Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 1/21/26 - Lead Forward: A Fresh Start for Animal Welfare Leaders - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Step into the new year with clarity, confidence, and renewed purpose. Whether you’re leading a municipal shelter, running a nonprofit, or supporting a field team, this webinar will offer space to reset, refocus, and realign your leadership goals.
We’ll explore practical strategies to inspire your staff, set meaningful goals, and stay anchored to your mission—even as the landscape shifts around you. Because the animals—and the people who care for them—deserve your strongest, most intentional leadership yet.
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit.
Presenter: Spencer Conover
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/lead-forward-a-fresh-start-for-animal-welfare-leaders/

Webinar - 1/21/26 - Kitten Development–Fast Tracked - National Kitten Coalition
2026-01-21 13:00 - 13:30
Join us for this quick, 30 minute webinar covering the important milestones kitten caregivers need to know about. This live session will not only help you accurately determine the age of kittens, but it will also provide you with essential information to know what’s expected with for the first 12 weeks of a kitten’s development.
Gain the confidence to know what physical characteristics kittens should be showing as they grow and develop. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions!
Register now for this free webinar! This webinar will be recorded and made available through NKC’s eLearning soon after the live event.
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/kitten-development-fast-tracked/

Roundtable - 1/22/26 - HASS Connect: Let's Talk Big Dogs - HASS
2026-01-22 11:00 - 12:00
You are invited every fourth Thursday of the month, to join fellow leaders from national, government, and non-profit animal welfare organizations for a strategic roundtable discussion focused on the most pressing challenges facing our field. From staffing shortages and volunteer engagement to community trust, and the evolving role of shelters, this session invites candid dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you’re leading a municipal agency, nonprofit organization, or national initiative, your insights and experiences are vital to finding solutions.
Our first session will be discussing one of the industries biggest issues – BIG DOGS! This will be an open discussion on what’s working, what isn’t, and what we haven’t tried.
Join us Thursday, January 22 at 1 p.m. CT!
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/eYjSHEXEQ–_PxoL4pH2_g#/registration

Webinar - 1/22/26 or 1/27/26 - New Laws for 2026 - CVMA
2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-01-27 12:30 - 14:00
With several new laws taking effect in 2026, it is important for veterinary practices to have a clear view of the legal landscape to ensure continuing compliance. This talk will cover new and important laws pertaining to veterinary practice, as well as new general employment laws that apply to California businesses. The course qualifies as continuing education credit for the purpose of California veterinarian and registered veterinary technician license renewal.
This course qualifies for 1.5 CEUs.
This webinar is open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary hospital staff, and veterinary students only.
This course is complimentary to all CVMA members!
WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/new-laws-for-2026/

Webinar - 1/29/26 - Advancing One Health Systems for Pet Families and Communities - UT One Health Initiative
2026-01-29 09:00 - 10:00
Tune in for a special seminar as we celebrate One Health Awareness Month! This virtual presentation by T’ Fisher examines how integrated One Health systems can improve outcomes for pet families while strengthening community health and resilience. Grounded in the One Health framework, the session highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration among animal welfare, public health, veterinary medicine, and human services.
The presentation will describe the work of the Program for Pet Health Equity (PPHE) and its efforts to address structural and systemic barriers that limit access to care for pets and their families.
Key areas of focus include:

Development of integrated, cross-sector service models that support pet families experiencing economic, geographic, or social barriers
Strategic partnerships between animal welfare organizations and human-serving systems, including public health, housing, and social services
Education and workforce development initiatives aimed at reducing bias, increasing shared understanding, and strengthening collaboration across disciplines

Attendees will gain insight into applied One Health strategies that promote equity, prevent family separation, and support sustainable, community-centered approaches to animal and human wellbeing.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tennessee.zoom.us/meeting/register/GhGbJtnNTRWCSSdrccb8Zw#/registration

Webinar - 1/29/26 - What’s “Common” About Cruelty? Understanding Abuse and Neglect - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:15
The “What’s ‘Common’ About Cruelty?” webinar is designed to deepen the participants’ understanding of animal abuse and neglect, which can often be prevalent within communities. This webinar will delve into the complexities of animal crimes, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying issues and developing effective strategies to present a compelling and persuasive case, particularly in scenarios where jurors may not immediately grasp the severity of the facts.
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit.
Presenter: Betsy Biffl
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/common-courtesy-and-common-cruelty-understanding-and-neglect/

