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Beverly, the dual microchip registration is smart. Owner as primary, rescue as secondary fallback. We hadn't built that into our process yet, but we will now. It solves the exact problem we keep running into with stale contact information when a pet gets scanned at a shelter three years later and the phone number is disconnected. The lifetime return policy paired with that secondary registration creates a real safety net. Even if the owner loses touch with you, the chip still routes back to someone who cares what happens to that cat. Sounds like your community has good bones with the low-cost clinic access too. That's half the battle in prevention work, just making sure people know where to go before the problem gets bigger than they can handle. ------------------------------ BJ Adkins Founder/Director Animal-Angels Foundation Pinson, AL bjadkins@animal-angels.org animal-angelsfoundation.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Our rescue has a policy that a cat can be returned at any time during its lifetime. We started microchipping about three years ago. At adoption, we inform the new owner to register the chip in their name and leave our contact information as a secondary in case phone numbers change or the shelter can't reach them. We are lucky to have a low cost spay neuter clinic in our area. We strongly promote spay and neuter at community events and hand them one of the clinic's brochures. When people ask where can I take my pet to be fixed, we provide the clinic's phone number. This clinic also holds low cost vaccine events. ------------------------------ Beverly Paladinetti Philanthropy Chair Purrfect Peaches Cat Rescue Douglasville, GA www.purrfectpeaches.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Everyone is invited to join Dr. @Jyothi Robertson tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30 AM PT | 8:30 AM CT | 9:30 AM ET for a 20-minute grounding practice. This free sitting meditation session offers a shared, supportive space to pause, settle, and begin the day with intention. Sessions are held online via Zoom. These are low-key sessions, and you are welcome to join with your camera on or off. There is no expectation to speak unless you'd like to share. Register only once, and you're welcome to join any of the upcoming sessions. Just be sure to add them to your calendar so you don't miss out. Here's the link to register for free: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvd-upqDIuEtL_7yvz_a37AI2Flxph79QI#/registration We hope to see you in this community of practice. ------------------------------ Liza Remolana Journey You Own / JVR Strategies ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello! Everyone is invited to join Dr. @Jyothi Robertson tomorrow, Tuesday, at 6:30 AM PT | 8:30 AM CT | 9:30 AM ET for a 20-minute grounding practice. This free sitting meditation session offers a shared, supportive space to pause, settle, and begin the day with intention. Sessions are held online via Zoom. These are low-key sessions, and you are welcome to join with your camera on or off. There is no expectation to speak unless you'd like to share. Register only once, and you're welcome to join any of the upcoming sessions. Just be sure to add them to your calendar so you don't miss out. Here's the link to register for free: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvd-upqDIuEtL_7yvz_a37AI2Flxph79QI#/registration We hope to see you in this community of practice. ------------------------------ Liza Remolana Journey You Own / JVR Strategies ------------------------------ View Discussion

Corn oil is fine, of course. If you prefer a product labeled for ophthalmic use, we use Refresh lubricating eye drops. We buy bulk, multi-dose bottles at Costco for reasonable price. I work in a HQHVSN setting with owned and shelter-owned dogs, cats, and rabbits, as well as TNR. The bottles last ~1-2 weeks each...which is about as long as I'm comfortable keeping them around that they haven't become contaminated. Also preferable to an ointment as you are less likely to inadvertently touch the eye with the applicator. Just another alternative, ------------------------------ Rachel Powell DVM ASV Board of Directors Director of Surgery Greenhill Humane Society Eugene, OR ------------------------------ View Discussion

Beverly, you just described the exact loop that burns rescues out. You see the need, you want to help upstream, but the funding structure rewards intake volume and onsite capacity instead of prevention work. So the surrenders keep climbing and you keep catching what falls. Transportation is one of the biggest barriers we hear about. We work with a municipal program that started providing transport to spay/neuter appointments because they realized families were signing up at community events but never showing up. It wasn't a motivation problem. It was a ride problem. Once they solved that, their no-show rate dropped dramatically. The food pantry piece matters more than most people realize. A family running out of pet food is usually 2-3 weeks away from surrender if nothing changes. Catching them at that moment with food, a vet referral, or even just a conversation about what else is going on can stop the whole cascade. What you are describing, the gap between what your community needs and what your rescue can provide without an onsite vet or grant access, is exactly what networked prevention infrastructure is designed to close. You do not have to be everything to everyone. You just need to be connected to partners who fill the gaps you cannot. If you want to see what that looks like in practice, our Shift to Prevention guide breaks down how smaller orgs without big budgets or brick-and-mortar clinics can still do prevention work through partnerships. Free download, no email ... View Discussion

I 100% agree. Being a rescue without an onsite vet prevents us from applying for those types of grants. We need to help our communities by providing an avenue for vet care and medications. Euthanisa is not the answer! Transportation is another hurdle. The local animal shelter has a twice a month pet food pantry and some food pantries have pet food. It's very disappointing to see such a great need and not be able to help. Owner surrenders keep increasing. ------------------------------ Beverly Paladinetti Philanthropy Chair Purrfect Peaches Cat Rescue Douglasville, GA www.purrfectpeaches.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Sheila, thank you so much for the opportunity! ------------------------------ Namiko Ota-Noveskey Program Supervisor Kent County Animal Shelter Grand Rapids MI ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks to our speaker, @Namiko Ota-Noveskey - and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection: What makes you energized to return to help more people and animals? ------------------------------ Sheila Kouhkan Senior Education Specialist Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hey! I'm with Shelterluv, and I recommend looking into our platform as well. Shelterluv is the most popular system in the market, and for good reason! Our customers say we're the easiest to use. You can print or email just the medical history At the end of an adoption, all relevant resources will pop up for you to email or print (including medical, the digitally signed contract/disclaimers, and any other adoption materials you like to share.) You can schedule and complete medical items for multiple animals at once with our "edit multiple" feature There's a "Task Manager" that helps you stay on top of what medical is due for your animals in custody We'd be happy to do a demo or answer any questions! Please feel free to reach out to info@shelterluv.com. ------------------------------ Heather Duncan National Sales Director Shelterluv KY ------------------------------ View Discussion

I am glad to have helped, Bre! I wish you all the best in your operations. It sounds very exciting, do keep us in the loop! ------------------------------ Kayla Anderson Veterinary Social Worker Program for Pet Health Equity ------------------------------ View Discussion

