Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

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  • Hybrid Conference – 9/26/25 to 9/28/25 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Puppyworks (fee applies)

    Hybrid Conference – 9/26/25 to 9/28/25 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Puppyworks (fee applies)

    Join the world’s foremost experts on aggression in dogs!

    In a Nutshell

    • Attend Online or In-Person
    • 14 Renowned Speakers
    • 14 Groundbreaking Sessions
    • Save Additional $10 with Discount Code Puppyworks10
    • Exchange Ideas with a Community of your Peers

    19.5 CEUs​

    CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, PPAB, IACP, and PPGA (Whether you attend in-person, online or watch the recordings)

    ​In-Person Location:
    Hilton Charlotte University Place
    8629 Jm Keynes Drive
    Charlotte, NC 28262

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/conference

  • Online Training – 9/20/25 – Return-to-Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Training – 9/20/25 – Return-to-Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    It used to be that a feral cat had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after he entered. But that’s no longer the case. In recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. Instead of euthanizing healthy community cats (whether feral, friendly or otherwise), the shelter will spay or neuter, eartip and vaccinate, then return the cat back to where he was found.

    We’ll cover the policies behind RTF, the mechanics of implementing the program, current controversies over the RTF of friendly cats, and how to combine RTF with TNR in general to lower cat populations and create sustainability.

    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.

    This session is led by Susan Richmond, Executive Director, and Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, and lasts 2 hours, followed by 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-field-saving-the-lives-of-community-cats-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2025/

  • Online Training – 9/17/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Training – 9/17/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you may be the difference between a cat losing her home and staying in her home. Join this session to learn what surrender prevention is and why it works.

    Instructed by Dr. Rachel Geller, she will share real examples, with proven results, setting the potential surrenderer and cat on the road to a happy relationship together and keeping the cat in her home.

    We’ll cover how to empathize with cat owners, working around their limitations (financial, time, patience), and focus on the 3 most common reasons for surrender: litter box problems, scratching (and not on the scratching post!), and inter-cat aggression.

    Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual techniques. This session is being recorded and recordings will be shared. Attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.

    This session is led by Dr. Rachel Geller, founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. 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/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-sept-2025/

  • Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/15/25 – Community Cats Program Management – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/15/25 – Community Cats Program Management – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    Are you ready to make a greater impact in your community? Registration is now open for the next session of the Community Cat Program Management Course in collaboration with the University of the Pacific, Benerd College! Course leaders, Stacy LeBaron (Community Cats Podcast & United Spay Alliance) and Elizabeth Finch (Community Cats Podcast), will facilitate this unique, fully comprehensive, eight-week certificate program covers every essential aspect of building and managing a successful community cat initiative.

    The course is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage community cat programs. Aimed at animal welfare professionals, veterinary students, animal control officers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates, this course combines theory with practical applications to cover all aspects of community cat welfare.

    Through a blend of online lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world assignments, students will learn how to implement humane and effective strategies for managing community cat populations, ensuring their health and welfare while engaging positively with the communities they serve.

    Course Highlights:
    Beyond the Fundamentals: Master trap-neuter-return (TNR), the cornerstone of community cat management.
    Community Outreach & Education: Learn to engage your community and effectively market your program.
    Legal & Ethical Considerations: Navigate laws and best practices to protect both cats and your program.
    Building Strong Community Partnerships: Form collaborations for maximum impact.
    Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and retain passionate volunteers to drive your mission forward.
    Colony Management and Complaint Mitigation: Effectively manage cat colonies and address public concerns.
    Funding and Sustainability: Secure funding and develop a long-term plan for ongoing success.

    This course is ideal for nonprofit leaders, community advocates, veterinary students, animal welfare professionals, animal control officers, and anyone ready to turn their passion for helping cats into lasting action.

    The University of the Pacific is an approved provider of content that enhances professional competence and aligns with the CAWA Exam specifications. Additionally, this course is approved for NACA Continuing Education credit. To learn more about the CAWA accreditation, visit CAWA Accreditation Information.

    Enrollment deadline: September 14, 2025

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103&selectedProgramAreaId=20924&selectedProgramStreamId=20939#courseSectionDetails_3973670

  • Webinar – 10/9/25 – Building a Safety Net of Connections and Resources for Your Community – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Webinar – 10/9/25 – Building a Safety Net of Connections and Resources for Your Community – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Human service and animal welfare organizations can significantly support each other’s missions while enhancing the interactions of the people they serve. People will often seek help for their pets before seeking help for themselves, and at the same time, pets sometimes present a barrier to accessing essential services. Here lies an opportunity to ensure that communities have access to and are aware of what services are available, especially in times of crisis or change.

    By understanding and sharing available resources in the community, your organization can provide each person with a more individualized approach to ensure all aspects of their situation are being addressed while furthering your mission.

