How do we reduce relinquishment to animal shelters? In the U.S. and Canada, approximately 25-30% of animals that enter shelters are surrendered by owners. However, despite many shelters and rescues providing various pet support services for the past few decades, there has been little demonstrable reduction in owner surrendered animals. Currently, many animal shelters use… Learn More
From animal behavior and foster care to intake diversion and more, these webcasts over the next four weeks have you covered! Mark your calendars for the dates below, and be sure to bookmark the events page on Maddie’s® Pet Forum to stay up to date on all events animal well-being (welfare) related. Upcoming webcasts: *New recurring… Learn More
The Open Arms Challenge begins next month on April 1st! Whether you’re participating in the Challenge or not (registration has closed) we’re highlighting a few resources that will help make adoptions more welcoming and inclusive for your community. Adopters Welcome: The Mind-Body Connection by Humane Society of the United States is an informative blog post… Learn More
Is short-term foster care beneficial for shelter pets? While previous research has focused on dogs’ wellbeing during sleepovers and field trips outside the shelter, the recent findings, part of the Arizona State University/Virginia Tech Maddie’s® Nationwide Fostering Study, provide insight into the effect these outings have on dogs’ adoption rates. Here are five important takeaways from… Learn More
Maddie’s Fund® is a proud sponsor of My Dog Is My Home’s Co-Sheltering Conference 2024: Together We Thrive. Taking place virtually from March 26-28, this year’s conference aims to create a space where advocates, providers, policy makers, and people with lived experience can work hand in hand to redefine the landscape of care and transform… Learn More
In honor of the Open Arms Challenge and their belief in its mission, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) would like to offer all applicants the opportunity to take the REDI Bronze course for $25 a person. This applies to anyone in your organization! The course is available to you after your Open… Learn More
Has your animal organization ever dealt with difficult to place dogs? Do you want to learn key factors to ensure the behavioral well-being of them while searching for a suitable home? Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition featured speaker, Michael Shikashio, has you covered! We’re thrilled to share that Shikashio will cover these topics and more in… Learn More
During the 2023 Open Arms Challenge, Grand Prize winner Harris County Pets of Houston, TX, (HCP) did its very best to ensure the practices and services offered were easily accessible and did not exclude anyone. Equipped with information from Community Conversations and Maddie’s® Pet Forum, they were able to make a number of changes that… Learn More
The remarkable efforts of five individuals in the animal well-being (welfare) space were each recognized with a Maddie Holiday Hero Award in December. Five organizations each received a $5,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund in honor of these individuals. Maddie’s Fund®, is a national family foundation established by Dave and Cheryl Duffield to revolutionize the status… Learn More
Join us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and inclusive practices. Maddie’s Fund® is partnering with 24 national organizations to encourage animal shelters, foster-based organizations and public charities to pilot new approaches that welcome your entire community during the month of April.… Learn More