Online Course – Starts 2/26/24 – Compassion Fatigue Strategies Plus – University of Florida – Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program (fee applies)
2024-02-26 | Virtual
Today’s animal welfare and veterinary medical professionals are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for animals, people, and the organizations that heal, connect, and protect them. If that’s you, it’s easy to feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. The work feels never-ending. Taking care of your own needs might seem impossible.
Transforming empathic distress (aka compassion fatigue) is absolutely possible for you and your staff. That’s why the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is once again offering its Compassion Fatigue Strategies online course with certified compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce.
This course will help you recognize signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma, learn how to reduce stress injury, increase your self-care and team-care practices, build compassion satisfaction, restore resiliency, and make successful changes in your life and in your organization.
By the end of class you’ll:

Have 6 strategies to help you do the work you love, without being sidelined by compassion fatigue and burnout, so that you can feel energized and happy again
Know which self-care and stress management practices work for you
Have a personal mission statement so that you can feel clear about why you do this work even when it’s challenging
Have clear and manageable goals, so that you can make lasting changes in your sleep, diet, friendships, or anything else that really matters to you
Feel comfortable using super simple meditation practices, so that you can restore your balance
Clearly understand how and when to get professional mental health help, without shame
Know how to collaborate with your staff and coworkers on these issues so that you can all benefit from what you learned in the course

Early individual registration is $299 per person by January 26, 2024. Regular individual registration is $349 per person January 27, 2024 through February 26, 2024.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/continuing-education/compassion-fatigue-strategies/

Online Conference - 3/9/24 and 3/10/24 - 4th Annual Modern & Ethical Training Conference (MET) - Puppyworks (fee applies)
2024-03-09, 2024-03-10 | Virtual
6 great trainers will talk about their experiences, give advice and practical solutions.
Over 18 hours of expertise and advice for the daily life of professional trainers & their clients.
You can watch the lectures live on the day of the conference or at any time during the following 6 months.
MET conference 2024 has been approved by CCPDT and IAABC organizations for 18 CEUs.
You can listen to the lectures of Czech trainers in the original version or access a high-quality translation in English, so that you do not miss a word of expertise!
Gain practical procedures with proven results.
No waiting and commuting – enjoy the conference from the comfort of your couch with your dog partner by your side.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/met2024

Online Certificate Program – Starts 3/11/24 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Marketing & Development – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-03-11 | Virtual
Society’s relationship to pets continues to evolve. The majority of people consider their pets to be beloved family members and expect their local animal shelter to work diligently to save the lives of the dogs and cats that enter the facility. This program will provide the knowledge you need to assume a management or leadership role at an open-admission animal shelter. You’ll learn how to maximize a shelter’s lifesaving potential through program management, community engagement, and shelter operations while at the same time preparing yourself for an exciting career.
The five courses are:

Leadership covering strategic planning, analyzing operations, decision-making, managing people and processes to achieve results, organizational responsibilities, and working with a board of directors.
Shelter Operations covering adoptions, animal care and sheltering fundamentals, animal behavior and enrichment, and customer service.
Community Program Development covering volunteers, foster care, spay/neuter, pet retention, events, and community relations.
Animal Health and Clinic Operations covering understanding shelter medicine, basic animal health considerations and care, euthanasia decisions, and clinic operations.
Marketing and Development covering development fundamentals, fundraising strategies, marketing fundamentals, adoption promotion, social media and websites, and media relations.

Each of these courses include live video conference sessions with top experts in the field providing students valuable contacts within the field. Additionally, alumni have access to exclusive networking opportunities and receive notification of employment opportunities.
You can sign up for individual courses or all five for a discount. All five must be completed to get a certificate.
Who will benefit from the program?

Professionals seeking a career change to something more personally fulfilling.
New shelter directors.
Shelter directors or managers wishing to improve their organization’s live release rate and sustainability.
People working in the animal welfare field who wish to advance into management roles.
Board members of animal shelters.

