Animal Care Expo Online bonus sessions
Even if you've viewed all the Animal Care Expo Online sessions there is still reason to come back - we've added three new bonus sessions. All Expo content is available through November 1.
New session: Affordable housing and eviction crisis: responding to the disaster of poverty
Affordable housing shortages existed for renters in every state in the country before the pandemic. Now millions of renters are estimated to be at risk of eviction in the coming months due to exacerbated challenges from COVID-19. Hear from leaders across the country on how to implement housing and eviction support programs, and learn how you can assist your community with advocacy surrounding rental assistance, support services that keep pets with their families, and temporary foster efforts.
Speakers: Kim Alboum, former Director Shelter Outreach and Policy Engagement, The Humane Society of the United States; Amanda Arrington, Senior Director Pets for Life, The Humane Society of the United States; Gabrielle Chapman, Senior Analyst Social Justice, The Humane Society of the United States; Sloane Hawes, MSW, Research Associate, Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver; Lauren Loney, Texas State Director, The Humane Society of the United States; Cole Thaler, Co-Director, Safe and Stable Homes Project, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation
This new session can be viewed in the Animal Care Expo Online breakout rooms.
New session: Adopters Welcome in 2020
HSUS’ Adopters Welcome program was launched over 6 six years ago with a goal to place more adoptable animals into homes by removing common barriers to adoption. Many organizations embraced their communities and watched as more animals transitioned to loving homes. In this discussion, we’ll review the tenets of Adopters Welcome and discuss how new and hidden barriers have prevented animal shelters and rescues from reaching everyone in their community. With a critical eye and open dialogue we’ll discuss how organizations are working to build a more inclusive culture for all.
Speakers: Mandy Evans, Executive Director, Panhandle Animal Shelter; Danielle Harris, Shelter Manager, Pima Animal Care Center; Lindsay Hamrick, Director, Public Policy Companion Animals, The Humane Society of the United States
This new session can be viewed in the Animal Care Expo Online breakout rooms.
New session: Radical return-to-owner: Innovative programming to keep families together
While adoption rates have improved substantially in recent years, nationwide there has been minimal improvement in return-to-owner statistics. Shelters will always be necessary safe havens for pets who truly do not have a home, but inflexible policies and expensive fees still leave too many animals branded as “homeless” even when they have an owner. Hear from shelter leaders about how they are using innovative strategies to drive positive outcomes and reunite pets with the people who love them.
Speakers: Amanda Arrington, Senior Director Pets for Life, The Humane Society of the United States; Mandy Evans, Executive Director, Panhandle Animal Shelter; Chris Fitzgerald, Director of Animal Services, City of Rochester; Gina Knepp, National Shelter Engagement Director, Michelson Found Animals; Jorge Ortega, Animal Services Director, Guilford County Animal Shelter
