Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 8/12/25 - Unlocking Insights from USDA APHIS Inspection Reports: Navigating Data and AI Applications - Life of Riley at Spring Point
2025-08-12 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Explore the USDA APHIS Inspection Report database on licensed dog breeder compliance—its scope, strengths, and limitations—and learn how to effectively navigate and analyze this valuable public data. We’ll share how we leverage this public data to uncover patterns and demonstrate an AI powered app to enhance understanding and promote animal welfare compliance.
Speakers from Life of Riley partner JVR Shelter Strategies:
Dr. Jyothi V. Robertson, Owner and Principal Consultant
Ross Mauck, Consultant & Senior Data Analyst
WEBSITE LINK: https://lor.dog/webinars/

Webinar - 8/13/25 - Role of Shelter Vets During Disasters: What You Need to Know and Resources to Help! - CalAnimals
2025-08-13 10:00 - 11:00
When a disaster breaks out in your county, animal services is the lead agency responsible for the evacuation, sheltering, and care of the animals that are affected. And in some instances, animal care includes addressing injuries associated with the disaster, as well as illnesses that can arise from stress, diet changes, and other factors during emergency sheltering. We will discuss your role as the veterinarian, some key things to consider, resources to help you manage through it all, and how to request help when you need it.
Speaker: Ashley Patterson, DVM MPH
CVET – UC Davis
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7jgXAUYbTaKArwKzF7w_YQ

Webinar - 8/13/25 - The Med, the Myth, the Legend: Animal Behavior Medications in the Shelter - Best Friends
2025-08-13 13:00 - 14:00
Are behavior medications appropriate to use in the shelter? If so, how do we use them and what medications do we choose? This session will dispel myths about medication use, review go-to medications, and provide example frameworks you can use in your organization.
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 - 8/14/25 - Generating Government Buy-in - HASS
2025-08-14 11:00 - 12:00
In many communities, animal services rise and fall with the priorities of local government—and if you’re not part of the conversation, you’re likely missing out on funding, partnerships, and critical support. Whether you’re operating under a city contract, connected to law enforcement, or simply the only game in town for animal welfare, knowing how to work with your local leaders is key.
Join Mike Wheeler, Director of Cabot Animal Support Services, on August 14 at 1 p.m. CST, as he shares his straightforward, proven approach to building relationships with decision makers—and how you can do it, too.
Don’t miss this chance to learn how to turn government allies into champions for your mission.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/8017544188746/WN_DjcP0u9xTvC_VqEUVFLNEQ#/registration

Webinar - 8/19/25 - Bridging the Gap: Establishing Relationships Between Social Services and Animal Welfare - BestyBnB
2025-08-19 12:00 - 13:00
Pets can create a barrier to social services. Whether that is a survivor seeking help for domestic violence, people who are experiencing homelessness needing shelter, or those facing a mental health crisis. Pet owners will often delay seeking help because they have nowhere for their pets to go. When organizations are siloed, we may miss opportunities for interventions that can support those in need and potentially prevent further harm to both people and pets. This presentation will give an overview of the special bond trauma survivors share with their pets and the unique challenges they may face when seeking services, tips for pet advocacy that you can provide to your community, and how BestyBnB helps to bridge the gap between animal welfare and social services.
In this session, you will learn:

The important bond between trauma survivors and their pets and the unique challenges they face when seeking services.
Tips for implementing pet advocacy in your community.
How BestyBnB works to bridge the gap in services between social services and animal welfare.

Who should attend?

Animal welfare managers and staff
Mental health program managers and staff
Domestic violence program managers and staff
Victim advocates
Social service providers working with survivors

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.mybestybnb.com/trainings/bridging-the-gap

Webinar - 8/27/25 - Mid-Year Momentum: What the 2025 Data Is Telling Us About Animal Shelter Trends - Shelter Animals Count
2025-08-27 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a data-packed session featuring the latest data from Shelter Animals Count, highlights from Hill’s 2025 State of the Shelter Report, and new animal-level data insights and survey analysis from the year.
This webinar will be recorded.
Unlocking Animal Data Series – Powered by Hill’s Pet Nutrition
In 2025, Shelter Animals Count and Hill’s Pet Nutrition are teaming up to bring you the Unlocking Animal Data Series—a year-long content series designed to move beyond basic shelter metrics and uncover the insights shaping the future of animal welfare. This exclusive series features deep-dive webinars, data-driven blogs, and access to the latest national trends from SAC’s robust dataset.
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your foster program, prepare for kitten season, or navigate big dog challenges, this series delivers practical tools, actionable insights, and industry expertise.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pajHUUUaRm-OCM5vcgI12Q

