2025
CONFERENCE
AGENDA

Monday

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

REGISTRATION OPENS and BREAKFAST
Register at the entrance to the BAYLY BALLROOM. Pick up your name tag and swag!

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Bayly Ballroom
SPONSOR BOOTHS OPEN AND SCAVENGER HUNT BEGINS
Visit the sponsor booths located in the Bayly Ballroom, participate in the scavenger hunt and win a prize!

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Bayly Ballroom
OPENING REMARKS FROM ASPO CHAIR, LISA VEIT

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

Bayly Ballroom

Day One Keynote Speaker: Corey Atkinson - Values Culture Inc.

CONNECTING ACROSS GENERATIONS

This session explores strategies for fostering intergenerational understanding and collaboration within organizations. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a values-based culture that recognizes and honours everyone’s contributions. Through actionable insights and inclusive approaches, participants will learn how to bridge generational divides and create a thriving, cohesive workplace. Learn practical strategies to bridge generational differences and build understanding across age groups and identify techniques to leverage each generation’s strengths to advance the shared mission of animal and community well-being.

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK - NETWORKING AND SPONSOR BOOTHS

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

(Concurrent Session)

Bayly Ballroom
Peter Freeman - Freeman by Design Corporation
LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE
Animal rescue workers never know what the day will bring, front line staff constantly face urgent and often challenging cases. Dogs are big part of this. So what can you do to be more effective on the job? In this session, attendees will learn about time tested techniques and key pieces of equipment to have on hand to deal with common situations encountered on the job, and especially regarding canines. Topics will include developing worker confidence, knowledge, and safety, as well as having the right tool kit for situations. Animal handling workers can immediately put to practice take away techniques, that could help reduce stress, increase safety and efficiency.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
(Concurrent Session)

Harwood Room
Dr. Sarah Silcox, DVM - Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine
CANNABIS & CRITTERS PART 1: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE BEHIND VETERINARY CANNABINOID MEDICINE

Curious about cannabis for animals? This session explores the history, science, and safety of cannabinoid medicine in veterinary care, with an eye toward its potential role in shelter medicine. We’ll break down the endocannabinoid system, highlight what the research tells us (and what it doesn’t), and introduce the major plant compounds involved. You’ll leave with a basic foundation in the biology behind this evolving field, plus a critical understanding of risks and interactions to consider in any setting.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
LUNCH AND NETWORKING IN THE BAYLY BALLROOM - SPONSOR BOOTHS OPEN
Remember to complete the scavenger hunt at the booths!

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
(Concurrent Session)

Bayly Ballroom

Dr. Heather McClinchey, DVM - Ontario Ministry of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health

This session is a discussion about the species at risk for avian influenza, H5Nx, with particular focus on mammals. We will discuss zoonotic transmission modes from various species and what you can do to protect yourself from getting sick, with particular focus on shelter environments. Learn who to call if you suspect you have an avian influenza case and understand the role of local public health units.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

(Concurrent Session)

Harwood Room

Dr. Sarah Silcox, DVM - Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine

CANNABIS AND CRITTERS PART 2: FROM PROMISE TO PRACTICE IN SHELTER MEDICINE

Cannabinoid therapy shows promise for addressing chronic conditions in shelter animals, but implementation can come with its own hoops and hurdles to navigate. This session dives into the legal landscape, regulatory boundaries, and ethical considerations unique to shelters - where consent, product choice, and patient monitoring can be more complex. We'll highlight real-world case scenarios, explore product and dosing variations, and discuss how to safely navigate drug interactions. Whether you're cautious or curious, you'll leave with a grounded understanding of how cannabis may fit into
compassionate shelter care.

1:35 PM - 2:30 PM

Bayly Ballroom

Janet Cutler - Landmark Behaviour

DEALING WITH DANGEROUS AND DIFFICULT DOGS IN SHELTERS

Many dogs in shelters present with serious behaviour challenges, including aggression and extreme fear and anxiety. These issues complicate daily care, create staff safety concerns, and impact the dogs’ welfare and long-term outcome. This session will focus on practical strategies for managing high-risk dogs in shelter environments as well as behaviour modification and training techniques that are realistic for busy staff. We will also examine frameworks for making difficult outcome decisions, balancing available resources, safety, and quality of life.