Webinar - 1/29/26 - The Puppy Puzzle: Data-driven Insights into America’s New Dogs - Life of Riley
2026-01-29 10:00 - 11:30
Current sources of data on U.S. puppy “creation” reveal how much isn’t known about where puppies come from. To help fill the gap, a survey of 4,000 people (selected to align with the U.S. Census demographics) who recently acquired a puppy offers insights into the breeds and sources of new puppies, owners’ acquisition journeys, satisfaction with both puppy and that puppy’s source, and more. Survey responses offer new data and insights that fill in knowledge gaps; identify issues and concerns that deserve further attention across animal sectors; and reveal the complexity and diversity of experiences among puppies and their people.
Speakers: Joyce Briggs and Valerie Benka
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/springpointpartners/the-puppy-puzzle-data-driven-insights-into-america-s-new-dogs

Webinar - 2/3/26 - The Fungus Among Us: Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Ringworm - UC Davis KSMP
2026-02-03 14:00 - 15:30
Ringworm stinks! Everyone in shelter medicine knows it, and many wrestle with it. But what we know about dermatophytosis—and how best to manage it—has evolved. A familiar challenge now comes with clearer science, smarter strategies, and better outcomes.
In this webinar, experienced shelter veterinarians share how new and ongoing research has transformed the way they diagnose, treat, and manage ringworm in shelter settings. Drawing from hands-on experience treating a lot of cats, they’ll break down updates on what works and how to avoid overcomplicated pathways that lead to increased LOS and unnecessary crowding.
You’ll walk away with practical, evidence-based guidance for building a consistent and effective ringworm management strategy, one that protects animal health and supports well-being during treatment—and preserves staff sanity.
By the end of this webinar, you’ll be able to:

Confidently distinguish true ringworm infections from look-alikes
Build an effective, streamlined treatment protocol, including how to determine cure
Support the well-being of animals and staff using insights from the newly updated Ringworm Management Guidebook

Approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit by RACE, CAWA, and NACA.
Presenters: Cynthia Karsten, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), KSMP, Rebecca Stuntebeck, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Paws to Elevate, Erica Schumacher, DVM, UW Madison Shelter Medicine Program
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelterlearniverse.com/events

Online Course – 2/7/26 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2026-02-07 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-february-2026/

Webinar - 2/11/26 - When It Happens: Disaster Response Essentials for Animal Shelters
2026-02-11 13:00 - 14:00
Preparedness and Response to disasters and emergency events are inevitable in animal shelters. This session focuses on how shelter teams can lead effective preparedness and response efforts, from pre-event planning and documentation to triage, vaccination, biosecurity, and disease prevention in emergency shelters. Attendees will gain practical strategies to protect staff safety, reduce overcrowding-related disease risks, and support both animals and communities during high-stress events.
Presented by: Dr. Becca Boronat, MV, CAWA, National Shelter Medicine Veterinarian
National Shelter Medicine; Best Friends Animal Society
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg#/registration

Webinar - 2/12/26 - Modern Adoption Process - HASS
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00
The Modern Adoption Process offers a clear, people-first framework for transforming the adoption experience. This webinar will challenge you to rethink the way adoptions happen and inspire you to make small, intentional changes by applying proven tools that build trust, strengthen matches, and help convert more visitors into adopters—using insights from data and visitor feedback to create lasting improvements in your adoption program.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0Ti75HzXSFWNRAtPU0JTTA#/registration

