Animal control officers are playing a much larger role today in the reduction of shelter intake by choosing to identify and return stray dogs to their families without bringing them into the shelter, but all too often officers stop looking for an owner once they find that the animal has no ID tags or microchip. This workshop highlights successful efforts from agencies across the country that have shown to significantly increase the field RTO rate for those animals without obvious identification.  

Other Upcoming Webinars with this Presenter

• Sept 15: Advanced Return to Owner in the Field: Beyond the Scanner (this webinar)
• Dec 1: Community Engagement: The Life Saving Philosophy

View our Animal Welfare Webinar  Schedule and Recordings

Resources and Handouts

• Handout: Humane Animal Control: Effective Enforcement, Shelter Management, Local Government Support and Community Engagement
• Handout: Training Playbook: Field Return to Owner
• Website: Best Friends Resources for Animal Control
• Coloring Pages Referenced (Maddie’s Fund)
  • Maddie’s Tail Wag (English)
  • Maddie Mueve la Colita (Spanish)
  • Maddie’s Tail Wag Activity Book (Ages 7-10)

Audience Comments

• “I liked the idea of putting a found sign up when picking up an animal.” — Patrick
• “Leveraging all forms of social media. Go where the people go.” — Elizabeth
• “Very good information, about returning animals to their owners.” — Brian
• “All of Nick’s information was wonderfully shared and valuable. I am happy that I am doing many of the things that he discussed and great reminders, as well as new ideas.” — Cindi
• “The entire webinar was very interesting and very detailed! Excellent job guys!” — Greg
• “Overall, great ideas exchanged in ways of building community and getting animals back to the owners.” — Jay

This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.

The Best Friends Network is comprised of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations and other animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. We are a coalition committed to saving the lives of dogs and cats through collaboration, information-sharing and implementation of proven lifesaving strategies. Our partners support each other and inspire their own communities to increase lifesaving across the country. Visit network.bestfriends.org for more information and resources.