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK - NETWORKING AND SPONSOR BOOTHS

2:45 PM - 3:45 PM

Bayly Ballroom

Jackie Rose, DocuPet
A CULTURE OF RETURN TO HOME: WHAT IS IT AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

This workshop is designed to encourage animal control/welfare organizations to embrace a proactive approach to helping lost pets reunite with their families. While most agencies provide Return-to-Home (RTH) services, many agencies have not formally designed policies or practices geared towards creative and comprehensive RTH strategies. Although RTH has always been an important service, it is even more important today, considering national shelter capacity demands and increased need for pet retention programming. In this session, participants will learn RTH terminology, national RTH statistics, benefits of a RTH program focus and the key components to developing a culture of RTH.

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
Bayly Ballroom

Corey Atkinson - Values Culture Inc.
COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS: BUILDING TRUST WITH TACT

In animal shelters, high-stress environments can make difficult conversations feel even more challenging - but they are critical to building a strong team. This session will focus on why addressing issues directly (rather than avoiding them) strengthens
relationships, trust, and team resilience. Participants will learn practical frameworks to address conflict early and navigate difficult conversations with clarity and confidence, gain strategies to strengthen team trust and resilience by fostering open and honest communication, and develop skills to approach tough conversations with compassion, transforming challenging
moments into opportunities for growth and connection.

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

DAY ONE WRAP UP and PRIZE DRAW

5:30 - 6:30 PM

Hotel Lobby

DOG BINGO

Not staying over but have nothing to do until the social? Stop by the hotel lobby for some networking and a friendly game of Dog Breed BINGO

7:00 PM

EVENING SOCIAL (included in your registration fee!)

JOIN US FOR PINTS, PADDLES & BULLSEYES AT ARCHERS BATTLEFIELD

Unwind after a day of sessions with an evening of delicious bites, refreshing cocktails, and friendly competition. Whether you're serving up aces at the ping pong tables, dodging arrows in archery tag or just catching up with friends, it's your chance to connect, play, and let loose. Come hungry, leave with new friends (and maybe a few bragging rights)!

Location: Archers Battlefield (1735 Bayly St. Unit 16, Pickering)

Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm.

A chartered bus will pick us up at 6:30 from the hotel and drive us back at the end of the night.

MANY THANKS TO PET VALU FOR SPONSORING THE EVENING MEAL AND TO DOCUPET FOR SPONSORING THE EVENING SOCIAL!

Click Here To Register!

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
REGISTRATION OPENS outside Bayly Ballroom

If this is your first day of the conference, don't forget to pick up your name tag and swag!

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Bayly Ballroom

BREAKFAST AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

and

SPONSOR BOOTHS OPEN
Bayly Ballroom

Visit the sponsor booths, participate in the scavenger hunt and win a prize!

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Bayly Ballroom

OPENING REMARKS FROM ASPO CHAIR, LISA VEIT

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Bayly Ballroom

Day 2 Keynote Speaker, Angie Arora, MSW, RSW

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT IN SHELTER MEDICINE

How many times do you come home completely depleted after a shift? How many times does this day become weeks, and these weeks become months? What if we could begin to interrupt this pattern? While some of the complex factors that contribute to energy depletion such as workloads and staff shortages may be challenging to change, one’s perception may become that everything is out of our control when this is not the case. This session will focus on things within our control from an energy management perspective, focusing on micro-practices to replenish mental, emotional, and physical energy throughout one’s shift. Micro practices are a powerful way to reframe our understanding of self-care as something that needs to wait until we’re done work, to integrating small ‘resets’ throughout our day.

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK - NETWORKING AND SPONSOR BOOTHS

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
(Concurrent Session)
Bayly Ballroom - PANEL DISCUSSION TOPIC: RABIES VIRUS

Dr. Maureen Anderson, DVM - Ontario Ministry of Food and Agribusiness

UPDATE ON DOMESTIC ANIMAL RABIES RISK AND RESPONSE IN ONTARIO

Domestic animals can be both victims of rabies infection, and bridges between our wildlife rabies reservoirs and people. Shelter animals can also be at increased risk if they may have originated from high risk regions for different rabies virus variants. Animal control staff and veterinary professionals play a key role on the front lines in terms of identifying and increasing awareness of high risk scenarios at the human-animal-wildlife interface. This presentation will provide a review of current domestic animal rabies risk and response in Ontario, including the role of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).