Webinar - 2/12/26 - Reactivity and aggression: When fear is NOT the driver - FDSA (fee applies)
2026-02-12 15:00 - 16:00
Reactive and aggressive behaviors in dogs are often explained almost exclusively through the lens of fear. While fear-based reactivity and aggression is real and important to understand, it is not the only pathway that leads to responses such as barking, lunging, charging, running fence lines, growling, snapping, or biting. Many dogs display intense, persistent, or confrontational behaviors for reasons that are not rooted in fear, and applying a fear-based framework in these cases can result in the implementation of ineffective training strategies, unfair expectations, limited progress, and frustration for both dogs and their humans. This webinar explores aggression and reactivity in dogs when fear is not the primary driver. We will examine behaviors that are preference-driven, innately reinforcing, and/or shaped by genetic selection, including alerting behaviors, guarding and territorial responses, prey-driven and movement-triggered reactions, genetic intolerance of other dogs, and autonomy-based intolerance of handling or personal space violations. We will also address excitement-driven behaviors and clarify how positive valence high arousal can shift into frustration and redirected aggression when access to a desired outcome is blocked. A key focus of this webinar is understanding why some dogs find behaviors such as barking, posturing, chasing, or engaging in altercations, intrinsically reinforcing, and why performing alternative behaviors can require significant mental effort even when those skills are well trained. We will discuss how behavior becomes habitual through repetition, how reinforcement history shapes responses, and why not all intense behavior reflects emotional dysregulation. We will discuss how to distinguish between fear-based responses, preference-driven fixation, intense frustration, and boundary-driven intolerance, and why these distinctions matter when choosing training and management strategies. Topics include ethical use of interruption, the role of structure and trained alternative behaviors, realistic expectations around tolerance versus enjoyment, the importance of meeting innate needs through appropriate outlets, and the added complexity of working within multi-dog households where arousal and behavior can rapidly escalate. This webinar is designed for anyone wanting a clearer, more nuanced framework for understanding complex behaviors. The emphasis throughout is on safety, fairness, and practical strategies that are effective while respecting both canine needs and real-world constraints.
Presenter: Sharon Carroll
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Webinar - 2/19/26 - Whiskers and Welfare: New Legislation & Collaborative Animal Disaster Response - CalAnimals
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:30
Disaster Preparedness and Response is becoming too familiar in California. What should local jurisdictions do to prepare and respond to a disaster in their area? What partners are available within your area, region, or state? Join CalAnimals, CVET, & CalCART to discuss the collaborative efforts during Animal Disaster Response.
Presenters
Ashley Patterson, DVM – CVET
Claudia Sonder, DVM – Napa CART
Ryan Soulsby, RVT, CACO – CalAnimals
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.calanimals.org/on

Webinar - 2/19/26 - Navigating Organizational Change Series: Culture, Care, and Leadership in Transition - Life of Riley
2026-02-19 11:00 - 13:00
The first in our series, this 90-minute Learning Session led by Dr. Alison Dougherty and Dawn Woods, CPA will provide an overview of evolving organizational, governance, and workforce issues emerging in the current environment. It will also provide resources and actionable steps leaders can readily consider and apply.
The session will explore:
– The organizational landscape: common drivers of change, strategic considerations, and legal constraints.
– The people landscape: cultural and emotional implications for those who stay, those who leave, and those leading through transition.
– Key themes including communication, workforce care, and trust during uncertainty.
In addition to shared framing, participants will leave with a few practical tools to support reflection, decision-making, and communication during periods of transition. The session will also invite participant input on the challenges and topics they would most like to explore in this series, helping us shape upcoming deep-dive sessions around real-time needs and priorities.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PRdj6XN_T52vGv9tlUy25g#/registration

Webinar - 2/19/26 - Do THIS! Not THAT! Differential Reinforcement for Common Behavior Problems - FDSA (fee applies)
2026-02-19 15:00 - 16:00
We’ve all heard the golden rule of dog training: “What do you want the dog to DO instead?” But turning that concept into a reliable, stress-free behavior within a behavior modification plan is easier said than done. It’s not just about picking a replacement behavior; it’s about the science of how that behavior is built.
As an experienced and certified behavior consultant, let me take you on a deep dive into the world of Differential Reinforcement (DR). In this webinar, we’ll move beyond basic obedience to show you how to change a dog’s state of mind, arousal levels, and emotional response (CER) to help a behavior modification plan succeed.
What You’ll Learn:

The Power of Positive CER: Why a “Sit” fueled by food and play works in high-stakes environments, while a “Sit” fueled by correction falls apart.
The DR Toolkit: A clear, practical breakdown of DRI (Incompatible Behavior): Teach a behavior your dog can’t do at the same time as the unwanted one. DRA (Alternative Behavior): Reinforce a more appropriate, polite option, and DRO (Other Behavior): Reward your dog for doing anything other than the problem behavior and how to know exactly which tool to pull from the belt.
Precision Implementation: Why fluency and latency are the “make or break” factors in your training plan.
Threshold Management: How to keep your dog in a learning state of mind so your training actually sticks.
Real-World Solutions for Common Problems

I will demonstrate how to apply DR strategies to the struggles ownersface every day, including:

Jumpers: Re-wiring greetings for both owners and guests.
Door Darters: Creating safety and focus at the threshold.
Leash Manners: Transitioning from “frantic” to “focused” on walks.
Big Emotions: Addressing demand barking, frustration, and reactivity rooted in fear or anxiety.