Very well said, T! And thank you for sharing Thor's heartwarming story. I'm so happy to hear that you were able to take him in and gave him all the love he deserved. I certainly did smile... if only I could have met him! Your point about finding the right fit is a very important one. I was glad to see that AVMA also hosts their own guide for finding a suitable pet for your lifestyle! ------------------------------ Kayla Anderson Veterinary Social Worker Program for Pet Health Equity ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello! I'm looking for options to help with dogs who have return to run/kennel resistance with handling difficulties (meaning the dog REALLY doesn't want to go into their run or kennel and is too aroused for treats to distract them. We have one dog here now who we are using a clip lead attached to a slip lead to take in and out to a yard or on walks. He had been grabbing the leash and not letting go of it (not shaking it or tugging even, but refusal to let go even with treats waved in front of him even high value treats or toys). So far that's working okay for him. We have another dog who will go in and out to the yard just fine for one staff member but for everyone else he is jumpy/mouthy, and will mouth clothing, hands and arms making some staff uncomfortable handling him. We also use a clip lead attached to a slip lead to get him in and out, but he's much more difficult when returning to his kennel. He's unsure about people having things in their hands, too. Treats don't entice him at all. Peanut butter has worked a couple of times but I think the novelty will soon wear off. I'd appreciate any suggestions or tips and tricks to help the pups and staff! Thank you! Christine Blank #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment #CaseManagement* ------------------------------ Christine Blank Shelter Manager Independence Animal Services MO ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks for the idea for a social media post! Just made one for our sanctuary asking others to show their pets. I was even able to post in groups I otherwise would've been considered spam - nothing like getting the word out about us since we're not even a year old yet :) ------------------------------ Bre Hoffman Administrative Director Special Little Whiskers Kitten Rescue IL ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Rachel, We also use corn oil -dispensed in small (I think 4oz) clear plastic squeeze bottles. We then stick a label on and tape over that. Corn oil works amazingly well, and is easy to dispense from the squeeze bottles. Our patients have their eyes lubed during prep and recovery. And every station can have a bottle or two handy, very easy to find, doesn't get lost in blankets like a tiny tube. Corn oil might sound messy, but that's never been an issue. I find it to be very soothing and somehow never greasy. Audrey Homeward Bound Pets Spay and Neuter Clinic ------------------------------ Audrey Summers Volunteer Homeward Bound OR ------------------------------ View Discussion

Genuine question for the field. Name one nationally-funded program that pays a shelter for the animals they prevented from ever coming in. I'll wait. We measure live release rate. We measure length of stay. We measure adoption numbers. All output. All happening after the family has already lost the pet. We built a system that pays us to process animals after intake, then act surprised when intake never goes down. If the only thing we fund is the back end, the front end will keep filling. Every year. Forever. So here's what I want to know. What would change in your shelter or rescue if even 20% of your funding was tied to families you kept together, not animals you placed? Curious what people think. Especially if you disagree. #FundraisingandDevelopment ------------------------------ BJ Adkins Founder/Director Animal-Angels Foundation Pinson, AL bjadkins@animal-angels.org animal-angelsfoundation.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Dr. @Michael Blackwell , this is such a clear example of One Health in action-shared environment, shared risk, and shared consequences when access falls short. Prevention and early treatment for both people and their pets are well established, but too many families still cannot access affordable care. That's where coordinated, cross-sector solutions matter most. Practical steps communities are taking: Integrate pet care into public health and social service outreach (ex One Health Clinics) Expand access to affordable tick prevention and veterinary care Promote awareness-if one in the household is exposed, all should be checked Here are some helpful links about Lyme disease Human Lyme disease (living with & treatment): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/treatment/index.html Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374655 Pets (prevention, symptoms, treatment): American Veterinary Medical Association: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/lyme-disease-dogs Companion Animal Parasite Council: https://capcvet.org/guidelines/lyme-disease/ Until we close that access gap, we're leaving both people and their pets unprotected against a growing, shared risk. ------------------------------ T' Fisher, Director of Operations Center for Pet Family Well-Being ----------------------------- ... View Discussion

Hi Enger, I've looked at most of the platforms in this space pretty closely, including Pawlytics, Petstablished, and FurballRescue. They all solve the single-org management problem to different degrees. The medical workflow gaps you're describing (printing histories, batch reminders, navigating between records without losing your place) are common across the category. We built the AWRN (Animal Welfare Resource Network) to handle rescue and shelter operations, but also to connect partner organizations into a shared network so data moves between orgs instead of starting over every time an animal transfers. Medical records, foster histories, and vaccination schedules travel with the animal. Still early and onboarding partners now. Happy to show you a demo if you want to see how it handles the medical side. No pressure either way, but wanted to make sure you knew there are options beyond the usual single-org tools. ------------------------------ BJ Adkins Founder/Director Animal-Angels Foundation Pinson, AL bjadkins@animal-angels.org animal-angelsfoundation.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

@Kayla Anderson , thank you for highlighting National Pet Week and for sharing resources from the American Veterinary Medical Association . This week is a strong reminder of the responsibility we share in supporting the health and well-being of our pets-and how closely that connects to our own health and communities. Small, consistent actions like preventive care, regular check-ups, and informed decision-making make a lasting impact. Appreciate you bringing attention to this and helping encourage thoughtful, proactive pet care. For National Pet Week, I'd also like to share a photo to make you smile. This is Thor, my tiny "God of Thunder." His first human was not kind to him, and after fostering him for three years, I was finally able to adopt him. Thor passed away in 2020 at 16 years old. He wasn't your typical Chihuahua, and his story is a good reminder of how important it is to make sure the fit is right for you and the pet when bringing a new pet into your home. ------------------------------ T' Fisher, Director of Operations Center for Pet Family Well-Being ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thank you! Enger Dickey On Sun, May 3, 2026 at 5:45 PM Melissa Martie via Maddie's Pet Forum < Mail@maddiesfund.org > wrote: You can export everything as a PDF with one click of a button -- that part is super easy for us! I believe Petstablished also would require... -posted to the "Animal Welfare Professionals" community Animal Welfare Professionals Post New Discussion Post New Discussion via Email Manage Profile Re: Petstablished input Reply to Discussion Reply to Discussion via Email Reply Privately to Author Reply Privately to Author via Email May 3, 2026 3:44 PM Melissa Martie You can export everything as a PDF with one click of a button -- that part is super easy for us! I believe Petstablished also would require reminders for each pet. It will copy profiles for litters of pups, etc. but there isn't a way (that I know of) to set "bulk" reminders. It seems daily easy to navigate the pets. It opens a new browser window when you click on the medical records and leaves a browser window open with the pet's profile information so you can toggle between both. It is easy to get fro the profile back to the list of all the pets (navigation on side and top of website). The navigation menu on the left is always available, regardless of what age you are looking ... View Discussion

You can export everything as a PDF with one click of a button -- that part is super easy for us! I believe Petstablished also would require reminders for each pet. It will copy profiles for litters of pups, etc. but there isn't a way (that I know of) to set "bulk" reminders. It seems daily easy to navigate the pets. It opens a new browser window when you click on the medical records and leaves a browser window open with the pet's profile information so you can toggle between both. It is easy to get fro the profile back to the list of all the pets (navigation on side and top of website). The navigation menu on the left is always available, regardless of what age you are looking at. ------------------------------ Melissa Martie Founder & Director Rescue330 Akron, Ohio ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks, Melissa. Just curious if it is easy to navigate. We like Pawlytics but there is no way to easily print just medical history or send it to adopters. It is also not easy to set one reminder for multiple pets, like if a group of dogs are all due for a DAHPP, you have to enter it on each one separately (which is ok) but you get separate reminders instead of just one reminder list for a specific day. Also, how easy is it to navigate between pets? For example, if you are in your list of pets and click on one to enter info, will it go back to where you left off in the list? In Pawlytics if I am entering information for "Sadie" and go back to pets, it takes me right back to page 1. Sometimes I am going through the list one by one just to make sure nothing is missing and it always takes me back to page 1. I hope that makes sense. We are just looking for a better option for us now that we are growing. Thanks! ------------------------------ Enger Dickey Co-director Emerald Coast Pet Rescue FL ------------------------------ View Discussion

