Location
Morgridge Commons Meeting & Conference Center
815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Date & Time
Wednesday, 05/13/2026 -
Thursday, 05/14/2026
Add to Calendar
05/13/2026 08:00:00 AM
05/14/2026 05:00:00 PM
America/Denver
Western Colorado Animal Welfare Summit
We're excited to announce the
2026 Western Colorado Animal Welfare Summit!
Please join us May 13th and 14th in Glenwood Springs. Presented by WeCARe with the support of members and sponsors, this two-day conference is an education and networking opportunity for employees of all Colorado animal welfare organizations and agencies. Special thanks to our presenting sponsors: Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF) and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)! Thanks to these partners, the summit is FREE to all attendees. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided both days.
*Information on CE credits for BAP and CVT will be added to each session as confirmed
Summit Location: Morgridge Commons, 815 Cooper Avenue, 2nd Floor, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Summit Schedule:
May 13th, Day 1
8:00 - 8:30 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:30 - 9:45 am: WeCARe, AWAC, AAF Welcome! Intros, Org/Agency Updates
9:45 - 10:00am: Coffee & Pastry Break
catered thanks to Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) & Second Chance Humane
10:00 - 11:00 am: Session 1 - PACFA Rules Updates, Roundtable, Q&A
Becky Robison, Lead State Inspector and Kari Kishiyama, State Inspector - PAFCA
11:00 - 12:00 pm: Session 2 - Wildlife Care & Rehab in Western Colorado
Erin Romero, RVT & Special Avian Guests - PSS Wildlife Foundation, Silt, Colorado
12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Session 3 - Colorado Legislative Updates
Ali Mickelson, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Education, Humane Colorado
1:30 - 3:00 pm: Session 4 - Identifying Livestock Cruelty & Evidence Collection
Kailie Barker, Western Slope Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
Taylor Peterson, Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
3:00 - 5:00 pm: Session 5 - Case Study & Roundtable including Cost of Care, Recognizing Signs of Animal Neglect/Cruelty, Large-scale Impounds
Kayte Wolf, Animal Protection and Forensics Specialist, Humane Colorado
Bobbi Priestly, Director of Animal Protection, Humane Colorado
Leeann Pendland, Animal Protection Agent, Human Colorado
5:00 - 5:10 pm: Feedback Surveys, Day 1 Wrap-up & Thank Yous
5:30 - 7:00 pm: Networking & Happy Hour
Glenwood Springs Brewpub - 402 7th Street
May 14th, Day 2
8:00 - 8:15 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:15 - 9:00 am: Session 1 - Understanding Unconscious Bias in Animal Welfare
Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Humane Colorado
9:00 - 10:00 am: Session 2 - De-Escalation & Safety For Field Services and Shelter Staff
Janee Boswell, Animal Protection Supervisor, Boulter County Shefiff, AWAC Chair
10:00 - 10:10 am: Coffee & Snack Break
catered thanks to Steamboat Springs Police Department
10:10 - 12:10 pm: Session 3 - The Shelter Medicine Behavior Journal
Lesli Groshong, DVM, DABVP, Chief Shelter Veterinarian - HSBV
Allison Hartlage, Director of Animal Training & Behavior - HSBV
12:10 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF)
1:00 - 2:30 pm: Session 4 - Canine Behavior Managment in a Shelter Environment
Maggie McSchaefer, Executive Director, Foothills Animal Shelter
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Session 5 - Feline Behavior Managment in the Shelter Environment
Sonia Holmstrom - Foster & Behavior Supervisor, Cat Care Society
4:00 - 4:15 pm: Feedback Surveys, Summit Wrap-up & Thank Yous
Discounted Hotel Rates:
Hotel Maxwell Anderson (downtown, walking distance, .1 miles)
Click Here to access the special room rates for our conference ($140/night, if sold out, please msg Wes)
Hotel Colorado (downtown, walking distance, .5 miles, $15 parking fee per night)
Click Here to access special room rates before 4/27 (5/12 $160, 5/13 $129, 5/14 $199)
Best Western Antlers (no discount code) (downtown, walking distance, .6 miles)
Questions? Please email Wes @ C.A.R.E: wes@coloradoanimalrescue.org
Morgridge Commons Meeting & Conference Center 815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
About This Event
We're excited to announce the
2026 Western Colorado Animal Welfare Summit!
Please join us May 13th and 14th in Glenwood Springs. Presented by WeCARe with the support of members and sponsors, this two-day conference is an education and networking opportunity for employees of all Colorado animal welfare organizations and agencies. Special thanks to our presenting sponsors: Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF) and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)! Thanks to these partners, the summit is FREE to all attendees. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided both days.
*Information on CE credits for BAP and CVT will be added to each session as confirmed
Summit Location: Morgridge Commons, 815 Cooper Avenue, 2nd Floor, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Summit Schedule:
May 13th, Day 1
8:00 - 8:30 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:30 - 9:45 am: WeCARe, AWAC, AAF Welcome! Intros, Org/Agency Updates
9:45 - 10:00am: Coffee & Pastry Break
catered thanks to Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) & Second Chance Humane
10:00 - 11:00 am: Session 1 - PACFA Rules Updates, Roundtable, Q&A
Becky Robison, Lead State Inspector and Kari Kishiyama, State Inspector - PAFCA
11:00 - 12:00 pm: Session 2 - Wildlife Care & Rehab in Western Colorado
Erin Romero, RVT & Special Avian Guests - PSS Wildlife Foundation, Silt, Colorado
12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Session 3 - Colorado Legislative Updates
Ali Mickelson, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Education, Humane Colorado
1:30 - 3:00 pm: Session 4 - Identifying Livestock Cruelty & Evidence Collection
Kailie Barker, Western Slope Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
Taylor Peterson, Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
3:00 - 5:00 pm: Session 5 - Case Study & Roundtable including Cost of Care, Recognizing Signs of Animal Neglect/Cruelty, Large-scale Impounds
Kayte Wolf, Animal Protection and Forensics Specialist, Humane Colorado
Bobbi Priestly, Director of Animal Protection, Humane Colorado
Leeann Pendland, Animal Protection Agent, Human Colorado
Bobbi Priestly, Director of Animal Protection, Humane Colorado
Leeann Pendland, Animal Protection Agent, Human Colorado
5:00 - 5:10 pm: Feedback Surveys, Day 1 Wrap-up & Thank Yous
5:30 - 7:00 pm: Networking & Happy Hour
Glenwood Springs Brewpub - 402 7th Street
May 14th, Day 2
8:00 - 8:15 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:15 - 9:00 am: Session 1 - Understanding Unconscious Bias in Animal Welfare
Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Humane Colorado
9:00 - 10:00 am: Session 2 - De-Escalation & Safety For Field Services and Shelter Staff
Janee Boswell, Animal Protection Supervisor, Boulter County Shefiff, AWAC Chair
10:00 - 10:10 am: Coffee & Snack Break
catered thanks to Steamboat Springs Police Department
10:10 - 12:10 pm: Session 3 - The Shelter Medicine Behavior Journal
Lesli Groshong, DVM, DABVP, Chief Shelter Veterinarian - HSBV
Allison Hartlage, Director of Animal Training & Behavior - HSBV
Allison Hartlage, Director of Animal Training & Behavior - HSBV
12:10 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF)
1:00 - 2:30 pm: Session 4 - Canine Behavior Managment in a Shelter Environment
Maggie McSchaefer, Executive Director, Foothills Animal Shelter
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Session 5 - Feline Behavior Managment in the Shelter Environment
Sonia Holmstrom - Foster & Behavior Supervisor, Cat Care Society
4:00 - 4:15 pm: Feedback Surveys, Summit Wrap-up & Thank Yous
Discounted Hotel Rates:
- Hotel Maxwell Anderson (downtown, walking distance, .1 miles)
- Click Here to access the special room rates for our conference ($140/night, if sold out, please msg Wes)
- Hotel Colorado (downtown, walking distance, .5 miles, $15 parking fee per night)
- Click Here to access special room rates before 4/27 (5/12 $160, 5/13 $129, 5/14 $199)
- Best Western Antlers (no discount code) (downtown, walking distance, .6 miles)
Questions? Please email Wes @ C.A.R.E: wes@coloradoanimalrescue.org
About This Event
We're excited to announce the
2026 Western Colorado Animal Welfare Summit!
Please join us May 13th and 14th in Glenwood Springs. Presented by WeCARe with the support of members and sponsors, this two-day conference is an education and networking opportunity for employees of all Colorado animal welfare organizations and agencies. Special thanks to our presenting sponsors: Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF) and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)! Thanks to these partners, the summit is FREE to all attendees. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided both days.
*Information on CE credits for BAP and CVT will be added to each session as confirmed
Summit Location: Morgridge Commons, 815 Cooper Avenue, 2nd Floor, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Summit Schedule:
May 13th, Day 1
8:00 - 8:30 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:30 - 9:45 am: WeCARe, AWAC, AAF Welcome! Intros, Org/Agency Updates
9:45 - 10:00am: Coffee & Pastry Break
catered thanks to Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) & Second Chance Humane
10:00 - 11:00 am: Session 1 - PACFA Rules Updates, Roundtable, Q&A
Becky Robison, Lead State Inspector and Kari Kishiyama, State Inspector - PAFCA
11:00 - 12:00 pm: Session 2 - Wildlife Care & Rehab in Western Colorado
Erin Romero, RVT & Special Avian Guests - PSS Wildlife Foundation, Silt, Colorado
12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Session 3 - Colorado Legislative Updates
Ali Mickelson, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Education, Humane Colorado
1:30 - 3:00 pm: Session 4 - Identifying Livestock Cruelty & Evidence Collection
Kailie Barker, Western Slope Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
Taylor Peterson, Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
3:00 - 5:00 pm: Session 5 - Case Study & Roundtable including Cost of Care, Recognizing Signs of Animal Neglect/Cruelty, Large-scale Impounds
Kayte Wolf, Animal Protection and Forensics Specialist, Humane Colorado
Bobbi Priestly, Director of Animal Protection, Humane Colorado
Leeann Pendland, Animal Protection Agent, Human Colorado
Bobbi Priestly, Director of Animal Protection, Humane Colorado
Leeann Pendland, Animal Protection Agent, Human Colorado
5:00 - 5:10 pm: Feedback Surveys, Day 1 Wrap-up & Thank Yous
5:30 - 7:00 pm: Networking & Happy Hour
Glenwood Springs Brewpub - 402 7th Street
May 14th, Day 2
8:00 - 8:15 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:15 - 9:00 am: Session 1 - Understanding Unconscious Bias in Animal Welfare
Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Humane Colorado
9:00 - 10:00 am: Session 2 - De-Escalation & Safety For Field Services and Shelter Staff
Janee Boswell, Animal Protection Supervisor, Boulter County Shefiff, AWAC Chair
10:00 - 10:10 am: Coffee & Snack Break
catered thanks to Steamboat Springs Police Department
10:10 - 12:10 pm: Session 3 - The Shelter Medicine Behavior Journal
Lesli Groshong, DVM, DABVP, Chief Shelter Veterinarian - HSBV
Allison Hartlage, Director of Animal Training & Behavior - HSBV
Allison Hartlage, Director of Animal Training & Behavior - HSBV
12:10 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF)
1:00 - 2:30 pm: Session 4 - Canine Behavior Managment in a Shelter Environment
Maggie McSchaefer, Executive Director, Foothills Animal Shelter
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Session 5 - Feline Behavior Managment in the Shelter Environment
Sonia Holmstrom - Foster & Behavior Supervisor, Cat Care Society
4:00 - 4:15 pm: Feedback Surveys, Summit Wrap-up & Thank Yous
Discounted Hotel Rates:
- Hotel Maxwell Anderson (downtown, walking distance, .1 miles)
- Click Here to access the special room rates for our conference ($140/night, if sold out, please msg Wes)
- Hotel Colorado (downtown, walking distance, .5 miles, $15 parking fee per night)
- Click Here to access special room rates before 4/27 (5/12 $160, 5/13 $129, 5/14 $199)
- Best Western Antlers (no discount code) (downtown, walking distance, .6 miles)
Questions? Please email Wes @ C.A.R.E: wes@coloradoanimalrescue.org
Getting There
Morgridge Commons Meeting & Conference Center
815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Location
Morgridge Commons Meeting & Conference Center
815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Date & Time
Wednesday, 05/13/2026 -
Thursday, 05/14/2026
Add to Calendar
05/13/2026 08:00:00 AM
05/14/2026 05:00:00 PM
America/Denver
Western Colorado Animal Welfare Summit
We're excited to announce the
2026 Western Colorado Animal Welfare Summit!
Please join us May 13th and 14th in Glenwood Springs. Presented by WeCARe with the support of members and sponsors, this two-day conference is an education and networking opportunity for employees of all Colorado animal welfare organizations and agencies. Special thanks to our presenting sponsors: Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF) and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)! Thanks to these partners, the summit is FREE to all attendees. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided both days.
*Information on CE credits for BAP and CVT will be added to each session as confirmed
Summit Location: Morgridge Commons, 815 Cooper Avenue, 2nd Floor, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Summit Schedule:
May 13th, Day 1
8:00 - 8:30 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:30 - 9:45 am: WeCARe, AWAC, AAF Welcome! Intros, Org/Agency Updates
9:45 - 10:00am: Coffee & Pastry Break
catered thanks to Colorado Animal Rescue (C.A.R.E.) & Second Chance Humane
10:00 - 11:00 am: Session 1 - PACFA Rules Updates, Roundtable, Q&A
Becky Robison, Lead State Inspector and Kari Kishiyama, State Inspector - PAFCA
11:00 - 12:00 pm: Session 2 - Wildlife Care & Rehab in Western Colorado
Erin Romero, RVT & Special Avian Guests - PSS Wildlife Foundation, Silt, Colorado
12:00 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Sandwiches, Wraps, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Welfare Association of Colorado (AWAC)
1:00 - 1:30 pm: Session 3 - Colorado Legislative Updates
Ali Mickelson, Sr. Director of Advocacy and Education, Humane Colorado
1:30 - 3:00 pm: Session 4 - Identifying Livestock Cruelty & Evidence Collection
Kailie Barker, Western Slope Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
Taylor Peterson, Investigator, Bureau of Animal Protection
3:00 - 5:00 pm: Session 5 - Case Study & Roundtable including Cost of Care, Recognizing Signs of Animal Neglect/Cruelty, Large-scale Impounds
Kayte Wolf, Animal Protection and Forensics Specialist, Humane Colorado
Bobbi Priestly, Director of Animal Protection, Humane Colorado
Leeann Pendland, Animal Protection Agent, Human Colorado
5:00 - 5:10 pm: Feedback Surveys, Day 1 Wrap-up & Thank Yous
5:30 - 7:00 pm: Networking & Happy Hour
Glenwood Springs Brewpub - 402 7th Street
May 14th, Day 2
8:00 - 8:15 am: Summit Check-in, Networking, Coffee
8:15 - 9:00 am: Session 1 - Understanding Unconscious Bias in Animal Welfare
Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Humane Colorado
9:00 - 10:00 am: Session 2 - De-Escalation & Safety For Field Services and Shelter Staff
Janee Boswell, Animal Protection Supervisor, Boulter County Shefiff, AWAC Chair
10:00 - 10:10 am: Coffee & Snack Break
catered thanks to Steamboat Springs Police Department
10:10 - 12:10 pm: Session 3 - The Shelter Medicine Behavior Journal
Lesli Groshong, DVM, DABVP, Chief Shelter Veterinarian - HSBV
Allison Hartlage, Director of Animal Training & Behavior - HSBV
12:10 - 1:00 pm: Lunch & Fresh Air- Pizza, Pasta, Sandwiches, Salads
catered thanks to Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF)
1:00 - 2:30 pm: Session 4 - Canine Behavior Managment in a Shelter Environment
Maggie McSchaefer, Executive Director, Foothills Animal Shelter
2:30 - 4:00 pm: Session 5 - Feline Behavior Managment in the Shelter Environment
Sonia Holmstrom - Foster & Behavior Supervisor, Cat Care Society
4:00 - 4:15 pm: Feedback Surveys, Summit Wrap-up & Thank Yous
Discounted Hotel Rates:
Hotel Maxwell Anderson (downtown, walking distance, .1 miles)
Click Here to access the special room rates for our conference ($140/night, if sold out, please msg Wes)
Hotel Colorado (downtown, walking distance, .5 miles, $15 parking fee per night)
Click Here to access special room rates before 4/27 (5/12 $160, 5/13 $129, 5/14 $199)
Best Western Antlers (no discount code) (downtown, walking distance, .6 miles)
Questions? Please email Wes @ C.A.R.E: wes@coloradoanimalrescue.org
Morgridge Commons Meeting & Conference Center 815 Cooper Ave, 2nd floor Glenwood Springs, CO 81601