Webinar - 8/28/25 - Unlocking AI for Animal Shelters - CalAnimals
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a live webinar led by Kristen Hassen of Outcomes Consulting Group, designed specifically for animal shelter professionals. This interactive, fast-paced session will teach you how to easily integrate AI into operations to save time, streamline processes, and improve outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to expand your AI toolkit, this session will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to help your team work smarter and save more lives.
Presenter:
Kristen Hassen, Outcomes Consulting Group
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bGIkW78gQHypC701UZpbAQ#/

Webinar - 9/4/25 - Mike Shikashio - Arousal and Aggression - FDSA (fee applies)
2025-09-04 15:00 - 16:00
What does “arousal” have to do with aggressive behaviors in dogs? In some cases, arousal can be the catalyst for an intense, aggressive response, and can be directed at something a dog may not even be focused on. We may also see cases where a dog in a highly aroused state “spills over” into aggressive behavior.
Mike will first define this often-controversial topic and discuss why it is crucial to consider arousal as a factor in aggression cases. Prevention, management, and behavior change strategies will be highlighted!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Online Event - 9/10/25 - Turning the Tide for Big Dogs: Proven Strategies That Work - The AAWA
2025-09-10 11:00 - 11:30
Across the country, shelters are facing one of today’s biggest adoption challenges—finding loving homes for large dogs. But there’s hope, and there are solutions.
Join the Arizona Humane Society for an energizing Lunch & Learn that will show how big changes can start with bold ideas. You’ll discover how their team has not only increased big dog adoptions, but also dramatically reduced length of stay—transforming outcomes for some of their most overlooked companions.
Through a mix of:

Creative adoption incentives that spark interest
High-impact marketing campaigns that tell unforgettable stories
Innovative programs that meet both dogs’ and adopters’ needs

…the AHS team is creating a blueprint any shelter can adapt.
This special Lunch & Learn will take place on Wednesday, September 10, from 2-2:30 ET. Bring your questions—there will be time for a Q&A so you can take actionable ideas back to your own organization. Because every big dog deserves a big story—and a happy ending.
WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/9-10-25

Webinar - 9/10/25 - Medical and Behavioral Data in Animal Shelters: A Lifesaving Tool - Best Friends
2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00
Learn how medical and behavioral data can be transformed into powerful tools to prevent disease, improve welfare, reduce length of stay, and guide evidence-based decisions. Discover practical strategies to turn numbers into impact — and data into lives saved.
Presented by: Dr. Becca Boronat, MV, CAWA, National Shelter Medicine Veterinarian; Best Friends Animal Society
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg#/registration

Webinar - 9/11/25 - Data Basics - From Intake to Insight: Buiding a Smarter Strategy with Data - HASS
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:00
A webinar featuring Dr. Josh Fisher, Director, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XBs3-LokQU2ZJ8FYceRFLg#/registration

Webinar - 9/11/25 - Maddie's Insights - Gatekeeping Pet Ownership: The Impacts of Adoption Discrimination - Maddie's Fund
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:00
The animal welfare field has been discussing low-barrier adoption processes as a best practice for more than a decade, yet recent research by Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity has found that BIPOC families are still more likely than white families to be denied during the adoption process. The findings highlight the critical need to move discussions from “low-barrier adoptions” to “making pet ownership accessible to all.”
Attendees will learn about:
• the prevalence and impact of shelter/rescue adoption discrimination in four U.S. cities (Atlanta, Philadelphia, Miami, Minneapolis)
• solutions for increasing access to pet ownership for BIPOC families
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 approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.
Have questions or comments related to this topic? Share your thoughts on the discussion thread:
https://maddies.fund/InsightsAdoptionDiscriminationSept2025
Register at: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

