Shelter Learniverse

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2024-03-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
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 $10,000 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.
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://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations

Online Event - 1st and 3rd Tuesdays - All Call - California for All Animals
2024-03-05 12:00 - 13:00
The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.
The All Call is hosted by California for All co-leaders Allison Cardona and Nadia Oseguera and is enriched by rotating facilitators. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.
On March 5, Monica Dangler and Kaitlyn Pappas will share how Pima Animal Care Center used Petco Love Lost to double the number of animals returned home in the community.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Webinar – 3/6/24 – DPFL’s Approach to On-Leash Reactivity – Dogs Playing for Life
2024-03-06 09:00 - 11:30
Reactivity on the part of dogs living in shelters is a rampant issue that can contribute to behavioral deterioration, increased length of stay, and even loss of life. From a misdiagnosis of “aggression” to dogs whose reactive behavior escalates to problematic and potentially unsafe levels, learning how to help dogs suffering from reactivity issues is a crucial need shared by our entire industry.
While this webinar can be attended as a standalone course, we will build on our Fancy Footwork approach to handling and training to offer practical training, handling, and safety solutions to on-leash reactivity for dogs living in shelters.
This is a 2-hour presentation followed by a 30 min Q&A session. This webinar costs $20 and you will receive the recording the next day.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iq_I5tgJRJmyQKtCwt4kPg#/registration

Webinar - 3/6/24 - Return to Home: A Workshop on Keeping Cats with Their Families - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-03-06 10:00 - 11:30
Join us for an eye-opening workshop that will revolutionize the way we view “dumped, abandoned, or unwanted” stray cats. Titled “Leaving Preconceived Notions Behind,” this session is not just a workshop; it’s a call to action!
Anyone is welcome to join on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET.
Secure your spot for this transformative workshop by clicking here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4979716084764565599
For any inquiries or additional information, feel free to reach out to Stacy at stacy@communitycatspodcast.com.
Let’s create a community that sees the potential in every stray cat, working together to reunite them with their loving families! Share this opportunity with fellow cat advocates and make a paw-sitive impact.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/return-to-home-workshop/

Grant Opportunity - 3/6/24 - Open Arms Challenge Registration Period Deadline - Maddie's Fund
2024-03-06 17:00
Join us for the all-inclusive 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This grant Challenge is like no other. For the entire month of April 2024, animal shelters, foster-based organizations and public charities are encouraged to create a new program or expand an existing one focused on keeping pets and people together. Beginning in 2024, there will only be one Challenge per year.
Apply to participate in the 2024 Open Arms Challenge between February 26 – March 6, 2024.
Interested organizations can apply through the Maddie’s Fund grants portal until 5pm PT on March 6, 2024.
To be considered to PARTICIPATE in this Challenge, your organization must be:

A U.S.-based government agency or 501c3 public charity
A shelter, foster-based organization or other animal welfare organization focused on keeping pets and people together or animals in their communities
Focused on dogs and/or cats
An active participant in Shelter Animals Count
Current on all grant reporting for any prior Maddie’s Fund grants

If you have any questions, please contact grants@maddiesfund.org
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.maddiesfund.org/open-arms-challenge-2024.htm

Online Event - 3/7/24 - Live from the Ranch - Paws in Practice: Husbandry Behaviors for Dogs & Empowering Pet Guardians Online - Karen Pryor Academy
2024-03-07 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for the next episode of Live from The Ranch, where Ken Ramirez will collaborate with teacher and trainer Laura Monaco Torelli. Laura will demonstrate essential behaviors for veterinary care and coach Ken on teaching these behaviors to his dog, Marlin. Learn the importance of teaching your dog behaviors for medical care and observe how to virtually coach others!
Tune in on YouTube on March 7 at 1:00 pm PT for this free virtual event with live audience Q&A.
WEBSITE LINK: https://theranch.clickertraining.com/live/#next

