Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

HASS Presents: 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.

Maddie’s Fund Presents: 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.

NACA/Justice Clearinghouse Presents: 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, how to build a database of resources, and more.

MCVMA Presents: 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.

CalAnimals Present: 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.

Best Friends Presents: Learn how to best harness the lifesaving power of community cat programs, where we’ll dive into the medical strategies that keep cats healthy and thriving. From anesthesia to aftercare, this webinar is packed with practical tips for shelter staff and vets committed to saving the lives of cats in our shelters and in our communities.

HumaneVMA Presents: It is essential to limit fear, anxiety, and stress in cats by providing positive and gentle human-to-cat interactions. This session will focus on recognizing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in cats and provide participants with practical, effective handling strategies.

ASPCAPro Presents: The spectrum of care in the management of toxicities refers to the range of strategies used to recognize, assess, prevent and treat adverse effects. The primary goal is to ensure patient safety while maintaining treatment efficacy. This session will demonstrate the value of establishing key goals for veterinary care, while emphasizing the critical role of communication, evidence-based medicine and client-centered decision-making in the treatment of toxicities.

Open Door Veterinary Collective Presents: In this 30-minute Lunch & Learn webcast—part of our 4-part series—we spotlight Doug Plant and his transformative work as COO of Michigan Humane. Discover how Doug is weaving together Clinic and Shelter Operations, Facilities, Field Services, Volunteer Services, and Community Solutions into a cohesive strategy to increase access to care. Learn how this integrated approach is breaking silos, streamlining services, and ultimately improving outcomes for pets and the people who love them.

The AAWA Presents: Participants will learn how to envision strategies that center accountability, community partnerships, and systemic change. We will also discuss common pitfalls that keep organizations stuck and provide actionable steps towards justice. Whether you lead a shelter, work with diverse teams, or engage in community-based animal care, this session will equip you with ideas and tools to take the next step toward making meaningful, long-term change.

Besty BnB Presents: In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this webinar will explore how domestic pets cope with trauma and how we, as caregivers and advocates, can support their healing. This webinar will feature a special guest, Andria Gibbon, Founder & President of Protecting Paws for Life – an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their beloved pets. Learn how trauma-informed care can be extended to the entire family, pets included.

The CVMA and SF SPCA Present: This webinar will explore how veterinarians and RVTs can play a vital role in improving outcomes for shelter animals—whether as a full-time career path, an occasional volunteer, or a supplement to private practice, while also gaining valuable experience not always seen in private practice.