Presenter: Karen Deeds
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Webinar - 2/24/26 - Hacking the Learning Brain: The Neuroscience of Objective Feedback - PPG (fee applies)
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
As behavior professionals, we are experts at reading animal body language and marking precise behaviors. However, when it comes to coaching the humans at the other end of the leash, communication often becomes subjective, emotional, or overwhelming. Whether you are correcting a client’s leash handling, mentoring a junior trainer, or receiving feedback from a colleague, the way information is exchanged determines whether the learner shuts down or levels up.
This webinar dives into the neuroscience of communication using the SCARF Model to explain why feedback can feel like a threat and how to transform it into a powerful “behavior tool.” You will learn practical, field-tested techniques like the “Micro-Yes” to gain consent, strategies for layering feedback to prevent cognitive overload, and methods for reframing critiques into objective data. We will also explore how to empower students through self-assessment, turning them into active participants in their own learning journey.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

Define Feedback as a Behavioral Antecedent: Understand how feedback functions as a tool to shape human behavior, much like markers shape animal behavior.
Apply the SCARF Model to Client Coaching: Identify the five social domains (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) to minimize “threat responses” and keep clients in a learning state.
Utilize Consent-Based Communication: Implement the “Micro-Yes” technique to gain learner buy-in before offering corrections or advice.
Execute Layered Feedback Protocols: Prioritize and deliver feedback in “layers” (Safety → Core Mechanics → Refinement) to avoid “lumping” and learner shutdown.
Reframe Subjective Criticism into Objective Data: Use the “Video Camera Rule” to translate emotional or vague labels into observable, actionable behavioral facts.
Facilitate Student Self-Reflection: Utilize specific questioning techniques to help clients and students assess their own performance, building their confidence and autonomy.

Presenter – Niki Tudge
CEUs: PPAB 1.5, PMCT 1.5, CCPDT 1.5, KPA 1.5, IAABC 1.5
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/hacking-the-learning-brain-the-neuroscience-of-objective-feedback/

Webinar - 2/25/26 - Rethinking Rabbits: Integrating the New Shelter Housing Guidelines - UC Davis KSMP
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:30
Rabbits are the new kids on the block: Most animal shelters weren’t designed with this sensitive, recently-domesticated species in mind. A shelter stay can spike stress both for bunnies and the teams challenged with meeting their needs.
The first-ever Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters is here to help. Join Drs. Chumkee Aziz, Zarah Hedge, Sarah Hicks, and Jonna Swanson for a conversation on applying these new standards—developed by nearly two dozen rabbit care, facility design and shelter medicine experts—to your everyday shelter scenarios.
These experts will break down:

The why behind the recommendations and how they bridged data gaps
The highest-impact recommendations to focus on first
Solutions for common shelter challenges
Doable first steps for shelters with limited budgets and small teams

Download a flyer to share with your team. Approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit by RACE, CAWA, and NACA. Can’t make it live? Register to receive the recording and resources after the event.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/webinar/register/9517698054361/WN_lR7e6d6mQEWslkifsxZfyw

Webinar - 2/25/26 - Starting Strong: How to Perform a Kitten Intake Exam - National Kitten Coalition
2026-02-25 16:30 - 17:00
Welcome kittens with confidence – join us for a 30‑minute webinar on the essentials of intake exams.
Dr. Emily Coleman, DVM, Executive Director of The National Kitten Coalition, will guide you step‑by‑step through how to perform a kitten intake exam. Designed for rescue and shelter staff, as well as fosters and caregivers, this session covers what to look for during intake, how to spot potential health concerns, and the importance of documenting baseline stats to track changes over time.
You will gain simple, practical strategies to build confidence in monitoring kitten health, along with ready‑to‑use intake and tracking materials to support your caregiving journey. The webinar concludes with a brief Q&A, giving you the chance to get your questions answered and leave prepared to welcome kittens safely and successfully. When you register, you will also have the opportunity to submit your questions in advance—helping us ensure the session covers the topics most important to you.
Presenter: Emily A. Coleman, DMV
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/starting-strong-how-to-perform-a-kitten-intake-exam/

