When
Wednesday, September 26
5 - 7 p.m. Optional Early Registration (Arcadia Foyer)
Thursday, September 27
8 -11:30 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Sessions throughout the day
4:45-5:45 p.m. Beer and Pretzels Roundtables & Raffle
Friday, September 28
8:00-9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Sessions throughout the day
5:00-5:30 p.m. Closing Charge & Grand Prize Giveaway
Where
Join staff and volunteers from animal shelters, rescue organizations, advocacy groups, policy makers, veterinarians, vet techs, educators, students and compassionate community members to learn ways to save lives in your community. Hear cutting-edge research from leading national animal welfare experts along with success stories and strategies from Michigan shelters, rescues, and advocates.
Registration for the 2-day conference includes:
* Keynote lunch presentation (Thursday) by Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian,” Fear Free
* Shelter awards presentation (Friday) recognizing shelters throughout the state
* Nine break-out sessions of your choice
* Lunch, snack and beverage breaks (vegetarian/vegan available)
* Animal CPR & First Aid (space is limited)
* OPTIONAL shelter tour of SPCA of Southwest Michigan with Kalamazoo city highlights (space is limited)
* Roundtable discussions led by speakers
* Exhibitor Showcase
* Raffle Prizes
* Access to custom event app to personalize your agenda, engage with other attendees, network with exhibitors and sponsors, and much more!
Single-day registration is available.
Michigan Certified Rescue organization members receive 15% discount.
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View agenda here.
Animal CPR and First Aid Matt Elvin, TipTopTails Dog Training (space is limited)
The Benefits of Coalition and Steering Committees Marc Peralta & Tawny Hammond, Best Friends Animal Society
Breaking the Breed Label Habit Kristen Auerbach, Pima Animal Services
The Care and Feeding of Staff and Volunteers Dr. Linda Harper
Cat Adoptions from Zero to Infinity! Monica Frenden, Austin Pets Alive!
Cat Enrichment in the Shelter: Turn Down the Stress and Turn Up the Feline Fun Pam Johnson-Bennett
Cats Scratch: Here’s How to Keep Them in Their Homes Anyway Dr. Theresa DePorter, Fear Free
The Decision to Kill for Behavior: Policy and Protocol Kristen Auerbach, Pima Animal Services
Decoding Data: Using Your Stats to Save Lives Nikki Kelley, Best Friends Animal Society
Developing Plans and Addressing Issues - MPFA Assistance Deborah Schutt and Lisa Rabine, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance
Diversion Programs: Innovative Approaches that Keep Animals Out of Shelters Jen Clarkson, Dog Aide and Kelly McLaughlin, Bark Nation
Empathy for the Fearful, Worried, or Anxious Dog Dr. Theresa Porter, Fear Free
Free Free Husbandry in the Shelter Setting Dr. Cynthia Delany, UC Davis - Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Fear Free Training in the Shelter Setting Dr. Cynthia Delany, UC Davis - Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Feral Kittens: More Than KMR Tabitha Kucera, Fear Free Certified
How Does Your Rescue Measure Up? Best Practices for Home-based Rescue Organizations Courtney Protz-Sanders, Paws for Life Rescue
How to Conduct Conversational Adoptions (Role Play Session) Katie Timber, SPCA of Southwest Michigan; Tanya Hilgendorf, Humane Society of Huron Valley
How to Powerfully and Effectively Leverage Volunteers Pat Guerrero and José Ocaño, Best Friends Animal Society
How to Reach Your Target Audience: Digital Fundraising, Email Marketing, Digital Strategy Amy Starnes, Best Friends Animal Society
How We Improved - Panel Discussion of Award Winners Moderated by Deborah Schutt, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance
Let’s Keep Community Cats in the Community Where They Belong Alice Burton, Alley Cat Allies
Litter Box Lowdown: Addressing Non-medical Litter Box Issues Pam Johnson-Bennett
Midwest Region Overview: Best Friends No Kill 2025 Goal Tawny Hammond, José Ocaño, and Marc Peralta, Best Friends Animal Society
Midwest Success Stories: Leadership from Around the Midwest states Moderated by Tawny Hammond, Best Friends Animal Society
No Cat Left Behind: How to Get Special Needs Cats Adopted Monica Frenden, Austin Pets Alive
No Kill: What Does It Mean and How Do You Message It? Tawny Hammond, Best Friends Animal Society
Progressive Animal Services as a Community Ethic José Ocaño, Best Friends Animal Society & Lee Ann Shenefiel, City of Austin Animal Services
Recruiting Fosters for the Challenging Dog Kristen Auerbach, Pima Animal Services
Starting a Successful Barn Cat Program Monica Frenden, Austin Pets Alive
Temperament Testing and Behavior Assessment: How Dated Are Your Practices? Lisa Rabine, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance
Thinking Outside the Cage: Shelter Enrichment for Cats Tabitha Kucera, Fear Free Certified
TNR FAQs ... and Answers! Moderator: Dr. Diana Newman, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance; Panelists: Jennifer German, Companion Cats; Tracy Lee, ROAR; Jody Schrader, Saved by Zade
Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) Training Dr. Diana Newman, Michigan Pet Fund Alliance
Why Fear Free Animal Shelters Aren't Just Essential - They're Inevitable Dr. Marty Becker, Fear Free
You Don’t Need to Be an Attorney to Do This! Richard Angelo, Best Friends Animal Society
2017 MPFA Outside the Box Award Winners Marie Green, Gratiot Animals in Need (G.A.I.N.); Tania Jaczkowski, Humane Society of West Michigan; Karen Kazyak, Humane Society of Livingston County; Amy Warner, Genesee County Animal Control
View full schedule and session descriptions here.
View speakers here.
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Accommodations
The discounted rate block is FULL.
Kalamazoo pet-friendly hotels are here.
Self-parking in the Radisson garage is $10 per day if not staying at the hotel or $10 per night for overnight guests staying at the hotel.
Valet is $30 per vehicle per day.
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Conference Cancellation Policy: Registration is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person, or to the scholarship fund and request a tax-deductible donation letter.
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Register Now!Prefer to mail in your registration? Print out a completed registration form and mail with a check to:
Michigan Pet Fund Alliance to 2210 Lancaster, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
OR
Contact conference@michiganpetfund.org for more information.