Established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and its Auxiliary, National Pet Week promotes responsible pet caregiving, celebrates the bond between pets and their people, and raises public awareness about the importance of veterinary medicine. This year's event is themed "Happiness is a Healthy Pet" and runs from May 3rd to May 9th. Each day's theme focuses on various aspects of responsible pet care: Day 1: Choose well, commit for life. Day 2: Behavioral health: Good habits for happy pets. Day 3: Nutrition and exercise matter. Day 4: Love your pet? See your vet! Day 5: Travel with care. Day 6: Emergencies happen. Be prepared. Day 7: Plan for their care. Give them a lifetime of love. Follow this link to the full article for more information about National Pet Week and AVMA's resources! How will you be observing National Pet Week? ------------------------------ Kayla Anderson Veterinary Social Worker Program for Pet Health Equity ------------------------------ View Discussion

Diane, Kelly is doing exactly what needs to happen. Fifteen years of call data is gold. The fact that you're logging it at all puts you ahead of most orgs. What we do differently is track what happens after the call. Not just "someone called about X" but "we connected them to Y resource, followed up 7 days later, and the pet stayed home." Or didn't. That outcome piece is what turns call logs into evidence. Right now we're building toward a formal research study with university partners to prove that prevention interventions actually reduce shelter intake. The call data is the foundation of that. Every logged reason, every resource deployed, every follow-up outcome becomes a data point in a longitudinal study across our 7-county service area. Kelly's spreadsheet has 15 years of reasons people call. If you ever wanted to answer "what would have kept these animals out of our system," that data is the starting point. Even without a formal research design underneath it, you could pull patterns out of it tomorrow. Most common reasons by season, repeat callers, which resources actually resolved the crisis versus which ones just delayed it. The short answer to your question: we're using ours to build the published evidence base that prevention works. Because right now the field runs on gut feeling and anecdotes. The data exists to prove it. Someone just has to collect it with intention. ------------------------------ BJ Adkins Founder/Director Animal-Angels Foundation Pinson, ... View Discussion

Good morning, BJ. Once again, you are deeply thought-provoking! The person who returns all our calls and emails logs every call in a spreadsheet, what the issue was, and what recommendations (including suggestions for surrender prevention, where appropriate) she made if the cat isn't taken into OSC. Kelly has "worked the phones" as she calls it for probably 15 years with OSC and other organizations and we all feel lucky to have her. She keeps up with resources, sister organizations, and surrender prevention knowledge. We aren't 100% sure what we'll do with all that data at this time, but we keep it. Sometimes, the not-ready-now folks call back when the timing is critical, and sometimes we will be able to intake at the time. But turning that data into something reportable, we haven't made that leap yet. I'd also love to hear, if I may piggyback on your post, BJ, what your organization is doing with the data you keep? ------------------------------ Diane Metz Board of Directors, Volunteer, and Foster Mom Orange Street Cats, Inc. Albany NY ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi there Shafonda! Thanks for the introduction and I can't wait to learn more about these topics on the upcoming calls this month. I am looking forward to it! ------------------------------ Gabrielle Storment Assistant Director of Grants Troopers Chicken Rescue HI ------------------------------ View Discussion

Becki, this is great. The pre-registration and pre-printed certificates are smart. Eliminates the bottleneck at check-in and keeps the line moving. We're planning something similar with our High-Impact Clinics, but we're also looking at adding a door-to-door component. Austin's Pet Care Connect program found that partnering with churches, community centers, and HOAs in the neighborhood before the event made a real difference in turnout and trust. They didn't start that way. Their early events were standard setup, and once they started embedding with local organizations first, the numbers jumped. They're getting around 160 spay/neuter signups per event now with that approach. We want to do something similar, partnering with whoever already has trust in that neighborhood, then sending people out door-to-door ahead of the clinic date. And still allowing drive-ups for anyone who shows up day-of without pre-registration. Has anyone else done the door-to-door piece tied to a clinic event? Did partnering with local orgs ahead of time change your results, or is the juice not worth the squeeze compared to online registration and flyers? ------------------------------ BJ Adkins Founder/Director Animal-Angels Foundation Pinson, AL bjadkins@animal-angels.org animal-angelsfoundation.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Every shelter gets it. Someone calls, they're not ready to surrender yet, but they're close. Maybe it's a vet bill they can't cover, or a landlord giving them 30 days, or their kid's allergies are getting worse and the spouse is pushing. You give them a number. Maybe a website. "Try calling [local org]." And then they hang up. What happens after that call? In most cases, nobody knows. There's no follow-up. No system tracking whether they connected with help. No flag that says "this family called three weeks ago and now they're at your front counter surrendering." We started logging every single one of those calls. Not just the ones that turn into intakes. The ones where people are still holding on. And what we're finding is that most of them needed one thing. Not five resources. One specific thing, delivered fast. What does your org do with the calls that aren't surrenders yet? Curious what people are tracking, if anything. #PetSupportServices* ------------------------------ BJ Adkins Founder/Director Animal-Angels Foundation Pinson, AL bjadkins@animal-angels.org animal-angelsfoundation.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Shafonda! I'm so excited that you are co-hosting this month and look forward to the wonderful topics for the month! Tasha Haug Homeward Animal Shelter ------------------------------ Tasha Haug Homeward Animal Shelter ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Enger, What specifically are you running into on the Pawlytics medical side? Protocol scheduling, vaccine status tracking, heartworm/spay-neuter derivation? Knowing the actual gap usually narrows the field a lot - and it's useful context for the rest of us building in this space. Full disclosure: I'm with FurballRescue ( furballrescue.com ) - a newer foster-rescue platform we built with the medical workflow as a focus area: protocol templates that auto-generate scheduled events, status derived from event history, species-specific vaccines (DHLPP for dogs, FVRCP for cats, etc.). You can try the demo at demo.furballrescue.com - click Log In, then "Create an account" and you'll come in as an admin so you can poke at everything. Easiest way to tell if it's even worth a longer conversation. We're still early enough that we're bringing on a small group of founding members on very favorable (and permanent) terms - the discount is real, but what we actually need is honest feedback from rescues using it day to day. There's still some room to push the design, and we'd rather that shaping come from people who'll actually live in it. Worth a private chat if that trade sounds interesting. Otherwise, no pressure, and happy to answer specifics about how we handle anything Pawlytics is missing. ------------------------------ Dave Charlton Founder, Really Small LLC & furballrescue.com OBX, NC ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Mindy, This is one of the areas that I think is a little less clear cut. There is good evidence that growth plate closure is delayed when animals are sterilized - the question is what, if anything, does this mean for long-term outcome in dogs? I think the link between this and some of the orthopedic diseases we hear concerns about (for example, hip dysplasia, cruciate tears) is not as clear - some evidence to suggest there's an association and other evidence to suggest there may not be. A few other things we see frequently confounding this argument are sex and breed-specific risks and obesity. There is good evidence that risks are different for some breeds, male vs. females, and more generally, that obesity increases these risks. So when these factors are thrown in the mix, it gets harder to tease out any real relationships between spay-neuter and the ultimate condition of interest. I think Dr. Bushby's article here is still one of the best that clearly lays out what we do and don't know and comes up with a rational approach on balancing the pros and cons - which for sheltering organizations as well as the vast majority of privately owned pets means surgical sterilization at any age. Large breed, male dogs, that are owned house pets are the only real outlier and may warrant a slight delay in surgery until after reproductive maturity as they have a number of other factors that can predispose to orthopedic issues later in life. Sorry I don't have a direct answer to ... View Discussion

We use Petstablished. I am not familiar with Pawlytics, but if there are specific things you want to do with it, I can let you know our experience. ------------------------------ Melissa Martie Founder & Director Rescue330 Akron, Ohio ------------------------------ View Discussion