Online Conference - 3/9/24 and 3/10/24 - 4th Annual Modern & Ethical Training Conference (MET) - Puppyworks (fee applies)
2024-03-09, 2024-03-10
6 great trainers will talk about their experiences, give advice and practical solutions.
Over 18 hours of expertise and advice for the daily life of professional trainers & their clients.
You can watch the lectures live on the day of the conference or at any time during the following 6 months.
MET conference 2024 has been approved by CCPDT and IAABC organizations for 18 CEUs.
You can listen to the lectures of Czech trainers in the original version or access a high-quality translation in English, so that you do not miss a word of expertise!
Gain practical procedures with proven results.
No waiting and commuting – enjoy the conference from the comfort of your couch with your dog partner by your side.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/met2024

Webinar - 3/10/24 - Ectoparasites: Do We Really Want Them to Take a Bite? - VETGirl
2024-03-10 17:00 - 18:00
Take a bite out of prevention!
In this complimentary, 1-hour, VETgirl–Ceva Animal Health webinar, Dr. Susan E. Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology) will review how ectoparasites feed and examine the timing of effectiveness of available control products throughout this intricate process. Tune in for a review of preventive measures taken before feeding begins to ensure the highest level of canine comfort and health!
Thanks to sponsorship from Ceva Animal Health, the recording of this webinar will be available to view free and On-Demand until December 31, 2024. (Remember: you must be logged in as a free Basic, ELITE Trial or ELITE member to register for the live event)
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/march-10-2024-ectoparasites-do-we-really-want-them-to-take-a-bite/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 3/11/24 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Marketing & Development – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-03-11
Society’s relationship to pets continues to evolve. The majority of people consider their pets to be beloved family members and expect their local animal shelter to work diligently to save the lives of the dogs and cats that enter the facility. This program will provide the knowledge you need to assume a management or leadership role at an open-admission animal shelter. You’ll learn how to maximize a shelter’s lifesaving potential through program management, community engagement, and shelter operations while at the same time preparing yourself for an exciting career.
The five courses are:

Leadership covering strategic planning, analyzing operations, decision-making, managing people and processes to achieve results, organizational responsibilities, and working with a board of directors.
Shelter Operations covering adoptions, animal care and sheltering fundamentals, animal behavior and enrichment, and customer service.
Community Program Development covering volunteers, foster care, spay/neuter, pet retention, events, and community relations.
Animal Health and Clinic Operations covering understanding shelter medicine, basic animal health considerations and care, euthanasia decisions, and clinic operations.
Marketing and Development covering development fundamentals, fundraising strategies, marketing fundamentals, adoption promotion, social media and websites, and media relations.

Each of these courses include live video conference sessions with top experts in the field providing students valuable contacts within the field. Additionally, alumni have access to exclusive networking opportunities and receive notification of employment opportunities.
You can sign up for individual courses or all five for a discount. All five must be completed to get a certificate.
Who will benefit from the program?

Professionals seeking a career change to something more personally fulfilling.
New shelter directors.
Shelter directors or managers wishing to improve their organization’s live release rate and sustainability.
People working in the animal welfare field who wish to advance into management roles.
Board members of animal shelters.

Credit for program/courses
Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a Certificate in Animal Shelter Management from the University of the Pacific.
Each course earns:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of the Pacific
Association of Animal Welfare Advancement CAWA Continuing Education (CE) credits

Schedule and Registration
Each of the five online courses are six weeks long and are offered sequentially. The entire program is about seven months long, and a new round starts again after a short break. More information on start dates of each course and the registration form can be found on the University of the Pacific website.
​WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=21282#courseSectionDetails_2946837

Webinar - 3/11/24 - Creating Behaviour Modification Plans in Challenging Environments (shelter) with Tom Candy - PPG (fee applies)
2024-03-11 09:00 - 10:00
This webinar looks at how we can create successful behaviour modification plans in challenging environments. From shelters to busy households, learn how to work around challenges.

Understand the importance of BMPs in shelters
Learn how to introduce HAPPIER Bmps for challenging enviroments
Learn about setting appropriate goals for BMPS

