Who should attend:

Hardworking, enthusiastic change-makers whose work is centered around shelter management and administration.  Folks in leadership roles, including directors, operations staff, adoption counselors, foster and volunteer coordinators. In previous years, we’ve welcomed participants from all across the US, including parts of Canada and even Australia!

Not only are our interns geographically diverse, but their jobs and volunteer work are as well. Some come from large, open-admission, municipal shelters, while others come from smaller, private rescues, shelters, and advocacy groups. We appreciate how the diversity of their personal experiences enriches the group’s experience. Not only do participants learn from us, but they also learn from each other. And all while teaching us a thing or two, as well!

• Brainstorm leadership roundtables 

• Reducing length-of-stay

• Recognizing and removing shelter policies that are barriers to adoption

• Marketing to increase adoptions

• Volunteer and Foster Programs

• Using language to create positive framing and why words matter

• From Fear to Forward Motion in Animal Sheltering

• Office Hours Enrichment and Basic Handling Tips

• AI for more efficient sheltering

• Pet-Inclusive Housing 

• Additional Fun Activities