The kittens are coming, the kittens are coming and so is The Kitten Conference. Sponsored by the National Kitten Coalition and Community Cats Central, the virtual event takes place on June 6-7, 2026. More information is available at https://kittencoalition.org/event/2026-the-kitten-conference/. Early bird registration is just $50 until May 5. #Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts #EducationandTraining ------------------------------ Nancy Peterson The National Kitten Coalition ------------------------------ View Discussion

We all appreciate the leadership and support from Maddie's Fund. ------------------------------ Michael J Blackwell, DVM, MPH, FNAP Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.) Director, Program for Pet Health Equity Center for Behavioral Health Research https://pphe.utk.edu ------------------------------ View Discussion

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and the data continue to tell a sobering story. CDC estimates suggest that approximately 476,000 people may be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease each year in the United States, and projections for 2026 forecast further expansion driven by warmer temperatures extending tick activity seasons. In Michigan alone, cases nearly quadrupled between 2022 and 2025 — and the geographic range continues to widen. This isn't just a human health story. Lyme disease is a shared risk across species in the same household. Dogs can contract Lyme disease too, with symptoms including swollen joints, lameness, fever, and loss of appetite — and in some cases, serious kidney disease that can be fatal . Because people often share the same environments with their dogs, they face similar risks of tick exposure . When one family member is diagnosed, the others should be checked. This illustrates One Health: the same environment and tick threat affecting both people and pets within families. But here's the part that doesn't get enough attention: prevention and early treatment depend on access to veterinary care. Tick preventatives, vaccination where appropriate, regular screening, and prompt antibiotic treatment when needed — these are not luxuries. They are essential to protecting the entire family's health. Yet for too many pet families, the cost of veterinary care puts these basics out of reach. Every family ... View Discussion

We host two drive through clinics each year for our rural area. Spring is always much busier. We do registration online with a cut off date, type up all certificates so those are done ahead of time. We run our clinic from 10-2 on a Sunday in June and October. One vet, one tech, two of us drawing up vaccines and someone at the head of the line handing out folders for people (they pay online ahead of time). We charge $10 for DAP, FVRCP, Bordetella and 1-yr rabies and $15 for 3 yr rabies. Yeah, all animals should get an exam, but with the vet shortage in our area and people not willing to do that, at least they get vaccinated this way. We raise funds to help costs associated with this by applying for Walmart grants, other local community grants or Giving Tuesday. It's not a huge fundraiser of course, but more about prevention and helping the community protect their pets. :) ------------------------------ Becki ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Jon, Would you happen to have contact information (name and phone number) for vaccine manf. reps that you work with? Thank you ------------------------------ Nancy Ramirez Animal Rescuer (Not Registered, asterisk asked) Percy's Crew TX ------------------------------ View Discussion

Check 2HoundsDesign with the freedom harness. We're waiting on our order to arrive, but during the process we saw martingale, and also buckle martingale. ------------------------------ Tiffany Roland, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP-T, AST-D Animal Behavior Coordinator SPCA of Wake County Raleigh, NC ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello all, I'm the Behavior Coordinator at the SPCA of Wake County, and I'm searching for a template to use for daily behavior memos to go into the file that would be internal and externally viewed. We're wanting to standardize objective note taking, and I want to incorporate the ABCs of training into the template. Too many times there is a memo of a weird interaction and I have to follow back with the who's, what's, and why's of the set up that led to the interaction. Does anyone have anything like this as a starting point? #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment ------------------------------ Tiffany Roland, CPDT-KA, VSA-CDT, FFCP-T, AST-D Animal Behavior Coordinator SPCA of Wake County Raleigh, NC ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi everyone, My name is Chelsea, and I volunteer with Save Our Strays , a small, foster-based cat rescue located in Avalon, Pennsylvania. Every day, we are on the front lines of a growing problem-cats being abandoned, left behind, or born outside with no one to care for them. These aren't just numbers to us. They are the sick kittens we rush to the vet, the scared strays learning to trust again, and the overlooked cats who just need a chance. Over the past year, we've helped care for and place hundreds of cats into loving homes. Many of the cats we take in require medical treatment, spay/neuter, vaccinations, and time in foster care before they are ready for adoption. We operate entirely through volunteers and fosters, and every dollar we receive goes directly toward saving lives. Right now, we are in a very difficult position financially. The need in our community has not slowed down-but our resources are being stretched thinner than ever. We are seeing more urgent medical cases, more stray litters, and more cats needing immediate care than we can comfortably support. Every time we say yes to helping another cat, we are also taking on the responsibility of making sure we can afford their care. A grant like this would make a direct and immediate impact for us. With $3,000, we would be able to: Provide medical care for multiple cats in need, including urgent and emergency cases Fund spay/neuter surgeries to help reduce the cycle of overpopulation Cover ... View Discussion

Hi, I searched and only found one older discussion about this...does anyone use Petstablished? What are pros and cons? We currently use Pawlytics but the medical component has limitations and Petstablished looks like it will do what we want it to. Thanks for any insight. #DataandTechnology #OrganizationalManagement ------------------------------ Enger Dickey Co-director Emerald Coast Pet Rescue FL ------------------------------ View Discussion

Mental health is an essential part of overall health-for people, families, and communities. From a One Health perspective, mental well-being is interconnected with physical health, social environments, and even our relationships with animals. Yet stigma, misinformation, and unequal access to care continue to prevent many from getting the support they need. This month is an opportunity to focus on education, awareness, and action . Why it matters Mental health conditions such as Depression and Anxiety disorders are common and treatable, but many individuals delay or avoid care due to stigma or lack of reliable information. Mental health also affects workplace productivity, family stability, community safety, and physical health outcomes. From a One Health lens: Human mental health can be influenced by environmental stressors, disasters, and social inequities Animal companionship can support emotional well-being and reduce stress Veterinary and healthcare professionals themselves face elevated mental health risks, highlighting the need for systemic support across professions Reducing stigma starts with education Accurate, accessible information helps replace myths with facts and encourages informed decision-making. These evidence-based resources are a good place to start: National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth ... View Discussion

Hello! I'm exited to learn more about making a greater impact. The more we work together, the more the animals benefit! Thanks, Kallie Laity Kitty Kisses Rescue Reno ------------------------------ Kallie Laity Owner Kitty Kisses Rescue of Reno NV ------------------------------ View Discussion

Geat post, @Kaitlyn Davis - Celebrate World Immunization Week is the perfect reminder that vaccination is a cornerstone of One Health. From a One Health perspective, vaccines don't just protect individuals-they help prevent the spread of disease across people, animals, and our shared environments. As highlighted by the World Health Organization (backed by science) : What is vaccination? A safe, effective way to build protection against disease before exposure-critical for both human and animal populations. How do vaccines work? They train the immune system to recognize and fight harmful pathogens, reducing illness and limiting transmission across communities and species. Why should I get vaccinated? Vaccination protects you and helps protect others-including vulnerable people and animals-by reducing the spread of infectious diseases. When should I vaccinate? Following recommended schedules ensures timely protection. This applies to both people and pets to prevent outbreaks. What diseases do vaccines prevent? In humans: measles, flu, COVID-19, polio, and more. In animals: diseases like rabies, which is a key One Health example because it can spread between animals and humans. Who can get vaccinated? Most people and animals, with guidance from healthcare providers and veterinarians when needed. What's in a vaccine? Carefully tested ingredients that safely trigger an immune response and build ... View Discussion

