Q.C. to host largest animal welfare conference of its kind

The 2009 Prairie States Animal Welfare Conference is going to be held in the Quad Cities on June 15-16 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Moline, IL.

Presented by the Illinois Animal Welfare Federation, this annual regional conference is the largest animal welfare conference of its kind held each year in various locations in Illinois. 150-200 attendees are expected.

There are over 15 sessions for animal control, shelter staff, and management. This year"s featured speaker is Kit Jenkins, Programs Manager for Agency Enhancement at PetSmart charities.

Jenkins has worked for over 25 years in the animal sheltering world, focusing on animal behavior (in the shelter and in the home), education for all ages, and peer training.

She is nationally known for her training, counseling, and writing abilities regarding shelter-related issues and program development. In her current position, Kit continues to work with animal welfare people every day, coaching and supporting them as they work to strengthen their organizations.

She will focus a day-long presentation on Cats in America. Other workshops during this conference include: Disaster Preparedness, Animal Hoarding, Shelter Health and Disease Management, Human Resources, Adoptions, and High Volume High Quality Spay Neuter Programs.

Sponsors for this year"s program are Science Diet, ASPCA, PetSmart Charities, Petfinder.com, Scheuring Plough, C Specialties, Austin Cotton, MavRon, Campbell Pet Company, PetPoint, Custom Fiberglass Coaches, AKC Companion Animal Recovery, and Kuranda Dog Beds.

For more information about the Illinois Animal Welfare Federation, visit www.iawf.net. For information on bringing events to the Quad Cities area, contact the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau at 309-277-0937 or visit their website at www.visitquadcities.com.

Conference Media Contact: Sally Westerhoff, Quincy Humane Society, 217-257-9619 or adoptpet@adams.net