About the presenter
A passion for animal welfare and training led Tom (he/him) to undertake a BSc (Hons) in Bio-veterinary science and a MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln (UK). Having started volunteering in rescue at the age of 15, Tom has been involved in a variety of aspects of rescue including fundraising, home checking, transporting and general day to day operations.
Currently Tom works as a Senior Training and Behaviour advisor with the UK’s largest canine welfare organisation, where he supports the training and behaviour teams across the southwest. Tom is responsible for supporting and advising managers and Training and Behaviour Advisors on matters relating to behavioural concerns and helping to promote higher levels of welfare for dogs.
Tom is a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (UK) and a Certified Canine Behaviour Consultant and Certified Shelter Behaviour Specialist with the International association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. He has been luckily enough to speak on several Shelter behaviour related topics across webinars, pods casts, workshops and Conferences both in the UK and internationally including America, Canada, Spain and most recently at the International Companion Animal Welfare Conference in Bulgaria where he presented on meeting dogs needs in a kennel environment and ran workshops on topics such as enrichment and training as part of everyday life in kennels.
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5380017

Online Training - Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-03-13 16:00 - 17:30
Are you deeply committed to ensuring that cats remain in their cherished homes? Step into the role of a certified Surrender Prevention Specialist and become a catalyst for positive change in the lives of our feline friends. Join us on March 13th for an illuminating workshop led by the esteemed Dr. Rachel Geller.
Event Details: 📅 Date: March 13 🕒 Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST 📍 Location: Virtual, register here
As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you hold the power to bridge the gap between a cat losing its home and maintaining a joyful bond with its owner. In this workshop, Dr. Rachel Geller will explore the art of surrender prevention, drawing from real-life scenarios with proven outcomes. Uncover the effectiveness of surrender prevention strategies and your pivotal role in nurturing harmonious relationships between cats and their caregivers.
#ThanksToMaddie, scholarship opportunities are available! If you or someone you know would benefit from a complimentary registration, please complete the form here.
Key Topics Explored:

Grasping the concept and significance of surrender prevention
Cultivating empathy towards cat owners and addressing their constraints (financial, time, patience)
Real-world success stories of surrender prevention methodologies
Spotlight on the three primary reasons for surrender: litter box issues, inappropriate scratching, and intercat aggression
Interactive sessions, comprehensive handouts, and video demonstrations of effective techniques Upon successful completion of the workshop and a brief assessment, participants will receive a Surrender Prevention Certification. Furthermore, scholarships are still accessible for those eager to contribute to the welfare of cats in need.

Unable to attend on March 13? No problem! The workshop will be offered three times in 2024, providing ample opportunities to refine your expertise and understanding.
📚 Be a Part of Something Pawsitively Impactful! 📚 Join Dr. Rachel Geller and fellow cat enthusiasts on January 17th for an enlightening and empowering Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop. Let’s collaborate to preserve the sanctity of feline homes and fortify the bond between cats and their caregivers.
For additional information, to secure your spot, or inquire about scholarships, please visit https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-mar-2024/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-mar-2024/

Webinar – 3/14/24 – Stranger Danger! Advocating for and Advancing Your Human-Reactive Dogs – Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)
2024-03-14 09:00 - 11:30
At DPFL’s Stranger Danger webinar, you will learn how to work with dogs that are wary of strangers by building their confidence and helping them to develop the skills to meet new people (and potential adopters) happily and successfully! Even for the private dog trainer or dog owner, the skills taught in this webinar will help support your stranger danger dog to expand their comfort level when meeting new people at home!
This webinar will demonstrate:
— DPFL’s Assess and Progress approach: fluttering between assessing and influencing behavior to determine how a dog might respond WITHOUT proper human support to determine what training is necessary for successful placement
— Comprehensive Tool Selection: determining what tool will best support the dog while keeping the handler and others safe during the learning process
— Principles vs. Methods: determining what approach will teach the dog as efficiently and effectively as possible
— Creative Proofing: conducting training with the goal of solid generalization of new skills so that dogs are able to work for multiple handlers with clarity and confidence
Come learn how to safely and effectively reach this segment of the canine population through in-depth behavior analysis, dynamic video examples, and practical approaches designed for anyone who is trying to find solutions for the dogs who need this extra human support.
This is a 2-hour presentation followed by a 30 min Q&A session. This webinar costs $20 and you will receive the recording the next day.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z84y1ScFTSSpwJVjFPSd5w#/registration

Webinar - 3/14/24 - Maddie's Insights - Increasing Engagement in Kitten Fostering Programs: Lessons Learned from High Kitten Intake Zip Codes in Los Angeles County - Maddie's Fund
2024-03-14 12:00 - 13:00
Maddie’s Insights are a series of webinars about the latest research in animal well-being and how you can use the findings in your shelter and community.
Join us on on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 12noon Pacific / 3pm Eastern when Debra Olmedo and Greg Miller of the ASPCA will provide an overview of recent research aimed at identifying ways to increase awareness and engagement in kitten fostering programs among residents of areas with high intake of kittens to animal shelters. They will discuss the project methodology, what they learned about awareness, interest, and concerns related to fostering, and what opportunities this research highlighted for increasing fostering program engagement.