Thank you Stefanie, and I love to hear it! Let me know if you have any questions :) ------------------------------ Cody Jagodzinski HEEL Dog Training ------------------------------ View Discussion

We do provide medical care funding not just for our pets in the shelter, but assist low income with funding to help keep the pets in the home instead of the shelter. ------------------------------ Robin Lydic Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan ------------------------------ View Discussion

This week the World Health Organization celebrates World Immunization Week and the theme this year is "For every generation, vaccines work" ! Vaccines are one of public health's most important accomplishments. Since 1974, vaccines have saved about 150 million lives. There are over 30 life-threatening diseases and infections that are prevented by vaccines. Unfortunately, sometimes in public health, things are so successful that people forget why they were needed in the first place. Decades ago, many people, especially children, died from illnesses that are barely around today thanks to vaccines. Some healthy people think that they don't need vaccines. Sure, if they get an infection, chances are that they will be able to fight it off without too much of a problem. But getting vaccinated is about more than just protecting yourself, it's about protecting your community as well! Some people are not able to be vaccinated-young children, those with allergies, or those with compromised immune systems. By getting vaccinated, you can help prevent diseases from passing on to them. Have you ever been driving along the mountains and seen the gaps in the trees that run up and down the mountain? Those are called firebreaks and they help to stop the spread of forest fires. If there is a fire spreading through the trees, it stops when it gets to that gap because there is no fuel to keep it going, protecting the next section of trees from catching fire. Vaccines ... View Discussion

Hello, This is a very good question and one that divides among animal welfare people. Along the same line of this question, I would like to pose another question to kind of go alone with this question. Does your organization continue to help with medical treatment and vaccinations after adoption? Thank you. ------------------------------ Chun Mezger Animal Services Officer North Richland Hills Animal Adoption & Rescue TX ------------------------------ View Discussion

Oh @Diane Beaver , I'm so sorry-you've been through an incredibly difficult experience. Losing your own dog in such a traumatic way, while also having to make the decision to euthanize a foster, is a lot to carry. That kind of layered loss-grief, shock, responsibility, and the "what ifs"-can stay with you. What you're describing is something many in animal care and fostering experience but don't always have space to talk about. It makes sense that those memories feel hard to shake. You were trying to help, to protect, to do right by both animals-and that matters. I'm really glad you're planning to join this session. Conversations like this are meant to hold space for exactly these kinds of experiences and to better support people navigating them. We're glad you're part of this community. ------------------------------ T' Fisher, Director of Operations Center for Pet Family Well-Being ------------------------------ View Discussion

@Rachel Beduhn for our Feral Fixin events (where we TNR 150 cats on a Saturday) we use corn oil. We have done this since 2005 and have never had any issues. We learned from @Julie Levy and Operation Catnip. ------------------------------ T' Fisher, Director of Operations Center for Pet Family Well-Being ------------------------------ View Discussion

Looking forward to this. Lost one of my personal dogs from a foster dog attack. Then had to put that dog down so all in all everything was horrible since Ive never had to put down a foster dog. Plus trying to save my schnauzer has left a memory that will be hard to forget ------------------------------ Diane Beaver Administrator Assistant Road Trip 4 Paws TX ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello! I am wondering what other shelters/clinics/rescues use when prepping patients for surgery for lubricating eyes that is economical or can be bought in bulk? We currently purchase individual small tubes of sterile ophthalmic lubricant and it's a bigger cost in our sx department. I saw somewhere of people using corn oil? Do any of you make your own? Thanks in advance! Rachel Beduhn Northwoods Humane Society- MN ------------------------------ Rachel Beduhn Shelter Manager Northwoods Humane Society MN ------------------------------ View Discussion

It is traumatic losing a family pet. To many of us, they are our loved ones. If you don't want to adopt or are not ready yet, volunteer with animals. It's the best therapy in the world! ------------------------------ Michele Futch President N FL Rescue Inc FL ------------------------------ View Discussion

Join Open Door Veterinary Collective's Dr. Kristin Jankowski on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30pm ET for our Live Discussion series. We're talking to leaders who are increasing access to veterinary care, covering the challenges facing our industry today, and uncovering practical ways we can be part of the solution. Each session is interactive and gives participants the chance to engage in meaningful conversation. Join us for our next session on May 6th at 7:30PM ET: The Connection Between Access to Veterinary Care and Access to the Veterinary Profession Our Guests: Valerie C. Marcano, DVM, PhD, DACPV Shadi Ireifej, DVM, DACVS Serena Nayee, DVM Check out our upcoming sessions and register here. #AccesstoCare ------------------------------ Open Door Veterinary Collective www.opendoorconsults.org ------------------------------ View Discussion

Good Morning Mary! Thank you so much for listening. Our sociability ranking is pretty straightforward. It is based off what we have seen onsite, at events, as well as in foster homes. We do take notes from a home into account as well, but we always do our own dog-dog test just to be sure. 0 - we do not have any or not enough information on this dog's sociability. 1 - They are not social, and either have shown attempts to harm or high intensity reactivity 2 - The dog is overall selective. They have shown to do okay with highly social dog, but may do best as the only dog in the home. Also, where we recommend slow introductions and using a muzzle if warranted. We also require a dog meet at the shelter. 3 - This dog is generally social and has done well in our playgroups. We generally do not have home notes regarding these animals but they have done well in structured settings. We still suggest a dog meet 4 - Another step above a 3 and this dog we have probably seen in a home with other dogs 5 - Is essentially an all star social dog, they have been in a home with other dogs and do well in playgroup. No matter the ranking (especially 2-5) we always recommend a dog meet at the shelter or go over safe introductions in the home. As well as to not rush introductions. ------------------------------ Marie Lombardo Behavior Specialist Orphans of the Storm IL ------------------------------ View Discussion

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous We order Max and Neo martingale collars of all sizes and they seem to work great for the largest and smallest of dogs. Additionally, the company occasionally sends us boxes of donated leashes and collars! View Discussion

Our organization is a small (12 kennel) open-admission, no time limit, non-profit that exceeds the live release rate of no-kill status shelters. In our adoption contract, it states that we will always our adopted animals back for any reason at any time. We actually prefer an animal be returned to us rather than having the owner re-home it themselves. When we get an animal that came from another organization, we will contact them to see if they would like to take the animal back. If they decline it for any reason, we are more than glad to care for the animal and do our best to find its forever home. ------------------------------ Brandon Evans Animal Control Officer FL ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello everyone! I am Shafonda Allen, and I'm excited to join you as the Community Conversations co‑host for the month of May. We have a powerful lineup ahead, including: ✅ Decision Making in Complex Cases ✅ Want More Impact? Think Networks, Not Organizations I'm looking forward to connecting with you, learning from your experiences, and keeping the conversation moving in ways that strengthen our field. If there are questions or topics you'd like us to explore this month, feel free to drop them here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/shafonda-allen-cawa-453a3946/ See you on the calls! - Shafonda #CommunityPartnerships* #Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice #OrganizationalManagement View Discussion

Thank you so much for this information. We very much appreciate it and applaud the work you are doing. We look forward to learning more from you and your team in the future! ------------------------------ Jordan Wehr Dubois County Humane Society ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thank you for your support! ------------------------------ Michael Steinfeld Humane Action Pennsylvania Volunteer ------------------------------ View Discussion

This sounds like an amazing resource, and I'll definitely share at our rescue! ------------------------------ Stefanie Schmidt Animal Welfare Specialist Hearts Alive Village NV ------------------------------ View Discussion