Credit for program/courses
Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a Certificate in Animal Shelter Management from the University of the Pacific.
Each course earns:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of the Pacific
Association of Animal Welfare Advancement CAWA Continuing Education (CE) credits

Schedule and Registration
Each of the five online courses are six weeks long and are offered sequentially. The entire program is about seven months long, and a new round starts again after a short break. More information on start dates of each course and the registration form can be found on the University of the Pacific website.
​WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=21282#courseSectionDetails_2946837

Online Training - Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-03-13 16:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Are you deeply committed to ensuring that cats remain in their cherished homes? Step into the role of a certified Surrender Prevention Specialist and become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of our feline friends. Join us on March 13th for an illuminating workshop led by the esteemed Dr. Rachel Geller.
Event Details: 📅 Date: March 13 🕒 Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST 📍 Location: Virtual, register here
As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you hold the power to bridge the gap between a cat losing its home and maintaining a joyful bond with its owner. In this workshop, Dr. Rachel Geller will explore the art of surrender prevention, drawing from real-life scenarios with proven outcomes. Uncover the effectiveness of surrender prevention strategies and your pivotal role in nurturing harmonious relationships between cats and their caregivers.
#ThanksToMaddie, scholarship opportunities are available! If you or someone you know would benefit from a complimentary registration, please complete the form here.
Key Topics Explored:

Grasping the concept and significance of surrender prevention
Cultivating empathy towards cat owners and addressing their constraints (financial, time, patience)
Real-world success stories of surrender prevention methodologies
Spotlight on the three primary reasons for surrender: litter box issues, inappropriate scratching, and intercat aggression
Interactive sessions, comprehensive handouts, and video demonstrations of effective techniques Upon successful completion of the workshop and a brief assessment, participants will receive a Surrender Prevention Certification. Furthermore, scholarships are still accessible for those eager to contribute to the welfare of cats in need.

Unable to attend on March 13? No problem! The workshop will be offered three times in 2024, providing ample opportunities to refine your expertise and understanding.
📚 Be a Part of Something Pawsitively Impactful! 📚 Join Dr. Rachel Geller and fellow cat enthusiasts on January 17th for an enlightening and empowering Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop. Let’s collaborate to preserve the sanctity of feline homes and fortify the bond between cats and their caregivers.
For additional information, to secure your spot, or inquire about scholarships, please visit https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-mar-2024/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-mar-2024/

Online Course – Starts 3/18/24 – Introduction to Shelter Medicine – VIN (fee applies)
2024-03-18 | Virtual
Course Information:
Why is my local animal shelter vaccinating puppies so many times? Why are they spaying these kittens so young? Why aren’t my usual treatments working for upper respiratory infections in adopted kittens?
Perhaps you’re a private practitioner seeing pets recently adopted from the local shelter. Maybe you’re interested in helping at that shelter. Or perhaps you’ve taken a new position and are new to shelter medicine. Maybe it’s time for a change and you’re considering getting involved in animal welfare. If you’re interested in learning more about the basics of shelter medicine to better support your local shelter and your clients, this course is for you!
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to

describe a comprehensive preventive medicine approach, including an intake protocol for dogs and cats entering animal shelters.
describe how vaccination strategies in shelters differ from private practice.
discuss the pros and cons of FeLV/FIV screening in shelters.
discuss which disinfectant classes are recommended for use in animal shelters and how efficacy against various pathogens differs.
describe the use of trained support staff to effectively and efficiently provide care for all pets entering the shelter.
discuss the management of common shelter diseases including:

Feline upper respiratory tract disease
Canine infectious respiratory disease
Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia
Canine distemper virus
Dermatophytosis

discuss strategies to reduce kennel stress and common behavior challenges in shelter-housed dogs, including pharmaceutical interventions, environmental management, and behavior modification.
discuss balancing disease risk with the enrichment benefits of conspecific play (playgroups) in shelter-housed dogs.