Registration link https://maddies.fund/MIwebcasts
Learning Objectives:

What are the experiences with fostering kittens and actions taken for cats by residents living in high kitten intake zip codes in Los Angeles County?
How do barriers to participating in kitten fostering programs potentially differ for residents in these areas of LA County?
What are the potential benefits of developing and implementing community-informed strategies?
What are some strategies to increase awareness and engagement in kitten fostering program among residents of high kitten intake areas?

This webinar has been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association. It has also been submitted for approval for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) approval.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 3/14/24 - Surviving a High Profile Case: Living under Scrutiny and Not Jeopardizing the Case - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2024-03-14 12:00 - 13:15
This webinar will cover how to effectively do an animal case with public scrutiny and press interest. Animal cases garner a lot of press and sometimes the press coverage has implications for your case.
This webinar will offer tips on how to handle living under scrutiny and making sure your case is not jeopardized by it. We will discuss jury voir dire, opening and closing statements, and witness preparation with these considerations in mind.
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.
Presenter:
Michelle Welch is a Senior Assistant Attorney General in the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the Director of the Animal Law Unit at the Attorney General’s Office. She is charged with taking all animal law questions in Virginia. She is called on by agencies all over the Commonwealth to act as a special prosecutor in animal cruelty and animal fighting cases. She frequently gives advice to local law enforcement authorities and prosecutors all over Virginia, across the nation, and internationally. She also trains prosecutors, animal control, and law enforcement officers on the state of Virginia animal law. She is a board member of the Virginia Animal Fighting Taskforce. Ms. Welch serves as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia to aid in animal fighting and animal crime prosecutions.
She is a senior faculty member for the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA). She is the Chair of the Animal Law Curriculum Advisory Committee for the APA. She serves as adjunct faculty for Animal Law at the University of Richmond Law School and William & Mary Law School. She has testified before a Congressional Caucus examining the enforcement of animal laws and the cooperation between state and federal partners. She has trained other countries on animal crime, including Greece, the United Kingdom, and Spain and she has advised on animal criminal cases in Columbia and Belgium.
She has received many honors for her work on behalf of animals. In 2022, she received the Ellen Glasgow Award for Humane Service from the Richmond SPCA for her work on behalf of abused animals. In 2020, she received the Humane Law Enforcement Award from HSUS for the seizure of zoo animals from a neglectful zoo (one of the first times in twenty years that law enforcement has intervened on behalf of zoo animals). In 2019, HSUS gave her and her Unit the Humane Law Enforcement Award for bringing to justice wildlife trafficker, resulting in the closing of 5 fox pens. In 2018, the Norfolk SPCA honored her with The Thomas M. Ammons III Animal Welfare Award. In 2014, she was named Prosecutor of the Year by the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys. In 2013, she was named one of the Top 10 Animal Defenders in the Nation by Animal Legal Defense Fund. She was presented with the Albert Schweitzer Medal for her work on behalf of the animals in 2012 by the Animal Welfare Institute.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/surviving-a-high-profile-case-living-under-scrutiny-and-not-jeopardizing-the-case/

Webinar - 3/14/24 - Breaking Down Barriers: Insights into the HASS Competitive Pet Placement Project - HASS
2024-03-14 15:00 - 16:00
Over the last several months, HASS collaborated with a selection of HASS pilot shelters to identify any lingering shelter operation barriers to positive adoption outcomes as part of a formal Competitive Pet Placement (CPP) project. CPP is an initiative supported by PetSmart Charities that aims to make sure animal shelters are not making it harder for people to adopt and foster than it should be—and to make it easier for pets to get into homes. Join Kate McHugh-Westfall, Embedded Data and Implementation Coordinator, for an overview of this impactful project, including how preliminary foot traffic data informed barrier-busting solutions. Additionally, Regan Goins, Outcomes Manager for Cincinnati Animal CARE, and Jairus Hubbard, Adoptions Supervisor for LifeLine Dekalb County Animal Services, will join to share their experience and the impact of the Competitive Pet Placement project on their organizations. Vincent Medley, Maddie’s® Director of Human Animal Support Services, will moderate.
Register below and join us live on Thursday, March 14 at 5 p.m. CT. After the live event, a recording will be distributed to all registrants within 3 business days. Thank you to PetSmart Charities for supporting the Competitive Pet Placement project.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7816739797796/WN__w1sPUHCSzW-zV33v6Qf4w#/registration

