Shelter Learniverse

Online Certificate Program - Starts 9/15/25 - Community Cats Program Management - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-09-15 | Virtual
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

Online Training – 9/17/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-09-17 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
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 Course – Starts 10/13/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Fall 2025 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-10-13
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

Online Event – 10/25/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-10-25 11:00 - 13:30
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.
This session is led by Susan Richmond, Executive Director, and Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, and lasts 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session. The cost of 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).
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/tnr-certification-workshop-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-oct-2025/

Online Training - 10/26/25 - CAVMRC Disaster Response Training (Virtual) - CVMA (fee applies)
2025-10-26 09:00 - 16:30
With over 3,000 volunteers, the California Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (CAVMRC) provides emergency veterinary medical care to animals in disasters. As part of the CAVMRC’s mission to train and credential veterinary professionals to support animal and public health during a disaster, the CAVMRC is offering low-cost, interactive online continuing education for veterinarians, RVTs, and veterinary assistants.
By registering for this course, you are also registering to become a volunteer member of the CAVMRC, if you are not already a current member. CAVMRC membership is free and participation is strictly voluntary. This course is only available to CAVMRC members.
This course provides detailed information on emergency/critical care topics that can benefit you in everyday practice as well as during a disaster response.
Course topics:

Triage and Critical Patient Assessment
Shock Resuscitation and Patient Stabilization
Toxicology Review and Practical Applications
Animal Rescue Response to the 2025 Eaton Canyon Fire
Deployment Logistics: Shelterly and More
Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices: Are You Ready?

WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cavmrc-disaster-response-training-virtual/

Online Course – 11/15/25 – Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-11-15 11:00 - 13:00
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

Online Course – Application deadline 12/5/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Winter 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-12-05 00:00 - 23:59
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.
Learn more about upcoming sessions and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – 12/6/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-12-06 11:00 - 13:45
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 – Starts 1/5/26 – The Thinking Animal: Cognition and its Role in Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2026-01-05 00:00 - 23:59
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Mondays at 2:00 pm Eastern (first meeting January 12th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course
What’s going on in an animal’s head (even when they’ve decided it’s a great idea to stick their head in a wasp’s nest) is a complex, fascinating, and vital part of understanding their behavior!
This 4-week course will introduce some key questions in animal cognition, including:

How do animals understand time?
Do animals have good short- and long-term memories?
Can animals comprehend numbers, logic and other abstract concepts?
How can we use animal cognition to make more effective and enjoyable behavior interventions for animals and humans?

Your instructor, Dr. Kristina Spaulding, CAAB, will guide you and your fellow students through exercises and discussions designed to engage and excite you about this ever-growing field of research!
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/the-thinking-dog-cognition-and-its-role-in-behavior/

Online Course – Starts 1/5/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Winter 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the UC Davis 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: 12/5/25.
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

Online Course – Starts 1/12/26 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Shelter Operations – PetcoLove/UoP (fee applies)
2026-01-12 00:00 - 23:59
About the Course
Quality animal care and efficient processes are essential to a shelter’s success and lifesaving mission. Designed for shelter professionals and leaders, this course provides the knowledge and skills to ensure exceptional care for animals and develop effective adoption programs, all while delivering excellent customer service for your community. You will explore animal care and enrichment for both cats and dogs, understand core principles of shelter medicine and clinic operations, and be provided with an essential understanding of animal health considerations to make appropriate decisions.
Individual cost: $595 (Bundle courses to save!)
Course Dates: 1/12/26 – 3/8/26
8.0 CEUs
About the Program
The Animal Shelter Management Program, originally developed in partnership with the Humane Network and now powered by Petco Love, is an innovative professional development opportunity designed to strengthen the future of animal welfare. This redesigned, now 3-course online certificate program brings together the expertise of a leading national nonprofit dedicated to saving pet lives with the academic excellence of a top-tier university, creating a transformative curriculum for current and aspiring shelter leaders.
Through a combination of evidence-based coursework, real-world case studies, and leadership training, participants gain the tools and strategies needed to address the complex challenges of modern animal sheltering. From operational management and community engagement to fundraising and lifesaving program design, the program equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence to elevate their organizations and expand their impact.
Rooted in compassion, collaboration, and excellence, the Animal Shelter Management Program reflects Petco Love’s unwavering commitment to create a lifesaving nation for pets. In partnership with the University of the Pacific, this program not only advances shelter leadership but also fosters a sustainable, innovative future for animal welfare across communities.
​WEBSITE LINK: https://www.pacific.edu/education/professional-development/certificate-programs/animal-shelter-management

Online Course - 2/6/26 to 2/16/26 - Application Period for Spring 2026 Online Instructor-Led Courses - Maddie’s Fund®
2026-02-06 09:00 - 23:59, 2026-02-16 00:00 - 17:00
Spring 2026 Courses begin the week of March 9, 2026
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 #ThanksToMaddie!
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, 75, or 90 minutes.)
Final project
Course Evaluation Survey

Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive.
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.
Application period: February 6 – February 16, 2026.
Spring 2026 Course Offerings
NEW! Adoption Marketing: Positive Framing, Connective Storytelling, More Adoptions!
NEW! Cooperative Care for Dogs
Developing Your Own Kitten College
Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters
Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting Dogs and People
Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach
Live Better: The Power of You
NEW! Rural Sheltering
Shelter Clinic Management
NEW! Work Better: The Power of Us
WEBSITE LINK: http://university.maddiesfund.org/online-instructor-led-courses

Online Course – Application deadline 2/27/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2026-02-27 00:00 - 23:59
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. Courses focus on safe, low-stress handling, sound medical and behavioral care, and practical systems that keep animals moving through your shelter instead of getting stuck.
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.

The Shelter Care Specialist Certification is designed for you:

Built for real frontline work across the shelter: front desk, kennels, adoptions, foster, volunteers, clinic, and field services.
Short, on-the-job–friendly lessons with coach feedback and tools you can plug directly into existing routines.
Emphasizes realistic workflows—intake, daily care, behavior support, and outcome planning—so you can do more for animals with the resources you already have.
Certification is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie!

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.
Applications are being accepted for the Spring 2026 session starting 4/6/26.
Application deadline: 2/27/26.
Learn more about upcoming sessions and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – Starts 4/6/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2026-04-06 08:00 - 17:00
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the UC Davis 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.
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
