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  • New Adoption Counseling Course for Shelter Staff, Volunteers, and Fosters

    New Adoption Counseling Course for Shelter Staff, Volunteers, and Fosters

    There’s a new, free self-paced course available at Maddie’s® University, and it’s all about facilitating successful adoptions!

    This course provides guidance for navigating the entire adoption process, with an emphasis on adoption counseling. The course demonstrates the general adoption counseling process and then dives into adoption counseling for pets with behavior or medical conditions. Text content is supported by videos, infographics and exercises. All videos are shareable and all infographics are available for download so you can use them in training. 

    “This course goes deep on adoption counseling for cats and dogs and spans a number of interconnected topics,” co-author Rachel Jones shares. Topics include:

    • Customizing meet and greets for individual animals and their behaviors and medical needs.
    • Order of operations when receiving inquiries through different channels
    • Using approachable language when discussing different types of behaviors and medical needs.
    • Prioritizing counseling topics.
    • Important paperwork to consider.
    • Helping potential adopters determine whether a pet is a match themselves.
    • Setting adopters up for success in the home.
    • Fostering a welcoming environment.
    • Ways to simplify your own placement processes without sacrificing quality.
    • Minor marketing tips.
    • And more.

    The Adoption Counseling course is eligible for 2.0 hours of credit from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA).

    Enroll now for free
  • Get More Animals Home with Back Where They Belong Summit Sessions and Resources, Now On-Demand

    Get More Animals Home with Back Where They Belong Summit Sessions and Resources, Now On-Demand

    Have you heard? By getting just 20% more stray dogs back home in our communities, we have the power to end unnecessary shelter euthanasia and find homes for every dog who needs one.

    Presenters from organizations across the country—municipal, non-profit, and national—came together in a mega event to share the best resources and most successful methods they’re using to reduce shelter crowding and get more dogs and cats back home. Now every short, solution-packed presentation and recommended resource is available on-demand at Maddie’s® University for free, #ThankstoMaddie!

    Pick the 25-minute sessions that speak to you. Whether you’re a field officer, frontline staff member, manager, or dedicated volunteer navigating tough decisions, topics like these will help you make a difference today:

    • The Crucial Role of Return to Home in Reducing Shelter Crowding and Euthanasia Today (Dr. Kate Hurley, UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program)
    • Contracts, Jurisdictions, Fees and Local Ordinance Considerations to Promote Return to Home (Cole Wakefield, Good Shepherd Humane Society)
    • Empowering Dispatch With Training, Support and Resources for the Public (Michelle George, Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity—CARE)
    • Working With Finders to Help Get Animals Back Where They Belong (Mike Wheeler, Cabot Animal Support Services)
    • Getting Pets Home with Better Approaches to On-Pet IDs and ID/Microchip Tracing (Nina Stively, Loudoun County Animal Services)
    • Making It Easy for Owners to Find and Redeem Lost Pets: Tech Tips and Communication Strategies – Bobby Mann and Mia Navedo-Williams, Humane Rescue Alliance
    • Using Technology to Improve Your Lost and Found Systems (Elkie Wills, San Diego Humane Society)
    • And more!

    You’ll want to share these sessions with your team and stakeholders, including city leaders and decision-makers, to get everyone on board with programming that prioritizes getting dogs and cats back to the people and homes they know and love. Every single action we take together adds up. When it comes to making things better for shelter staff and animals, plus the people who are missing dogs and cats in the community, the impact is immeasurable.

    Get on-demand solutions now
  • Online Course – Application deadline 12/5/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Winter 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    Online Course – Application deadline 12/5/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Winter 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    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: 9/13/25.

    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.

    Learn more about upcoming sessions and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

  • Webinar – 11/18/25 – Doors Wide Open: Social Work Guidelines in Animal Welfare Settings – Open Door Veterinary Collective

    Webinar – 11/18/25 – Doors Wide Open: Social Work Guidelines in Animal Welfare Settings – Open Door Veterinary Collective

    Join us for a 30-minute panel discussion introducing the Social Work Guidelines in Animal Welfare Settings, a groundbreaking new resource created by and for social workers working in animal welfare organizations across North America.

    Whether your organization already employs a social worker, you are exploring how social work can enhance your mission, or you are simply curious about how social work skills fit into animal welfare, this panel conversation is for you.

    Developed through a year-long participatory action research project funded by the ASPCA, the Guidelines provide a roadmap for social work practice in animal welfare settings at the individual, organization, and community/policy levels.

    Discussion topics include:

    • How animal welfare organizations can use the guidelines to strengthen human and animal well-being
    • Common challenges and strategies for successful implementation
    • Ways non-social work staff can engage with and benefit from the guidelines
    • Bring your lunch and your curiosity. This will be an engaging, real-world conversation about advancing both ends of the leash.

