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  • Online Event – 7/1/25 – All Call: More Effective Customer Care – California for All Animals

    Online Event – 7/1/25 – All Call: More Effective Customer Care – California for All Animals

    Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to engage all members of our communities. Starting February 18, Partnering for Pets: A Multicultural Community of Practice, is coming to the All Call to strengthen our capacity to do just that.

    Are you passionate about increasing adoptions, foster, return to home, and keeping more pets and people together? Do you want to learn and share practical strategies for building relationships with diverse communities? This community is for you!

    July 1 Topic: More Effective Customer Care

    Don’t miss the final Multicultural Engagement Community of Practice session at the All Call! Diana Cruz-Rivas (Director and Board Secretary) and Deisy Melero (Caseworker, Disaster Relief Program) will discuss HEART L.A.’s culturally-responsive approach to customer care and interaction.

    Access Part 1 and Part 2 of Heart L.A.’s previous presentation, Housing Rights for People with Emotional Support Animals**,** and invite your client-facing team members to join the call at 12 p.m. PT on July 1.

    The All Call will provide a space for learning, sharing, and networking with colleagues dedicated to building stronger connections with all segments of their communities. You’ll hear how California shelters are advancing culturally-responsive programming and building bridges to decrease length of stay and increase positive outcomes for animals, as well as the shelter staff and community members who care for them.

    About the All Call

    The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.

    The All Call is hosted by the California for All Animals team, Nadia Oseguera-Ramón, Ivy Ruiz, and Allison Cardona. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.

    Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

  • Webinar – 7/9/25 – Quick Snips and Quality Care; HQHVSN Updates – Best Friends

    Webinar – 7/9/25 – Quick Snips and Quality Care; HQHVSN Updates – Best Friends

    In this webinar we’ll dive into updates in HQHVSN and learn to streamline operations without compromising care. Discover how to enhance patient safety, patient welfare, and staff well-being, all while maximizing your impact!

    Presented by: Dr. Erin Katribe, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine) and Melanie Lyons, LVT from the National Shelter Medicine team with Best Friends Animal Society

    WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg#/

  • Webinar – 6/18/25 – Mobilizing Foster Care: Unlocking the Power of Community-Based Support – Shelter Animals Count

    Webinar – 6/18/25 – Mobilizing Foster Care: Unlocking the Power of Community-Based Support – Shelter Animals Count

    Next Up in the Unlocking Animal Data Series: Mobilizing Foster Care: Unlocking the Power of Community-Based Support

    Wednesday, June 18th, 2025 2PM EST / 11AM PST

    Join us for a focused look at how foster programs are evolving to meet today’s challenges through innovative, community-driven strategies. We’ll highlight short-term fostering initiatives like Arizona Humane Society’s successful Dog Day Out program, showcasing the data they’re collecting, how it’s driving engagement, and the positive impact on long-stay dogs.

    With hurricane season underway, you’ll also hear from Brother Wolf Animal Rescue on how they rallied their community to foster every pet ahead of Hurricane Helene, and how they managed operations and pet tracking through the aftermath.

    This session will also include foster-related insights from SAC’s 2024 Year-End Report and Hill’s State of the Shelter Report, helping you put national trends into local action.

    This webinar will be recorded.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/unlocking-animal-data-series/

  • Webinar – 7/10/25 – Inclusion as a Solution to Animal Welfare Challenges Associated with Dog Breeding – Life of Riley at Springpoint

    Webinar – 7/10/25 – Inclusion as a Solution to Animal Welfare Challenges Associated with Dog Breeding – Life of Riley at Springpoint

    LoR’s efforts to eliminate inhumane practices in dog breeding (“puppy mill” practices) connect deeply to our goal of emptying animal shelters and ensuring all dogs find a home. A multitude of solutions are required to achieve these interconnected goals. In this webinar, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) will show how increased inclusivity in the adoption process can open new homes for shelter dogs and reduce intentional dog breeding.