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/

Webinar – 9/15/25 – Effective, Efficient, Economical: How to Step Up Your Sanitation Game – UC Davis KSMP
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:00
Strong sanitation is the backbone of healthy shelters—it protects animals, safeguards staff, and saves lives. But doing it right can be resource-intensive, stretching time, people, and budgets thin. That’s why Dave Hachey, President of Ogena Solutions, first brought us Accel/Rescue, and why he’s now doubled down with Sheltr-Partners.org, a not-for-profit created to negotiate better prices specifically for animal shelters and rescues.
At this conversation with Cynthia Karsten, DVM, of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, you’ll hear the story behind Sheltr-Partners.org, how free membership works, and the benefits shelters are already seeing. You’ll also get an inside look at the newest, most economical hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant. Join us to discover innovative sanitation tools that are helping organizations save major time and money, and plug in your own numbers to see what resource savings are possible for your team.
This webinar has been approved for 1 hour of Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) continuing education credit by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA).
Can’t make it live? Register to receive the recording and resources after the event, accessible through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse, #ThanksToMaddie!
Register here: https://www.shelterlearniverse.com/webinars

Webinar - 9/16/25 - Doors Wide Open: Strategies to expand access to care that work - How Field Officers are Addressing Pet Transport Barriers Directly in the Community - Maddie's Fund
2025-09-16 12:00 - 12:30
Join Open Door Veterinary Collective (ODVC) for a second series of lively conversations on the third Tuesday of the month, from 12 pm – 12:30 pm Pacific Time, as we explore innovative and practical solutions that organizations are using to address barriers to accessing pet care and resources in their communities. We’ll share successful strategies through short 30-minute presentations, panel discussions, video snippets and Q&A sessions.
Join us on September 16 for a dynamic 30 minute webinar in the ODVC + NACA Partnership Series, spotlighting innovative, community-based solutions led by Field Officers. This interactive session features two organizations sharing how they have integrated pet rides into field services to reduce barriers and increase access to care. Learn how this proactive, compassionate approach is helping families stay together the real-life impact of offering transport solutions. Whether you’re exploring new ways to serve or scaling what works, this conversation will inspire practical steps forward.
Panelists:
Dr. Christina Avila, Animal Control Supervisor, City of Perris (California)
Spencer Conover, Assistant Director, Pasco County Animal Services (Florida)
Who should attend? Everyone is welcome! This series is perfect for those interested or involved in access to veterinary care.
Each session will be recorded and viewable on-demand within a few days after the event.
Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards CAWA CEs as well as from the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA).
Come make friends and learn to make access to care more achievable for all involved!
Register for the series here: https://maddies.fund/DoorsWideOpenWebcastSeriesRegister
Engage with guest speakers on the Forum discussion thread:
https://forum.maddiesfund.org/discussion/how-field-officers-are-addressing-pet-transport-barriers-directly-in-the-community
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/DoorsWideOpenWebcastSeriesRegister

Webinar - 9/17/25 - Veterinarians Are the Heart: Your Role in Addressing Animal Cruelty in Your Community - HumaneVMA
2025-09-17 17:00 - 18:30
Presented by: Dr. Kris Otteman, DVM, ABVP, CAWA and Linda Fielder, CAWA
This webinar session will equip veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize, document, and respond to signs of animal cruelty. Led by experts in veterinary forensics, animal welfare, and legal advocacy, the presentation explores the vital link between animal abuse and human violence and how veterinarians can play a pivotal role in protecting both animals and people. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.
Learning Objectives:

Understand the connection between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence
Alleviate concerns voiced by others about reporting animal cruelty including safety concerns
Articulate the differences between forensic veterinary medicine and traditional veterinary medicine
Identify what is considered relevant evidence in animal cruelty cases
Review resources available to find and understand laws in a specific geographic area
Create policies and procedures to prepare the practice to respond and report and be prepared when a case is suspected, or you are asked to assist in your community

WEBSITE LINK: https://humanevma.memberclicks.net/webinar-veterinarians-are-the-heart

Online Training - 9/20/25 - Return-to-Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-09-20 11:00 - 13:00
It used to be that a feral cat had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after he entered. But that’s no longer the case. In recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. Instead of euthanizing healthy community cats (whether feral, friendly or otherwise), the shelter will spay or neuter, eartip and vaccinate, then return the cat back to where he was found.
We’ll cover the policies behind RTF, the mechanics of implementing the program, current controversies over the RTF of friendly cats, and how to combine RTF with TNR in general to lower cat populations and create sustainability.
Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and real-life video footage from actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow TNR advocates.
This session is led by Susan Richmond, Executive Director, and Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, and lasts 2 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session. Registration is just $10.00.
This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-field-saving-the-lives-of-community-cats-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2025/