Tamara Gillen, RVT - OAVT Public Health Rabies Response Program

INTRODUCTION TO THE OAVT PUBLIC HEALTH RABIES RESPONSE PROGRAM

The OAVT Public Health Rabies Response Program (RRP) is a program managed and coordinated by OAVT
RRP staff in joint partnership with the Ministry of Health. This session will provide an overview of who we
are and what we do, how to join the RRP program, the types of collections performed and locations
serviced, as well as tips on managing animals both before and after sample collection.

Anne McCarthy - Ministry of Natural Resources

RABIES IN ONTARIO

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for managing and controlling rabies in terrestrial (non-bat) wildlife in Ontario. Each year MNR conducts rabies surveillance and control operations, research, and outreach education to help keep people, pets and wildlife safe from this deadly disease. There has been a significant reduction in cases since the recent outbreaks began in 2015, however it’s important to remain vigilant. Learn more about rabies in Ontario, what is being done to control the disease and how you can help.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

(Concurrent Session)
Harwood Room

Lindsay McAllister - 24Pet

REDUCING FRICTION: HOW POST-ADOPTION SERVICES CAN IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR PETS & PEOPLE

The animal adoption landscape is united by purpose—but divided by process. Shelters, rescues, municipal agencies, and pet businesses often operate in silos, using fragmented systems and disconnected technologies. This lack of coordination leads to missed opportunities, inefficiencies, and preventable barriers to successful adoptions. In this forward-looking session, we’ll explore how data sharing—between animal welfare organizations, technology providers, and community partners—can improve adoption outcomes, streamline operations, and build a more connected ecosystem. We’ll examine the hidden costs of siloed systems and share real-world examples of how collaborative data strategies are driving smarter intake, transport, and matchmaking. Attendees will also gain insight into ethical considerations, legal compliance, and best practices for managing and securing shared data. If you're ready to break down barriers and work smarter together, this session is for you.

11:05 AM - 12:00 PM

(Concurrent Session)

Harwood Room

Rachel Appel & Kimberly Williams - PetSmart Charities of Canada

BEYOND THE SHELTER: OFFSITE STRATEGIES FOR ADOPTION SUCCESS

Adoptions don’t just happen inside shelter walls—they thrive in the community. This session will explore innovative ways to expand your reach and increase lifesaving outcomes through off-site efforts. From retail partnerships to field trips, sleepovers, and doggy day-outs, you’ll learn how to create meaningful programs that connect pets with people in everyday spaces. We’ll also cover effective marketing tactics, community engagement strategies, and practical tips for logistics, staffing, and volunteer involvement. Walk away with proven tools and fresh inspiration to grow your impact—one pawprint at a time.

12:05 PM - 12:20 PM
Bayly Ballroom

ASPO MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARDS

12:20 PM - 1:00 PM

Bayly Ballroom

Lunch, Networking and Sponsor Booths

1:00 PM - 1:55 PM
(Concurrent Session)

Bayly Ballroom

Dr. Scott Weese, DVM

FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS TREATMENT OPTIONS AND LOGISTICS

Access to legal antivirals has revolutionized the treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) but many questions remain about optimal drug choices and treatment regimens, drug access, animal monitoring and other aspects of feline care. This talk will cover various components related to the management of FIP.

1:00 PM - 1:55 PM
(Concurrent Session)

Harwood Room

Heather Parsons - On The Spot Consulting

SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SHELTERS

Discover how a strong digital presence can help your shelter thrive. This session will explore the power of social media in advancing your organization's goals—from raising awareness and increasing adoptions to building community support. Learn how to set meaningful goals, create a practical content calendar, and navigate negative feedback online. We'll also touch on the growing importance of social customer care and how to use it to strengthen public trust and engagement.

