, spay/neuter status, how long the pet has been living with the family? - You may want to ... View Discussion

OK, let me know how we can get in touch. I can show you using a Zoom, but since I only have the free account it will cut off if we need more than 50 minutes. Peter ------------------------------ Peter Isakson Volunteer Brandywine Valley SPCA PA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Peter, I would like to test out your software. ------------------------------ Candice Hinkle Assistant Director Program for Pet Health Equity Knoxville, TN ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi all! I am the Pet Services Manager at a domestic violence shelter in PHX, AZ and am consolidating my supplies based on my program's needs and am looking for anyone in the Phoenix or nearby area who runs or needs small animal supplies. This includes large-XL small animal habitats, XL bird cages and perches, water bottles, hay hides, treats, etc.. Pick up would be near McDowell and 24th street area. I can be contacted here or via cell (not my personal number) 480-450-3990 thanks! #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ Jamy Kling Pet Services Program Manager Sojourner Center AZ ------------------------------ View Discussion

2025 was a big year for us and our cat shelter. Leadership changed and so much progress was accomplished. My teenage daughter was invited to assist with the medical side of the clinic and has learned so much from their leadership. She plans to go to college to be a vet. We fostered all year and I became more active with social media for the shelter. It's been so enlightening to learn more about the administration aspect of the shelter and I hope to increase my knowledge with Maddie's University. ------------------------------ Katie Van De Weghe volunteer - Social Media Cozy Cat Cottage OH ------------------------------ View Discussion

We attempted to keep data, but with the constant flow of people coming in our doors it was creating a bottleneck and sometimes discouraging people as they didn't want to provide information. We decided to be truly barrier free and limited our food distribution to one gallon zip lock bag of cat food and one gallon zip lock bag of dog food per person per day with no id checks, no questions asked. We have repeat clients daily and some who are just waiting for that next paycheck. We have also had those who then pay it forward and donate back to us. We add handouts with the food for free vaccination clinics, spay/neuter resources and other information and hope that they take advantage of what they need. Statistically we don't have "data" to apply for grants, but the donations we get are as a result of our community acknowledging that this food pantry is a win for the animals within our City. Costco, PetSmart, private practice Vets, family owned businesses and citizens all donate to our food pantry. When we run out of food we post for donations and they come. I am not disregarding the importance of keeping data, but with limited staff to track this and the huge demand, it became more pertinent to ensure that no animals were going hungry and by promoting as such our pet food pantry has sustained itself - so far. ------------------------------ Catriona Cottle Animal Services Supervisor Antioch Animal Services CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi! We have a pick up pantry and give out food on a monthly basis (unless they only need some to cover until their next paycheck). We ask for information for each pet (name, age, weight, neuter status) so we can see if they add pets or offer s/n assistance or tailor food to age/weight. We try to counsel them as nicely as possible that if they add pets we cannot keep supporting that behavior as it is not sustainable. If it is a litter from unneutered animals, we often offer to take mom and the litter until everyone is weaned, return mom (spayed) and find homes for the babies. We also ask for their town as we track demographics to ask the towns for monetary support each year based on how many constituents we support. We also have some supplies so may ask if they require anything else or need other assistance we may be able to provide. We have forms on our website, paper forms on site and they can also fill one out over the phone if they call in. ------------------------------ Mindy Wulf Executive Director SPCA of Hancock County ME ------------------------------ View Discussion

One of my cats loves the jelly from wet food. The other eats out the chunks only. The small girlie will eat only the chunks. The big boy likes to eat all the jelly surrounding food and whatever girlie leaves for him. What would I do to entice both of them to eat their whole jelly cat food? ------------------------------ Hungry Dewdney Animal Welfare Coordinator Cat Food AK ------------------------------ View Discussion

Josh... Thanks so very much. Truly appreciated. Debra On Mon, Jan 19, 2026 at 3:09 PM Josh Bowen via Maddie's Pet Forum < Mail@maddiesfund.org > wrote: Here's what I found... Yes - there are some fairly hard-numbers you can use to express ROI / cost savings per adoption, but they usually aren't... Animal Welfare Professionals Post New Discussion Post New Discussion via Email Manage Profile Re: Data on pet adoption cost savings Reply to Discussion Reply to Discussion via Email Reply Privately to Author Reply Privately to Author via Email Jan 19, 2026 12:07 PM Josh Bowen Here's what I found... Yes - there are some fairly hard-numbers you can use to express ROI / cost savings per adoption, but they usually aren't published as a neat "ROI per dog adopted" metric. Instead, shelters/rescues estimate ROI using: avoidable cost = (daily cost of care) × (days not housed) + avoidable medical/overhead risk So the best "specific ROI numbers" come from per-diem cost studies and length-of-stay (LOS) data. Below are the most defensible numeric ranges and how to turn them into adoption "savings". 1) The most usable ROI number: Cost per dog per day in shelter A. Government fiscal estimate: $18 per day A Virginia legislative fiscal impact estimate states: Average ... View Discussion

Hi Rachel, welcome! That's a great idea to have LOI templates ready ahead of time. A few tips that have helped me: keep LOIs clear, concise, and funder-focused. Most strong LOIs briefly cover the problem, your mission and credibility, the specific program or need, the impact, and a clear funding ask. Funders often look for alignment with their priorities, measurable outcomes, and a compelling but straightforward story-avoid jargon and overly broad language. I've also found it helpful to write templates that are modular so sections can be easily swapped based on the funder's focus. A common pitfall is trying to say too much-brevity and clarity usually win with LOIs. Looking forward to learning alongside you here! ------------------------------ Julie Beatty Grants Coordinator Ziva Dog Rescue ------------------------------ View Discussion

Here's what I found... Yes - there are some fairly hard-numbers you can use to express ROI / cost savings per adoption, but they usually aren't published as a neat "ROI per dog adopted" metric. Instead, shelters/rescues estimate ROI using: avoidable cost = (daily cost of care) × (days not housed) + avoidable medical/overhead risk So the best "specific ROI numbers" come from per-diem cost studies and length-of-stay (LOS) data. Below are the most defensible numeric ranges and how to turn them into adoption "savings". 1) The most usable ROI number: Cost per dog per day in shelter A. Government fiscal estimate: $18 per day A Virginia legislative fiscal impact estimate states: Average animal stay: 27 days Cost: $18.00 per day � legacylis.virginia.gov That implies $486 per animal per stay (27 × 18). This is one of the cleanest "public-sector per diem" numbers you can cite because it is explicit. ------------------------------ Josh Bowen Animal Caregiver Calvert Animal Welfare League MD ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello, We are transitioning to a food pantry. Prior, we have delivered food. This past year, we have struggled with sustainability. We gave out 107,000 pounds of food and drover over 15k miles. This is for a program that is supposed to be solely dependent on donations. Due to the struggles, we are transitioning to a food pantry and working to connect home bound people with organizations that can deliver. My questions for others running a pick up only food pantry: How much food do you give? Is it per animal or a set amount per family regardless of the number of animals? When we were delivering, we could confirm the number of animals. Do you attempt to do this for pickups? How often do you allow pickups? We want to be as barrier free as we can. Do you have any criteria? #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ Renee Russell Tulsa SPCA ------------------------------ View Discussion

