Welcome to Houston Pets Alive!'s Foster Summit 2024!

Agenda

3rd August, 2024

Session 1: Dog Foster + More Track

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Check-in

Attendees will check in and enjoy complimentary coffee while networking with shelters, other fosters, and shopping with pet-related exhibitors.

9:00 - 9:30 AM

Event Kick-off + Shelter Panel

Foster Summit officially kicks off! A panel featuring representatives from Greater Houston shelters will share insights about their foster programs and needs.

9:50 - 11:50 AM

Kitten Lady's Workshop (This workshop spans all 3 morning sessions.)

Join us for a 2-hour workshop led by Hannah Shaw, renowned as the "Kitten Lady." This comprehensive session provides a thorough overview of the care and protection of neonatal kittens. Whether you're a beginner or looking to elevate your care skills, Hannah's workshop covers all things kitten in an accessible and engaging manner. Learn best practices and gain valuable insights into fostering and nurturing our tiniest feline friends!

Session 1: Dog Foster + More Track

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9:50 - 10:30 AM

Foster Pet Parenting: Navigating the Emotional and Practical Aspects

Clarify the purpose of pet fostering and debunk common misconceptions, such as the belief that fostering means not forming bonds with pets. Learn strategies to cope with the emotional challenges of letting go and discover the satisfaction of helping pets find loving homes. Understand the financial aspects of fostering, including typical expenses covered by rescue organizations. Join fellow foster parents in sharing experiences and addressing any concerns or myths you've encountered.

9:50 - 10:30 AM

Advanced Caretaking

Take your foster skills to a new level with Advanced Caretaking! Learn how to handle wounds and injuries, controlling bleeding, managing fractures or sprains, and administering subcutaneous fluids. Gain confidence in safely administering medications to pets, such as pills, liquids, and injections. Explore caring for pets in special circumstances, including those that are heartworm positive and those with ringworm, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

9:50 - 10:30 AM

Dogs 101

Join us to learn the essentials of fostering dogs! We'll cover crate and potty training, highlighting the importance of consistency and patience. Get tips on introducing foster dogs to your resident pets, and explore the key stages of development and socialization to ensure happy, well-behaved dogs.

Session 2: Dog Foster + More Track

10:40 - 11:20 AM

Emergencies + First Aid Training

Discover how to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent pet situations, knowing when immediate veterinary care is necessary. Learn basic first aid for cats and dogs, assemble a pet first aid kit, and prepare for both health emergencies and extreme weather events.

10:40 - 11:20 AM

Dogs 101

Join us to learn the essentials of fostering dogs! We'll cover crate and potty training, highlighting the importance of consistency and patience. Get tips on introducing foster dogs to your resident pets, and explore the key stages of development and socialization to ensure happy, well-behaved dogs.

10:40 - 11:20 AM

Get Them Adopted!: Marketing Your Foster Pet

Learn how to create standout profiles for your foster pets! We'll cover tips for taking quality photos and videos that showcase your pet foster in the best light, assessing and describing temperament and needs, and sharing compelling stories about their rescue journey. Discover strategies for effective social media posts and promoting your foster pet in public (when applicable) by interacting with people you meet.

Session 3: Dog Foster + More Track

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11:30 - 12:10 PM

Emergencies + First Aid Training

Discover how to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent pet situations, knowing when immediate veterinary care is necessary. Learn basic first aid for cats and dogs, assemble a pet first aid kit, and prepare for both health emergencies and extreme weather events.

11:30 - 12:10 PM

Body Language and Behavior

Join us to learn how to read the body language of dogs and cats, helping you understand their moods and interact with them effectively. Discover how to identify stress signals, manage fear and anxiety with calming techniques, and build trust and strong bonds through positive interactions.

11:30 - 12:10 PM

Get Them Adopted!: Marketing Your Foster Pet

Learn how to create standout profiles for your foster pets! We'll cover tips for taking quality photos and videos that showcase your pet foster in the best light, assessing and describing temperament and needs, and sharing compelling stories about their rescue journey. Discover strategies for effective social media posts and promoting your foster pet in public (when applicable) by interacting with people you meet.

12:10 - 1:45 PM

Lunch

Enjoy lunch on your own. There are over 10 restaurants within a 5 minute walk of the conference center.

1:45 - 2:45 PM

Kitten Lady Keynote Speech

Join us for an inspiring keynote address by Hannah Shaw, renowned as the "Kitten Lady." Hannah will share her passion for fostering and discuss why it is so crucial for saving lives. Her talk will be uplifting and relevant to fosters of both cats and dogs, providing insights and motivation to continue making a difference. Whether you are new to fostering or a seasoned caregiver, Hannah's address will leave you inspired and empowered to support and nurture animals in need.

