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

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

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

Online Course – Starts 1/5/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Winter 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2026-01-05 08:00 - 17:00
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse as part of Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge, the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program empowers frontline animal shelter workers to provide exceptional care, grounded in best practices, with a focus on improving outcomes for animals and communities.
Through engaging online courses, you’ll gain expertise in:

Best practices to reduce animal stress.
Foundational animal care and medical care to enhance your skills.
Behavior, training, and enrichment for healthier, happier animals.
Population management to optimize shelter resources.
Daily care best practices that streamline your workflow and maximize impact.

Whether you’re new to shelter work or a seasoned professional, this program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and recognition to make a greater difference.
Why Become Certified?

Advance your career with professional credentials.
Learn practical, actionable skills to improve daily operations.
Gain confidence in providing high-quality care for every animal.

Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/5/25.
Certification is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie!
This program is most relevant for individuals working in public shelters or private shelters with municipal contracts. Enrollment is limited; applicants from these shelter types will be prioritized for this session.
Learn more about upcoming sessions and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2026-01-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-12 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-26 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-02 11:00 - 12:00
Maddie’s Fund hosts a weekly 50-minute Zoom call for animal well-being professionals. These calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect with peers in the industry, and more, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.
Who Should Join?
Executive directors, animal well-being leaders, shelter workers, pet support professionals, volunteers, rescue organizations and anyone who shares the common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.
Win Ca$h for Attending!
Each month, Maddie’s Fund will be giving away up to $5,000 in grants. You can enter to win each time you attend a call or watch on-demand during the month by completing the giveaway drawing entry forms shared in the chat during the calls.
Register Today
Join us each Monday at 11am PT/2pm ET to receive support and learn about innovative ideas other organizations across the country are seeing success with. If you registered prior to July 2025 or are new to these meetings, please use this link to register:
https://maddies.fund/CommunityConversationsRegistration2025
All calls are recorded and uploaded to the Community Conversations page on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConversationsRegistration2025

Webinar - 1/7/26 - New Horizons (Laws) for California Animals – in and out of the shelters - CalAnimals
2026-01-07 10:00 - 11:00
San Francisco SPCA’s Shelter Policy and Legal Services program is ready to start 2026 off with a bark and a purr and fill you in on all the new laws passed last year that become effective on January 1, 2026. Learn about the expanded potential for RVTs and VAs to do more in the shelters; about the expanded ability to have RVT-run vaccination clinics to help public animals across the state; and several more bills that continue to improve the lives of California animals in the shelters, and in their new homes.
Presenter: Bruce Wagman, Attorney
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.calanimals.org/on

Webinar - 1/8/26 - Maddie's Insights - Consentful Contact: Pilot Study on Human–Dog Touch - Maddie's Fund
2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00
Understanding and respecting an animal’s signals during interactions can significantly enhance their welfare and improve the human-animal interactions. In this presentation, Dr. Amir Sarrafchi will discuss his research on how dogs respond behaviourally when allowed to choose or refuse human contact. Drawing from his work on animal agency and consent, Dr. Sarrafchi will explore how these concepts can be practically applied in everyday animal care, shelter environments, and adoption programs.
The session will translate research findings into simple, effective strategies that caretakers, trainers, and shelter staff can use to promote consent-based handling and improve welfare outcomes.
Learning Objectives

Recognize behavioural indicators that reflect a dog’s comfort or discomfort during human interaction
Understand the importance of agency and consent in enhancing animal welfare and fostering a more humane relationship between humans and animals
Apply practical strategies for incorporating choice and consent into daily care, training, and shelter routines

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 until 10/14/2027 in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.
About the speaker
Dr. Amir Sarrafchi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. His PhD research focused on animal behavior and the impact of providing animals with agency and consent on their welfare during human-animal interactions. He holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Master’s in Applied Ethology and Animal Biology.
During his PhD, Dr. Sarrafchi investigated how allowing animals, particularly horses and dogs, to exercise choice during interactions with humans influences their behavioral and physiological responses. His recent work explores how promoting agency can improve welfare outcomes in both companion and working animals. Dr. Sarrafchi is passionate about bridging the gap between science and practice to enhance the daily care, handling, and understanding of animals.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