Webinar - 9/23/25 - Who You Gonna Call? Finding and Utilizing Experts in Animal Cruelty Investigations - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-09-23 12:00
The advice, services, and opinions of experts can elevate the quality of your animal cruelty investigations tenfold. Whether you need to consult on the nutritional needs of an unusual species or engage a forensically-trained veterinarian to determine the extent of a traumatic injury, partnering with subject matter experts is an important way to ensure your investigations are comprehensive, your seizures and protective custody plans provide victim animals with appropriate care and handling, and your criminal cases equip prosecutors with the detailed information they need when considering charges.
This webinar will introduce you to types of experts and where to find them, offer tips for building strong relationships with these partners, and provide examples of cases where the participation of an expert-led to positive outcomes. This webinar is a great opportunity to start thinking about how your effectiveness and impact can be magnified whether you are a one-person agency or part of a large organization.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/who-you-gonna-call-finding-and-utilizing-experts-in-animal-cruelty-investigations/

Webinar - 9/23/25 - Vaccination Protocols: Tailoring Protection for Every Patient - Maddie's Fund
2025-09-23 12:00 - 13:15
Still have questions about the new vaccination guidelines established in 2024? Need an update on the recommendations for neo-natals in your program? This presentation explores the essential role of vaccination to protect vulnerable populations, prevent outbreaks, and improve overall animal welfare. Designed for veterinary medical staff as well as shelter staff interested in improving their understanding of vaccination, this session will cover best practices for vaccine selection and scheduling, as well along with the latest recommendations for vaccination of neonates in high-risk environments.
Join Dr. Erica Schumacher, Outreach Veterinarian & Clinical Instructor at the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine on Tuesday, September 23 at 12n Pacific / 2pm Central / 3pm Eastern.
Sign up here for this 75-minute webinar to get your questions answered: https://maddies.fund/WebcastVaccinationProtocolsRegistrationSept2025
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

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

Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.25 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.25 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been submitted for approval for 1.25 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.
Have questions or comments for the guest speaker? Leave them on the discussion thread: https://maddies.fund/ForumVaccinationProtocolsSept2025
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/WebcastVaccinationProtocolsRegistrationSept2025

Webinar - 9/24/25 and 10/1/25 - Lifesaving Labs: Managed Intake - Best Friends
2025-09-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-01 11:00 - 12:00
Supercharge your shelter’s lifesaving with Best Friends’ Lifesaving Labs, a virtual series spotlighting five impactful topics designed to help increase your organization’s save rate. Each session features proven programs, engaging workshops, and dynamic discussion panels to spark ideas, share strategies, and support your lifesaving goals. Catch up on-demand or join upcoming live sessions on Wednesdays at 2pm ET!
September & October: Managed Intake

September 24 at 2pm ET: Session #1
October 1 at 2pm ET: Session #2

You’ll also have opportunities like:

Chance for you and your organization to engage in real-time discussions, and ask questions
Resources to help you put action behind the information in your shelter
Opportunities for your organization to submit proposals and be selected for funding to implement featured topics
Recording of the sessions for your reference

WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/1817549180061/WN_McXDOqvQTiK7gcEopvveAw#/registration

Webinar - 9/25/25 - From Kennels to Clicks: What Marketing Strategies Actually Drive Adoptions - Best Friends
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:00
Want more adoptions? The data is in — and your marketing strategy might be the key. Join us on September 25 at 4pm ET as we reveal the results of a recent animal welfare marketing survey that shows what really works when it comes to increasing pet adoptions.
Whether your shelter is already performing above average or you’re looking for fresh ways to engage your community, this session will provide actionable insights you can put into practice right away. We’ll dig into how marketing efforts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and your shelter’s website impact adoption success, and how listing pets consistently on Adopt a Pet and Petfinder plays a vital role. You’ll learn which tactics are working, where your shelter stands compared to others, and how to celebrate the areas where you shine while identifying where you can reach further.
Panelists include Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society; Caitlin Quinn, Adjunct Instructor, University of Florida, and freelance communications consultant; and Jessica Arias, Director of Animal Services, City of Burlington, NC. Kasey Spain, Senior Manager of Network Engagement and Shelter Pet Data Alliance, will moderate.
If you’re ready to connect your community work to real adoption results, this webinar is your roadmap. Walk away with practical ideas, inspiration, and a clear call to action: keep doing what’s working, and grow where you can.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4917520773897/WN_3dBw2fQqRR6UwB3AhFf6uA#/registration

