parrotThe Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey (AWFNJ) will host its annual Animal Welfare & Care Conference at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch, Friday and Saturday March 14-15. It is one of the largest animal welfare conferences on the East Coast and attracts attendees from all over thre region. AWFNJ is a statewide coalition of national and local animal welfare organizations working collaboratively to improve animal welfare in the State of New Jersey through advocacy, networking, and education.

Beth Cruz, president of Shelter Showcase, is a board member of AWFNJ and helps plan the conference. “The workshops and speakers at the AWFNJ Conference are top notch, and bring life-saving information to the shelters, rescue groups and volunteers, to help us work smarter for the animals in our communities,” she said. “I encourage any local resident interested in helping animals to register for the conference. Businesses can also participate by sponsoring, exhibiting, or donating a prize to the event’s tricky tray.”

The conference features two days of workshops, reception and entertainment, and keynote speakers. Presenters include some of the nation’s most dedicated names in animal welfare. The workshops cover topics such as adoption, animal control, wildlife, dog fighting, and fighting animal cruelty.

Sponsors of the event include Petfinder, PetSmart Charities, Merck Animal Health, and Datamars.

Incorporated in 1995, AWFNJ acts as a unifying voice for the animal protection community. AWFNJ advocates on animal welfare legislation, encourages the enforcement of animal cruelty laws, conducts programs to elevate the quality of care for animals, and acts as a resource to help members solve common problems.

Tickets information and a full conference schedule are available on the web site.