2:45 - 3:30 PM

Networking with Shelters and Shop with Exhibitors

During the networking hour, attendees can connect with shelters to sign up to foster with an attending shelter, choosing a specific animal to provide a temporary home. The first 100 dog foster sign-ups and the first 100 cat foster sign-ups will receive a complimentary foster essentials kit. Plus, enjoy raffle pulls for exciting prizes!

Shelters

Speakers

Raquel Juarez

Maralyn Watkins

Jessica Klonaris

Three Little Pitties

Hannah Shaw, renowned as "Kitten Lady"

Em Bolner (They/them)

Alyssa Soneff

Amanda (Mandy) Hall, DVM

Mindy Dang

Marie Elgamel

Caitie's Foster Fam

Caitie Dewease

Lisa Tynan, MA

Dr. Paige Kail, DVM

Sponsors

Exhibitors

Frequently Asked Questions


Foster Summit is a transformative conference organized by Houston Pets Alive! aimed at increasing and enhancing the foster base in Houston. This event brings together animal lovers and multiple shelters and rescues from the greater Houston area to find loving homes for animals in need. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge through sessions led by experienced fosters and animal care experts, and participate in classes and workshops designed for fosters of all levels!

Who should attend?

    • Current Dog and Cat Fosters of All Levels: Whether you're an experienced foster or just starting out, there are sessions tailored to your experience.
    • Those Interested in Fostering: If you're considering fostering but have no experience yet, this summit will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to begin.
    • Shelter Volunteers: Volunteers looking to hone their skills and deepen their understanding of animal care will find the summit highly beneficial.
    • Anyone in the Houston Area: This event is open to anyone in the Houston area, whether or not you are currently associated with any rescue or shelter.


Join us at the Foster Summit to learn, connect, and make a difference for Houston’s at-risk cats and dogs!
Foster Summit will take place on August 3, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the Norris Conference Center in CityCentre.
Location:
Norris Conference Center
816 Town & Country Blvd. #210
Houston, Texas 77024

Please note: Doors open at 8 am for check-in and a light breakfast and the event will start promptly at 9 am, so please arrive early.
To register, click the "Register" button at the top of the page. Registration is free but required, as this is a limited-capacity event. When you register, you'll be asked to choose your learning track to tailor your experience.

Upon registering, a seat will be reserved for you. Unfortunately, walk-ins will not be accepted on the day of the event, so be sure to secure your spot in advance.
At Foster Summit, you'll have the opportunity to choose between two learning tracks, each designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills:
  • Cat-Focused Track: Led by Hannah Shaw, also known as the "Kitten Lady," this track will cover all things related to kittens and cats, from neonatal care to advanced fostering techniques.
  • Dog Foster and More Track: This track will include comprehensive sessions on dog fostering, general behavior, and body language classes. You'll gain insights into dog care and general fostering best practices.
Both learning tracks include entry to the afternoon motivational keynote speaker session, which will be led by Hannah Shaw, renowned as the "Kitten Lady."
    No prior experience in fostering is necessary to attend the Foster Summit! The event is designed for everyone, from seasoned fosters to complete beginners. Whether you have years of experience or are just considering fostering for the first time, there are sessions and workshops tailored to meet your needs. Join us to learn, connect, and start making a difference in the lives of Houston’s at-risk animals!
    Yes! Representatives from local shelters and rescue organizations will be present, offering opportunities to foster, volunteer, and support their missions. You'll have the chance to meet with these representatives, learn about their needs, and even take home an animal in need by the end of the event.

    We are proud to provide a foster essentials kit, specific to species and size, for each person who signs up to foster an animal with a participating organization. Join us to make meaningful connections and help Houston's at-risk animals find loving homes
    Absolutely! Foster Summit is open to all fosters, volunteers, and animal lovers, regardless of their affiliation. We welcome participants from any organization or shelter in the Houston area. Whether you foster for another group or are simply interested in learning more about animal care, you are invited to join us and be part of this impactful event!

    For those not currently associated with any organization but looking to get involved, we will help connect you with a local organization close to you. Join us to learn, connect, and make a difference for Houston's at-risk animals!
    Parking is free and available in the parking garage attached to the Moran, which is directly connected to the conference center. You can enter the conference center from the parking garage on the second floor.
    Complimentary coffee will be available during check-in from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. After the morning session, attendees will have 1.5 hours to explore their preferred lunch options in CityCentre. There are over 10 restaurants within a 5-minute walking distance, providing a variety of lunch choices. .
    We are excited to announce that we will be using an event day app through vFairs. This app will allow you to:

      • Explore speaker bios
      • View class options
      • Register for specific classes
      • Explore exhibitors and sponsors
      • Connect with other conference-goers


    More information about the app will be provided after you complete your registration. Stay tuned!

    EventLocation

    Norris Conference Center 816 Town & Country Blvd. # 210 Houston, Texas 77024