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

In-Person Workshop - 1/13/25 to 1/16/25 - Shelter Behavior & Enrichment Workshop - Shelter Playgroup Alliance (fee applies)
2026-01-13 00:00 - 2026-01-16 23:59
Don’t miss out on this hands-on workshop to build essential skills for safely working with dogs in the shelter over four days at Berkeley Animal Care Services. You will work in small groups along side experienced, certified coaches to build your skills in a supportive and constructive environment. Join us January 13-16, 2026, and you will earn a Certificate of Completion, as well as the confidence and skills to improve the lives of the animals in your care.
​This workshop is limited to 20 participants. Register to secure your spot now!
Who: Shelter Staff & Volunteers
What: Behavior & Enrichment Workshop
When: January 13-16, 2026
Where: Berkeley Animal Care Services, 1 Bolivar Dr, Berkeley, CA 94710
Cost: $800
​CEUs: 27 (CCPDT), 20 (IAABC)
No prerequisites are required to attend this workshop. This is a special offering open to all shelter staff and volunteers, regardless of the status of online course work.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelterdogplay.org/in-person-workshops

Webinar - 1/14/26 - Capacity for Care: Setting the Right Target & Finding Tools to Stay There - CalAnimals
2026-01-14 10:00 - 11:00
The term “Capacity for Care” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean and can it even be useful in the face of the seemingly relentless onslaught of large dogs shelters are facing today?
In this practical webinar, Dr. Kate Hurley from the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program will cover the specifics of how to calculate the right target number to maximize life-saving while optimizing animal health and welfare – and staff sanity. Hurley will demonstrate how any shelter can use the Koret Shelter Medicine Program’s free online C4C calculator to estimate how many animals need to be housed at any one time, based on expected monthly intake and target length of stay. Then we will dive into a practical example of how this number was calculated and aligned with housing capacity at the South L.A. branch of Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS), part of one of the largest and most challenging shelter systems in the United States.
Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager from LAAS, along with members of her team, will share their agency’s experience of going from severe crowding to attaining, and more importantly maintaining, a population pretty close to their Capacity for Care. A key to success was moving from long standing policies driving a reactive decision making process to a proactive framework that can identify dogs at risk before they deteriorate severely or the population swells beyond staff’s ability to provide care. And they did it even in the face of rising intake and without increasing the euthanasia rate! It’s a pretty inspiring example and we hope it will be a useful one for many shelters facing similar challenges.
Presenters:
Dr. Kate Hurley from UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Annette Ramirez, Garens Loyd, Sarah Quintanilla from Los Angeles Animal Services
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.calanimals.org/on

Webinar - 1/14/26 - Defeating Distemper: Proven Strategies to Save Lives - Best Friends
2026-01-14 13:00 - 14:00
Transform canine distemper from a death sentence into a lifesaving success story. In this webinar, learn how shelters can manage outbreaks effectively, apply updated protocols to clear infected dogs faster (no more months of isolation!), and save the lives of both exposed and infected animals.
Presented by: Dr. Erin Katribe, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice)
National Shelter Medicine; Best Friends Animal Society
Register here: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg

Online Event - Monthly - Journey You Own Meditation Gathering - JYO
2026-01-14 17:00 - 17:45
Create a shared, supportive space to explore grounding practices.
The guided meditations happen every month and typically run 30-45 minutes. All are welcome to these very low-key sessions, with videos on or off, whatever feels most comfortable to you. No speaking is necessary unless you’d like to share at the end of the session.
Attendees register once and can attend any of the monthly meditation dates. Don’t forget to add the dates to your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on any sessions.
About the Host
Jyothi Robertson is a student of meditation practice for 40+ years and trauma-sensitive grounding practices formally for the past three years. She was raised by parents who practice meditation and lead spiritual teachings for members of their Indian community. She began pursuing her own formal exploration of spirituality as an anthropology major at Princeton University and conducted fieldwork for her thesis while living at an ashram (spiritual center) in India in 1996. As a veterinarian, she is interested in highlighting the spiritual connection between all living beings.
Jyothi has completed certifications in trauma-sensitive mindfulness, advanced trauma-sensitive meditation, deep listening, DEI, and since 2019, has been receiving training in Buddhist meditation practices and philosophy. As a student learning meditation, she is interested in exploring these practices with others in community.
WEBSITE LINK: https://jyo.world/meditation-gathering/

