
About this Event
Welcome to the Maine Humane Conference!
Join us for a day filled with insightful sessions focused on animal welfare and humane practices. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for compassionate care and advocacy for animals.
Whether you're a seasoned animal welfare professional or simply an animal lover looking to learn more, this conference is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with others in the field.
Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of the Maine Humane community and make a difference for animals in need. We can't wait to see you there!

Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome & Introductions
Host: Katie Hansberry
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Empathetic Listening: The Quiet Skill That Gets Results
Host: Hanna Lentz
Info: In this engaging workshop, Hanna shares one of the most popular sessions from her training program - empathic listening. She explores the different types of empathy, including the kind that can lead to burnout and the kind that can actually protect mental well-being. Using real-world, day-to-day scenarios, Hanna discusses how we “show up” in our interactions and the impact that has on ourselves and others. The session also features a fun, interactive activity that brings these concepts to life.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Break
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Adoption Promotions: Moving Animals Through the Sheltering System
Host: Michael Keiley
Info: Focusing on troubling times of increased population, this presentation aims to look at decreasing LOS with a focus on effectiveness and ease of using promotions and discounted adoption fee events to move your population. Hard and soft cost of these adoption promotions will be looked at and visitors should leave feeling like they have a roadmap to do an event at their facility.
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Building a Successful Community Cat Program
Host: Kristen Petrie
Info: In this session, you will learn about a variety of proven strategies and effective tools to help reduce cat populations, improve welfare, further public health and safety, reduce nuisances, and mitigate the impact of cats on wildlife. Learn how to frame your arguments effectively, what data to gather, which pitfalls to avoid, and how to counter common objections. With innovation, collaboration, and determination we can build a network of organizations and empowered individuals devoted to making a difference.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Break
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:45 PM
Pet Behavior and Training: What Everyone Who Cares for Pets Needs to Know
Host: Don Hanson
Info: Join us as Don examines the evolving ethical and technical standards in the field of pet behavior and training. He clarifies the distinctions between trainers, animal behavior consultants, animal behaviorists, and veterinary behaviorists - explaining each role’s qualifications, scope, and expertise. Don also explores the crucial role emotions play in animal behavior and highlights the difference between simply training a behavior and truly changing it. The presentation concludes with an overview of valuable resources available through the Pet Professional Guild, with a special focus on tools and support for the shelter and rescue community.
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Wrap-up & Giveaways
Host: Katie Hansberry
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor, 500 Main Street, Bangor, United States
USD 6.00 to USD 60.00