Shelter Learniverse

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/

Online Course - Application deadline 12/5/24 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Winter 2025 Session - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2024-12-05
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? 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 2025 session starting 1/6/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/5/24.
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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course - 1/2/25 - Aggression and Anxiety Mentorship: A Deep Dive into Complex Behaviors - IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-02
This eight-week mentorship focuses on some of the most complex, yet common behavioral problems in dogs that prompt guardians to seek help from behaviorists and consultants. Based on the personal case files of a Certified Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) who has seen 1,000’s of canine behavioral cases spanning multiple decades, these common problem areas include:

Human-directed aggression (both towards strangers and familiar people)
Leash reactivity and aggression
Fears, phobias, and anxieties (including separation anxiety)
Conflict in multi-dog households
Veterinary visits, unruly behaviors, and abnormal repetitive behaviors

You will gain insight into the ethology and etiology of these conditions through lectures and readings and learn creative ways for addressing these problem behaviors in dogs.
Instructor: Camille Ward MS, PhD, CAAB
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/aggression-and-anxiety-mentorship-a-deep-dive-into-complex-behaviors/

Online Course – Starts 1/6/25 – The Thinking Animal: Cognition and its Role in Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-06
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!
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Mondays at 7:00 pm Eastern (first meeting January 13th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course

Course Begins: January 6, 2025
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/the-thinking-dog-cognition-and-its-role-in-behavior/

Online Certificate Program - Starts 1/6/25 - Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program - Community Program Development - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-01-06
Upcoming Community Program Development Course: Involving the community is critical to the success of any animal shelter as few shelters have the resources to meet all of the needs without substantial community involvement. Adoptions, donations, and volunteers, are essential components in life-saving. This course will teach you how to develop all of the necessary community programs that make up a successful, sustainable no-kill shelter and how they work together.
Please note upcoming section runs 1/06/25 – 2/16/25

About the Certificate:
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/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=192577

Online Course - Starts 1/6/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-01-06
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 2025 session starting 1/6/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/5/24.
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.
This session has been filled. Learn more about upcoming sessions at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – Starts 1/13/25 – Professional Dog Training: Science & Application – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-13
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 Time. The first meeting is January 20th.
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 1/13/25 - Community Cats Program Management - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-01-13
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

Enrollment deadline: January 12, 2025
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103&selectedProgramAreaId=20924&selectedProgramStreamId=20939

Online Course - 1/18/25 - Feline Confident With Pattern Games - IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-18
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: January 18, 2025
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 1/19/25 – Beginning Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Sarah Filipiak – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-19
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: January 19, 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC, BSJ
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/beginning-behavior-consulting-mentorship-with-sarah-filipiak/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 1/27/25 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-01-27
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.
01/27/2025 – 3/23/2025 Registration now available.
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: $429
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Online Course - Application deadline 2/3/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2025 Session - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-02-03
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? 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 Spring 2025 session starting 3/3/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2/3/25.
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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – Starts 2/10/25 – Creating Desirable Behavior Around Distractions – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-02-10
Full Students have instructor support in the class Forum to ask any questions you have during the course.
Auditors have access to course material only.
Michele demonstrates and explains how to train reliable behaviors around surprises, temptations, and all those daily events that present challenges for dogs. Trainers working with companion and sports dogs, as well as guide dogs, will benefit from this!
This course will help you:

Identify what environmental cues trigger undesirable behaviors in each individual dog
Create an effective training plan, teaching the dog to choose desirable behavior without human prompting in mild, and even highly distracting situations
Successfully manage challenging situations for both dog and handler

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/

Online Course Application Period – 2/28/25 to 3/11/25 – Spring 2025 Online Instructor-Led Courses – Maddie’s Fund
2025-02-28 09:00, 2025-03-11 00:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Spring 2025 Courses begin the week of March 31, 2025
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 28 – March 11, 2025.
Spring 2025 Course Offerings