Level and Prerequisites: This basic VIN CE course is open for enrollment to veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists actively interested in shelter medicine.
Credit Approval: This course is approved for 2 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists. (RACE 20-1139748)
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.vin.com/ce/SHEL103-0324.htm

Online Course – Starts 5/8/24 – Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-05-08 | Virtual
The IAABC Animal Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice Course is a unique twelve-week multi-module course providing a comprehensive overview of the many facets of animal behavior consulting for all species. The course is appropriate for experienced behavior consultants and practitioners as well as those newer to the field with a strong interest in animal behavior. The course features weekly online meetings with a Course Mentor discussing each learning module.
Course Begins: May 8, 2024
Duration: 12 weeks
Instructor: Erin Jones, PhD, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, CDBC
Course Highlights

27 renowned experts in the field
a comprehensive overview of Animal Behavior Consulting for all species
the only course to cover all facets of Animal Behavior Consulting
weekly online Mentor Meetings for ongoing support and further learning

Presenters include:
Dr. Mary Burch; Dr. Dan Estep; Dr. Susan Friedman; Dr. Lore Haug; Dr. Suzanne Hetts; Dr. Karen Overall; Dr. Chris Pachel; Chirag Patel; Ken Ramirez; Kathy Sdao; Mychelle Blake; Veronica Boutelle; Kristin Buller, LSCW; Brian Burton; Steve Dale; Dr. Sheila D’Arpino; Jessica Dolce; Gail Fisher; Sarah Fraser; Dr. Evon Hekkala; Dr. Jessica Hekman; Dr. Elinor Karlsson; Theresa McKeon; Gina Phairas; Randi Rossman; Dr. Rise VanFleet; Miranda Workman
Topics covered include:
Learning Science; Applied Behavior Analysis; Functional Analysis and Intervention Design; Biology; Ethology; Genetics; Marker Training; Case Studies; Desensitization and Counter Conditioning; Program Management; Behavioral Medicine; LIMA Practices; TAGteach; Business Promotion and Social Media Strategies; Interpreting Scientific Studies; the Human Side of the Equation; Sheltering, Fostering and Enrichment; Animal Welfare Science; Compassion Fatigue
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm Eastern (first meeting May 15th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration with the exception of Week 7 (June 26th) which is 2 hours in duration
There are 12 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/animal-behavior-consulting-principles-practice/

Online Course – Starts 5/20/24 – Professional Dog Training: Science & Application – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-05-20 | Virtual
Training is simple, but it’s not easy! There’s canine learning to understand, practical skills and timing to master, and of course, the human part of the equation to consider. Professional Dog Training: Science & Application is a comprehensive 20-week program designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed as a dog trainer.
Program Highlights:

Each module features lectures and materials packed full of information and designed by a practicing dog training and behavior professional.
You won’t just be watching videos – throughout the program you will engage in weekly online meetings, projects, assignments, and topic-based discussions.
We learn better together! The program is designed using a community learning model; your active participation contributes to everyone’s educational experience and the success of the program.
Assessment of your work is iterative; you are always given an opportunity to improve!

Instructor: Camille Asmer CDBC, IAABC-ADT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Presenters include:
Lauren Novack; Renee Hall; Kathrine Christ; Tabitha Kucera; Michelle Mullins; Erin Jones; Dante Camacho; Allie Bender; Emily Strong; Alicia Harantschuk; Jackie Laubacher
Module topics include:
Principles of Learning Science; Practical Learning Applications; Body Language & Communication; Training & Management Tools; Puppy Fundamentals; Enhancing Animal Welfare & Management Through Enrichment; Husbandry & Cooperative Care Strategies; Client Communication; Client Instruction; Teaching Group Classes; Practical Ethics for Dog Trainers
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS**

Meetings are a safe space to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers. They are not recorded.
Meetings take place on Mondays at 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time. The first meeting is May 27th.
Meetings are 60 minutes in duration
There are 20 meetings for this program

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/professional-dog-training-science-application/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 5/20/24 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-05-20 | Virtual
The shelter environment is a very stressful place that affects the psychological well-being of the animals. Comprehensive behavior programs are essential to keep the animals behaviorally and emotionally healthy during their stay. This eight-week course will give you the knowledge and skills to develop an effective behavior program aimed at improving the welfare of the animals in your care.
05/20/2024 – 7/14/2024 – Now available for registration.
Who will benefit from this program?