Cydney, great timing on the question. Android was submitted for production today, so it should be live very soon. I'll post an update here the moment it's available. ------------------------------ Cody Jagodzinski HEEL Dog Training ------------------------------ View Discussion

Julielani, really appreciate you adding that context because it's genuinely true and something I thought about a lot building this. You're right that the first couple weeks aren't really about training in the traditional sense. They're about the dog finding their footing and the owner not panicking and making it worse. HEEL is built around that, the early lessons are less "teach your dog to sit" and more "here's what your dog is actually doing and why, and here's how to respond without adding stress to the situation." The breed-specific piece is meant to set realistic expectations on day one, not create a rigid program. An Aussie owner who understands herding instinct on week one is in a completely different place than one who finds out six weeks later when the ankle nipping starts. Appreciate you engaging with it seriously. ------------------------------ Cody Jagodzinski HEEL Dog Training ------------------------------ View Discussion

The human-animal bond has been recognized across cultures and throughout history as a meaningful and deeply significant relationship. Today, approximately 71% of households in the United States include at least one pet, with many individuals considering their animals to be essential members of the family. These bonds also extend to working relationships, including farmers, animal care professionals, and law enforcement officers with K-9 partners. Grief is a universal human experience that follows many forms of loss-not only death, but also the loss of meaningful relationships. The loss of a pet or animal companion can result in profound grief, yet this type of loss is often misunderstood or under-supported within society. This webinar will examine the formation of the human-animal bond, common grief responses following pet loss, and distinct types of grief associated with these relationships. The session will also explore interdisciplinary collaboration among veterinary, medical, mental health, and social service professionals to support individuals experiencing pet loss. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the human–animal bond, how it is formed, and its significance Identify common grief responses following the loss of a pet or animal Define and differentiate types of grief associated with pet loss Discuss opportunities for collaboration among veterinary, medical, mental health, and social service ... View Discussion

Hi there! Love this! I was wondering when we think it will be available for Android users? ------------------------------ Cydney Swanson Volunteer Lifeline Dog Rescue WI ------------------------------ View Discussion

I would have to say there are numerous of ways for LC'S Foundation, but what has been on my heart is: Knowledge Exchange and Global Mentorship ​The mission extends beyond local borders into a global classroom. By tapping into the collective expertise of pet industry professionals,from Detroit to Accra. We can build a global mentorship pipeline. This community of practice allows us to standardize professional grooming education and animal welfare advocacy, empowering local leaders in every city to elevate the standard of care within their own neighborhoods. ------------------------------ Tonya Smith Founder LC'S Foundation Michigan ------------------------------ View Discussion

Brian, Do you have any resources that support pediatric spay/neuters in canines that offset the growth plate concerns specifically? Would love to have this on hand! Mindy ------------------------------ Mindy Whisman Executive Director Husky Education And Rescue Team, Inc. MD ------------------------------ View Discussion

This is wonderful!!! We love our spicy cats, this is very helpful! Thank you! ------------------------------ Maria Plattner Director Forest Felines MN ------------------------------ View Discussion

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous Thanks for this, Chris. We are that small foster/volunteer rescue you describe, and we do our best to take our animals back when requested and/or help find another home for them. We vet our adopters carefully but sometimes it happens. And sometimes (maybe 3 times total?) we just can't do it...and it is discouraging to hear other rescues "judge" when we are not refusing to take an animal back, we are just not necessarily able to take them back right away when it is "urgent". It's not like we wash our hands of the dog, we are just limited in our capacity. We have both been involved with other larger rescues for a long time before starting this one, so it is not like we are inexperienced. And you are right, it is complex. When you do not have the physical space for a dog, it is not humane to just cram them in somewhere. It surprises me that there are so many responses of "we always take them back" which is obviously not the case if so many places are running into this issue. I guess smaller rescues might be afraid to speak up since there is a lot of judgment. It really should be a community effort when possible. View Discussion

Upcoming Training Opportunity for Animal Welfare Professionals !! For more details, please visit: https://www.acoanh.com/neacha2026 #EducationandTraining ------------------------------ Michelle Grimes | CPDT-KA, LVT, CVT, Elite FFCP-V, FFCP-T Animal Control Officer #275 Keene Police Department Bureau of Special Services 400 Marlboro Street Keene, NH 03431 P: 603.357.9815 ------------------------------ View Discussion

I was wondering if you could share your sociability ranking (1-5) with us? Thanks for a very useful webinar. We are a small shelter and we are going to introduce our first dog-reactive dog to play group next week (muzzled). We all think he'll do well and hope it will turn his outcome around. ------------------------------ Mary Feiler Animal Behavior Specialist Color Country Animal Welfare UT ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Chris, thank you for your thoughtful and insightful response. You sound like you have been in animal rescue a very long time, and have experienced many scenarios surrounding this topic. I'm not going to disagree with your direct experience having to take back an animal into your organization (or not). It sounds like you and your team have approached each unique situation by meeting the challenges as they present themselves, and clearly working hard to come up with a solution that was in the best interest of the animal. Thank you for doing the one thing all of us should expect from each other - try. I can't speak for anyone else, so I won't, but in the past 16 years I have had to keep the animal of another rescue, including those who are friendly and with no health issues, because they would not take the animal back. But then, they would intake another from another source. In my opinion, that's the difference between what organizations like The Rescue Crew does compared to others - a flat out refusal and then onto "the next" animal. But I will also add this, I have had to take in (and pay for) the costs of another organizations animal with a medical issue because an organization didn't have the funding to properly care for that animal...pay the bill. But that is another discussion entirely. Like you pointed out, and I'm glad you did, if there are extenuating circumstances and an organization is doing everything they can, to the best of their ability, ... View Discussion

we https://canisgear.com/products/xxs-xs-xs-martingale-collars-10-packs-with-or-without-quick-release-buckle-special-order-copy?_pos=1 Canis Gear XS Extra Small Martingale Collars 10 Packs - With or Without Quick Release Buckle PLEASE NOTE: These are NOT Break-Away Style Quick Release Buckles TEN PER PACK - the price below is for 10 collars. XS Fits 7" to 10" View this on Canis Gear > ------------------------------ Vickie Grantz ED Enid SPCA Enid SPCA Enid OK ------------------------------ View Discussion

Update! Not what I expected, but I remain hopeful that in the future I will be able to share what I have learned with someone receptive. Thank you all for your time and resources, I appreciate it! I provided the resources to the person in leadership, and unfortunately she declined to read any of them or have a meaningful conversation about KMR. She told me that all the scientifically backed research I brought her was all opinions and not backed by real science. She said that her experience outweighs what I had learned. I has expressed that if it was a budget problem, I could understand that and offered to make a post requesting KMR donations to use for gruel apart from what we purchased (she declined that idea). Throughout our conversation, several other of her beliefs came up such as young kittens not eating food because they are throwing tantrums like toddlers rather than improper weaning, kittens needing to eat dry food for their teeth to break through their gums, KMR not being able to be used as a supplement despite what it says on the product label, and other things. Additionally, she told me that ASPCA and the ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters (some of the resources I had printed, highlighted and provided) do not apply to us and are only meant for sanctuaries. I also expressed my concern that we do not buy kitten food, which has been brought to her attention before. She said she had no idea that we didn't buy kitten food and would talk to other ... View Discussion