Webinar - 2/26/26 - Expanding Access to Veterinary Care Through Innovative Financing: Evidence-Based Insights for One Health Systems Supporting Pet Families - PPHE
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:00
Financial barriers are the leading reason pet families delay or forgo veterinary care—often resulting in preventable suffering and broader impacts on human and community health. This webinar will present findings from a recent peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, examining how veterinary clinics and their clients utilized a no-credit-check, third-party managed installment financing option to increase access to veterinary care. The research offers real-world evidence on how flexible payment solutions can change care decisions and help families pursue lifesaving treatment they otherwise could not afford.
Read the Research (Pre-Reading Encouraged): https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1675999
Featured Presenters:
Heather Cammisa, MA, CAWA, Open Door Veterinary Collective
Amber Gilmore, CEO, P.E.T.S.
REGISTER TODAY (Registration is free but required.): https://tiny.utk.edu/Feb26OneHealthCommunityWebinar

Webinar - 2/26/26 - HASS Connect: Let's Talk Volunteers - HASS
2026-02-26 11:00 - 13:00
You are invited every fourth Thursday of the month, to join fellow leaders from national, government, and non-profit animal welfare organizations for a strategic roundtable discussion focused on the most pressing challenges facing our field. From staffing shortages and volunteer engagement to community trust, and the evolving role of shelters, this session invites candid dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you’re leading a municipal agency, nonprofit organization, or national initiative, your insights and experiences are vital to finding solutions.
This month’s session will be discussing a topic we all can relate to – Volunteers! This will be an open discussion about recruitment, recognition, and retention. Hope to see you there!
*You only need to register for the series once.
Time: 1-2 p.m. CT
Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/eYjSHEXEQ–_PxoL4pH2_g#/registration

Webinar - 2/26/26 - Dental Health for Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and At-Home Care - Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
2026-02-26 15:00 - 16:00
February is National Pet Dental Health Month, highlighting the importance of dental care for your pet’s overall health. Dental disease is common in both dogs and cats and, if left untreated, can cause pain, tooth loss, and infection that can affect the entire body.
Join us on Thursday, February 26th at 6PM ET on Zoom as Dr. Brad Cingolani, Resident Veterinarian in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at AMC, discusses common dental conditions in dogs and cats. He will discuss signs that may indicate a problem, explain what to expect from a veterinary dental exam and treatment, and share practical steps pet owners can take at home to promote healthier teeth and gums.
This is a free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants the day of the event. REGISTER TODAY. Please email UsdanInstitute@amcny.org with any questions.
Please note: This webinar is intended for pet owners and is not eligible for CE credit.
WEBSITE LINK: https://app.glueup.com/event/dental-health-for-dogs-and-cats-signs-treatment-and-at-home-care-166531/

Webinar - 3/3/26 - From Enforcement to Engagement: Community Support Services in Animal Control - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2026-03-03 12:00 - 13:15
When it comes to animal welfare, the real game-changer isn’t more enforcement—it’s more engagement. While rules and regulations may compel compliance, they can also lead to resistance and disconnect. An engagement-based approach shifts the focus to building relationships, empowering individuals, and fostering community collaboration—leading to stronger, more sustainable outcomes.
Through real-world case studies and examples, you’ll gain a practical roadmap for applying this approach to improve stray management and public health. Expect a candid look at both the benefits and the challenges—and strategies to make it work in your community.
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit.
Presenter: Dr. Christina Avila
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/shifting-the-paradigm-from-enforcement-to-engagement-providing-community-support-services-as-an-animal-control-agency/

Online Course – 3/7/26 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Central (small fee applies)
2026-03-07 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 2.75-hour session includes an 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://communitycatscentral.com/events/live-tnr-certification-workshop-march-2026/

Webinar - 3/11/26 - Getting to Our Goals: Rethinking Community Engagement to Support Our Mission - Best Friends
2026-03-11 13:00 - 14:00
Success in animal welfare today is about more than outcomes—it’s about relationships, and to reach our long-term goals, we must authentically engage with our communities, without judgement. This webinar explores how equitable, community-centric practices can dramatically improve outcomes for animals and people alike. Participants will explore evolving best practices and walk away with tools to reshape policies, partnerships, and messaging that truly reflect their values and goals. We’ll discuss impactful questions: Can you tweak your adoption process to decrease judgement and help more pets? Is your public messaging building trust with your community? How can we engage everyone in our work, particularly those in which we may not agree? Leave this session energized after re-imagining what the future of animal welfare could look like if we engage the full spectrum of our communities.
Presented by: Dr. Abbie Atteberry DVM, MS, CAWA, Elite FFCP
National Shelter Medicine; Best Friends Animal Society
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg

Webinar - 3/12/26 - Human Commonalities - HASS
2026-03-12 11:00 - 12:00
This webinar explores how shared human experiences shape the way people seek help, connect with services, and make decisions about their pets. Participants will learn how these insights can strengthen community‑centered programming and improve outcomes for both pets and families. The session highlights new data, stories, and tools that help organizations design more empathetic, effective support systems. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate these findings into daily operations and long‑term planning.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aVr-u-zVQAOlSO2SgyLrZw#/registration

Webinar - 3/12/26 - Maddie's Insights: Early Life Stressors and the Behavior and Physiology of Rescue Kittens - Maddie's Fund
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Maddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us in March for a webinar on how early-life stress affects rescue kittens’ behavior and health. Our speaker is Dr. Jennifer Vernick, a veterinary behavioral medicine resident at Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI in Canada.
Across species, early-life stressors, such as inadequate nutrition, maternal separation, unreliable access to shelter, threats/abuse, and disease, profoundly affect brain development and behavior. Research has shown these stressors can impair cognitive, emotional, and social functions as well as alter the body’s stress response systems, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In kittens specifically, early nutritional stress and maternal separation have been linked to learning deficits, abnormal fear responses, increased aggression, and altered play behavior.
At the end of this webinar, you will:

be able to identify several different examples of early life stressors
understand why hair cortisol concentration (HCC) may be useful to measure
be able to provide potential reasons for high and low HCC
understand why relative telomere length (RTL) is measured
be able to provide potential causes for shortened telomeres
be able to provide examples of how early life stressors were associated with the behaviours that rescue kittens displayed during testing

Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.0 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been submitted for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval for on-demand viewers. We will post the recording on Maddie’s University a day or so after the live webcast.
Guest Speaker:
Jennifer Vernick, BA, DVM
Behavioural Medicine Resident
Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI
REGISTER: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 3/12/26 - Friend or Foe, My Dog Doesn’t Know: Finding Relief when Dogs Fear Strangers - ACVB (fee applies)
2026-03-12 16:00 - 17:00
Dogs can develop a fear of strangers for many reasons. Often, the intensity of fear escalates over time, creating distress for dogs as well as for their caregivers. Early recognition and appropriate intervention may prevent both the development and progression of fear yet common canine communications are often overlooked or misinterpreted. For therapy to be effective and humane, it is important to determine the emotional components contributing to the behavior. This webinar will discuss a practical approach to recognizing, assessing and managing fear of strangers in canine patients.
Speaker: Ellen M. Lindell, VMD, DACVB
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5112443649528767580

Webinar - 3/18/26 - Springtime Safety: Preventing Toxic Exposures in Kittens - National Kitten Coalition
2026-03-18 11:00 - 11:30
Join us for an essential 30-minute webinar, Springtime Safety: Preventing Toxic Exposures in Kittens, led by Rosemarie Crawford, LVT.
While our focus extends beyond lilies, it’s crucial to note that a staggering 53% of cat owners are unaware that lilies are toxic to their pets*. With Easter approaching, many households are likely to display lilies and other seasonal items that pose serious risks to kittens.
This webinar aims to equip fosters and caregivers with the knowledge needed to navigate these hazards and to emphasize the importance of educating new adopters about the safety of their adorable spring kittens.
We’ll cover the most prevalent holiday hazards, including toxic plants, festive foods, and household decorations, while providing effective prevention strategies and guidance on how to respond in case of exposure. Attendees will walk away with clear, actionable insights to ensure the safety of kittens during the holiday celebrations, along with the opportunity for a live Q&A. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance the well-being of our furry friends!
* Cats Protection, 2025 (https://www.cats.org.uk/media/onnnmi1h/cats-report-uk-2025_digital.pdf)
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
NKC Co-Founder and Director of Educational Programs
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/springtime-safety-preventing-toxic-exposures-in-kittens/

Webinar - 3/18/26 - Challenging our assumption: The intersection of storytelling and data - Life of Riley
2026-03-18 11:00 - 12:00
This 60-minute workshop will explore the assumptions, limitations and opportunities of data as we lend a critical eye to the data landscape. Participants will explore case studies and scenarios about how data can be used in multiple stories; and where storytelling can be used to fill the gaps of what is known.
Presenter: Gretchen Mielke, Ed.D
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2W7pfiiOQICGE7mgU3ImXg#/registration