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

(Concurrent Session)

Harwood Room

Heather Parsons - On The Spot Consulting

DEALING WITH NEGATIVE REVIEWS

Explore why negative reviews happen and how your team can respond effectively and professionally. Learn practical strategies to address criticism in a way that protects your staff, maintains your organization’s reputation, and showcases your commitment to compassion and transparency. This interactive session includes real-world examples of both strong and weak responses—and offers a chance to workshop your own replies in a supportive group setting.

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

(Concurrent Session)

Bayly Ballroom

Monica Tarant - Give Them Ten Movement

TESTING, TREATMENT, AND COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR FeLV+ CATS IN 2025

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can be overwhelming, even for experts, with evolving guidelines and persistent myths making it challenging to stay informed. In this session, we’ll cut through the confusion and provide clear, up-to-date recommendations for FeLV testing, shelter housing, and adoption strategies. You'll learn how to confidently manage the care of FeLV+ cats in your organization, from daily health protocols to successful adoptions. Most importantly, you'll leave empowered to rescue, place, and advocate for these incredible cats, armed with the knowledge to dispel fears and support their best outcomes.

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

Sponsor Booths and Networking Break

3:00 PM - 3:40 PM

(Concurrent Session)

Bayly Ballroom

Dr. Emmanuel Fontaine, DVM - Royal Canin

TINY TUMMIES IN TROUBLE: GASTRO-INTESTINAL CARE FOR SHELTER PUPPIES AND KITTENS

GI issues are among the most frequent (and challenging) problems in shelter puppies and kittens. This session provides practical, evidence-based strategies to recognize, treat, and prevent diarrhea and weaning-related GI upset. We'll also explore the importance of the developing digestive microbiome, nutritional support, and the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplants. Real-life cases will help translate theory into action. Walk away with tools to improve outcomes, even in resource-limited settings.

3:00 PM - 3:40 PM

(Concurrent Session)

Harwood Room

CAT FRIENDLY HOMING - ENSURING THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF CATS ARE MET

Lindsey Narraway - Pickering Animal Services

Vicky Halls - International Cat Care, UK

Cat Friendly Homing is a model created by International Cat Care, and a team of experts from around the world, that reduces length of stay for cats in shelters and ensures their individual needs are met. It focuses on training staff and volunteers to assess cats prior to admission and only admit those that are suitable to live as pets. It recognizes that even some cats that have lived as pets have done so unsuccessfully, for a number of reasons, and these cats, referred to as ‘inbetweeners’, need outcomes that better suit their needs, rather than another conventional pet home. The model is proactive and strategic, ensuring that resources and time are used efficiently and occupancy is decided by focusing on
the number of cats that can be cared for well, rather than the physical capacity of the building. Lindsey Narraway will discuss her own Cat Friendly Homing journey, to explain the difference it has made to Pickering Animal Services and the cats in her care.

3:45 PM - 4:45 PM

Bayly Ballroom

Dr. Sara Pizano, DVM - Team Shelter USA

ANIMAL WELFARE 2025: WHAT WE NOW KNOW

This session will explore emerging trends in both the U.S. and Canada, correlating them to proven best practices in animal sheltering. Attendees will be encouraged to expand their thinking, challenge biases, and let go of fears that may hinder the best outcomes for animals. The focus will be on proactive, community-centered programs that keep pets safe, supported, and out of the shelter when possible.

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Bayly Ballroom

PRIZE DRAWS AND CONFERENCE CLOSING REMARKS

Check out the PetSmart Charities Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 22!

Click Here To Register!

Wednesday

PetSmart Charities of Canada is hosting its first ever Canadian Partner Summit at the 2025 ASPO Conference!

PetSmart Charities hosts this summit, which is held regularly in the U.S., to provide updates, training, and resources to organizations that work with them to find homes for pets. You don't have to be a current PetSmart Charities partner to attend. The summit will take place from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - breakfast and lunch is included.

What to Expect:

Learn best practices in sheltering, hosting offsite events, and reducing barriers to pet adoption from seasoned professionals in the field.
Discover how to become a part of PetSmart Charities’ impactful initiative and hear success stories from current partners.
Connect with PetSmart leadership and key associates to help you further advance your mission.
Attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes throughout the event!

Whether you're an animal welfare advocate, shelter staff member, or adoption coordinator, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities to help you make a greater impact.

*There is no extra cost to attend the Summit, but registration is required*