Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

Shelter Animals Count Presents: The rate of animals that are entering animal sheltering organizations spayed or neutered at intake are falling—and the impact of that is compounding. Join Shelter Animals Count as we unveil findings from our new Altered Status Report, a five-year national analysis of spay/neuter trends in shelter populations based on exclusive animal-level data from over 260 organizations. Special guest Dr. Julie Levy will present insights from her latest study, The Post-Pandemic Pet Sterilization Gap, providing critical context on how the pandemic exacerbated surgical shortfalls—and what we can do now to catch up.

NACA/Justice Clearinghouse Presents: In this session, Pasco County Animal Services Assistant Director Spencer Conover will provide real-life challenges the organization was facing as well as tangible tools, tactics, and resources shelters can use to help lower length of stay, better optimize budgets, and increase the save rate in their organization without additional funding or staff. This interactive and engaging presentation will focus on streamlining intake procedures, recruiting and retaining rescue partnerships, fast-tracking animals through your shelter, prioritizing budget areas that will have the largest impact on your saving rate, and bringing the team together to focus on a common goal.

Life of Riley at Spring Point Presents: Explore the USDA APHIS Inspection Report database on licensed dog breeder compliance—its scope, strengths, and limitations—and learn how to effectively navigate and analyze this valuable public data. We’ll share how we leverage this public data to uncover patterns and demonstrate an AI powered app to enhance understanding and promote animal welfare compliance.

CalAnimals Presents: When a disaster breaks out in your county, animal services is the lead agency responsible for the evacuation, sheltering, and care of the animals that are affected. And in some instances, animal care includes addressing injuries associated with the disaster, as well as illnesses that can arise from stress, diet changes, and other factors during emergency sheltering. We will discuss your role as the veterinarian, some key things to consider, resources to help you manage through it all, and how to request help when you need it.

Best Friends Presents: Are behavior medications appropriate to use in the shelter? If so, how do we use them and what medications do we choose? This session will dispel myths about medication use, review go-to medications, and provide example frameworks you can use in your organization.

HASS Presents: In many communities, animal services rise and fall with the priorities of local government—and if you’re not part of the conversation, you’re likely missing out on funding, partnerships, and critical support. Whether you’re operating under a city contract, connected to law enforcement, or simply the only game in town for animal welfare, knowing how to work with your local leaders is key. Join Mike Wheeler, Director of Cabot Animal Support Services, on August 14 at 1 p.m. CST, as he shares his straightforward, proven approach to building relationships with decision makers—and how you can do it, too.

BestyBnB Presents: This presentation will give an overview of the special bond trauma survivors share with their pets and the unique challenges they may face when seeking services, tips for pet advocacy that you can provide to your community, and how BestyBnB helps to bridge the gap between animal welfare and social services.

Shelter Animals Count Presents: Join us for a data-packed session featuring the latest data from Shelter Animals Count, highlights from Hill’s 2025 State of the Shelter Report, and new animal-level data insights and survey analysis from the year.

CalAnimals Presents: Join us for a live webinar led by Kristen Hassen of Outcomes Consulting Group, designed specifically for animal shelter professionals. This interactive, fast-paced session will teach you how to easily integrate AI into operations to save time, streamline processes, and improve outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to expand your AI toolkit, this session will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to help your team work smarter and save more lives.

FDSA Presents (fee applies): What does “arousal” have to do with aggressive behaviors in dogs? In some cases, arousal can be the catalyst for an intense, aggressive response, and can be directed at something a dog may not even be focused on. We may also see cases where a dog in a highly aroused state “spills over” into aggressive behavior. Mike will first define this often-controversial topic and discuss why it is crucial to consider arousal as a factor in aggression cases. Prevention, management, and behavior change strategies will be highlighted!

Best Friends Presents: Learn how medical and behavioral data can be transformed into powerful tools to prevent disease, improve welfare, reduce length of stay, and guide evidence-based decisions. Discover practical strategies to turn numbers into impact — and data into lives saved.