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The HSUS |
Wayne Pacelle speaks at the
conference. |
by Jordan Crump
Last week, hundreds of dedicated individuals made their way to Sacramento, Calif.—not for fun and sun—but for the opportunity to connect with others in the animal rescue field and learn new skills that will help them better serve the animals.
Sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States, the 2008 National Conference on Animals in Disaster brought together a diverse group of animal response specialists, emergency managers, government officials, veterinarians and volunteers. Some had years of rescue experience, while others were new to the field, but all NCAD attendees shared a passion for protecting animals.
Educational Impact
With nearly 30 breakout sessions and workshops, this year's NCAD offered record learning opportunities. Attendees could choose between classes geared toward emergency response, preparedness and planning or veterinary and medical issues. The classes covered topics ranging from volunteer and resource management to large animal rescue and psychological first aid techniques.
Each breakout session and workshop was designed to deliver unique, up-to-date information that will help all attendees serve animals better. Speakers presented informative case studies, demonstrated new, exciting technology and left ample time for interactive Q&A sessions. For many at NCAD, the biggest dilemma was choosing which sessions to attend.
Arguably the most valuable aspect of NCAD is the opportunity for such a wide array of attendees to share ideas, experiences and guidance with one another. Daily interactions, a bustling welcome reception and inspiring networking sessions provided conference attendees abundant opportunities to discuss experiences and swap information with sponsors, exhibitors and others in the animal rescue field.
Throughout the conference there was much buzz about Friday's daylong workshop on animal first aid. This workshop is the most comprehensive of its kind and offers attendees hands-on first aid demonstrations and opportunities to discuss new techniques with field experts. After its debut at NCAD, The HSUS will be taking this in-depth workshop on tour across the country.
Inspired to Work Together
Many of the 400 attendees at the NCAD welcome session were moved to tears when Scotlund Haisley, HSUS senior director of emergency services, aired a film compilation depicting the rescue efforts of several animal welfare organizations during various disaster deployments during the past three years. These powerful images of vulnerable animals saved from the brink of death reminded everyone of the importance of their work in the field.
HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle followed the film by delivering a moving speech lauding attendees for their dedication and urging them to continue their selfless work.
"By being a part of the solution and caring for creatures less powerful than ourselves, we are able to provide immeasurable comfort during times of disaster," said Pacelle. "I urge you all to continue working together to strengthen our work for the animals."
This call to action will no doubt be taken to heart by the many motivated individuals who attended this year's conference.
Looking to the Future
As NCAD 2008 draws to a close and its attendees go back to their work enriched by the knowledge they have acquired, The HSUS is already hard at work planning next year's dynamic conference.
During the welcome session Scotlund Haisley announced The HSUS' plan to have NCAD join forces with the Animal Care Expo in 2009.
"By joining NCAD with Expo, the country's largest animal care conference, we will be able to provide more information and resources—at less cost to the attendees," said Haisley. "Start making plans now to attend next year's event—we believe it will be the best yet."
The lessons learned and connections forged during NCAD 2008 will no doubt aid all attendees in their mission to rescue animals during times of emergency, shelter those animals and reunite them with their families.