Webinar - 1/21/26 - Lead Forward: A Fresh Start for Animal Welfare Leaders - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:15
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/

Online Event - 1/21/26 - Shelter Med LIVE: Behavior Belongs in Shelter Medicine: The Shelter Vet's Role in Behavioral and Emotional Health - UC Davis KSMP
2026-01-21 16:00 - 17:00
Behavior might have felt like a blip on the vet school radar, but in the shelter it’s a critical skill to develop and essential to helping animals cope. Care for an animal’s mental and emotional state is a part of a shelter veterinarian’s daily workload and one of the most important aspects to supporting whole animal health. As a shelter vet, only you can determine when a medical issue is behind behavior changes, legally diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatments, and you’re uniquely positioned provide guidance on balancing human and animal health and safety to staff, volunteers, adopters, community members, and colleagues caring for animals who need behavior support.
Join Drs. Cindi Delany, Emilia Gordon, and Sarah Mantovani on this episode of Shelter Med Live to explore the shelter veterinarian’s impact and often overlooked role in shaping and managing dog and cat behavioral and emotional health.
After this conversation, you’ll be ready to:

Clearly articulate the goals of behavior management and how those differ before and after the shelter stay
Identify the most common behavioral diagnoses in sheltered animals and best practices for medical management
Understand the shelter veterinarians’ role in pathway planning and behavioral decision making and how they can impact capacity for care

Approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit by CAWA and NACA.
Host: Jennifer Bennett (host), DVM, MS (Behavioral Neuroscience), CAWA
Guests: Cynthia Delany, DVM, KPA-CTP; Emilia Gordon, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice); Sarah Mantovani, DVM, MS (Shelter Medicine)
About Shelter Med LIVE
Shelter medicine bridges gaps in veterinary care access, ensuring animals are sterilized, vaccinated, and have the medical treatment they need before going home to the people and communities who care for them. Shelter Med LIVE is the place where vet professionals connect around what it takes to make shelter medicine happen every day—from intake triage to MacGyvering creative fixes. Every third Wednesday, join your UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program host Dr. Jenn Bennett and special guests for real talk and real solutions.
Ask questions (or send them in ahead of time). This isn’t a lecture—it’s a conversation for everyone who wants to nerd out on shelter medicine. Kick back and recharge with your colleagues in the middle of a long week.
This event has been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit by CAWA and NACA, and 1 hour of non-medical continuing education credit by RACE.
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!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelterlearniverse.com/events

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

Online Event - 1/22/26 - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection - Pain and Behavior: A case-based talk - Maddie's Fund
2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:00
Pain and discomfort are often under-diagnosed in dogs with behavioral issues. This presentation will highlight why this happens, and reviews cases where pain was the cause of the behavior issues or made behavioral issues worse. This is happening in young dogs and dogs who may not show any typical signs of pain/discomfort, but rather express it as aggression and/or anxiety.
Speaker: Emily Levine, DVM, DACVB, Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey
About Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection:
Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month as we talk about dog and cat behavior – supporting pets in our community and animal shelters. Each month, we hear from speakers about topics of interest to our group, such as behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal welfare, and how organizations successfully provide behavior support to dogs and cats.
Who should join: Animal welfare staff and volunteers who are interested in dog and cat behavior, and everyone who works to keep pets out of shelters and in homes.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum – https://maddies.fund/monthlybehaviorconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration

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/

Online Conference - 1/24/26 to 1/25/26 - Online Cat Conference 2026 - Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)
2026-01-24 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-25 10:00 - 17:00
Each year, the global Community Cats Podcast community comes together for this unique virtual event—no travel required!
Take part in two days filled with cat-centric content, speakers from a wide variety of animal welfare roles share their perspectives on the field, providing valuable insights to help you or your organization create a more humane world for community cats.
Attendees can take advantage of the interactive format, useful handouts, and get access to an exclusive Facebook group to network with other cat-focused volunteers and professionals.
This online conference features presentations from Adopt a Pet, Orphan Kitten Club, Tompkins Foundation for FeLV Advocacy, Kitty Cat Cafe and Adoption Lounge, Neighborhood Cats, International Cat Care, and the University of Tennessee’s Program for Pet Health Equity.
For a limited time, registration is just $50 and will give you access to the live event, recorded sessions afterward, speaker slides, handouts, and more. Use code TCC26EB at checkout to receive the discount. Early bird discounts end at midnight on December 25, 2025.
WEBSITE LINK: https://communitycatscentral.thinkific.com/courses/2026CatCon

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 Event - 2/5/26 - Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection: Shelter Evacuation via Emergency Foster Homes - Maddie's Fund
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
One day ahead of Hurricane Helene hitting Asheville, NC, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue orchestrated a shelter evacuation into emergency foster homes with 100 animals going out the door in just two hours and two-thirds of the emergency fosters never having fostered for the organization previously. This action turned out to be lifesaving, as their shelter was consumed by 12 feet of floodwaters that very night. With full shelters across the US and an increase in natural disasters (a hurricane in the NC mountains?!), every animal welfare facility can benefit from having a plan in place to quickly evacuate pets to the safety of emergency foster homes. Join the Brother Wolf team to learn how to prepare ahead of time, communicate effectively when an evacuation occurs, collaborate with your community for support, and oversee the logistics seamlessly. These same strategies can be used to place animals into emergency foster homes due to any crisis: full shelter, unexpected large intake, part of shelter under construction, etc. The Brother Wolf team will walk you through turning a crisis into an opportunity for community connection and lifesaving work, together.
Guest Speakers:
Leah Craig Chumbley, Executive Director, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
Sara Groce, Director of Programs, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
Megan Malek, Senior Coordinator of Volunteers & Fosters, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue
About Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection:
Join us on the first Thursday of every month to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues.
Who should join: Foster managers, coordinators, volunteers and any staff who are interested in learning about what’s working in foster programs.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://maddies.fund/monthlyfosterconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration

Online Event – 2/5/26 – Live from the Ranch: Using Classical Conditioning... On Purpose – Karen Pryor Academy
2026-02-05 13:00 - 14:00
Ever wonder how animals learn so quickly from everyday experiences? Classical conditioning is constantly at work in animal training, shaping emotional responses long before behavior shows up. When we know how to recognize it, refine it, and use it with intentions, we can create stronger, more reliable learning.
Sign up to join Allie Bender, Emily Strong, and Ken Ramirez on Thu., 2/5, at 1:00 pm (PT) or get access to the recording.
WEBSITE LINK: https://learn.clickertraining.com/live-from-the-ranch#next

Online Course - 2/6/26 to 2/16/26 - Application Period for Spring 2026 Online Instructor-Led Courses - Maddie’s Fund®
2026-02-06 09:00 - 23:59
Spring 2026 Courses begin the week of March 9, 2026
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. They’re the catalyst you need to take your programs and learning to the next level! All courses are free #ThanksToMaddie!
These courses require completion of:

Self-paced online materials
Zoom classes with your instructor and classmates (The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, but can range from 4
to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90 minutes.)
Final project
Course Evaluation Survey

Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive.
To be eligible, your organization must be a U.S.-based 501c3 or government animal welfare organization. All Maddie’s University courses are pre-approved for NACA and CAWA CE (continuing education) credits.
Application period: February 6 – February 16, 2026.
Spring 2026 Course Offerings
NEW! Adoption Marketing: Positive Framing, Connective Storytelling, More Adoptions!
NEW! Cooperative Care for Dogs
Developing Your Own Kitten College
Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters
Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting Dogs and People
Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach
Live Better: The Power of You
NEW! Rural Sheltering
Shelter Clinic Management
NEW! Work Better: The Power of Us
WEBSITE LINK: http://university.maddiesfund.org/online-instructor-led-courses

Online Course – 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/