Anyone currently affiliated with an animal shelter or rescue organization who wants to learn more about animal behavior as it relates to the shelter/foster environment.
Anyone who wants to improve the emotional wellbeing of the animals in your care.
Anyone seeking a behavior specialist position with an animal shelter or rescue organization.

What You Will Learn

Gain knowledge on how to read dog and cat animal body language and signaling
Learn techniques for safe, humane handling of the animals
Understand how the shelter environment effects the emotional wellbeing of the animals and how to use stress reduction techniques to improve welfare
Gain knowledge on how to keep the animals physically, mentally, and socially stimulated through shelter-wide enrichment programs
Understand the value of effective canine and feline behavior assessments
Obtain the knowledge and skills needed to implement training and behavior modification techniques to improve the behavior and emotional state of the shelter animals
Obtain skills needed to ensure quality customer service for adoption counseling and follow-up.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 4.8 CEUs
Course Code: UNSM 050
Course Price: $399
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Online Course – Starts 5/29/24 – Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2024-05-29 | Virtual
Is your shelter struggling to meet the needs of your dog population? Do you feel like your SOP’s aren’t meeting industry standards? Are you facing challenges related to intake, meeting the needs of dogs in your care, or finding appropriate placement? The Shelter Dog Behavior Mentorship is your opportunity to take your shelter’s canine program to the next level. This 13 week deep dive into all things shelter behavior will help you create evidence-based policies and procedures for your shelter behavior department.
This intensive course will cover all aspects of shelter behavior, from intake to post-adoption support. With the help of your peers from all over the world, we will explore science and best practices in building your shelter behavior programming to meet and exceed industry standards, and to give every dog in your care the best shot at a new home. There will be an emphasis on creating written policy and protocols for your department.
Register before June 5 with the code UCD10 to receive 10% off.
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2024b-sdbm-shelter-dog-behavior-mentorship

Online Course – Starts 6/3/24 – The Forensics of Aggression: Working With and Evaluating Canine Aggression – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-06-03 | Virtual
Jim Crosby is widely recognized as an expert in the field of dog bites, dog aggression, and fatal dog attacks. In this four-part course, Jim is sharing his hard-won knowledge and experience about dog aggression, bites, communication, and what we can do with all of this as we go through our personal and professional journeys through the canine world.
Four Modules, four live meetings (Full Students only), and experience that literally only exists in a hand full of places in the world, Jim is here to share those experiences and the understanding he has gained in nearly twenty years of dealing with the worst of the worst – and a few dogs too.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Recognize the purpose of aggression and when it is or is not appropriate
Analyze how bites happen and what evidence they leave
Evaluate WHICH dog did it, and the basis of inclusion and exclusion of potential suspects
Exchange signals with problem dogs and build the beginnings of trust
Explore dog case evaluations and their application to individual dogs

Graphic Content Warning: Course contains images of fatal dog bites and injuries.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/forensics-of-aggression/

Online Course – 6/5/24 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-06-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Community Cats Podcast, in partnership with Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) is set to empower animal shelters and enthusiasts to change the narrative surrounding stray cats. This workshop aims to revolutionize the way we approach and care for stray felines and provide practical, real-world solutions to address the issue of lost cats and reconnect them with their families.
Date & Time: The workshop will begin on June 5, 2024 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time and will run for 1.5 hours. Registration is $10 and includes access to the recorded session, handouts, and certificate, as well as access to a Facebook discussion group. All attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.
For more information and to sign up go here.
Scholarships are available! #ThanksToMaddie, we are pleased to offer complimentary access to the March session. Anyone interested in receiving a complimentary registration should fill out the form here.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-home-certification-workshop-june-2024/