Updated 5/4/26 at 3:07 pm - Recording now available to watch on-demand! Enter here for a chance to win the May Community Conversations giveaway after watching live or on-demand. Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund. We hope to see you on the next Maddie's Community Conversation on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 11am PT / 2pm ET for "Decision Making in Complex Cases," a conversation with Namiko Ota-Noveskey, MS, CAWA from Kent County Animal Shelter. This presentation will offer experienced guidance in navigating complex cases where behavioral, medical, and welfare factors intersect, with thoughtful consideration of available capacity and resources. This session supports animal welfare professionals in carefully evaluating quality of life and, when necessary, making humane end-of-life decisions with compassion, sensitivity, and respect. Namiko will share about how to create space for collaboration, understanding, and shared purpose, helping teams find common ground and move forward with clarity and confidence during challenging moments. This session is ideal for adoptions and foster staff & volunteers, return to home & intake prevention staff, veterinary professionals, and behavior staff & volunteers - but all are welcome. 🔑 Key Takeaways: How best to approach difficult conversations and decisions as a team Examples of using the resources available for the most ... View Discussion

Hi Annie, Not to change the subject, it's still transport only it's local. Have you thought about transporting owned pets to and from spay/neuter surgery? Just a thought. I know it's not exactly the same thing. It's such a big need here and can help reduce the volume of cats/dogs over time in Philly. Thank you for all that you do! ------------------------------ aine doley ------------------------------ View Discussion

Very cool! looking forward to it. ------------------------------ Vickie Ramirez Program Manager University of Washington, One Health Clinic WA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Can't wait to see recommendations here! Our system is pretty archaic. Volunteers apply on Jotform, get added to our chameleon database, and sign up for shifts on SignupGenius. I'm currently testing out Unison as a more user-friendly alternative to signup genius, but would love to find an affordable program that does it all. ------------------------------ Anastasia Peterson Volunteer Coordinator Hayward Animal Services CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Beautifully stated, Dr. @Michael Blackwell . It's so important that we recognize and support the inextricable connection between human health and pet health. When people struggle, pets struggle - and vice versa. Thank you for your continued leadership in advancing One Health. ------------------------------ Romy Harness Director of Access to Care Initiatives Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

This looks like a helpful resource in terms of structure and accessibility, especially for adopters who are looking for immediate guidance. Anything that supports dogs staying in homes is worth exploring. One thing we've seen in our work is that the first couple of weeks post-adoption are more about the dog's current emotional state and environment. Many behaviors during this period are driven by stress, uncertainty, or adjustment. Tools like this can be a good starting point, particularly for people who feel overwhelmed and want direction. At the same time, it can help to pair structured plans with a simple behavior lens-looking at what the dog is trying to achieve or avoid in a given moment, and adjusting accordingly. Behaviors driven by functions. We've had the best outcomes when adopters are encouraged to: keep expectations low in the first 2–3 weeks focus on building routines and safety reinforce small, desirable behaviors adjust based on what the individual dog is communicating Used alongside that kind of mindset, tools like this can be supportive. Without it, there's a risk that any one-size-fits-all approach-whether based on breed or otherwise-misses what the dog actually needs in the moment. ------------------------------ Julielani Chang The Life of Kai: Compassion Connections Inc. Davis CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hey Y'all, Does anyone have a link to where you buy extra small martingale collars? I'm talking about the petite size for chihuahuas and teenie dogs. We've always bought them on Amazon or from the PetSafe website directly, but all the links I can find list that size as unavailable and it's been that way for months. We are running really low and can't find any! We really need no-slip collars because our shelter is right on the highway and the littles can get spooked easily on walks. Any leads are appreciated! #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment ------------------------------ Charlotte O'Banion Austin Humane Society ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thank you for doing the work you do! I am originally from PA, the puppy mill situation is terrible. I set up a small recurring donation, keep up the great work! ------------------------------ Jenna Ricci Volunteer Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue CO ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hi Kelly! We do not use a standardized or scaled evaluation during intake or at any point in the dog's stay. Instead, we focus on a compilation of the dog's behavior throughout their stay with us. Anything noted by staff or volunteers is entered into the dog's profile. This gives a broader picture of the dog's behavior instead of a one and done snapshot, which may change depending on the day. We do an informal "assessment" of the dog when they come in, simply for onsite handling purposes and to give the first glimpse into the dog's behavior and demeanor. For us, this includes the dog's affiliation towards people, their reaction to passing dogs on leash, their body language when being touched, their strength on leash, their behavior when approached in the kennel, their interest in food, and if they respond to any typical cues like "sit" or "down". From there, we will also add in notes on how they do in our playgroups, any concerns that came up during their intake exam, any volunteer notes, any observations from staff, and any notes from a foster or field trip if they go offsite. Of course, if there are any notes from a previous home, that is also included. All of this is used to inform adopters when they inquire about a dog. If we have concerns about a dog's safety in the community or ability to be placed in a home, we reference our placement guidelines. If the dog falls under a clause that makes them unadoptable, we explore alternative options for them: rescue, sanctuary, ... View Discussion

Hello! This is amazing information and I am very thankful I found your webinar here. We are a small shelter located in Jasper, IN and we are having an uptick in quite a few reactive dogs coming into or back into our care. Would you mind sharing if you use a scoring tool of sorts for an initial behavior assessment to determine the course of action with a reactive dog? ------------------------------ Kelly Eckerle Dubois County Humane Society ------------------------------ View Discussion

@Katheryn White That's exactly why I created my website, to help fill those gaps. If we can manage aggressive 60 lb dogs, certainly we can handle an aggressive 10 lb cat. I love that you guys have made the switch and effort towards more humane handling of cats. As for "Princess of Genovia," I have a lot of training videos on my website on how to approach cats like her and how I go about working with them so check it out! ------------------------------ Berlin Waters Vet Student University of Florida ------------------------------ View Discussion

Katheryn, this made my day, thank you! Honestly, thats exactly why HEEL was built. It's not meant to replace your trainer. It's meant to be what the adopter has in their hands on day one, so that by the time your trainer gets out there, the owner isn't starting from zero. They've already built some routine, some trust, some basic communication with their dog. That first week matters more than people realize, and right now most adopters are spending it Googling and hoping for the best. It also allows trainers to focus on more serious behavioral issues and not the basic potty, biting, barking stuff that can be a pretty simple fix. The breed-specific piece is something I'm especially proud of, because an Australian Shepherd coming into a first-time dog home needs a completely different conversation than a Basset Hound or a Pit Bull. Same adoption, totally different training reality. I'd love to get you that printable handout, it's a simple one pager with a QR code your team can slip into any adoption packet without adding a single step to your process. Shoot me an email at support@heeldogtraining.com and I'll get it over to you right away. And to anyone else reading... same offer stands. Free to recommend, free for adopters, zero friction. Happy to answer any questions here or over email! ------------------------------ Cody Jagodzinski HEEL Dog Training ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thank you for sharing this. I feel like there are way less cat behavior resources out there compared to dog behavior resources. Our shelter just switched to utilizing fear free methods and are excited to continue expanding their knowledge on the topic of cat behavior. We have a very spicy girl named "Princess of Genovia" who has several bites towards staff, volunteers and adopters, so I think this could really help our staff to better understand her and set her up for success. ------------------------------ Katheryn White Adoption Counselor/Grant Writer PAWS Shelter of Central Texas TX ------------------------------ View Discussion

