Many workplaces are seeing increasing stress these days, and those who work in animal care are not immune. That’s why the Saskatchewan SPCA has organized a two-day wellness gathering. Family Ties Coordinator with the provincial organization, Laura Zmud says what they have been hearing is people are feeling stretched to capacity with a veterinary shortage across the country, meaning extra stress on vets and support staff. And, those who work or volunteer for shelters and foster organizations have been dealing with more animals coming in and fewer people able to adopt or foster.

Zmud notes that when people think of working in the animal welfare industry, it may seem like you are working with lots of cute puppies and kittens, but there is more to the story. The reality is there is also a lot of loss and a lot of hard decisions that need to be made. The goal of this conference is to provide learning opportunities on how to mitigate that stress and to show these animal welfare professionals they are not alone. It is April 28th and 29th at Dakota Dunes Resort and the early bird deadline is March 15th.

Zmud says this conference is for those involved in veterinary medicine, SPCAs, humane societies, animal rescues, livestock production, food animal production, animal protection and employers within the animal welfare industry. If you register by March 15th, you will be entered to win a $250 prize package which includes a one night stay at Dakota Dunes Resort and a $100 credit in their restaurant, Moose Woods Restaurant. Click here for more information.