    The audience will learn:

    • How to connect with other organizations
    • What information is relevant to their front-line staff serving community members
    • How to build a database of resources
    • Questions to ask to better serve guests/community members

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/building-a-safety-net-of-connections-and-resources-for-your-community/

  • Webinar – 9/23/25 – Who You Gonna Call? Finding and Utilizing Experts in Animal Cruelty Investigations – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Webinar – 9/23/25 – Who You Gonna Call? Finding and Utilizing Experts in Animal Cruelty Investigations – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    The advice, services, and opinions of experts can elevate the quality of your animal cruelty investigations tenfold. Whether you need to consult on the nutritional needs of an unusual species or engage a forensically-trained veterinarian to determine the extent of a traumatic injury, partnering with subject matter experts is an important way to ensure your investigations are comprehensive, your seizures and protective custody plans provide victim animals with appropriate care and handling, and your criminal cases equip prosecutors with the detailed information they need when considering charges.

    This webinar will introduce you to types of experts and where to find them, offer tips for building strong relationships with these partners, and provide examples of cases where the participation of an expert-led to positive outcomes. This webinar is a great opportunity to start thinking about how your effectiveness and impact can be magnified whether you are a one-person agency or part of a large organization.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/who-you-gonna-call-finding-and-utilizing-experts-in-animal-cruelty-investigations/

  • Webinar – 8/28/25 – Unlocking AI for Animal Shelters – CalAnimals

    Webinar – 8/28/25 – Unlocking AI for Animal Shelters – CalAnimals

    Join us for a live webinar led by Kristen Hassen of Outcomes Consulting Group, designed specifically for animal shelter professionals. This interactive, fast-paced session will teach you how to easily integrate AI into operations to save time, streamline processes, and improve outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to expand your AI toolkit, this session will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to help your team work smarter and save more lives.

    Presenter:
    Kristen Hassen, Outcomes Consulting Group

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bGIkW78gQHypC701UZpbAQ#/

  • Online Conference – 11/22/25 – RISE Remix: Moving Forward. No Turning Back. – MCVMA

    Online Conference – 11/22/25 – RISE Remix: Moving Forward. No Turning Back. – MCVMA

    In 2021 and 2022, MCVMA’s groundbreaking RISE Conference made history with 60+ speakers of color, sparking vital conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine. Since then, we’ve watched the attacks on DEI unfold: companies and organizations gutting programs, dropping staff, and abandoning their commitments. The message from some organizations is clear: their so-called “DEI values” were just a trend. That’s not us.

    That’s why we’re back with RISE Remix, a powerful one-day virtual CE gathering reigniting the conversations, voices, and actions fueling lasting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in veterinary medicine. This dynamic event brings together fan-favorite speakers from our past RISE Conferences alongside fresh perspectives and timely topics aimed at driving meaningful progress in our profession.

    What to Expect:

    • Resource: Deep-dive DEI content with tools and strategies designed to spark intentional, measurable change—not just performative action.
    • Include: A deeper cultural awareness and broader global connections that challenge the status quo and enrich our collective practice.
    • Support: Focused discussions on affordable care, outreach, and meeting the needs of communities impacted by veterinary care shortages.
    • Elevate: Insightful sessions led by BIPOC specialists, offering leadership, expertise, and inspiration.

    Stay tuned. You won’t want to miss it! Visit mcvma.org/rise-remix-2025 for more details.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://mcvma.org/rise-remix-2025/

  • Online Course – Starts 10/13/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Fall 2025 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    Online Course – Starts 10/13/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Fall 2025 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.

    Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering. 

    APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9/13/25.

    Certification is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie!

    This program is most relevant for individuals working in public shelters or private shelters with municipal contracts. 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 – 9/23/25 – Vaccination Protocols: Tailoring Protection for Every Patient – Maddie’s Fund

    Webinar – 9/23/25 – Vaccination Protocols: Tailoring Protection for Every Patient – Maddie’s Fund

    Still have questions about the new vaccination guidelines established in 2024? Need an update on the recommendations for neo-natals in your program? This presentation explores the essential role of vaccination to protect vulnerable populations, prevent outbreaks, and improve overall animal welfare. Designed for veterinary medical staff as well as shelter staff interested in improving their understanding of vaccination, this session will cover best practices for vaccine selection and scheduling, as well along with the latest recommendations for vaccination of neonates in high-risk environments.

    Join Dr. Erica Schumacher, Outreach Veterinarian & Clinical Instructor at the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, September 23 at 12n Pacific / 2pm Central / 3pm Eastern.

    Sign up here for this 75-minute webinar to get your questions answered: https://maddies.fund/WebcastVaccinationProtocolsRegistrationSept2025

    By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Recognize the Role of Vaccination in Disease Prevention – Understand how vaccination helps protect vulnerable populations, prevent outbreaks, and improve overall animal welfare.
    • Develop Tailored Vaccination Protocols – Learn how to customize vaccine selection and scheduling based on species, lifestyle, risk factors, and environmental considerations.
    • Apply Best Practices for Vaccine Administration – Identify proper techniques for vaccine handling, storage, and administration to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse reactions.
    • Incorporate the Latest Recommendations for Neonatal Vaccination – Explore updated recommendations for vaccinating neonates, especially in high-risk environments.

    Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.25 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.25 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been submitted for approval for 1.25 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.

    Have questions or comments for the guest speaker? Leave them on the discussion thread: https://maddies.fund/ForumVaccinationProtocolsSept2025

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://maddies.fund/WebcastVaccinationProtocolsRegistrationSept2025