I like how your checklist makes space for the human side of the work. I've been using socialprofiler.com on the recruitment end to get quick reads on applicants' online vibes, which helped me spot folks who might thrive in a high‑stress, compassion-heavy setting. Pairing tools like that with a going-home routine has made it easier for my team to keep their shoulders a little less tense by the end of the day. ------------------------------ Mitty nodle Driver Mittynodle WV ------------------------------ View Discussion

Including the recent executive order to remove Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth from the National Park System, there has been a clear effort to minimize observances related to Black history and racial equity. This year marks the 12th Annual Reclaim MLK March and Week of Action, a movement beginning in 2014 by the Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP) spotlighting Martin Luther King Jr.'s more radical ideas and preaching related to on anti-racism, state violence, and economic justice. In observing this federal holiday, it is important to acknowledge discrepancies between the sanitized, mainstream portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. and his more reformist revolutionary legacy, as it helps deepen our understanding of how the ills of the past connect to those of the present. Martin Luther King Jr was not a universally beloved or accepted figure in his time. Most Americans viewed him unfavorably until after his death in 1968. King was repeatedly jailed and had bottles, bricks, and stones thrown at him from white crowds during his demonstrations. Many famous statements that were made by Martin Luther King Jr. are often cut short to erase their deeper messaging. For instance, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness..." continues with "...but if a man does not have a job or income, he has ... View Discussion

Does anyone know of specific data - i.e. numbers - that captures the cost savings to rescues and/or shelters when a dog is adopted? I know that daily care, housing, food, and medical expenses reduce, but am looking for specific ROI numbers if they exist. Thank you. #AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms ------------------------------ Debra Schafer ------------------------------ View Discussion

For awhile, back when I had time (before I opened an animal rescue!) I would make my dogs' and cats' food. I ran the recipe by my vet and he loved it. I do have a meat grinder, which was very handy. I would buy the bags of chicken leg quarters (very cheap) and boil it all up. Then I would run it through the grinder (all of it). In the water/broth I would then dissolve Vitamin E, some salt, taurine (available in health food stores).....I might be forgetting something, it's been a minute. And then I would cook rice in the mixture. I would scramble up a bunch of eggs, and put all of that (with the shells) through the grinder too. All of the wet stuff got made into a slurry. I would use that for the cats, and add the rice to the dogs' food (my cats were not rice fans). I put all of this into portions in freezer bags, and every day I would take one out to defrost for them. The cooking part took a few hours but then I had food for a long time. I had googled the recipe online. The taurine is very important for muscle development. I don't know if this is something that would work for you but maybe it will give you some ideas. I might have had a B12 vitamin in there too, don't remember. All the seniors I've had loved human baby food (meats) when they were in the end of life stage and wouldn't eat anything else. Bless you for caring about your senior. ------------------------------ Carol Williams aralliancega.com ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Michael, Thank you for sharing the e-book. It is so insightful and I can very much relate as a nonprofit. I have decided to rewrite our donation page on our website. Thank you again for the powerful framing. Julie ------------------------------ Julielani Chang The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc. Davis CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi everyone, I am new here. I was just wondering if you guys could give me some type of guidance on to where I could apply for grants for my nonprofit I searched a few places, but there's really nowhere to apply. #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ Lourdes LuLu Mendoza Founder Pirates blessings Dog Rescue CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

The small girlie will eat only the chunks. The big boy likes to eat all the jelly surrounding food and whatever girlie leaves for him. What would I do to entice both of them to eat their whole jelly cat food ? #CaseManagement* #CommunityCatManagement ------------------------------ Hungry Dewdney Animal Welfare Coordinator Cat Food AK ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi, Here's a pdf of all of the slides and below is the link to view the presentation slides themselves. Get Them Out - Lulu Ochoa ft. Shonyae Johnson - Maddie's Community Conversations ------------------------------ Shonyae Johnson - CPDT-KA Learning + Development Sr. Manager Operation Kindness Humane Society | Texas Unites www.operationkindness.org texasunites@operationkindness.org Carrollton, TX, ------------------------------ View Discussion

We got extremely lucky by finding a volunteer with grant and fundraising experience, willing to donate her time and expertise to us. She is remote and works for a financial institution, and has been an extraordinary asset for our rescue. She was a coworker of a former board member, and a fellow cat lover. We have had success finding marketing and social media volunteers using Volunteer Match and posting on our social media. Our development volunteer inherited a spreadsheet started by our founding members that listed various donors/grants and she went from there. We now utilize Bloomerang for all donor data tracking, email newsletters/pleas, and I track all acknowledgements through it as well. Bloomerang connects to our website through Stripe for donations and automatically inputs. I like their reports + how I can create various groups of monthly donors, one time, lapsed etc to peruse historically. She continues to research and find grants for us to apply to, and our team supports her in providing all details RE: asks, follow ups, stories, follow up needs since she is remote/not actually in the day to day with our kitties! We are exploring investing in grant software this year to see if it might help us garner more leads, specifically Instrumentl's Standard Plan. She actually asked her grandmother to donate for it as her holiday gift-so sweet! Paws crossed it helps. Even finding one $5,000 grant would make it worth it ($3600 software). ------------------------------ Katie ... View Discussion

This year, my goal is to find a middle ground of sustainability with regards to our annual budget. We ended the past two years in a larger deficit than comfortable, and to ensure longevity of our rescue, we created a pretty aggressive budget plan for 2026. Though our fundraising efforts have grown greatly, the veterinary costs have simply risen far more. In order to sustain our mission and programs, we will need to keep a stronger eye on our spending, and assess intakes more strategically throughout our season. This may, unfortunately, mean more "no's", but is the responsible choice for the rescue's future. ------------------------------ Katie Frederick Board President Newborn Kitten Rescue AZ ------------------------------ View Discussion

We successfully treated our first FIP cases-somehow actually TWO of them in 2025. Now that medications are more affordable and available, we are grateful for the opportunity to treat our kittens in need, rather than FIP being an immediate death sentence or unaffordable bill. ------------------------------ Katie Frederick Board President Newborn Kitten Rescue AZ ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Jan - Thank you! At first when our scheduler came up with this idea, and it was 1-2 cats, I was like, how is that great - when I was used to trapping more in volume for our TNR clinicb, because I was viewing it through the volume TNR lens. Once I stepped back and was like, yeah, actually this will totally add up, it was great. We schedule these for days when we aren't trapping for volume TNR AND we were able to start getting in low income pets from our TNR locations. You know, the dense complexes or mobile home communities where you have the population of semiferal/outside cats and the indoor outdoor pets that are still breeding. THAT was a complete game changer regarding these locations. Our volume TNR clinic won't allow tame cats and the wait for the low cost/voucher type s/n surgeries for the public is incredibly long . So when we have these Monday or Wednesday appointments, we can easily gather tame cats for these spots the night before. These spots are also good for that elusive feral that isn't cooperating or when you are pulling out all the stops to finish a location. We can trap them without being limited by knowing "'if I catch him this day, I am holding him at least a week". That doesn't happen. It allows us more freedom, which is great because most of us work M-F. We are pretty new too! Coming up on 4 years as a 501c3 and once people see what you are doing, they are much more likely to support your efforts. We had a vet reach out once, they liked what ... View Discussion