Webinar - 9/30/25 - Before Four Weeks: Updated Vaccination Recommendations for Neonatal Puppies and Kittens - UC Davis KSMP
2025-09-30 11:00 - 12:30
We know that the single best way to protect neonatal and juvenile animals from infectious disease is to care for them in an environment where exposure to disease is low, but those environments can be hard to find! Despite efforts to find low-risk housing options for these vulnerable animals, underage puppies and kittens still sometimes end up being housed in animal shelters or other environments where exposure risk is real. Previous recommendations have been to wait until 4 weeks of age to begin vaccination, potentially missing opportunities to provide protection as early as possible.
In this webinar, we’ll explore updated recommendations for early vaccination of neonatal and juvenile puppies and kittens in environments that present meaningful risk. We’ll cover the science, the supporting literature, and most importantly, how to apply these new guidelines in a shelter setting.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Describe the immunological basis for vaccine protocols in neonatal animals
Summarize the literature supporting early vaccination in high‑risk environments
Identify scenarios where early vaccination is recommended due to disease risk
Apply updated vaccine protocols in animal shelters
Adapt vaccination strategies for use in other high‑exposure settings

This webinar has been approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval, as well as 1.5 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) continuing education credit by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA).
Can’t make it live? Register to receive a recording and resources after the event.
Presenters: Kate Hurley, DVM, and Sandra Newbury, DVM
Register now: http://www.shelterlearniverse.com/webinars

Webinar - 9/30/25 - Beyond the Page: Meet the Authors Shaping DEI in Veterinary Medicine - Bridging Gaps in Veterinary Care: Equity, Access, and Innovation - MCVMA
2025-09-30 17:00 - 18:00
Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA) is launching a new webinar.
Beyond the Page: Meet the Authors Shaping DEI in Veterinary Medicine is a groundbreaking webinar series that brings to life the voices behind Elsevier’s Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Veterinary Medicine, Parts 1 & 2 – the first comprehensive, open-access DEI publications in veterinary medicine.
Thanks to a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund®, MCVMA secured permanent open access to these volumes. Now, Beyond the Page takes this knowledge further with live, interactive conversations that connect scholarship to action.
Our first installment features none other than Dr. Michael Blackwell, Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity at the University of Tennessee, former Chief of Staff in the Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S., and recipient of the AVMA’s 2025 Frederick Douglass Patterson Lifetime Achievement Award.
We’ll discuss his chapter, “Bridging Gaps in Veterinary Care: Equity, Access, and Innovation,” which explores practical strategies for closing gaps in care, addressing inequities, leveraging innovation, and reimagining how our profession can better serve diverse communities.

Join us! September 30 5pm PT 8pm ET
Read the chapter for free now at: mcvma.org/publications
Register for our free webinar to be part of this inspiring conversation: https://bit.ly/MulticulturalVMABeyondthePage

Webinar - 10/8/25 - Incubators—All of Your Questions Answered - National Kitten Coalition
2025-10-08 16:30 - 17:00
Join us for a fast-paced, informative webinar designed specifically for kitten caregivers: Incubators—All of Your Questions Answered. In just 15 minutes, we’ll walk through the essentials of incubator use for neonatal kittens—what to look for, how to set up and monitor safely, and common troubleshooting tips. Then, stay for a live 15-minute Q&A session where you can ask your own questions or listen in as others share theirs. Whether you’re fostering, working in a shelter, or supporting fragile feline lives in any capacity, this session is for you.
Can’t attend live? No problem—register anyway! All registrants will receive a recording link after the event so you can watch on your own time. Click here to register for this FREE webinar!
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/incubators-all-of-your-questions-answered/

Webinar - 10/9/25 - Organizational Culture - HASS
2025-10-09 11:00 - 12:00
Explore organizational culture in animal welfare—where compassion meets collaboration to drive lifesaving impact. You will learn how cultivating a strong, inclusive culture can fuel innovation, sustain momentum, and transform outcomes for animals in your community.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YpDVpC_qQ_uGO3Wm3IaG2g#/registration

