IFHS Iowans for Animal Welfare Conference 

People from all over Iowa involved in animal protection will be gathering at the 8th annual Iowa Federation of Humane Societies (IFHS) Iowans for Animal Welfare conference on October 20 and 21 in Des Moines. Please join us!

The conference begins the afternoon of Friday, October 20 with a welcome session featuring information about a new grant program being launched by IFHS, especially targeted at small shelters and rescues. This year’s conference has a focus on cats, which are often over-looked but pose some of the biggest challenges in sheltering work.  The afternoon workshop is a presentation on community cats by Alley Cat Allies, one of the nation’s foremost advocates for community cats and TNR programs. Following the afternoon session, join us for a networking social to meet friends and make new connections, followed by our keynote speaker Alice Burton, Associate Director, Animal Shelter and Animal Control Engagement for Alley Cat Allies.  Ms. Burton will describe Alley Cat Allies’ work in communities to champion low-cost spay and neuter policies and programs, as well as life-saving Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR).

Saturday features two tracks of presentations on a range of topics designed to have something of interest for everyone.  Presentations include low/no fee cat adoptions, caring for orphaned kittens, quick and easy fundraiser ideas, how to stand up a disaster response team for your community, an overview of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s new, dedicated “Clowder House” for cats, and more.

Registration is only $20 for IFHS members ($40 for non-members) through September 20, $25 ($50 for non-members) after September 20.  IFHS membership includes 50% off a conference registration for individual members, organizational members receive 50% off two registrations.  We also offer a discounted student registration.