Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse as part of Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge, the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program empowers frontline animal shelter workers to provide exceptional care, grounded in best practices, with a focus on improving outcomes for animals and communities.
Through engaging online courses, you’ll gain expertise in:
- Best practices to reduce animal stress.
- Foundational animal care and medical care to enhance your skills.
- Behavior, training, and enrichment for healthier, happier animals.
- Population management to optimize shelter resources.
- Daily care best practices that streamline your workflow and maximize impact.
Whether you’re new to shelter work or a seasoned professional, this program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and recognition to make a greater difference.
Why Become Certified?
- Advance your career with professional credentials.
- Learn practical, actionable skills to improve daily operations.
- Gain confidence in providing high-quality care for every animal.
Applications are being accepted for the Winter 2026 session starting 1/5/26! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/5/25.
Certification is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie!
Winter 2026 Session Cohort Priorities:
- Shelter Type: Public or Private Shelter with Stray Intake Contracts (NOTE: We may be able to accept applicants from some fully private shelters – no stray intakes – but much of the content will be more relevant to shelters that do take in strays).
- Shelter Intakes: Shelters must take in both dogs and cats.
- Shelter Size: This group will prioritize medium to larger shelters (typically 4,000 intakes/year or more) but will also consider smaller shelters as space is available.
Enrollment is limited; applicants from these shelter types will be prioritized for this session.
