The Association Blog

The Chief Operations Officer at Michigan Humane shares a sneak preview of what he’ll be sharing during Sunday’s pre-conference event, The Network Live.

The Association: We can’t wait to see you in New Orleans—also known as the birthplace of jazz. In keeping with that theme, what are you most jazzed about these days?
Doug Plant: I’m really jazzed that there is so much incredible work being done throughout animal welfare to focus on keeping pets in their homes. I strongly believe we can’t shelter our way out of this problem, but need to continue to put as much effort as possible on addressing needs upstream.

The Association: What are you most jazzed about for our time together?
Doug Plant: I really love seeing friends and colleagues whom I have come to really respect and care for at The Conference. I always come away feeling re-energized and full of new strategies.

The Association: We are looking forward to your panel at The Network Live event on Sunday, where you’ll discuss Keeping Families Together: Innovations in Shelter Support to Strengthen the Human-Animal Bond. Can you share an idea that can help keep pets at home?  
Doug Plant: It’s no longer a new idea, but safety net programs have some of the biggest impact on shelter diversion. The good news is that a program can be as big or small as the organization can create.

The Association: What can attendees prepare or think about before your session?
Doug Plant: Take a look at your intakes and determine what percentage is really in need of a shelter program instead of community-based efforts. Shelters are hospitals, and only the sickest (and unmanageable) animals should be admitted. Start with the data.

The Association: What would you say to persuade someone about why they should attend The Network Live? (Note to fence-sitters: While The Annual Conference is sold out, there are a few spots available for The Network Live)
Doug Plant:  The cost of travel is pretty realistic, and the ROI on attending and learning will be incredibly positive for any organization. You won’t be sorry for the investment.