Online Event - 1st Tuesdays - All Call - California for All Animals
2024-03-16 12:00 - 13:00
The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.
The All Call is hosted by the California for All Animals team, Nadia Oseguera-Ramón, Ivy Ruiz, and Allison Cardona. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call. Find past call resources and recordings, including the recent Multicultural Engagement Community of Practice series, at the Cal for All Animals website.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Online Course – Starts 3/18/24 – Introduction to Shelter Medicine – VIN (fee applies)
2024-03-18
Course Information:
Why is my local animal shelter vaccinating puppies so many times? Why are they spaying these kittens so young? Why aren’t my usual treatments working for upper respiratory infections in adopted kittens?
Perhaps you’re a private practitioner seeing pets recently adopted from the local shelter. Maybe you’re interested in helping at that shelter. Or perhaps you’ve taken a new position and are new to shelter medicine. Maybe it’s time for a change and you’re considering getting involved in animal welfare. If you’re interested in learning more about the basics of shelter medicine to better support your local shelter and your clients, this course is for you!
Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to

describe a comprehensive preventive medicine approach, including an intake protocol for dogs and cats entering animal shelters.
describe how vaccination strategies in shelters differ from private practice.
discuss the pros and cons of FeLV/FIV screening in shelters.
discuss which disinfectant classes are recommended for use in animal shelters and how efficacy against various pathogens differs.
describe the use of trained support staff to effectively and efficiently provide care for all pets entering the shelter.
discuss the management of common shelter diseases including:

Feline upper respiratory tract disease
Canine infectious respiratory disease
Canine parvovirus and feline panleukopenia
Canine distemper virus
Dermatophytosis

discuss strategies to reduce kennel stress and common behavior challenges in shelter-housed dogs, including pharmaceutical interventions, environmental management, and behavior modification.
discuss balancing disease risk with the enrichment benefits of conspecific play (playgroups) in shelter-housed dogs.

Level and Prerequisites: This basic VIN CE course is open for enrollment to veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists actively interested in shelter medicine.
Credit Approval: This course is approved for 2 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/technologists. (RACE 20-1139748)
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.vin.com/ce/SHEL103-0324.htm

Webinar - 3/19/24 - Maximizing Your Reuniting and Re-nesting Strategies for Wildlife - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:15
Are you maximizing the ability of your agency to respond to calls about birds and squirrels that have fallen out of nests, very young raccoons seen without mom, or fawns and baby rabbits alone in fields or backyards?
This webinar will help you assess reuniting and renesting opportunities and achieve the best outcome for these animals. Learn how to know when intervention is necessary and focus on strategies that increase opportunities to reunite dependent young with their wild parent(s), including recognizing when community members can help and how to best facilitate that as an organization.
This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.
Presenter
John Griffin is the Senior Director of Urban Wildlife Programs for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). John oversees field and policy programs focused on implementing humane and effective approaches to resolving wildlife conflicts across the country. This work includes consulting with—and providing trainings and resources for—animal care and control professionals, law enforcement, wildlife responders and state and municipal agencies. John also assists with field programs requiring capture and chemical immobilization as well as disaster response and wildlife rescue. For nine years, he ran the HSUS’ Humane Wildlife Services program, which provided eviction and exclusion services. From 2015-2016 John was part of a National Geographic Expedition team exploring raccoon behavior in urban areas
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/maximizing-your-reuniting-and-re-nesting-strategies-for-wildlife/