    Speakers:
    Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE)

    • James Evans, Founder & CEO
    • Sloane Hawes, Chief of Research & Development
    • Celeste Morales, Senior Director of Research & Development

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://lor.dog/webinars/

  • Online Event – 6/24/25 – MCVMA’s Community Connections: DEI is dying, but was it ever enough? – MCVMA

    Online Event – 6/24/25 – MCVMA’s Community Connections: DEI is dying, but was it ever enough? – MCVMA

    Join us for a conversation centering on higher education pivoting away from “DEI” language and official programming and how to stay resilient in this changing world. We’ll also discuss DEI in institutions — was it ever really there?

    Please note: registration is capped at 20 participants. Registration will close 1 hour before the start time. If you’d like to be added to the waiting list, email us at info@mcvma.org.

    All attendees must accept the Group Participation Requirements:
    1. This group is intended to support BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) in the veterinary field, their allies, and those looking to become allies. Veterinary professionals (vets, techs, assistants, practice managers/owners, researchers, inspectors, etc.) and students are welcome.

    2. Be Respectful and Courteous
    We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but respect is required.

    3. No Hate Speech or Bullying
    Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things like race, ethnicity, religion, culture, age, weight, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.

    4. No Commercial Advertising, Spam, Irrelevant Comments

    5. Respect Everyone’s Privacy
    No space is truly “safe” but we aim to make this space “safer” and welcoming. Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. Participants may share as little or as much as they’d like, and we advise all to assess the benefits and risks of their participation. We ask that all participants keep discussions and stories shared in the group confidential.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/j4Y4o_xzQPGv-gfHCwIWdA#/registration

  • Webinar – 7/29/25 – What’s Working – and What’s Next: Strategic Funding for Free-Roaming Cat Impact – United Spay Alliance

    Webinar – 7/29/25 – What’s Working – and What’s Next: Strategic Funding for Free-Roaming Cat Impact – United Spay Alliance

    Across the country, dedicated funders and organizations have invested significant time and resources in spay/neuter, TNR, and colony care to improve the lives of free-roaming cats. But after years of hard work, it’s time to ask: Are we making the most of our efforts? Are today’s strategies achieving the scale of impact we need – or is there a better way to help even more cats?

    Join us on Tuesday, July 29 for a live webinar with the authors of the new report, Free-Roaming Cat Management: A Funder’s Guide to Better Impact, commissioned by the Summerlee Foundation. This timely report takes a step back to assess where we’ve been, what’s working, and how we can align our resources for even greater results.

    Learn what the research tells us, explore key recommendations, and consider how the animal welfare field can move forward – together – with renewed clarity and purpose.

    Bring your questions and join the conversation about where we go from here. Read the full report at TheCatReport.org

    THIS SESSION WILL BE RECORDED.

    Speakers:

    John D. Boone, Ph.D. – Wildlife biologist with the Great Basin Bird Observatory in Reno NV, specializing in the conservation and ecology of western birds. He has served as board chair of the SPCA of Northern Nevada for most of the past 24 years and has been a board member of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs since 2010. John has consulted on nearly 100 projects across the globe focused on the humane management of free roaming dogs and cats.

    Stacy LeBaron – A leading voice in community cat management with over 30 years of experience in animal welfare. She is the founder of the Community Cats Podcast and co-creator of the Community Cats Program Management Certificate course at the University of the Pacific. Stacy also co-owns the Community Cat Clinic in Georgia and serves as treasurer and director of strategy for United Spay Alliance. Her work focuses on empowering grassroots efforts and designing sustainable, data-driven programs to reduce cat overpopulation.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/webinar-whats-working-and-whats-next-strategic-funding-for-free-roaming-cat-impact/

  • Online Event – Monthly – Journey You Own Meditation Gathering – JYO

    Online Event – Monthly – Journey You Own Meditation Gathering – JYO

    Create a shared, supportive space to explore grounding practices.