Online Course – Starts 7/8/24 – What Is a Dog? The Ethology of Our Best Friend – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-07-08 | Virtual
Ethology is the scientific and objective study of animal behavior under natural conditions. In short, it’s the study of how animals behave in the real world.
This course takes a deep dive into our understanding of dogs as a species, and therefore how we live with them and train them, how they learn, and how we can best solve behavioral issues if they arise.
To address these questions we will consider:

The interplay between canine domestication, evolution, and behavior
Development in dogs: birth through adulthood
The perceptual world of the dog and how it impacts behavior
How dogs approach and solve problems in their environment
The role of genetics in behavior
The behavior of free-ranging dogs

You will come away from this course with an even deeper appreciation and wonder for these amazing animals we live with. You’ll never look at dogs—or dog training—quite the same way again.
Course Begins: July 8, 2024
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Mondays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting July 15th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/what-is-a-dog/

Online Seminar - July 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2024 - Practical Exercises for Resolving Canine Reactivity - Puppyworks
2024-07-17 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-07-23 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-07-24 10:00 - 12:30, 2024-08-28 10:00 | Virtual
A hands-on training webinar in 4 sessions
2 1/2 hr sessions on July 16, 17, 23 & 24, 2024
10 AM PST/11 AM Mountain/12 pm Central/1 PM Eastern
Or watch the recordings afterwards!
10 CEUs CCPDT/IAABC
Clothier’s client friendly techniques harness the voluntary actions of dogs that handlers can reinforce to minimize reactivity. The 3 key skills to accomplish this are:

“Auto Check-In” (ACI): Teaches a dog to maintain connection with a handler while developing the handler’s skill to sustain it;
Politeness Poker: Frequently exchanging rewards for desired K9 behaviors to constantly enhance the connection, and
Really Real Relaxation (RRR) -Teaches shared relaxation- so the dog learns to disengage from triggering stimuli and redirect focus onto the handler/client.

Suzanne’s clear instructions & accompanying videos allow your clients to readily learn each skill.
Rates:
Early Bird Rates through May 31
Individuals $99
($ 119 after May 31)
Groups 4+ $89
($109 after May 31)
Above rates cover all 4 sessions!
Registrants have unlimited access to the recordings for 1 year, whether they make the live sessions or not.
About Suzanne
Her renowned Relationship Centered Training (RCT™) has been presented at Assistance Dogs International-NA, Wolf Park, APDT-Association of Pet Dog Trainers, FEMA, Alaskan Dog Musher Assoc., the University of MN SPEAK Conference, Pet Professional Guild Geek Week, Lemonade & many other conferences worldwide.
Her book Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs (Warner, 2002) was twice voted a “Top 5 Book” by the Wall Street Journal.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/clothier2024

Online Training - 7/18/24 - Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs - CalAnimals (fee applies)
2024-07-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
With overflowing kennels and longer lengths of stay, most shelters are seeing no shortage of behavioral challenges among dogs. The most concerning, of course, is aggression, and behavior expert Kelley Bollen will lead this session to take a deep dive into why dogs exhibit aggressive behavior, the different types of aggression we see in dogs, and what situations can trigger aggressive behavior. She will discuss what we as shelter professionals can do to modify this serious and sometimes dangerous behavior and provide guidance on safe placement. With safety considerations for staff, volunteers, and the public, as well as the overall implications our choices have on our ability to maintain liability insurance as an industry, you won’t want to miss this!

2 hours of CE for Humane Officers, CACOs, and CAWAs
$25 members, $35 non-members
Recording available through September 30th

Please be sure to log in for your member discount!
WEBSITE LINK: https://calanimals.site-ym.com/event/understandingaggressivebehavior

Online Course – Starts 7/21/24 – Fundamentals of Animal Behavior and Learning – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-07-21 | Virtual
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Think scientifically about animal training and behavior consulting for all species.
Break training into component principles.
Analyze environmental events that maintain behavior.
Recognize how labels such as “aggressive” or “submissive” cloud your thinking and work.
Establish accurate descriptions of animals who are said to be “confident,” “creative,” “a problem solver,” and how you should approach those learners.
Understand the common principles at play in different animals & species.
Directly assess behavior and train more humanely and effectively by cutting through the jargon.