The Humane Rescue Alliance is looking to sell two Animal Control vans (or other types of animal transport). Two brand new Animal Control (or animal welfare use) vans for sale. Fully outfitted with animal enclosers in back. Never driven or used . New batteries installed December 2025. Both vans are currently registered in Washington, DC. Asking $90,000 each. Offers accepted. 2023 Dodge ProMaster 3500 White, no branded wrap Outfitted Animal Control van Van 1: 38 miles Van 2: 53 miles Please send all inquiries to Emily Miller, Director of Administration, at emiller@humanerescuealliance.org. #FieldServicesandPublicSafety* #PetSupportServices* #TransfersandTransport ------------------------------ Emily Miller Director of Administration Humane Rescue Alliance DC ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Karen, Oh wow! Thank you so very much! We have traps & dividers we could loan a vet to "practice" What a brilliant idea I've never thought about. We're already looking into getting rabies vac & possibly even anesthesia donated for vet to hold for us to get cost down. The price we were given is too high & reduces the number of cats we can TNR. But if we could get that cost down to equal our TNR vet cost, that could really increase our yearly by 50-100 cats! Also an eye opener is total 50-100 cats/yr taking just 1 or 2 cats in a week. I originally shunned that vs taking 16 cats a week to our TNR vet. We trap every Sunday & Wednesday, transport to our TNR vet every Monday & Thursday. We sanitize traps Tuesday, so we need that extra day. Our vet TNR Monday-Thursday, so don't want to trade 8 cats for 1 or 2. If we could get a local vet to take 2-3 cats on Friday....hmmm. Something to look into! Thank you so much for sharing what you all do. Your ideas can really help us expand from citizen trappers to our nonprofit TNR group (we're in our 2nd year). This is also the first thread I've come across specifically for community cats and I think the first I've commented or participated in. I can't thank you enough for responding so quickly & the wealth of information you've shared. You're the best! ------------------------------ Jan Leonard President/Chief Cat Wrangler Backwoods TNR LA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Jan - One thing we did when we were talking with private vet clinics (the ones that didn't do much, if any, rescue work) was we loaned them a trap to practice sedation through the wires and gave them a trap fork. The vets were savvy but the staff were really intimidated, so this really helped them feel more confident in working with feral/community cats. Even though this vet only gets either 1F or 2M in once a week, it does make a difference. That's 50-100 cats a year. Another one schedules us 2x weekly (1F or 2M each visit) so that's another 100- 200 cats. Other techniques we use to cut our costs, some clinics just donate the vaccines to us, others will donate just the Rabies but we are allowed to have our own vaccines held at their clinic. Same with flea meds. One clinic that does work with rescue orgs lets us hold our microchips, combo tests and other supplies at their facility too. It all adds up. We have found that many vets want to help more than they are but aren't sure how to go about it or who to partner with. They don't want to advertise low cost at a total price break or they will be innundated with requests, and some rescue orgs can be unreasonable, rude or difficult to work with. We get them all the info in advance and made it as easy for them as possible. ------------------------------ Karen Jealous PDX Cat Trapper Portland OR ------------------------------ View Discussion

We use Airtable. The system links the adoption questionnaire, waiver, meet & greet log, and animal inventory (via a custom PetPoint report). It also tracks data about the overall adoption process. The platform is highly customizable and can be applied to other aspects of shelter operations, as well. Our biggest challenge is human entry error across the numerous data points we collect. Whatever you're trying to achieve, the Visitor Management System Airtable template is a good place to start. It involves filling out a form that filters data into a table. The free plan could potentially be used for a very simple check-in system with a low record limit. Feel free to reach out if you have questions - bbarton@waysidewaifs.org ------------------------------ Bradley Barton Director of Animal Welfare Wayside Waifs MO ------------------------------ View Discussion

we use wait while, allows you to do all of that plus, allows you to message the people if they wander off as well. ------------------------------ roy forster Director Happy Life Animal Rescue NY ------------------------------ View Discussion

After 45 years as a professional fund raiser, you're thinking all the right things here. My advice: Look at the colleges and universities in your area; also hospitals/health care for people with some experience but who are "down in the organization" at these institutions. Same with some of the other bigger charities in NYC. You want someone with experience and who wants to "move up" in the field. Salary is a big thing with a new position. Please try to make yours somewhat competitive. Most fund raisers are resilient in regard to coping with "turn downs" when engaging with donors. Talk about that in the interview process to get an idea of the emotions of the candidate. In the interview I would talk about your desire for strong stewardship and ask the candidate how they would go about stewarding donors. I always looked for "cultural fit" when I hired a fund raiser. I had a primarily female group and if I was hiring either a woman or a man, I talked about our culture in the interview and how it was important. I had a staff of 19 and when I retired, the average tenure of the group was 12 years, so fitting our culture was a key and it helped in retention. Best of Success in your search! ------------------------------ Bruce Thorsen President, Board of Directors Purrfect Match Cat Rescue Millington TN ------------------------------ View Discussion

We are a small all-volunteer TNR group also. One of our biggest challenges is we have no local resources. No shelter, no veterinarians who can perform TNR, no local government support. As an example, our parish's (county for the rest of the world) ordinances requiring rabies vaccinations for dogs & running at large was last updated right after World War II. Ridiculous. We began as citizen trappers, but last year we went non-profit, which has helped a lot. We were able to secure TNR discounts & increase the number of cats we can take in at one time. Both usually reserved for shelters & nonprofits. Because we don't have local vets, we travel to a TNR non-profit vet in another parish. Local vets are too expensive & scheduling difficult. We've not used them (wish we could) because of this & I'm not sure they could handle a feral. Also, just one or 2 cats whereas we can take 16 cats per week out of Parish. ------------------------------ Jan Leonard Director Backwoods TNR LA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Good morning! Our shelter (unfortunately, likely more resourced) also offers what we call an "Animal Haven" program for long-term foster needs. Much like Amber of Ohio we have a pretty strict contract that outlines who can request (they must have a case worker working with them), how long, and how to take care of major medical needs if they come up. Now where do they go is the question you had. We have a few options. We do have a foster program that we advertised just for this and we have a dedicated fosters who like this program and generally support it. Typically these animals have known personalities and are potty trained etc and so fosters sometimes "like them more". Also people who have enjoyed fostering but are afraid of "getting attached" tend to find that doesn't happen to them in these scenarios because they know they already have a loving owner and they feel they're supporting a mission in that way. We also partner with local boarding facilities. We trade advertising, providing coupons, and they trade us a low cost board. You may want to see if there are any local partnerships available for you. I also recommend looking into BestyBnB . It does cost a little bit of money, however you can reach out to your local justice center (domestic violence) and see if they want to pitch in on the cost with you. Best of luck and thank you for doing this! I recommend posting in the One Health Maddies Fund Forum They may also have some data for you. ------------------------------ ... View Discussion

Wow. Just wow. Great advice that 100% applies to our unique situation. Thank you so very much! ------------------------------ Carol Williams aralliancega.com ------------------------------ View Discussion

I am starting a new role in charge of distributing funds to the community when someone is in need of financial assistance for their pet. This is a program designed to keep pets with their families and reduce owner surrender due to financial hardship. What types of questions do you ask someone requesting veterinary assistance funding? #AccesstoCare #CommunityPartnerships* #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ Shannon Evans Medical Coordinator Friends of SAWAS VA ------------------------------ View Discussion

