For families facing housing insecurity, domestic violence or financial hardship, “no pets allowed” policies can force the heartbreaking decision to part with beloved companions. This challenge not only impacts families but also places additional strain on animal well-being organizations through increased shelter intakes and resource demands. Co-sheltering is defined by My Dog Is My Home as the… Learn More

Maddie’s Fund® is proud to introduce Learning Paths, hosted on Maddie’s® University. Each path contains content that covers a single topic so you can discover what you need and get on with your day. Learning Paths are collections with thoughtfully self-paced courses and resources on dog and cat behavior, body language, training, shelter care, program… Learn More

Shelters and rescue groups have shown great resilience, finding innovative ways to save animals despite major challenges. However, many workers face burnout and compassion fatigue, leading some to leave the field. In 2023, Best Friends conducted the largest U.S. survey on shelter staff well-being. Nearly half of respondents reported high compassion satisfaction, and most plan… Learn More

This post originally ran in 2023. Lowering barriers is a key element to attracting and keeping foster caregivers. Kelly Duer, Senior Community Solutions Specialist, here at Maddie’s Fund® spoke with Becky Costner, Executive Director of Let Love Live, a foster-based rescue organization in Wadena, Minnesota, to ask her about their low-barrier foster program. Using a… Learn More

Kitten Season is coming soon, and so is help! Prepare for the kittens with expert guidance from leaders in the field. Join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9AM PT/12PM ET to 1PM PT/4PM ET, for Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition. ​This free, half-day session​ is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge… Learn More

As Maddie’s Fund®‘s 30th anniversary celebration continues, to talk about supporting people and pets in your communities. Community sheltering focuses on extending care and resources beyond the shelter to keep pets and people together. The more we help people—especially those facing housing insecurity, financial hardship, or crisis—the fewer animals end up in shelters. Pop over… Learn More

Maddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 12PM PT/3PM ET for “Can Trauma-Informed Care Support Behavior Modification Efforts for Dogs?” Claire Corridan, BVMSPhD, MRCVS will present. This talk explores the aspects of Trauma-Informed Care for… Learn More

You probably have seen recent news about cats infected by H5N1 avian influenza virus. Join us on Tuesday, February 11 at 12PM PT/3PM ET for the webcast, “How Much Do You Know About Bird Flu?” hosted by Drs. Cynda Crawford and Julie Levy. Can this virus spread from cat-to-cat? Can cats spread infection to people?… Learn More

Learning about shelter and rescue organizations’ programs can help us improve how we function, so Maddie’s Fund® is looking to collect information on foster programs across the United States in this short survey. By completing it, your organization could win one of ten $500 grants. The survey closes on February 26, 2025. The survey will… Learn More

Prepare for Kitten Season with expert guidance from leaders in the field! Join us on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9AM PT/12PM ET to 1PM PT/4PM ET, for Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition. ​This free, half-day session​ is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of the upcoming kitten season,… Learn More