Course Begins: July 21, 2024
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: JoAnna Platzer, B.Sc. & Dr. Erica Feuerbacher
Course type: Instructed Course
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/fundamentals-of-animal-behavior-and-learning/

Online Course - 8/6/24 - Feline Confident With Pattern Games - IAABC (fee applies)
2024-08-06
Pattern games offer animals predictability and focus in our unpredictable world. This course will give you practical ideas and tools to use with your cats and clients to set them up for success in a variety of contexts. This course is designed for cat behavior consultants but will also appeal to pet owners.
What to expect from this course:

Create training plans using pattern games
Teach a variety of pattern games, such as 1-23, Look At That, Super Bowls, and more
Explore contexts in which the use of each pattern game would be most suitable
Apply pattern games in specific situations, and learn how and when to adjust your training plan
Consider best practices for setting your clients up for success

Join us for this course and develop knowledge and skills to use with all your feline behavior cases.
Course Begins: August 6, 2024
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor: Beth Brown CDBC, CCBC, CCUI, CSAT, CPDT-KSA, FFCP
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/feline-confident-with-pattern-games/

Online Course – Starts 8/13/24 – Shelter Cat Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2024-08-13 | Virtual
This is an on-demand course, with weekly Zoom meetings and a discussion group in between, starting on Tuesday, August 13th. Classes run weekly for thirteen weeks, and participants have a whole year of access to course material. We will cover various aspects of shelter cat behavior, from intake to assessment, to post-adoption support. With the input of your peers from all over the world, we will explore the latest science and best practices in building your shelter behavior programming to meet and exceed industry standards, and to give every cat in your care the best chance at a great life.
Register before June 5 with the code UCD10 to receive 10% off.
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2024A-scbm-shelter-cat-behavior-mentorship

Online Course - 8/19/24 - Application Period for Fall 2024 Online Instructor-Led Courses Opens - Maddie's Fund
2024-08-19 | Virtual
Maddie’s Fund Instructor-Led Courses begin the week of September 16, 2024
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. They’re the catalyst you need to take your programs and learning to the next level! All courses are FREE!
These courses require completion of:

Self-paced online materials
Zoom classes with your instructor and classmates (The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, but can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60- to 90- minutes.)
Final project

Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive.
THE FALL 2024 APPLICATION WINDOW IS MONDAY, AUGUST 19 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024.
View Sample Application
The link to apply will be posted here on Monday, August 19, 2024.
To be eligible, your organization must be a U.S.-based 501c3 or government animal welfare organization. All Maddie’s University courses are pre-approved for NACA and CAWA CE (continuing education) credits.
If you have any questions or any issues applying during the open application period, please email maddiesuniversity@maddiesfund.org.

Fall 2024 Course Offerings

Cat Adoption Team’s Fostering 4 Rock Stars
Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters
Field Services: Community-Centered Programming
Field Services: Tools & Equipment
Foster Care for Adult Dogs
Harnessing People Power to Get Lost Pets Back Home
Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach
Marketing Communications 101: The Essentials of Community Connection
Pet Support Services: Culture, Collaboration, and Case Management
Shelter Clinic Management
Transport: Building Strong Partnerships Locally & Beyond

WEBSITE LINK: https://university.maddiesfund.org/Online-Instructor-Led-Courses

Online Course – Starts 9/1/24 – Beginning Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Sarah Filipiak – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-09-01 | Virtual
Are you new to behavior consulting or thinking about starting work in behavior? Are you already consulting and looking for advice regarding more advanced cases? Are you looking for help with specific cases or kinds of cases? If you’ve thought about taking on, or are new to, cases such as aggression towards strangers, dog-dog reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety, or you just want to brush up on your behavior chops, this mentorship is for you.
This mentorship will help you:

Understand how to determine and acknowledge your skill level
Examine the difference between training and behavior modification
Understand the basic principles of behavior modification and how they apply to all situations
Understand how to communicate your expectations and clients’ options prior to accepting more challenging cases
Understand how to write behavior plans clients can follow
Explore how to motivate clients to implement plans requiring a heavy level of commitment and follow-through

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sarah Filipiak will share tips on coaching behavior clients, including case organization and communication, for maximum client compliance. She’ll also cover the risks inherent in tackling tricky behaviors and how to keep from getting in over your head while still expanding your training horizons. We’ll also take a look at training hierarchies and other tools that can help you solve your current challenging cases.
This program will explore evaluating, resolving, and managing problem canine behaviors through guided online discussions, sample case studies, video analysis, useful handouts, and more. In addition to the ongoing course interaction and support, you’ll meet weekly for face-to-face live online group support.
Come prepared with a client behavior case you would like to troubleshoot, or just join us to listen and learn.
Course Begins: September 1, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC, BSJ
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/beginning-behavior-consulting-mentorship-with-sarah-filipiak/

Online Course - 9/2/24 - Cat Behavior Consulting Mentorship - IAABC (fee applies)
2024-09-02 | Virtual
Wherever you are in your cat behavior consulting career, we are pleased to offer a first-ever opportunity in the industry: a cat behavior consulting mentorship. This program will traverse the process of seeing private clients and evaluating and managing problem feline behaviors. You will also explore the logistical side: taking a client history, tracking success, client compliance and retention, and more. Through guided online discussions, sample case studies, useful handouts, and homework assignments, you will leave this mentorship with the knowledge necessary to become a consultant.
This course is designed for those who:

have a general knowledge of feline behavior
are familiar with basic behavior modification (any species)
are thinking of becoming a cat behavior consultant but aren’t sure how, where or when to begin
are currently seeing a limited number of clients but are looking for advice on taking more advanced cases
are looking for a place to share, bounce, and develop ideas for building a private cat consultation business

Some of the topics to be addressed include:

taking effective case histories, writing reports, and tracking progress
client communication, compliance and retention
building your consulting toolbox and organizing your processes
conducting in-person and remote consults
tips for protecting yourself physically, legally, and financially
case study review
discussion of a wide variety of unwanted feline behaviors
an opportunity to share your own cases and questions

… and more!
Working with mentor Katenna Jones, you will develop your own process that works for you when seeing clients.
Course Begins: September 2, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Katenna Jones ScM, ACAAB, CCBC, CDBC, CPDT-KA
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/cat-behavior-consulting-mentorship/

Online Course – 9/4/24 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast
2024-09-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Leave all your preconceived notions about “dumped, abandoned, or unwanted” stray cats at the door! What if we presumed every stray cat who came to our shelters was a cherished pet with a loving home? How can we facilitate getting lost pets back to their owners without overwhelming current staff and volunteers, or tying up space with long stray holds? In this workshop, we will discuss simple, actionable ways that we can support owners of lost cats, be a resource to those who find cats, and increase the rate at which cats in our shelters are reunited with grateful families.
Workshop Overview:

Topic: Reuniting Stray Cats with Grateful Families
Presenter: Corinne Bourgoin, Shelter Operations Supervisor at the MSPCA
Cost: $10 (covered by the scholarship)
Duration: 1.5 hours, with an optional 15-minute Q&A session
Certificate: Earn a certificate after completing a short quiz
Networking: Access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing support and discussion

Registration is $10 and includes access to the recorded session, handouts, and certificate, as well as access to a Facebook discussion group. All attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.
For more information and to sign up go here.
Scholarships are available! Apply for a scholarship to cover the $10 registration fee at this link: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/event-scholarships/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/return-to-home-workshop/

Online Course - Starts 9/9/24 - Community Cats Program Management - University of the Pacific (fee applies)
2024-09-09 | Virtual
This innovative and comprehensive eight-week certificate 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.
Modules include:

Introduction to Community Cats
Fundamentals of TNR
Community Engagement and Education (AKA “Marketing Module”)
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Volunteer Management and Community Involvement
Ongoing Management for Community Cats
Conflict Resolution and Community Relations (AKA “Customer Service Module”)
Funding and Sustainability

WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103

Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/23/24 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Leadership – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-09-23 | Virtual

Online Course – Starts 9/24/24 – Canine Social Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-09-24 | Virtual
This course will teach you about canine communication, play, greetings, conflict resolution behaviors, and puppy social development. Dig into the science of canine social behavior, with an emphasis on dog-to-dog social interactions. Veterinarians, behavior consultants, trainers, groomers, kennel staff, shelter workers, day care staff, pet sitters, dog walkers, and keen guardians will all benefit from this course.
This course will help you:

Explain the importance of social relationships between dogs from a scientific perspective
Accurately interpret body language in dogs and understand how body language is linked to emotional states and communication
Describe and understand the stages of puppy development and how development can affect adult behaviors, including the development of problem behaviors
Recognize and interpret play and greeting behaviors in dogs
Describe the functions of conflict and reconciliation behaviors in dogs

Course Begins: September 24, 2024
Duration: 5 weeks
Instructor: Camille Ward, PhD, CAAB
Course type: Instructed Course
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting October 1st)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 5 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/canine-social-behavior/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/30/24 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-09-30 | Virtual
The shelter environment is a very stressful place that affects the psychological well-being of the animals. Comprehensive behavior programs are essential to keep the animals behaviorally and emotionally healthy during their stay. This eight-week course will give you the knowledge and skills to develop an effective behavior program aimed at improving the welfare of the animals in your care.
09/30/2024 – 11/24/2024 – Now available for registration.
Who will benefit from this program?

Anyone currently affiliated with an animal shelter or rescue organization who wants to learn more about animal behavior as it relates to the shelter/foster environment.
Anyone who wants to improve the emotional wellbeing of the animals in your care.
Anyone seeking a behavior specialist position with an animal shelter or rescue organization.

What You Will Learn

Gain knowledge on how to read dog and cat animal body language and signaling
Learn techniques for safe, humane handling of the animals
Understand how the shelter environment effects the emotional wellbeing of the animals and how to use stress reduction techniques to improve welfare
Gain knowledge on how to keep the animals physically, mentally, and socially stimulated through shelter-wide enrichment programs
Understand the value of effective canine and feline behavior assessments
Obtain the knowledge and skills needed to implement training and behavior modification techniques to improve the behavior and emotional state of the shelter animals
Obtain skills needed to ensure quality customer service for adoption counseling and follow-up.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 4.8 CEUs
Course Code: UNSM 050
Course Price: $399
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Online Course – Starts 10/21/24 – Compassion Fatigue Strategies Plus – University of Florida – Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program (fee applies)
2024-10-21 | Virtual
Today’s animal welfare and veterinary medical professionals are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for animals, people, and the organizations that heal, connect, and protect them. If that’s you, it’s easy to feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. The work feels never-ending. Taking care of your own needs might seem impossible.
Transforming empathic distress (aka compassion fatigue) is absolutely possible for you and your staff. That’s why the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is once again offering its Compassion Fatigue Strategies online course with certified compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce.
This course will help you recognize signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma, learn how to reduce stress injury, increase your self-care and team-care practices, build compassion satisfaction, restore resiliency, and make successful changes in your life and in your organization.
By the end of class you’ll:

Have 6 strategies to help you do the work you love, without being sidelined by compassion fatigue and burnout, so that you can feel energized and happy again
Know which self-care and stress management practices work for you
Have a personal mission statement so that you can feel clear about why you do this work even when it’s challenging
Have clear and manageable goals, so that you can make lasting changes in your sleep, diet, friendships, or anything else that really matters to you
Feel comfortable using super simple meditation practices, so that you can restore your balance
Clearly understand how and when to get professional mental health help, without shame
Know how to collaborate with your staff and coworkers on these issues so that you can all benefit from what you learned in the course

Regular individual registration is $349 per person through October 21st, 2024.
Bring the whole team for a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/continuing-education/compassion-fatigue-strategies/