    Panelists and Guidelines Co-Authors:
    Kayla Anderson, Veterinary Social Worker, The Program for Pet Health Equity
    Kelly Bremken, Veterinary Social Worker, Oregon Humane Society
    Laurie Maxwell, Director of Veterinary Social Work, MedVet
    Augusta O’Reilly, President, International Veterinary Social Work Association
    Alexis Telfair-Garcia, Director of Social Work Program Development, Austin Pets Alive!

    Facilitator: Janet Hoy-Gerlach, PhD, LCSW, LISW-S, Director of Veterinary Social Work, Open Door Veterinary Collective

    WEBSITE LINK: https://maddiesfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1QXhCo6QRRSKBYInJ_Ki0Q#/registration

  • Webinar – 12/3/25 – Sanitation and Cleaning for Kitten Caregivers – National Kitten Coalition

    Webinar – 12/3/25 – Sanitation and Cleaning for Kitten Caregivers – National Kitten Coalition

    With thorough cleaning and sanitation, you can significantly lower the risk of virus and disease transmission in your shelter or home.

    Join us for a presentation on the current protocols and best practices for cleaning and sanitization when handling and caring for kittens. We will discuss effective products and procedures for disinfecting rooms, cages, bedding, and litter boxes to help keep your kittens safe and healthy.

    In this concise 30-minute session, Dr. Emily Coleman, DVM, will share essential cleaning protocols and product recommendations to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases. The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions and get advice on your sanitation challenges.

    Speaker: Emily Coleman, DVM

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://kittencoalition.org/event/sanitation-and-cleaning-for-kitten-caregivers-2/

  • Online Course – 12/6/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Course – 12/6/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Ready to make a difference for feral and stray cats in your community? Join our expert instructors to learn the best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and effective colony management. You’ll learn what TNR is, why it works, and how to address common challenges such as communicating with neighbors, preparing for trapping, conducting large-scale trapping operations, feeding, and providing winter shelter.

    If you’re new to TNR, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to kickstart your TNR journey, while experienced trappers can refresh and sharpen their techniques.

    Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and real-life video footage from actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow TNR advocates.

    Led by experts from Neighborhood Cats, this 2.5-hour session includes an optional 15-minute Q&A. Registration is just $10.

    This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA).

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/tnr-certification-workshop-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-dec-2025/

  • Online Course – 11/15/25 – Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Course – 11/15/25 – Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    In this session we will review all of the best practices for keeping your community cats well cared for during the year. We will cover feeding, housing, and treatment from the team at Neighborhood Cats with their 20 years of experience dealing with all things community cat!

    Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and real-life video footage from actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow TNR advocates.

    WEBSITE LINK: http://communitycatscentral.thinkific.com/courses/take/colony-caretaking

  • Webinar – 11/13/25 – Generating Government Buy In – HASS

    Webinar – 11/13/25 – Generating Government Buy In – HASS

    In many communities, animal services rise and fall with the priorities of local government—and if you’re not part of the conversation, you’re likely missing out on funding, partnerships, and critical support. Whether you’re operating under a city contract, connected to law enforcement, or simply the only game in town for animal welfare, knowing how to work with your local leaders is key. Join Mike Wheeler, Director of Cabot Animal Support Services, as he shares his straightforward, proven approach to building relationships with decision makers—and how you can do it, too.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SIllF2-WSxOrlLsSuADZ2Q#/registration

  • Online Event – 11/19/25 – Shelter Med LIVE – Pills, Skills, and New Bills: Keeping the California Shelter Clinic Compliant – UC Davis KSMP

    Online Event – 11/19/25 – Shelter Med LIVE – Pills, Skills, and New Bills: Keeping the California Shelter Clinic Compliant – UC Davis KSMP

    November Topic: Pills, Skills, and New Bills: Keeping the California Shelter Clinic Compliant

    Hosted by Dr. Jenn Bennett with guests Dr. Jena Valdez (Chief Medical Officer, San Francisco SPCA), Dr. Ginger White, (Veterinarian, ASAP Cats), and Dr. Carissa Jones (Chief Veterinarian, OC Animal Care)

    Over the past few years, new California laws have expanded what shelter staff, technicians, and veterinarians can do for animals. Meanwhile, shelter medicine remains a hot topic at the Veterinary Medical Board and the California Veterinary Medical Association as they consider compliance and concerns around compounding pharmaceuticals, owner exemptions for medical care, and veterinarian of record relationships.

    On this episode of Shelter Med LIVE, Drs. Valdez, Jones and White will share how they work through these issues in-shelter and with partner organizations. Together, we’ll unpack recent and upcoming changes and what they actually mean for your daily practice.