YOu might want to contact CAT - Cat Adoption Team - in Oregon. South of Portland. A wonderful organization. They retro fitted crates/cages a number of years ago. Easy to find on the internet.. Jean ------------------------------ Jean Harman The Cat Sanctuary Eugene, Oregon ------------------------------ View Discussion

We have 20 plus ofd shoreline. You can go online for portal prices. We had a volunteer use the template and a nibbler to cut the holes and installation was easy. Has made a great difference for our cats!!! On Thu, Jan 15, 2026 at 3:09 PM Celia O'Brien via Maddie's Pet Forum < Mail@maddiesfund.org > wrote: Hey Erin - did anyone ever reach out to you about this? I am aiming to start the same type of project and am hoping for the same info! Thanks! -... -posted to the "Animal Welfare Professionals" community Animal Welfare Professionals Post New Discussion Post New Discussion via Email Manage Profile Re: Retrofitting kennels for Kat Portals Reply to Discussion Reply to Discussion via Email Reply Privately to Author Reply Privately to Author via Email Jan 15, 2026 12:07 PM Celia O'Brien Hey Erin - did anyone ever reach out to you about this? I am aiming to start the same type of project and am hoping for the same info! Thanks! ------------------------------ Celia O'Brien Feline Behavior Specialist Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region CO ------------------------------ Reply to Discussion Reply to Discussion via Email Reply Privately to Author Reply Privately to Author via Email View Thread Like ... View Discussion

We do! We not only assist with the trapping, transport, recovery and return of TNR cats, but we also help with food and shelter support as well. Our HQHVSN clinic is donation based, although we cover the suggested donation when are caregivers cannot. We also partner with local vets to get any pet cats fixed at these locations. If the outside cats do not have heated shelters in the winter, we will help provide those. We will retrofit and insulate older dog kennels, build new ones from totes, purchase from other orgs who are building them in larger quantities. We may fundraise for this or just use some of our donations. We also take food donations and distibute them quickly into the communities in which we TNR. We highlight the fact that we do full circle TNR and full support for our caregivers - it isn't a spay, see ya later type of thing. It also sets us apart from many of the other local groups. ------------------------------ Karen Jealous PDX Cat Trapper Portland OR ------------------------------ View Discussion

The BFF program connects with Florida's Bright Futures Scholarship, which provides college tuition assistance to high school students (funded by the Florida Lottery). Bright Futures is used by almost every student who decides to attend college in FL. However, they do have to meet specific academic and volunteer-hour requirements: 75% tuition coverage: 3.0 gpa, 75 volunteer hours, at least 24 on act or 1190 on sat 100% tuition coverage: 3.5 gpa, 100 volunteer hours, at least 29 on act or 1330 on sat For the most part, these requirements are very achievable for students. However, many meet the academic requirements but are about to graduate without any volunteer hours, which would make them ineligible for the scholarship. This is where the BFF program comes in: High school students aged 16–18 (with parental permission) could foster a shelter dog or litter of kittens for 8 weeks They'd complete volunteer training, submit weekly updates and photos, and write a 1-2 page report about the experience at the end Upon completion, they'd receive 100 volunteer hours (or 2 hours per day) The program helps students earn their hours while increasing foster capacity, engaging new volunteers, and often even leading to adoptions - Seminole County's program has a waitlist every year. The way Seminole County structured the program was by organizing a "class" of students each year. The class goes in for a general volunteer and animal care training, and ... View Discussion

This year, The Serval Conservation and Educational Refuge (TSCAER) proudly launched fundraising for "Freedom Fields," a 5‑acre natural habitat expansion that will give rescued African servals the space and freedom they deserve. We currently care for 20 servals , each with a story of rescue and resilience, and we receive new requests for placement almost every month. Sadly, our current space is full - and without expansion, we must turn away animals that often have nowhere else to go. "Freedom Fields" will change that by offering safe, natural enclosures where more servals can run, climb, and heal. This project also strengthens our mission of education and empowerment; over 25 volunteers and young women have learned compassionate wildlife care and leadership through our programs this year. Every donation, volunteer hour, and new supporter brings us closer to a future where no serval is left without a home - a milestone we're proud to celebrate as we move toward building Freedom Fields. ------------------------------ Donna Whitaker donna mechel whitaker/ director The Serval Conservation and Educational Refuge AL ------------------------------ View Discussion

Can you tell me a bit more about the BFF program please (: ------------------------------ Yvette Mota Animal Services Specialist Chula Vista Animal Care Facility CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hey La Tonya! Congrats on being the first to post your pitch ! 🎉 Really strong work-and I love the mission and impact behind what you do. 📒 My feedback: You use the word "improve" in the opening, and I actually think your organization's impact goes far beyond improvement. It feels more like a transformation . If you're changing lives and creating lasting impact, say that. The words you choose should fully reflect the power of the work. Your last sentence is powerful and should be your lead. Often, we say the most important thing at the end of our pitches. Let's flip that. Start strong and end strong. I'd love to see you lead with that final line , or something very close to it. For example: The LC's Foundation creates safer, healthier communities for both animals and the people who love them." That line immediately tells me who you are, what you do, and who you serve -clear, confident, and impactful. Again, great job! 👍 Keep the pitches coming!!!! 🔥 ------------------------------ Michael C. Clark Director of Capcity Building / COO The Nonprofit Plug GA ------------------------------ ... View Discussion

Thank you again for a great session! A few people have asked for the slides from the presentation, and I wanted to share something even better. I've put together a short ebook that expands on the ideas we covered-fundraising confidence, donor conversations, and removing guilt and pressure from the ask. You can view or download the ebook here: 👉 DOWNLOAD EBOOK Also attached file below. Grateful for the opportunity to share space and conversation with you. - Michael ------------------------------ Michael C. Clark Director of Capcity Building / COO The Nonprofit Plug GA ------------------------------ ... View Discussion

Hi all ! Hoping someone can help guide us towards a right path on finding and selecting a fundraising coordinator for a foster-based rescue in NYC. Where to search for a fundraising coordinator? How to keep them engaged and not feeling down from the lack of immediate success How to encourage stewardship etc And perhaps, in your specific, individual cases - what worked for you? how did you find this individual to join? what was discussed initially and what attainable goals were set? Looking to start 2026 with new ideas and new movement - thank you so much in advance for any and all advice. #FundraisingandDevelopment #MarketingandSocialMedia #OrganizationalManagement #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration) #RemoteCustomerService* ------------------------------ Stella Plit President Rescue City NY ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hey Erin - did anyone ever reach out to you about this? I am aiming to start the same type of project and am hoping for the same info! Thanks! ------------------------------ Celia O'Brien Feline Behavior Specialist Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region CO ------------------------------ View Discussion

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous Good morning Can any rescue recommend a professional that they work with - such as a consultant - to evaluate / redirect/ create strategic goals etc ? We are a mid-size canine foster based rescue in NY - we pride ourselves on minimal returns because we have a vast post-adoption network to help people retain their dogs; we also have a robust foster program that focuses on bettering dogs in our care. We used to work with one and it was great in the beginning but towards the end there were lots of promises and with no follow-through, lots of unfinished goals, continuously coming to a meeting without any new updates etc and we felt it was best to part ways. However, we desperately need professional help in moving us from stagnation. We're unable to grow as an organization and are struggling to make goals/plans on growth because we're inundated with everyday things and are too tired to think outside the box. SOS! thank you in advance . #OrganizationalManagement View Discussion