Webinar - 10/9/25 - Maddie's Insights: Shelter Practices & Barriers in the Use of Anxiety Medications & Alternatives - Maddie's Fund
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00
Fear, anxiety, and stress are common challenges for cats and dogs in shelter environments, yet little is known about how shelters use psychoactive medications and non-medication alternatives to address these welfare concerns. This presentation will include findings from a recently published study examining which psychoactive medications (such as gabapentin, trazodone, and fluoxetine) and non-medication alternatives (such as pheromones and nutraceuticals) are most commonly used in shelters in North America, how shelter staff perceive their efficacy and ease of administration, and the barriers such as cost, uncertainty about efficacy, and time constraints that limit their use, when warranted.
In addition to highlighting key differences between cats and dogs in reported treatment frequency, this presentation will explore how factors such as shelter type, intake volume, and staff roles influence anxiety-medication decision-making. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of current practices, perspectives, and challenges to support them in evaluating and applying this information within their own animal care. Based on the barriers identified, the session will conclude with a research-informed discussion on practical strategies to address these challenges and identify priority areas for future work.
Guest Speaker: Bailey H Eagan, PhD, MSC
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 10/9/25 - Building a Safety Net of Connections and Resources for Your Community - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:15
Human service and animal welfare organizations can significantly support each other’s missions while enhancing the interactions of the people they serve. People will often seek help for their pets before seeking help for themselves, and at the same time, pets sometimes present a barrier to accessing essential services. Here lies an opportunity to ensure that communities have access to and are aware of what services are available, especially in times of crisis or change.
By understanding and sharing available resources in the community, your organization can provide each person with a more individualized approach to ensure all aspects of their situation are being addressed while furthering your mission.
The audience will learn:

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

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

Webinar - 10/14/25 - Beyond the Page: Meet the Authors Shaping DEI in Veterinary Medicine - Stephen Niño Cital & Camia Tonge - MCVMA
2025-10-14 17:00 - 18:00
Join us on October 14th in celebration of National Veterinary Technician Week as we honor the essential contributions of veterinary technicians and explore how DEI can shape a stronger, more inclusive future for the profession. We’ll be chatting with Stephen Niño Cital, RVT, SRA, RLAT, VTS-LAM co-founder a leading veterinary technician specialist recognized for his expertise in anesthesia, pain management, and cannabinoid medicine and Camia Tonge, CVT, VTS (Small Animal Internal Medicine), MS president-elect of the Academy of Internal Medicine for Veterinary Technicians and Director of Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Assistants at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
We’ll be discussing their chapter, “Diversifying the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Pipeline,” which explores how broadening representation in veterinary technician specialties strengthens the profession, improves access to care, and fosters more inclusive career pathways.
Read the article now: Diversifying the Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Pipeline
Join us and register today!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.mcvma.org/beyond-the-page

Webinar - 10/15/25 - Workers’ Comp Unleashed: Building a Safer, Stronger Workplace - CalAnimals
2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:00
Join Morris & Garritano for a lively session that takes the mystery (and the stress!) out of workers’ compensation. We’ll show you how to build a safer workplace, understand your experience modification (Ex Mod), best practices for claims reporting, and design return-to-work programs that keep your team protected and your costs under control. Carrier partner Jasmine Ariel Contreras from Berkshire Hathaway brings real-world tips and insider strategies to make workers’ comp a breeze.
What You’ll Learn
1. Workers’ Comp Basics: The essentials every organization needs to know.
2. Experience Mod Explained: How it’s calculated and ways to improve it.
3. Safety Culture Boost: Practical steps to prevent injuries and strengthen your workplace.
4. Claims & Return-to-Work: Reporting tips and approaches to get employees back on the job smoothly.
5. Renewal Readiness: How to prepare for policy renewal with confidence.
Who Should Attend
Anyone responsible for safety, human resources and insurance decisions who wants to handle workers comp with confidence and less stress.
Presenters
Lynette Dunn – Morris & Garritano
Mandy O’Neal – Morris & Garritano
Jasmine Ariel Contreras – Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
Can’t Attend the Live Session?
Register anyway—you’ll receive the full recording to watch whenever it works for you.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_93kZs8gIRkGJvDhEHSwexw#/