Online Event - 3/20/24 - Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition Day 1 - Maddie's Fund
2024-03-20 09:00 - 13:00
Camp Maddie is back with its second offering! Join us on March 20th and April 3rd from 9 am-1 pm PT (12 pm-4 pm ET) for a focus on dog behavior. The free, virtual event will consist of two half-days that will include presentations, short videos and Q&A sessions. At Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition, we’ll talk about determining which dogs are safe to rehome, keeping dogs happy and healthy while in your care, and finding them homes.
Hear from a wonderful lineup of speakers including Dr. Chris Pachel, Dr. Wailani Sung, Mike Shikashio, Bobbie Bhambree, Ferdi Yau, and more!
Who should attend? This event is perfect for those involved in animal shelters and foster-based organizations, dog trainers, behaviorists, foster caregivers, and veterinarians.
Post Event Workshops: At the end of each event, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a series of follow-up workshops, diving deeper into some of the presentation topics with our esteemed speakers.
Continued Education Credits: Camp Maddie: Behavior Edition participants will be eligible for up to 8 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) and National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA)continued education credit hours.
Come make new friends and unleash your organization’s potential, one dog at a time.
Register once for both days:

Wednesday, March 20, 2024: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Pacific (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Pacific (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern)

WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/CampMaddieBehaviorRegistration

Webinar - 3/21/24 - Community-based Animal Protection - Life of Riley
2024-03-21 11:00 - 12:00
We recognize that puppy mill rescues and advocacy groups are already skilled in the direct rescue and care of animals, as well as in passing legislation, pursuing litigation and the prosecution of animal crimes, and other legal techniques to protect the welfare of breeding dogs. This webinar series aims to complement existing skills, resources, and knowledge by introducing new perspectives, research and advocacy tools from other social justice movements, and discussing how learnings from different sectors might inform efforts to end puppy mills and other forms of animal cruelty.
Speakers:
From Humane Action Pittsburgh (HAP)

Natalie Ahwesh, Executive Director
Shannon Dickerson, Director of Operations

WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrcOGrrj4iGdLHR4WV8hkZnKdQwoXk_Gh3#/registration

Webinar - 3/21/24 - Read The Room: Awareness and Development of Context Cues - FDSA (fee applies)
2024-03-21 18:00 - 19:00
Context cues are stimuli in the environment- sights, sounds, smells and even social cues- that influence behavior and memory. Dogs are incredibly good at picking up on all sorts of context cues- it feels like they learn in pictures, where all parts of the environment are built right into what we are teaching. This is why it’s often said that dogs aren’t naturally very good at generalizing behaviors. To your dog, the behavior is part of that very specific snapshot, where it was learned!
In some situations, we actively train our dogs to ignore context cues. And we have to work pretty hard at this! For example, we generalize obedience cues in many different settings, with different handler positions and postures, and unusual distractions- so that our dog truly understands that our handler cues- like sit, down, stand and heel- are relevant, no matter what else is going on. No matter the context.
But in other situations, it is helpful if our dogs can learn to read the room: to examine the entire context and draw conclusions about suitable default behaviors for that setting. To ease into the most suitable arousal state simply because they know what is expected in that circumstance. And to do this by just recognizing the picture, rather than requiring handler cues or micromanaging. Default behaviors in certain contexts don’t just happen by magic though- well, at least not the desirable ones. If we don’t plan appropriately, it frequently happens that our dogs attach too much excitement, arousal, or animation to situations where, long term, we’d prefer they were a little calmer! We need to be a little bit strategic, looking at our training scenarios from the same viewpoint as our dogs, to ensure that the end goal emotional state and behaviors we are shaping in that context will best serve us and our dogs.
In this webinar, we’ll examine how expectations drive emotions, and how emotions drive behavior… and how crafting your dog’s expectations in specific contexts helps to build consistent appropriate emotional states and desirable behavior in similar situations in the future. We’ll look at how you can incorporate building context cues with a new puppy early on, so that while you are socializing and developing foundation skills, you’re also building valuable expectations in key environments that help, rather than harm, future goals. We’ll also discuss re-training for dogs who have already developed undesirable behaviors in certain contexts, and you’ll get tips about avoiding some of the most commonly poisoned context cues too! This webinar will help you learn to perceive the world ‘in pictures’ and give you the ability to appreciate all the ways you can anticipate your dog’s behavior based on their environment and their past experiences in similar situations. As a result, your dog will be better prepared to read the room!
This webinar is for you if your dog exhibits any of the following:

Struggles to settle in situations which should invite relaxing
Tends to be overexcited for vet visits, grooming, or even waiting their turn in class or at trials
Attempts to greet everyone they meet with excessive, overly friendly enthusiasm
Pesters you relentlessly while you are working, working out, or otherwise occupied
Whines, barks, or scratches in their crate or ex-pen in anticipation of release or due to FOMO
Has an inappropriate or undesirable behavior or arousal level in any routine situation

This webinar is also for you if you have a new puppy and want to avoid any of the above without sacrificing their socialization.
Presented by Erin Lynes
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Webinar - 3/23/24 - Trapper’s Tips and Tricks - Community Cats Podcast and Neighborhood Cats
2024-03-23 11:00 - 13:30
Are you ready to enhance your trapping skills and outsmart even the cleverest of feral cats? Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn from the experts at Neighborhood Cats, drawing from over 20 years of invaluable experience.
Discover ingenious techniques, including using Spam as bait, implementing clear rear doors, wrapping traps with green garden netting, and even training cats to enter traps! Whether you’re a seasoned trapper or just starting, there’s something here for everyone to elevate your trapping success.
Secure your spot today and unlock the secrets to effective feral cat management!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/trappers-tips-and-tricks-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-march-2024/

Webinar - 3/25/24 - For Dog's sake, can you stop that? Canine-Friendly Body Language Improvements for Humans - Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)
2024-03-25 09:00 - 11:30
Dogs are resilient and oh-so-forgiving! These qualities make them endearing as companions, along with their ability to love unconditionally. So, why do some dogs struggle to understand us when we are offering affection or when we want to help them, not harm them? In this session, we will focus on the HUMAN handling that contributes to unwanted behavior, even “aggression”. Get ready to rethink your approach as we reveal the common and widely accepted and taught handling errors that set dogs up for failure. Through extensive video examples, we will demonstrate alternative handling techniques that help dogs to trust and thrive!
This webinar will demonstrate:
– Examples of handling that causes negative behavior compared to handling that promotes desired behavior
– Demonstration of handling that induces trust and learning with dogs that are too afraid to respond initially to food rewards or affection
– Comprehensive discussion around the correct use of pressure and release and why this is a critical skill for shelter canine handlers to master to save more dogs
This is a 2-hour presentation followed by a 30 min Q&A session. This webinar costs $20 and you will receive the recording the next day.
WEBSITE LINK: https://dogsplayingforlife.com/webinars/

Online Conference - 3/26/24 to 3/28/24 - My Dog Is My Home Conference 2024: Together We Thrive - My Dog Is My Home (fee applies)
2024-03-26, 2024-03-27, 2024-03-28
Join us for My Dog Is My Home’s Co-Sheltering Conference 2024: Together We Thrive. This year’s conference aims to create a virtual space where advocates, providers, policy makers, and people with lived experience can work hand in hand to redefine the landscape of care and transform pathways to housing for people and animals together.
Be a part of the powerful movement driving systemic shifts to support the human-animal bond in homeless services.
*Scholarships are available #ThanksToMaddie. Please complete this form to apply for financial assistance. The scholarship application portal will close on March 22, 2024 at 9pm Eastern Time.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.mydogismyhome.org/2024-cosheltering-conference

Webinar - 3/27/24 - Kitten 101: A Veterinarian’s Perspective - The National Kitten Coalition
2024-03-27 16:00 - 17:00
The accessibility to individuals willing to foster kittens is crucial to their survival, but fostering kittens, especially neonatal kittens, can seem daunting to community members or even seasoned fosters. This presentation will touch on many aspects of kitten care: recommended supplies, the importance of quarantine, determining kitten age and gender, neonatal kitten care, age-appropriate nutrition, and preventative care, as well as common medical ailments that may be encountered while fostering.
Given that the speaker has the dual perspectives of being a veterinarian and a neonatal kitten foster, the hope is that whether the listener is a community member, affiliated with a rescue organization, manages a foster program, or is a member of the shelter or veterinary communities, this Kitten 101 lecture will provide useful insights and ultimately help save more kittens.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2417109683242/WN_w7woqcCPQZ-Ppb1S-ZzRqg