Our management is interested in capturing visits so they can be analyzed later. We currently ask visitors to simply sign a log list on paper, which asks only theur name and phone and if they are interested in dogs, cats, both. I don't think anyone ever reviews these. He is interested in something that would let them register using their phone, a kiosk, etc. that would get key identifying info, what they are interested in (browse, adopt, get food from pantry, etc.). Counter staff would then "pull" people from the queue based on when they checked in. This could be done with something like Google forms, sheets, etc., maybe augmented with Google Appsheets. But why reinvent the wheel if there's an effective and affordable system out there? Maybe one intended for other use cases but could be adapted. If anyone does this, what do you use and are you happy with it? Thanks! #DataandTechnology #PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration) ------------------------------ Peter Isakson Volunteer Brandywine Valley SPCA PA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Position Description: Development Assistant The Development Assistant is a key part of the Development Team and is responsible for all operational and administrative support of annual fundraising from supporters of the organization so CVHS can continue to help animals and their people. Key duties involve donor database management, processing gifts and acknowledgments, assisting with direct mail, event coordination, and general development tasks, requiring strong organization, attention to detail, and communication skills. The Development Assistant reports directly to Co-Director of Development and Finance (CDF), and collaborates with the Leadership Team and BOD Stewardship Committee to execute development efforts. Position created with the possibility for advancement. This position is based in Vermont. Position Duties • Under the direction of the Co-Director of Development and Finance, supports a relationship-based giving program that includes strategic donor cultivation plans with the goal to grow annual development income • Manage, update and ensure accuracy of our donor database • Processes and tracks donations, including donor information using Little Green Light (LGL) • Manages gift acknowledgement process and produces and mails out donor thank you letters on a weekly basis • Implements direct mail, email, and social media solicitations • Generates reports as needed from LGL and third-party fundraising platforms • Reconcile LGL reports with the ... View Discussion

Good morning all and Carol! We talked a bit about UV light disinfection in this webinar on air quality: https://www.sheltermedicine.com/library/resources/clear-the-air-practical-methods-for-assessing-and-improving-indoor-air-quality-in-animal-shelters I feel skeptical about the claims by the other shelter, and if they have seen a reduction in feline URI I would guess that it's due to another factor besides the lights. Most feline URI is driven by recrudescence of herpesvirus due to stress. The infections that are spread cat to cat are primarily going to be spread by direct contact between cats or from contaminated people (e.g. cleaning staff). Therefore, environmental decontamination is unlikely to have a significant impact on disease rates. UV light comes in different spectrums. UV-A exposure is dangerous for people and animals (eyes/skin) but is the most effective for disinfection, so it should only be used in an unoccupied space. UV-C is safer (not sure about several hours per day) but less effective for disinfection. There are many electronic cleaning/purification devices on the market and it really is a Wild West - as long as they don't venture into making certain types of medical claims (e.g. "kills 99% of bacteria") they can claim just about anything for efficacy without getting in trouble by a regulatory agency. Look for products with third party testing or certifications that demonstrate they do what they are claiming they do. Finally, ... View Discussion

Hi everyone, My name is Manon and I'm working with Pawsitive Sanctuary - a rescue shelter based in India. To add a little bit of context we were founded 5 years ago from the ground up by a Punjabi-Canadian animal lover. We are giving free treatement and spaying/neutering to any animal in distress and we are not taking care of more than 425 dogs daily (and 5 cats!) Where we live the amount of road accidents and cruelty towards street dogs is astonishing and our numbers of rescues increase rapidly ( we receive more than 80 calls a day to signal animal in distress..). I am looking for tips and advices on how to look for grants when we are registered in Canada and US (where both our founders live) but our operations are in India. Most of our funds come from private donations but as need to expand our shelter we need more money to build it. We solely rely on international help - culturally and financially it's hard to receive enough donations from India - and I'm looking for grants we can apply to. Right now we are forced to put 2/3 dogs injured dogs in a cage we urgently need some help! Thank you so much for your valuable time! I have added our 2024 annual report if it can help to understand our impact + here is our instagram . 🐾 #FundraisingandDevelopment ------------------------------ Manon Cazenave Volunteer Pawsitive Sanctuary WI ------------------------------ ... View Discussion

We added 5 more fosters (all new) to our roster, established relationships w/additional breeders in 2 states for breeder releases, and increased our 3rd party fundraisers. We were also fortunate to have a previous 2x adopter send us a large donation, which we earmarked for future special medical needs dogs in a new fund. Lots of challenges too, but we feel like we have grown as a group and are looking forward to saving more lives in 2026! ------------------------------ Kristen Streeter Board member Leia's Hope Canine Rescue IL ------------------------------ View Discussion

I would also like to get more information about your intake process. We (Patient Pet Advocates) are a small animal-assistance organization that was originally founded to assist those in hospice and has started to open up to other medical situations, including emergency hospitalizations. We have concerns about situations where we are contacted by a third party, such as a hospital social worker, because the patient can't communicate. How do you handle emergency care for animals that are with you as short-term fosters? Any info would be appreciated. info@patientpetadvocates.org ------------------------------ Leah Claypool Coordinator Patient Pet Advocates OR ------------------------------ View Discussion

We use stainless steel "coop" cups with a screw attachment for our kennels. They are cheap and work wonderfully! Super easy to clean. They look a lot like this one: https://jefferspet.com/products/5oz-0-15l-stainless-steel-coop-cup-with-clamp-holder-77610c?variant=44373754183869&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23136625370&gbraid=0AAAAAD_GG7IjAGpY4BuTgAGn1Dmq3JXic&gclid=CjwKCAiAmp3LBhAkEiwAJM2JUG_QEcdQdP8ZAf8qCldAoihOxb7PR-mtPilcgzfvmIpeBJVw5b1EXxoCsaEQAvD_BwE ------------------------------ Erin Dams Operations Director Roanoke Valley SPCA Roanoke VA ------------------------------ View Discussion

PPHE, in collaboration with Open Door School , invites animal shelter and animal welfare professionals to participate in beta testing of our upcoming learning module, Biases and Inclusion in Animal Welfare . This module is designed with the real-world experiences of shelters and rescue organizations in mind , exploring how bias can show up in daily operations, policies, and interactions-and how more inclusive practices can strengthen outcomes for animals, staff, volunteers, and the communities you serve. We are seeking a limited group of up to 25 beta testers to review the module and share feedback before its wider release. If you would like to be a beta tester please visit https://opendoorschool.thinkific.com/courses/biases-and-inclusion-in-anima-welfare . Please visit ------------------------------ Candice Hinkle Assistant Director Program for Pet Health Equity Knoxville, TN ------------------------------ View Discussion

When I moved into the Operations Director role, I made staff retention a big part of my goals and planning; we have had a revolving door for some roles (especially part-time) for a long time and it makes progress hard when a chunk of your team is always "partly" trained. I revamped several areas for training, added more cross-training (and opportunities for pay increases tied to those trainings), and have worked really hard on staff/manager relations providing biweekly 1:1 meetings, etc. And.... We started 2026 with finishing the Probationary period of 90 days for our NEWEST hire.... meaning that, for the first time in at least 3 years, we have been fully staffed for over 3 months!!! ------------------------------ Erin Dams Operations Director Roanoke Valley SPCA Roanoke VA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello @Erin Dams ! Thank you for your post and for watching the webcast. How excellent that your team devised that training session! Have you shared how you set up that training with other shelters? It's sounds like it's been a big help to your staff. Keep us posted on how it's working out. Congratulations on finding a path that helps both staff and the animals in your care! ------------------------------ Alison Gibson Media Projects Manager Maddie's Fund ------------------------------ View Discussion