Adoption Counseling
Cat Adoption Team’s Fostering 4 Rock Stars
Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters
Field Services: Tools & Equipment
Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting Dogs and People
Live Better: The Power of You
Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach
Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Shelter Consultations
Marketing Communications 101: The Essentials of Community Connection
Pet Support Services: Culture, Collaboration, and Case Management
Shelter Clinic Management

Learn more about each course’s information including course descriptions, instructors, class dates and meeting times on Maddie’s University: https://university.maddiesfund.org/online-instructor-led-courses

Online Course - Starts 3/3/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-03-03
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 spring 2025 session starting 3/3/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2/3/25.
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 at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – 3/12/25 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast
2025-03-12 11:00 - 12:30
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.
For more information and to sign up go here.
Scholarships may be 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/events/return-to-home-certification-workshop-mar-2025/

Webinar - 3/15/25 - Trapper’s Tips and Tricks Certification Workshop - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-03-15 11:00 - 13:00
Drawing from over 20 years of experience working with feral cats, the folks at Neighborhood Cats have gathered together their favorite ways of catching the wiliest of felines.
Whether it’s putting in a clear rear door, using Spam as bait, wrapping your trap with green garden netting, or training a cat to enter a trap, you’re bound to learn something new that will improve your trapping success.
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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/trappers-tips-and-tricks-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-march-2025/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 4/14/25 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Marketing and Development – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-04-14
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

Individual courses (6 CEUs): $399
Certificate/all courses (30 CEUs): $1,495, special bundle pricing if you register for ALL courses up front ($500 discount!)
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: http://pacific.edu/education/professional-development/certificate-programs/animal-shelter-management

Online Course - Application deadline 4/26/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Summer 2025 Session - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-04-26
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 summer 2025 session starting 5/26/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4/26/25.
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 - 5/17/25 - Targeted TNR and Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck Certification Workshop - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-05-17 11:00 - 13:00
The more cats you fix, the more impact your TNR program will have, right? Wrong! Spay/neuter volume alone is rarely enough by itself to keep consistently reducing a community’s free-roaming cat population over time. Another aspect to the program needs to be identifying areas of high need (meaning, lots of cats) and then focusing TNR resources at that location in order to achieve high sterilization rates. Discover what targeting is, why it’s so important, and how you can do it no matter how large or small your program currently is. This program is presented in partnership with Neighborhood Cats. This class offers a certification option.
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: Targeted TNR Registration

Online Certificate Program – Starts 5/19/25 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-05-19
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.
Dates: 5/19/25 – 7/13/25
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 – 013
Certificate Price: $429
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Online Course - Starts 5/26/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-05-26
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 next session starting 8/4/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7/4/25.
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 at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – Application deadline 7/4/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program August 2025 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-07-04
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 August 2025 session starting 8/4/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7/4/25.
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 – 7/27/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-07-27 11:00 - 13:30
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Neighborhood Cats.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
$10 Fee
Registration Link

Online Course – 7/30/25 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-07-30 11:00 - 12:30
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://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/1212988267258063447

Online Course - Application period opens 8/8/25 - Fall 2025 Instructor-Led Courses - Maddie's Fund
2025-08-08
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: August 8 – August 18, 2025. Fall 2025 Courses begin the week of September 8, 2025
Fall 2025 Course Offerings
Adoption Counseling
Developing Your Own Kitten College
Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters
Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting Dogs and People (2 SECTIONS)
Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach
Live Better: The Power of You (2 SECTIONS)
Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Shelter Consultations
Marketing Communications 101: The Essentials of Community Connection (2 SECTIONS)
Pet Support Services: Culture, Collaboration, and Case Management
Shelter Clinic Management
Learn more about each course’s information including course descriptions, instructors, class dates and meeting times on Maddie’s University: https://university.maddiesfund.org/online-instructor-led-courses

Online Course - Application period closes 8/18/25 - Fall 2025 Instructor-Led Courses - Maddie's Fund
2025-08-18

Online Course – Application deadline 9/13/25 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Fall 2025 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-09-13
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.

Applications are being accepted for the Fall 2025 session starting 10/13/25! 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 – 9/13/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-09-13 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.
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). 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/tnr-certification-workshop-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2025/
