Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

CalAnimals Presents: 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.

Maddie’s Fund Presents: 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.

Best Friends Presents: 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.

UC Davis KSMP Presents: 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. 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. 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.