Great insight! ------------------------------ Julie Khan Animal Control Officer Town of Morristown Animal Control NJ ------------------------------ View Discussion

Good day animal welfare friends! Other than " Better Cities for Pets ", a program supported by Mars Pet Care, are you aware of other programs in the United States to certify a city, town or region as Pet Friendly? Have you ever been involved in one, and how did it go? FYI, the "BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ model highlights 12 traits across four pillars: shelters, homes, parks and businesses. Essential to each trait is the expectation of responsible pet ownership and how the bond between people and pets makes us all healthier." Sadly, the program appears to have ended in 2024. Thank you for your thoughts... #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ Marci Reynolds Director, Development Planned PEThood of Georgia Duluth GA ------------------------------ View Discussion

This webinar was excellent! I'm sorry I got it to so late after posting. It's very relevant to us. I will say for the closing question on concerns about not having time for staff to administer meds - we have done meds administration training for most of our kennel staff with our Vet Tech in Nov 2025, so they can help with the meds administration. This included a 1 hour training session, and at least 2 times being shadowed by our vet staff while giving meds to "pass" the training. A lot of work upfront, but worth it! ------------------------------ Erin Dams Operations Director Roanoke Valley SPCA Roanoke VA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Bruce, thank you so much for the kudos-and I truly appreciate the work you've done over the years. You're absolutely right, and I'm glad you emphasized this. Research is critical. With only 30 minutes, I intentionally focused that session on mindset-especially helping people release the fear around hearing "no" and reframing it as timing, not rejection. There is a part two where I go deeper into where to find donors, how to do the research, and how to uncover those exact connection points you mentioned so conversations feel natural and aligned. You're spot on: with the information available today, everything you need is truly at your fingertips. When you pair strong mindset with thoughtful research, that's where real, lasting donor relationships are built. Thanks again for adding such valuable perspective to the conversation. ------------------------------ Michael C. Clark Director of Capcity Building / COO The Nonprofit Plug GA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Having raised funds (for health care) for over 40 years, I fully agree with what Michael has outlined here. One of the most important points he makes is "don't think a NO is permanent." Donors give one THEIR time frame, not ours! I had many NOs during my career, but a good share of them accepted a future visit and "ask" and responded generously. One thing Michael didn't mention was "do your research!" With all the on-line information available, you can find out an immense amount about your prospective donor(s) especially individuals. The time I spent researching to find "connection points" paid off big time! Stuff like where they went to college, what other charities do they support, have they lived somewhere else that I am familiar with etc..... ------------------------------ Bruce Thorsen President, Board of Directors Purrfect Match Cat Rescue Millington TN ------------------------------ View Discussion

We are a smaller sized shelter, and we do our dog adoptions by appointment only and they have to have an approved adoption application as someone else said, so we do not waste anyone's time. We do not allow people to take tours of "DogLand" any more as we were noticing that it was causing the dogs high levels of stress and some dogs were becoming kennel reactive. We allow the potential adopters to choose the dog they would like to meet and set up the dog in a meet and greet yard (weather permitting, otherwise in our Real Life Room), and allow for low pressure introductions that way. We ensure the potential adopter has treats on hand. They can also meet several dogs in one day if they would like, but we do not allow same day adoptions for dogs. We also have the main adults meet the dog one day, then children a different day, and other dogs in the home on yet another day. It is a longer process, but it gives the dogs and the people time to stop, think, decompress and decide if it is is good fit. We try to not schedule more than one meet and greet for a particular dog in a day, but we absolutely do not do them back-to-back. It all depends on the dog and how they respond to the interactions. It is a lot, and we could possibly speed it up, but we also want to ensure we get the right fit, and we see less than 200 dogs in a year currently. ------------------------------ Mindy Wulf Executive Director SPCA of Hancock County ME ------------------------------ View Discussion

We are a medium-sized facility (900 adoptions per year) and we do appointment-only adoption meet and greets. The biggest "pro" has probably been seeing calmer in-kennel behavior for our dogs specifically. It also helps us guide the customers experience with pets who maybe don't present well in the kennel but can be absolute gems in an actual meet! Recently, it seems like we have had an uptick in "behavioral" dogs who need a little extra support and this definitely has helped several of them find great placement in homes ( especially anyone with barrier reactivity or who struggles when meeting new people - things that don't "show well" in kennel) . The biggest con is probably that we still regularly have folks who are unhappy they can't go on a self-guided tour right now . Many are understanding once we explain; some are not nice about it. To help mitigate this, we have done a few other things too: We have photos and information about all available pets in our lobby. We hired an additional adoption counselor (part-time) for our busiest days (Friday and Saturday) to create more appointment opportunities. Several other staff are cross-trained to do meet and greets, so we can accommodate occasional walk-ins too. We do not require an adoption application in advance to schedule a meet (just name and phone number). When they are ready to adopt, we have a short 1 page front-and-back application based on the Adopters Welcome model . Additional ... View Discussion

We are a medium-sized facility (900 adoptions annually) and we do Appointment-based adoptions, with no public walk throughs in the kennels. I think the biggest pro is that we have seen our dogs specifically behaving more calmly overall with less people coming through all day. I feel like there's been an uptick in "behavioral cases" we're currently managing as well, so this has been really important to us. The biggest down-side is that we do regularly have people who are unhappy about that change. To help mitigate those negative interactions: We have photos and information about all available pets in our front lobby. We do not require an adoption application before the appointment (we just collect name and phone number; if they already exist in our system, we can review their account beforehand - for example, if they are DNA, we still catch it) We hired an additional adoption counselor to create more appointment slots AND many of our other staff are cross-trained to do adoption appointments. We DO try to accommodate walk-ins when we can! When they are ready to adopt, we have a short one-page, front and back application based on the Adopters Welcome model . Our cat appointments are 30 minutes and do include a supervised walk-through of the available cat kennels, along with meet and greets. with any cats they are interested in. Our dog appointments are an hour, so they have time to see several dogs if they want. We do not currently do a walk-through (supervised ... View Discussion

We visited another shelter that had purchased "blue lights" for each of their cat rooms. They swear that since installation they have seen a drastic reduction in URIs, as well as shortened recovery times for ring worm cases. They gave us the company's information but after some research online, it seems that there are some serious concerns and a lot of controversy over their use. Not to mention they are quite pricey. Please share your experiences? ------------------------------ Carol Williams aralliancega.com ------------------------------ View Discussion

This past year has been exhausting, exhilarating and exciting. My rescue partner and I have gone from it just being her and I only being able to pull a dog here or there due to space, to not only "renting" a small facility from the rescue I started with many years ago and being able to help more dogs, but also growing our fosters, volunteers and donations tremendously. I am excited to see what 2026 holds for us! ------------------------------ Heather Wallace Volunteer Advocate Hope for Pets of Newton County, GA GA ------------------------------ View Discussion