This is an amazing tool! I can't wait to share this with my shelter. We have a trainer on staff who can help do follow-ups with adopters who are having behavior problems with their new pets, but since she is just one person, there is often a wait to get her out to their house. This would be an amazing resource to provide adopters in the meantime to help them get a handle on the situation and understand the characteristics of the breed they adopted. Thank you for sharing! ------------------------------ Katheryn White Adoption Counselor/Grant Writer PAWS Shelter of Central Texas TX ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks to the 122+ 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 @Maria DeLeon , CDBC, Dog Behavior Consultant, Smart Hünd @Rachel Lim , Marketing Communications Specialist, Maddie's Fund Question of the Day: What is making you laugh these days? What are you watching or listening to? National Updates From Community Cat Central: If you're looking to level up your TNR skills, we have a LIVE TNR Certification Workshop this Saturday, May 2nd from 2:00–4:45 PM ET. Led by the team at Neighborhood Cats, it's packed with practical techniques for new and experienced trappers alike. Just $10 to attend, and NACA CEU-approved! Register here. Maddie's Community Conversations Giveaway: Now you can enter for a chance to win up to $10,000! Enter here for a chance to win. Open to all who are watching live or on-demand! Be sure to enter each week you attend! You must be registered in Maddie's Pet Forum to enter. Maddie's Pet Forum Monthly Giveaway: Maddie's Fund® is giving away a $3,000 grant each month to one lucky Maddie's® Pet Forum member. You'll automatically be entered to win each month when you start a new discussion, reply to a new post. Learn more here. We would love to hear from you! Have an idea for Maddie's Community ... View Discussion

Hi everyone! Humane Action Pennsylvania (HAP) is working hard to eliminate companion animal cruelty. We've started the Ending Companion Animal Cruelty Coalition (ECCC) to help us reach our goal. Our goals are to strengthen and enforce laws that protect companion animals, hold puppy mills and unethical breeders accountable, and work with legislators to promote new laws to protect companion animals. If you'd like to join us in our goal of ending companion animal cruelty, or would like more information, you can learn more here ! #FundraisingandDevelopment ------------------------------ Michael Steinfeld Humane Action Pennsylvania Volunteer ------------------------------ View Discussion

Yes, exactly that! So much of the work we do is hindered by the space we have...if more people were willing/able to foster it would make saying 'yes' to those in need so much easier. ------------------------------ Katelynn Bernth Volunteer Coordinator Michiana Humane Society IN ------------------------------ View Discussion

We are a rescue and when an adopter signs a contract to adopt, it says that if for any reason the owner needs to surrender the animal, it has to come back to us. We currently have a 5-6 year old dog who came back when her 80 year old owner got ill and couldn't take care of the dog and her son, who signed on as her survivor, refused to take the dog. (we are only about 6-7 years old ourselves so this was one of our early puppies) In my 5 years volunteering at All Fur One, I have seen more than a few surrenders. We are committed to our animals no matter what. Isn't that what rescue is all about? Peg Schipper All Fur One Pet Rescue and Adoptions ------------------------------ Peggy Schipper All Fur One ------------------------------ View Discussion

Hello, I am just realizing newly that this page has not been updating with my posts. My apologies to everyone here. I will start sharing resources and add this to my areas to view as this was a technical error on my part (multiple communities had me slightly confused). We are hosting a few meditations coming up including this week Wednesday at 5PM PT so stay tuned for more details on that from Liza. Also, I'd love to hear what's resonating from the module? What might you want to dive into more deeply? Any reflections to share? Thanks again for being here and I look forward to continuing the conversation. ------------------------------ Jyothi Robertson ------------------------------ View Discussion

So excited to be part of this important conversation! Part of our mission at Arizona Animal Welfare League is to take a leadership role in promoting humane values for the benefit of all animals and people. I see this community-building work in East Maryvale with our community health workers (a.k.a promotoras) as critical to that mission because we're investing (in the short term) in increasing their knowledge and capacity around caring for animals and connecting promotoras and pet owners with animal welfare resources and directly providing them with vet care services. However, (long-term) I envision this work being led my community members themselves who will be able to advocate and lobby their own elected officials for more resources around things like TNR , s/x funding. dog parks, or more accessible vet services in their neighborhoods. This is what true community engagement looks like where we're moving away from simply informing and connecting them with resources to empowering them to drive lasting, impactful changes in their communities that improve the health outcomes of pets and the people who love them. That's how I see it? How do others see this work? ------------------------------ Alessandra Navidad President/CEO Arizona Animal Welfare League AZ ------------------------------ View Discussion

A response to today's reflection: Reflect on how you can leverage your community to further your mission: This one of the hardest things to get into and yet, one of the most important! Educating the community members is first and then getting them involved is 2nd. Your staff/volunteers must find ways to interact with the community. A little old school face-to-face at local fairs/festivals/events with a table is a good start. Definitely on-line access with a website and social media pages. Making the website user friendly to your audience with the info you are trying to share is a necessity. Posting regularly on your social media helps to keep your audience engaged. Posts about what your doing behind the scenes, shout out appreciation for individuals or organizations that contribute to the cause, even if it wasn't a direct donation to your own organization. And yes, sometimes, the sadder posts about losses, frustrations, needs, is important, too. But, keeping it positive helps immensely if you are hoping to keep doing what your doing long-term. When engaging with the community help them see how what your doing relates not just to the community but to the individual themselves. I would also like to say that when a member of your community reaches out, be sure to respond in a reasonable amount of time. It makes the community member feel important and it reflects that you believe the cause is important enough to respond. These are just some quick ideas. Leveraging your community ... View Discussion

Thank you, Sheila, for getting this started and thank you, everyone, for joining us today! ------------------------------ Jyothi Robertson ------------------------------ View Discussion

Thanks to our speakers, @Alessandra Navidad and Dr. @Jyothi Robertson - and everyone who joined us today! We would love to hear from you in response to today's reflection: Reflect on how you can leverage your community to further your mission. ------------------------------ Sheila Kouhkan Senior Education Specialist Maddie's Fund CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

I fully agree that we, as animal advocates and animal welfare ambassadors, should stand by our adopted animals no matter the circumstances. To not accept an adoption return is basically showing that the priority is getting an animal out of the system... and that's it. Our priority should be on paving the way for a great fit for the pet (who deserves it), creating a positive experience for the adopter (who is an animal lover who chose to adopt, thankfully), and supporting our fellow AWOs (especially shelters who are overrun and have no choice but to offer open admissions). Not accepting an adoption return says, "It's your problem now" in more ways than one. What a disappointing place to be in. Why not be the organization that supports an adopter to instead find the right fit? Regarding concerns of capacity, I completely understand the ever-shifting game of Tetris that we have to play. However, part of our responsibility of managing capacity for care is managing who left our doors and who may be coming in next. Our responsibility does not fully end when an animal leaves. ------------------------------ Regan Crisp Communications Specialist East Bay SPCA CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

We use Better Impact . We previously used Volgistics, but moved a number of years ago. Happy to connect you with someone here if you'd like to learn more. Stacey szeitlin@sdhumane.org ------------------------------ Stacey Zeitlin San Diego Humane Society San Diego CA ------------------------------ View Discussion

We use Get Connected / Galaxy Digital and it's been awesome. We used to use Volgistics but it's archaic compared to the platform we use now. Just depends on what you need and budget. https://www.galaxydigital.com/ ------------------------------ Stephanie Sokol Director of Programs & Engagement PAWS - Providing Animal Welfare Services WY ------------------------------ View Discussion