This session explored the unique needs, vulnerabilities, and care considerations for senior dogs entering shelter environments, including intake protocols, environment design, behavioral considerations, quality-of-life monitoring, senior-to-senior adoption programs, and medical/behavioral intersections.
This session focused on practical, welfare-driven strategies for understanding and supporting high-arousal dogs in shelter environments. Laurie and guest speaker Aditi (Director of Behavior & Training at Gigi’s Shelter for Dogs) explored how stress, adolescent development, and limited early socialization contribute to heightened arousal, and what shelter teams can do to help these dogs succeed.
This is your chance to learn low-cost, high-impact strategies that can transform the way your shelter approaches enrichment.
Mik Moeller, Enrichment Innovator and Manager of Arizona Humane Society, is bringing game-changing insights on:
Creating an effective enrichment schedule that keeps animals engaged
Themed enrichment activities that make every day exciting
Getting volunteers involved to enhance your program’s success
Gaining buy-in from staff and leadership for long-term impact
Topics Covered:
Setting up cat kennels for the best welfare
Handling spicy, bold, or reactive cats
Supporting fearful or undersocialized kitties
The Benefits and Challenges of Playgroup Programs: What you need to know to start or enhance your program.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Tools to track and analyze the impact of playgroups on shelter operations.
The Playgroup-Adoption Connection: How playgroups increase adoptability and foster positive outcomes.
Featuring Tom Candy of Simplifying Shelter Behavior