This is an awesome question. I would say yes, and here is my 30 seconds, I am open to all feedback! Thank you. LC'S Foundation improves animal welfare by providing humane education, grooming support, and community resources to underserved pets and families locally and internationally. Through partnerships with organizations like the Michigan Humane Society and hands-on programs in places like Ghana, we educate youth, support cruelty cases, and improve quality of life for animals who would otherwise go without care. Our work creates safer, healthier communities for both animals and the people who love them. ------------------------------ Tonya Smith Founder LC'S Foundation Michigan ------------------------------ View Discussion

One thing that's worked well for us is getting in front of people where they already are, rather than relying solely on workshops. We participate in local community events and partner activities like puppy yoga, adoption pop-ups, and other dog-friendly events. These tend to attract people who already love animals but may not have considered fostering yet. At these events, we focus less on "formal education" and more on casual conversations, sharing real foster stories, and breaking down common fears (time commitment, cost, support). We've found that meeting potential fosters in a fun, low-pressure setting helps build emotional connection first, which then makes them more open to learning about fostering afterward. ------------------------------ Julie Beatty Grants Coordinator Ziva Dog Rescue ------------------------------ View Discussion

Our year of 2025 was a hardship year due to illnesses and death. In spite of vaccinations we had a spring outbreak of a calicivirus strain. Then in the fall it was FIP, which we treat for and have had some success. We have a number of survivors. However, we have lost many of our cats to these two illnesses. We are proud of the fact that in spite of it all, we still had 256 adoptions in 2025 and are moving into 2026 with hope for a better year. ------------------------------ Doris Kempton board Chair Desert Cat Rescue & Sanctuary of AZ AZ ------------------------------ View Discussion

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous hi, we have recently rescued a golden retriever. His age is between eight months and one year. He is a very sweet dog. When we first got him, he was extremely anxious afraid of his own shadow, loud noises, all people, etc. It is only been a few weeks and he has gotten better. However, when it is a quiet atmosphere instead of relaxing on his bed, he often seeks attention. It goes beyond being in a loving manner it almost becomes aggressive. It's not as if he would bite or do anything harmful to us, but he is persistent and insistent. Any suggestions View Discussion

It is so encouraging reading everyone's wins! Our organization's biggest, most meaningful wins were in mission fulfillment. During challenging times for our economy this fall, our organization saw applications for our food assistance program skyrocket, and our emergency food pantry ran empty twice when community members could not afford to feed their animals. However, our community responded when we asked and we were re-stocked in 24 hours each time. We kicked off January with a food distribution day, serving the over 300 families on our food program. We know that with every bag and can of food we give out, we help keep an animal in a loving home and reduce the need for surrender. Here is to a great 2026 for everyone! ------------------------------ Karly Shaubach Director of Development Pet Pantry of Lancaster County PA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Oh i need all the help i can get this part of things is all very new to me. The most i ever did was get a small business lic years ago so any resources including info on various national grants that exist would be a huge help! ------------------------------ Nanaki Seto owner Blackfoot the cat rescue and animal advocacy group OH ------------------------------ View Discussion

Maddie's Community Conversations will not hold a call in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026. We will see you again for the next Community Conversation on January 26! #EducationandTraining ------------------------------ Sheila Kouhkan Senior Education Specialist Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

The answer really depends on you and your organization. I also want to challenge the idea of "deep-pocket donors," because that can be very subjective. I've met people who didn't appear to have large capacity but ended up introducing me to those who did. Unless you truly know someone's giving history, it's easy to judge too early-and that's why I caution against spending other people's money in your head. In practice, most organizations rely heavily on grants, often with a smaller percentage coming from individual donors. Ideally, you want a mix . Grantors like to see donor support, and donors like to see grant funding-it signals stability and credibility. The good news is that individual giving is often the most controllable. When organizations intentionally build a donor list and actually have conversations, that percentage can grow significantly over time. ------------------------------ Michael Clark Director of Capcity Building / COO The Nonprofit Plug GA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Great question-and I love the curiosity behind it 😊 I wouldn't recommend bringing a rescue to an in-person meeting unless there's a very specific reason and it's clearly appropriate. Pets can be unpredictable and, at times, distracting. What's usually more effective is bringing impact stories . Being able to say, "There was a family who almost lost their Doberman, and because of this program we were able to step in and change the outcome," is often far more powerful than having the animal physically present. That said, on a Zoom call, if a pet happens to be in the background and isn't disruptive, it can actually humanize the moment and help people connect. I've had that experience with my Frenchie-it lightened the room without taking over the conversation. So the short answer: Impact stories first. Pets only if they're incidental, appropriate, and non-disruptive. ------------------------------ Michael Clark Director of Capcity Building / COO The Nonprofit Plug GA ------------------------------ ... View Discussion

Hey Brandi! Thank you for attending and for your question. When deciding which organizations to approach for funding, focus on alignment and readiness-not volume . Start with funders whose priorities clearly match your mission, population served, and the type of work you do. If you have to stretch your story to fit their guidelines, it's probably not the right fit. Next, look at their funding history. Do they actually fund organizations like yours-similar size, stage, and focus? Past giving is one of the best indicators of future support. Also pay attention to accessibility. Funders who encourage conversations, provide clarity, or invite relationship-building are often better long-term partners. Even if you have little or no information, don't let that stop you. Take control of the meeting, let them know who you are and what you do, and see what comes of it. You will never find a perfect match or circumstance; we just have to share our mission. Finally, make sure you are ready. Be clear on what you need, why now, and the impact their funding will make. When alignment and clarity are strong, the ask feels natural-and the relationship has room to grow. ------------------------------ Michael Clark Director of Capcity Building / COO The Nonprofit Plug GA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Pet Friends and Rescue in Hollister, California is celebrating the reopening of our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. We were closed for a while after Covid, but with the support of our community partners, local veterinary teams, and onsite staff, we began scheduling again in February. We've been working on getting the word out and we're now fully booked for our once-a-week clinic. We are also helping other rescue organizations with their S/N requirements due to overcrowding at their facilities, so these animals can be adopted through their rescues. We're grateful to be able to provide this service again to help reduce pet overpopulation in our area. Giselle Stancic, Volunteer Grant Writer, https://petfriends.org/ ------------------------------ Giselle Stancic Volunteer Pet Friends and Rescue CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, join Maddie's® Monthly Foster Connection at 12pm PT/3pm ET. Leadership from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will be discussing how they rapidly evacuated their entire shelter into foster homes ahead of Hurricane Helene. Register for the session so that you can receive notifications about upcoming webcasts and participate in discussions after the webcast. Webcast Description: One day ahead of Hurricane Helene hitting Asheville, NC, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue orchestrated a shelter evacuation into emergency foster homes with 100 animals going out the door in just two hours and two-thirds of the emergency fosters never having fostered for the organization previously. This action turned out to be lifesaving, as their shelter was consumed by 12 feet of floodwaters that very night. With full shelters across the US and an increase in natural disasters (a hurricane in the NC mountains?!), every animal welfare facility can benefit from having a plan in place to quickly evacuate pets to the safety of emergency foster homes. Join the Brother Wolf team to learn how to prepare ahead of time, communicate effectively when an evacuation occurs, collaborate with your community for support, and oversee the logistics seamlessly. These same strategies can be used to place animals into emergency foster homes due to any crisis: full shelter, unexpected large intake, part of shelter under construction, ... View Discussion

