Animal Care Expo

We are all more than a moment, more than a single decision and more than any one fact about our lives. So why do we so often treat others—especially the people we serve—as if they’re not?

In animal welfare, we face real pressures to make fast decisions and do more with less. But in that rush, stereotypes sneak in. Whether it’s assuming someone with limited income can’t be a responsible owner, believing a family surrendering a pet simply doesn’t care, or questioning the motives of people accessing support services—stereotypes are shortcuts that lead us in the wrong direction. They damage trust, limit lifesaving and divide our field.

This workshop will explore how stereotype thinking shows up in everyday decisions—from adoption and surrender to program design and professional relationships. You'll learn why our brains are wired for stereotypes, how they get reinforced in our messaging and culture, and what we can do to counteract them.

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