When pet owners face a crisis, the lack of temporary housing for their beloved animals can mean the heartbreaking decision to surrender them to a shelter. This webinar will bring that reality to life through powerful storytelling, intake data from Human Animal Support Services (HASS) shelter partners, and insights into housing, short-term care, and other critical needs that could prevent surrenders before they happen.
You’ll see collaboration in action - how BestyBnB has worked hand-in-hand with communities to expand access to care, strengthen the human-animal bond, and create sustainable networks of crisis pet foster programs. We’ll share actionable steps to help you utilize HASS data in your own community, meeting the needs of pet owners, improving outcomes, boosting staff morale, and unlocking new funding opportunities.
Join us to discover how partnering with HASS and BestyBnB can transform your organization’s impact, keep pets and people together, and inspire lasting community engagement.
Who should attend?
Animal welfare program managers and staff
Social service providers working with pet owners
Mental health program managers and staff
Local, county, and state government employees supporting community services
Presented by:
Elkie Wills
elkie.wills@americanpetsalive.org
Director of Human Animal Support Services
Elkie Wills, formerly Sr. Director of Community Engagement at San Diego Humane Society, began her animal welfare career in 2004 with the Humane Society of Yuma. There, she honed her skills and understanding of shelter operations while cultivating community support, developing and leading volunteer, media, fundraising, education and partnership programs. Over her 15 years at San Diego Humane Society, her roles evolved from PR and marketing to community support services and most recently leading teams focusing on community outreach and learning and development.
Elkie resides in Michigan with her dog Jovie and spends time participating in 5Ks, volunteering at the local shelter, and enjoying quiet time in the woods!
Zoë Agnew-Svoboda
zagnewsvoboda@bestybnb.com
Director of Engagement and Program Development, BestyBnB
Zoë has worked in animal welfare for over a decade. Prior to joining BestyBnB, she spent close to 8 years providing direct service to survivors of domestic violence by managing the pet advocacy program at a domestic violence agency in Kansas City, Missouri. With this program, she gained first-hand knowledge on the positive impact pets play in our lives and how the relationship we share with animals can be life-saving. Zoë regularly provides training on her vast knowledge of the connection between domestic violence and animal abuse, and how to provide pet advocacy services. In her role with BestyBnB, she partners with agencies to implement lifesaving programs for survivors seeking safety with their pets.
*BestyBnB webinars are geared toward professional development and are not intended to be utilized for therapeutic or psycho-educational purposes. If you are a survivor of domestic violence seeking help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.