Just a heads up if you follow the reply link from emails and try to post a reply it will not work no error it just wont post ------------------------------ Nanaki Seto owner Blackfoot the cat rescue and animal advocacy group OH ------------------------------ View Discussion

Try number 2 Yeh i was already thinking about legal zoom or other for that portion. Honestly that part and the land is not even that big a issue yeh i need to find some sort of grant as my total cost for land and app could push a few gand even though my contact promises me i would be top of list in the application there is still a chance it does not get approved for a given plot / plots and it is a non refundable 200 per plot fee. Once those 2 things are taken care of my immediate next step is fencing to fence it all in. To give you a idea of issues faced by our furry friends here about 50ish miles a little less than that from me 2 cats have shown up been spotted with blow gfun darts 1 looks home made the other from the non captured kitty is unknown but looks mass produced. Another incident in the same general area is a guy who is trapping cats then releasing at various sites and using them for target practice! Some of the cats in the second case are quite li=kely tnr cats in fact many of them probably are he might be responsible for both cases of animal cruelty we do not know yet. It is one of the biggest reasons i use a nick name vs my real name online. I have no problem giving it out in dms and such most times just not in you know public forums LOL See i do somethings others can not and have had threats made against me do to it. I advocate for the cats (well animals in general) and not the owner. If a owner is abusive or neglectful i will make sure the pet is out of that ... View Discussion

Welcome, Nanaki! How wonderful that you saw a problem and are putting your time and resources into finding a solution. Please lean on the people in this forum for help. A resource that might be helpful is Legal Zoom, for getting your nonprofit status. ------------------------------ Allison Cardona Director Wallis Annenberg Petspace ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello, everyone! January is recognized by many as Unchain a Dog Month . 🐕 This offers an opportunity to reflect on how dogs, who are an integral part of many of our communities and families, experience the daily environments that shape their long-term health and well-being. Research suggests that prolonged or unattended tethering may be associated with increased stress and behavioral challenges in some dogs, particularly when it limits movement or opportunities for social interaction ( Takáčová et al., 2021 ). Over time, these stressors may not only affect a dog's health and behavior, but also human-animal interactions and the shared spaces where we live and work together. Approaches that support dogs' physical and behavioral needs could also contribute to healthier, safer communities. In many settings, alternatives to long-term tethering, when feasible, such as secure fencing, supervised outdoor time, or connections to local support resources, help promote more positive outcomes for both pets and people. This time also creates space for education, outreach, and dialogue that recognize the diverse circumstances in which people and dogs live together. Thoughtful, community-informed conversations can help surface practical alternatives and supportive resources that align with local contexts, while keeping both pet well-being and human realities in view. Hearing what's worked in different settings can be really helpful, and I hope others will add their ... View Discussion

The Institute for Human-Animal Connectinon (IHAC) is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new study in collaboration with Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) to assess the effectiveness of pet deposit assistance to prevent long-term pet relinquishment for tenants with pets and the role this assistance may have in improving renters' housing security. This study will be the FIRST to assess the effectiveness of these programs and explore whether pet deposit assistance is a cost effective tool for animal shelters. ➡️ Does your organization have a pet deposit assistance program? We want to hear from you! Contact Lauren Loney @ lauren.loney@du.edu #CommunityPartnerships* #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice #LawsandPublicPolicy #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ Lauren Loney Founder/Attorney Lauren Loney Consulting, LLC DC ------------------------------ ... View Discussion

Great question - and an important one. When deciding which organizations (or donors/partners) to approach, I encourage teams to look at this through a partnership lens, not a volume lens. Here are a few practical things to look for: 1. Alignment first Start with individuals or organizations whose values clearly align with your mission. If they already care about animals, community impact, or service, the conversation is naturally easier and more authentic. 2. Capacity and interest Capacity matters - but interest matters just as much. Someone who has the ability and a genuine emotional connection to your work is far more likely to become a long-term partner. 3. Relationship proximity Warm or semi-warm relationships should always come first. People who already know your work - volunteers, adopters, vendors, board connections, or community partners - are often your strongest starting point. 4. Openness to partnership Look for people or organizations that don't just want to write a check, but are open to supporting the work in multiple ways - financially, through in-kind support, referrals, or advocacy. 5. Timing awareness Not every "no" is permanent. Pay attention to where someone is in their own season - financially, professionally, or personally. Timing can turn a future "yes" into a confident one. 6. Clarity on your end Finally, make sure you are clear on what you're inviting them into. ... View Discussion

Hello. I would start by getting your 501(c) (3) established. I am in California, but I helped our rescue, Fresno TNR, become a 501(c)3 and had no experience. If you are interested, I could share some resources with you on how I started. I would also see about recruiting some good friends who would like to be on your board. Once you can get your 501(c)3 established, you will be eligible to apply for grants. Good luck, and let me know if you want any help. Kris, Fresno TNR ------------------------------ Kris Thompson Secretary Fresno TNR CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thank you so much for our Community Conversations Grant of $2500! I'm so sorry I missed the call today but I was doing an adoption for Billy Joel, a dog that we rescued in 2023. Today his Foster For Keeps moms made it official and Billy is now finally home forever! This grant will help us continue to support and find homes for special dogs like Billy who take a little longer to correctly place. He became such an All Fur One favorite (he has t-shirts and is on much of our media) that we sent him off with a huge Congratulations card signed by everyone and basket full of goodies including a new Pickle stuffie (his favorite). ------------------------------ Peggy Schipper All Fur One ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks to the 95+ 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 @Miguel Ruelas , Community Resources Manager, Pasadena Humane Sheila Kouhkan, Senior Education Specialist, Maddie's Fund Question of the Day: What practices or rituals help you settle into the new year? "Getting a new planner!!!" - Amber Eby "House organizing!" - Elkie Wills "Clearing out last year's files and setting up space for the new year." - Johanna Humbert "Giving myself grace and pacing myself." - LaTonya Smith "Enjoying my coffee on the porch with NO phone … even if it's not until 11 a.m." - Brandi Washburn "Picking a couple of rooms for a deep clean!!" - Mary Flores "Respect the boundaries I set for myself!" - Veronica Zaciek "Taking down my holiday decorations.... belatedly." - Liz Finch "Spending more time in nature this year!" - Ivy Ruiz Grant Giveaway Winners December Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway Winners of $2,500 each @Amanda Coburn (She/Her) , Vanderburgh Humane Society, Evansville, IN "Hey everybody! Thank you so much for our Community Conversations grant for December. I'm with the Vanderburgh Humane Society (and River Kitty Cat Cafe) in Evansville, Indiana. We also operate a thrift store (Happy Tails Resale Shop) and a Low-Cost ... View Discussion

Unanswered question from the chat: "I'm curious. Where does most of your funding come from? Companies/grants, deep pocket donors, or individual donors?" - @Ablaru K. ------------------------------ Community Conversations Community Conversations Committee Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Unanswered question from the chat: "Bring a rescue (pet) to the meeting?? (1/2 joking, but curious)." - @Paula Vergara ------------------------------ Community Conversations Community Conversations Committee Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Unanswered question from the chat: "I'd love to learn more about what to look for when deciding which organizations to approach." - @Brandi Washburn ------------------------------ Community Conversations Community Conversations Committee Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion