Recorded in 2021

Working to End Violence Speaker Series

Saskatchewan has the unfortunate distinction of having the highest rate of domestic violence among the Canadian provinces.

To address this concern, three provincial organizations – the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan SPCA, and STOPS to Violence have come together to work collaboratively to address our province’s high rates of domestic violence with an aim at ensuring safety for the whole family, including pets.

Webinars in this series:

Domestic Violence: What to Know, Say, and Do
Presenter: Jo-Anne Dusel, Executive Director, PATHS

Intimate Partner Violence and Animal Ownership: Experiences of Survivors and Service Providers
Presenter: Crystal Giesbrecht, Director of Research & Communications, PATHS

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Recorded in 2021

Animals & Emergencies Webinar Series

The impact of a natural disaster or other emergency situation can be devastating for the entire community – humans and animals alike.

Advance planning can help keep you, your family, and your animals safe in case of an emergency.

These webinars offer useful insights for pet owners as well as anyone who works with animals, including livestock producers, municipal bylaw officers, animal shelter staff, and volunteers with animal rescues.

Webinars in this series:

Lessons Learned: Wildfire Emergencies in Alberta and Saskatchewan
Presenter: Lorraine Serhienko, RVT, Assistant to the Registrar, SVMA

It Takes a Community to Respond to an Emergency
Presenter: Ray Unrau, Director, Client Training and Preparedness, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency

Looking Back on a Devastating Wildfire in Southern Saskatchewan
Speaker: Mel Sehn, Richmound-area Farmer

Finding Healing: The Emotional Impact of Crisis and Loss on People Who Love Animals Well
Speaker: Lauren Van Ewyk, Wellspring Counselling Services

Responding to Trailering Emergencies
Presenter: Trent Catley, Director, Emergency Response and Inspections, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

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Recorded in 2021

Violence Link Webinar Series #1

These four webinars explore the complex relationship between all forms of violence. This includes the abuse of children and older adults, domestic violence, and animal abuse.

Webinars in this series:

Older Adult Abuse
Presenter: Holly Schick, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

Domestic Violence: What to Know, Say, and Do
Presenter: Jo-Anne Dusel, Executive Director, PATHS

What Really Goes Into Animal Protection Work?
Presenter: Don Ferguson, Executive Director, Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan

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Recorded in 2022

Safe Places for People & Their Pets

Studies show the victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) often stay in a violent situation rather than leave without their pets.

There are limited options for animal owners who want to leave an abusive relationship. Currently, most domestic violence shelters in Saskatchewan do not allow pets.

This special 3-part webinar series explores domestic violence and how it affects both people and their pets.

Webinars in this series:

Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T®)
Presenter: Allie Phillips, Founder & CEO, Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T®) Program

Becoming Pet Friendly: Guidance for Domestic Violence Shelters
Presenters: Crystal Giesbrecht, Director of Research & Communications, PATHS, and Laura Zmud, Family Ties Coordinator, SaskSPCA

Take Action: Here’s How You Can Assist the Victims of Domestic Violence & Their Pets
Presenters: Allie Phillips, Crystal Giesbrecht, and Laura Zmud

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Recorded in 2022

Violence Link Webinar Series #2

This Violence Link Webinar Series explores the complex relationship between animal abuse and violence towards people.

Webinars in this series:

Domestic Violence: What to Know, Say and Do
Presenter: Jo-Anne Dusel, Executive Director, PATHS

Older Adult Abuse and Neglect
Presenter: Holly Schick, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

Animal Abuse & the Violence Link
Presenter: Don Ferguson, Executive Director, Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan

The Link Between Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence as well as Other Criminal and Antisocial Behaviors
Presenter: Dr. Margaret Doyle, VCA Canada Riverbend Animal Hospital

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Recorded in 2022

Zoonoses Webinar Series

This 4-part Zoonoses Webinar Series explores the complex relationship between animal diseases and public health.

Webinars in this series:

Companion Animal Zoonoses: Where Animal Health and Public Health Intersect
Presenter: Dr. Erica Sims, Animal Health Veterinarian, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Zoonoses in Imported Companion Animals
Presenter: J Scott Weese DVM DVSc DipACVIM FCAHS

Zoonotic Diseases of Food Animals in Western Canada
Presenter: Dr. John Campbell, Professor, Dept. of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

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Recorded in 2023

Why It Matters Webinar Series

The SaskSPCA’s mission is to amplify a system of best practices in animal welfare across Saskatchewan. The people in our community power us to execute our mission and achieve our animal welfare goals. We believe it’s essential to support causes that affect people.

Webinars in this series:

Pride in Animal Welfare
Presenters: Dr. Rebecca Mycock, City Park Veterinary Services and Andrew Hartman, Founder & CEO, Psystem

Indigenous History in Animal Welfare
Presenters: Elder Betty McKenna, Megan Schmitz, Vice President, Canine Action Project, and Monique Schultz, Co-Founder and President, Canine Action Project

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Recorded in 2023

Exploring Animal Welfare Legislation in Saskatchewan

Promoting the humane treatment of all animals has always been the SaskSPCA’s guiding principle. Legal regulations are an important feature of ensuring the humane use and treatment of animals. From working animals to wildlife, to livestock and companion animals, Saskatchewan maintains a number of different laws to protect the animals that live in our province. These pieces of legislation are applied daily by those directly and indirectly involved in animal welfare.

Webinars in this series:

The Animal Protection Act and Animal Protection Regulations
Presenters: Dr. Raj Premkumar, Animal Health & Welfare Veterinarian, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Don Ferguson, Executive Director, Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan

Legal Rights of Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals vs Pets
Presenters: Colleen Anne Dell, PhD and Valerie Caron, BSC, MPT, Ph.D. (C), Physiotherapist

Captive Wildlife Regulations
Presenters: Ffion Cassidy, Wildlife Ecologist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Bonnie Dell, Executive Director, Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, and Megan Lawrence, Director, Salthaven West

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Recorded in 2024

Difficult Decisions When Navigating the Journey

Most of us can conjure an entertaining memory of an animal in our lives, whether livestock or companion. As caretakers, the animals in our lives leave a lasting impression on our hearts. Sadly, humans have a longer life-span than most domesticated animals meaning we will one day lose them. End-of-life conversations are often avoided due to the raw emotions, but can be difficult to navigate when the time comes. From unexpected losses in a herd to saying good-bye to a best friend, there are many considerations that must be made and grief that follows.

Webinars in this series:

It’s NOT Just a Dog
Presenter: Bev Ashwin

End-of-Life Decision Making for Companion Animals
Presenter: Elizabeth Andree, DVM, CHPV

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