    The guided meditations happen every month and typically run 30-45 minutes. All are welcome to these very low-key sessions, with videos on or off, whatever feels most comfortable to you. No speaking is necessary unless you’d like to share at the end of the session.

    Attendees register once and can attend any of the monthly meditation dates. Don’t forget to add the dates to your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on any sessions.

    About the Host

    Jyothi Robertson is a student of meditation practice for 40+ years and trauma-sensitive grounding practices formally for the past three years. She was raised by parents who practice meditation and lead spiritual teachings for members of their Indian community. She began pursuing her own formal exploration of spirituality as an anthropology major at Princeton University and conducted fieldwork for her thesis while living at an ashram (spiritual center) in India in 1996. As a veterinarian, she is interested in highlighting the spiritual connection between all living beings.

    Jyothi has completed certifications in trauma-sensitive mindfulness, advanced trauma-sensitive meditation, deep listening, DEI, and since 2019, has been receiving training in Buddhist meditation practices and philosophy. As a student learning meditation, she is interested in exploring these practices with others in community.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://jyo.world/meditation-gathering/

  • Hybrid Conference – 6/17/25 to 6/18/25 – 2025 Veterinary Behavior Symposium – ACVB (fee applies)

    Hybrid Conference – 6/17/25 to 6/18/25 – 2025 Veterinary Behavior Symposium – ACVB (fee applies)

    2025 Veterinary Behavior Symposium
    June 17-18
    The Ice House | Louisville, KY

    Brought to you by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the Veterinary Behavior Symposium gathers the brightest minds in the field of veterinary behavior. The two-day symposium is a chance to connect with other like-minded professionals and create a community. Come curious. Leave excited and inspired!

    Virtual Registration Closes June 16

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.dacvb.org/page/2025VBSandForum

  • Online Event – 7/15/25 to 7/17/25 – The Leadership Summit – The AAWA

    Online Event – 7/15/25 to 7/17/25 – The Leadership Summit – The AAWA

    Does your organization have a culture of learning and growth?

    The Leadership Summit is a can’t-miss virtual professional development event for animal welfare leaders who want to boost their own skills and inspire their team members to flourish. Each day features a keynote, followed by a roundtable discussion, and then small group conversations.

    1pm – 2:30 pm ET, daily, Tuesday, July 15 – Thursday, July 17

    Daily Topic & Keynote Speaker
    July 15 – Self-Care and Peer Support for Leaders | Jessica Dolce
    July 16 – Building Trust in Animal Welfare | Jasmin Robinson & Maria Morukian
    July 17 – Strategic Thinking and Balancing Priorities | Dorie Clark

    WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/leadership-summit

  • Webinar – 6/24/25 – The Legal Building Blocks of California’s RVT Profession – CVMA and SF SPCA

    Webinar – 6/24/25 – The Legal Building Blocks of California’s RVT Profession – CVMA and SF SPCA

    Join the San Francisco SPCA and CVMA (California Veterinary Medical Association) for an exclusive webinar designed for veterinarians, RVTs, veterinary assistants, and shelter professionals who want to better understand the laws shaping the RVT role in California. Grant Miller, DVM, Director of Regulatory Affairs for CVMA, and Bruce Wagman, SF SPCA’s Keith C. Wetmore Shelter Policy and Legal Services Special Counsel, will dive into the laws and minimum standards that define the RVT scope of practice in California.

    Tuesday, June 24th, 2025
    Noon – 2:00 PM

    You’ll gain practical insights into:

    • Tasks that RVTs can legally perform
    • Best practices for supervision and delegation
    • Optimizing RVT training and clinical integration
    • Building trust and collaboration and efficiency among veterinary teams

    This course has been RACE approved for 2 hours of live-interactive continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

    This course will be available on-demand for self-guided/ non-interactive CE credit after June 30th.

    SF SPCA’s advocacy work is made possible in part by the generous support of the Barbara Wolfe Advocacy Fund.

    REGISTER TODAY