    Join the discussion on the questions everyone’s asking:

    • Can I still compound? What are the rules for drugs used in High-Quality High-Volume Spay/Neuter surgery and dispensing for common shelter treatments?
    • What can I delegate to veterinary staff or technicians to expand the medical care for shelter animals when I’m not onsite? What about serving owned animals?
    • What’s actually required for Vet of Record relationships, and what should I be aware of when working with shelters?

    Send your biggest questions to sheltermedicine@ucdavis.edu in advance. After this hour, you’ll feel more confident about the do’s, don’ts, and how to leverage laws at your shelter.

    About Shelter Med LIVE

    Shelter medicine bridges gaps in veterinary care access, ensuring animals are sterilized, vaccinated, and have the medical treatment they need before going home to the people and communities who care for them.

    Ask questions (or send them in ahead of time). This isn’t a lecture—it’s a conversation for everyone who wants to nerd out on shelter medicine. Kick back and recharge with your colleagues in the middle of a long week.

    This event has been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit by CAWA and NACA.

    Can’t make it live? Register to receive the recording and resources after the event, accessible through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse, #ThanksToMaddie!

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.shelterlearniverse.com/events

  • Webinar – 11/13/25 – Maddie’s Insights: The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid – Maddie’s Fund

    Webinar – 11/13/25 – Maddie’s Insights: The Animal Welfare Assessment Grid – Maddie’s Fund

    Discover how the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG) turns everyday animal care records into powerful, visual evidence of welfare over an animal’s entire life. This innovative, cloud-based tool scores physical, behavioral/psychological, environmental, and procedural factors—revealing trends, pinpointing key events, and helping you take targeted action to improve quality of life.

    Whether you’re caring for animals, conducting research, or making the case for change, AWAG’s data-driven insights make animal well-being measurable, actionable, and easy to communicate.

    Learning outcomes:

    •  Describe the structure and utility of the AWAG in assessing canine welfare
    • Understand the scoring and interpret what scores mean
    • Identify the factors scored in dogs
    • Recognise predictors of behaviour disorders and their implications for clinical
      practice
    • Explore future applications of the AWAG and utilise its potential to improve well-
      being

    Guest Speakers:

    • Rachel Malkani, Veterinary and Animal Welfare Scientist, Clinical Animal Behaviorist, Founder and Board Member of the Dog Friendly Clinic
    • Sarah Wolfensohn, OBE, BSc, MA, VetMB, FRSB, DipECAWBM, FRCVS, Director, Welfare Assessment Technologies, Ltd.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

  • Online Event – 11/6/25 – Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection: Detective, Educator, Mediator: A Holistic Approach to Foster Behavior Support – Maddie’s Fund

    Online Event – 11/6/25 – Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection: Detective, Educator, Mediator: A Holistic Approach to Foster Behavior Support – Maddie’s Fund

    Foster insights are invaluable to shelters & rescues, and no concern should ever be dismissed or taken more lightly than the foster presents it. At the same time, that initial presentation of a concern tends to only offer one perspective: the human’s. Zan’s presentation will walk through example cases of their tried and true process of taking an analytical approach that simultaneously gets to the root causes of an animal’s concerning or unwanted behaviors and promotes a more nuanced understanding of those animals’ needs among fosters, all without sacrificing compassion for either.

    Guest Speaker: Zan Lowell

    About Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection:
    Join us on the first Thursday of every month to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues.

    Who should join: Foster managers, coordinators, volunteers and any staff who are interested in learning about what’s working in foster programs.

    You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration

    Can’t attend live?  Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.

    All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://maddies.fund/monthlyfosterconnectionMPF

    Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.

    The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration

  • Online Course – 11/12/25 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Course – 11/12/25 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Leave all your assumptions about ‘dumped, abandoned, or unwanted’ stray cats at the door! Imagine if every stray cat entering our shelters was treated as a beloved pet with a family searching for them. How can we streamline the process of reuniting lost pets with their owners—without overburdening our dedicated staff and volunteers or filling up shelter space with lengthy stray holds?

    In this session, we’ll explore straightforward, effective strategies and processes you can implement to support the owners of lost cats, become a valuable resource for those who find stray cats, and boost the rates at which cats in our shelters are joyfully reunited with their families.

    Take advantage of the interactive format and earn your certificate of completion after passing a short quiz. Plus gain access to an exclusive Facebook group to network with other cat-focused volunteers and professionals.

    This workshop is presented by Corinne Bourgoin, Shelter Operations Supervisor at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(MSPCA), and lasts 1.5 hours, including an optional 15-minute Q&A session. Registration is just $10.00.

    This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-home-certification-workshop-nov-2025/