Capital Area Humane Society receives shelter award; Shelter-related conference sessions

Capital Area Humane Society receives shelter award

What a pleasure it was for several MPFA board members to present the 2014 Outstanding Limited/Managed Admission Shelter with the greatest number of adoptions to Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing . Serving the counties of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham, the shelter had 3553 adoptions and a live release rate of 90% in 2014, and have continued to improve. See the other 2014 winners here .

Collaboration is an important key to the success of the shelter. They utilize volunteers extensively, including offering a Junior Volunteer League (ages 8-17) and youth summer camp programs for ages 4-16. CAHS operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, microchipping, and vaccinations in a separate facility. They conduct obedience classes, puppy socialization, and household manners classes for the public.

CAHS helps animals from other counties too, including pulling cats and dogs from shelters such as Detroit Animal Care and Control.

To continue to p rovide this level of service and programming, CAHS has begun an expansion/renovation project. Some of the improvements will include new intake and clinical areas, renovation of the adoption area, changes to reduce noise and stress for animals, outdoor access for cats, and new anti-cruelty programs. See expansion/renovation information here.

Thank you to staff, volunteers, and local community supporters who have helped Capital Area Humane Society with their award-winning performance.

Julia Wilson (President and CEO) and CAHS staff accept the award

Just a small token of MPFA's appreciation of CAHS's life-saving mission

Shelter-related sessions at Getting to the Goal conference

Although open to everyone, shelter staff and volunteers in particular will be interested in these sessions at the 2016 Getting to the Goal conference:

Canine Play Groups - Play groups are a powerful tool for shelters to increase adoptions, provide enrichment and improve animals' quality of life. Dogs who participate in play groups are much easier to adopt! For one thing, they have better kennel presentation because they are well exercised and more satisfied. But, how do you start one and what do you need to know to make sure you do it right? When Macomb County started using play groups, they prepared for the worst but found their concerns were unfounded. They have now shared their experience with Genesee County. Lisa Rabine and Amy Warner

How to minimize shelter illness and maximize shelter health - Welcome to 21st century sheltering! There are countless decisions that are made daily within a shelter that will contribute to the animals' health and well-being. From the moment of intake to daily routine - each standard procedure can affect the animal's health. When are vaccinations given? How are cages cleaned and with what? What is the cage size and where are they placed? What is an acceptable noise level? How much enrichment should be provided daily and what should it be? What is your capacity for humane care? Learn how well you are doing or where you might find change is needed. Dr. Jeff Fortna, DVM

Meet the presenters:


Dr. Jeff Fortna

Dr. Jeff Fortna is a 2000 graduate of the veterinary school at Michigan State University. As a newly minted veterinarian, he began his career in small animal private practice. After five years in this traditional role, he branched out into other areas of meaningful veterinary work-teaching veterinary technician students and providing relief services at a municipal shelter. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a permanent position with the municipal shelter where he learned about the successes and challenges of shelter practice. Over his tenure working in shelter medicine, he has garnered a profound appreciation for the art and science that rests within this burgeoning field. Dr. Fortna has endeavored to stay at the leading edge of this new discipline by completing the Maddie's Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine. He has gone on to become one of the first graduates to receive a master's degree in shelter medicine at the University of Florida. This training has broadened his knowledge and skills in shelter medicine, veterinary forensics, and public health. His areas of professional interest include protocol development for animal shelters, disease outbreak management, public health and zoonotic diseases, and surgical proficiency in high volume caseloads. Outside of work, one will find "Dr. Jeff" marathon training, drinking coffee, or being trained by his shelter rescue dog, Beans.


Lisa Rabine and Lucas

Lisa Rabine is currently a Canine Trainer and Administrative Assistant for Macomb County Animal Control and Vice President on the Board and Lead Program Facilitator for Teacher's Pet: Dogs and Kids Learning Together. She has been with Teacher's Pet ever since she started training dogs 10 years ago and started volunteering for MCAC while running a Teacher's Pet Program at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. She volunteered for MCAC for five years before being hired three years ago and has been heavily involved in reforming the shelter under Chief Randazzo. One of the programs she implemented at MCAC is the Dogs Play For Life canine play group program. Since starting this program over a year ago, there has been a major difference in the dogs' behavior in the shelter. MCAC has shared this program with several other Michigan shelters and Lisa is very excited to keep sharing!


Amy Warner and Sully

Amy Warner has found that her BBA in Marketing and Business Management has been a valuable tool in effectively raising funds and educating the public in responsible pet ownership. Through her involvement with numerous rescues and organizations over the years, she has been instrumental in re-homing efforts and animal care and welfare. She currently is the Volunteer Coordinator for Genesee County Animal Control and is very excited about coming in at a time when the future of Animal Control is being shaped to the benefit of the public, the animals, the volunteers and the staff. Ask Amy about her travels with Sully.

The conference will be held September 15-16 at the Holiday Inn Gateway Centre Flint - Grand Blanc .

General conference information is here.

Information on topics and speakers here.