Shelter Learniverse

Online Event - 1st Tuesdays - All Call - California for All Animals
2024-12-16 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
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

Webinar - 12/18/24 - Top Poisons That Kill - VETGirl (fee applies for non-members)
2024-12-18 18:00 - 19:00
F-U… HELP!
In this 1-hour, VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT will review the top poisons that kill small animal patients. While these poisons aren’t common, they have a higher rate of fatality compared to other more commonly seen toxicants in dogs and cats. In this lecture, Dr. Lee will review toxicants such as 5-FU, isoniazid, ethylene glycol, bifenthrin, and organophosphates/carbamates, the mechanism of action of each toxicant, modality of mechanism, clinical signs, and overall treatment!
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/december-18-2024-top-poisons-that-kill/

Online Event - 12/19/24 - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection: Behavior Modification Plans - Maddie's Fund
2024-12-19 12:00 - 12:50
Behavior Modification Plans: What works in one place, may not in another…
So how do you adjust your training and modification plans to account for location and environmental variation? If you’re interested in behavior modification plans, this webcast is for you! Attendees will benefit from Tom’s extensive experience in the UK Shelter Network and learn how to evaluate challenges in difficult training environments. Tom will also show us how to create successful, adjustable behavior modification plans to maximize progress and achieve measurable success.
Learning objectives:

Understand what is meant by Behaviour Modification Plans, and how they can be used to create H.A.P.P.I.E.R. dogs.
Learn how to evaluate the dog’s environment for challenging factors and understand their potential impact.
Be able to identify and apply the “Three Rs”: Risk, Reduce, Resolve.
Deep dive into the S.M.A.R.T. system to set goals and measure progress.
Understand the role of the emotional state

Guest Speaker: Tom Candy, Simplifying Shelter Behavior
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 - 12/19/24 - Disasters: Incident Action Plan & Situation Status Report - CalAnimals
2024-12-19 14:00 - 15:00
Does your agency use Incident Action Plans (IAP)? Not quite sure what an IAP is? Why is a situation status report (Sit Stat) so important? Find out in this training as our disaster response experts offer important guidance to prepare you for your next emergency.
Join Ryan Soulsby, CalAnimals Disaster Program Manager, and Brian Whipple, Sonoma County Animal Services, as they discuss the function of the Incident Action Plan and Situation Status Report and how it could benefit your disaster operations. The training will be a basic overview of each section of the documents, a discussion of who creates the documents and how the information is gathered, who and how the documents are disseminated, and leave the training with a basic editable template for your IAP and Sit Stat.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wKZzjDjOQAS4YV4QKBSydw#/registration

Webinar - 12/19/24 - Unleash the Power of Cognitive Challenges: Building Gritty, Resilient Dogs! - FDSA (fee applies)
2024-12-19 18:00 - 19:00
Welcome to the Canine Cognitive Challenges Framework, developed by presenter Barbara Lloyd!
This framework sets a new standard for raising puppies and transforming the mindset and trajectory of mature dogs.
What to Expect in This Exciting Webinar:

In-Depth Video Analysis: Watch Barbara dissect videos of various dogs tackling specific Cognitive Challenges. Gain unprecedented insights into what the data reveals about their problem-solving skills, confidence levels, resilience, and ability to handle frustration.
Effective Training Techniques: Learn how to leverage this valuable information to train your dog faster and more effectively. Barbara will share her expert tips and strategies to help you get the best results.
Real-World Applications: See the direct translation of Cognitive Challenges work into real-world results. Barbara will showcase footage demonstrating how these techniques improve everyday life, work, and competition performance.

Why Attend?
Discover the transformative power of Barbara Lloyd’s Canine Cognitive Challenges and take the first step towards a better-trained, confident and happy dog.
Presenter: Barbara Lloyd
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Online Event - Fourth Thursdays - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection - Maddie's Fund
2024-12-28 12:00 - 13:00
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

Online Course - 1/2/25 - Aggression and Anxiety Mentorship: A Deep Dive into Complex Behaviors - IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-02
This eight-week mentorship focuses on some of the most complex, yet common behavioral problems in dogs that prompt guardians to seek help from behaviorists and consultants. Based on the personal case files of a Certified Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) who has seen 1,000’s of canine behavioral cases spanning multiple decades, these common problem areas include:

Human-directed aggression (both towards strangers and familiar people)
Leash reactivity and aggression
Fears, phobias, and anxieties (including separation anxiety)
Conflict in multi-dog households
Veterinary visits, unruly behaviors, and abnormal repetitive behaviors

You will gain insight into the ethology and etiology of these conditions through lectures and readings and learn creative ways for addressing these problem behaviors in dogs.
Instructor: Camille Ward MS, PhD, CAAB
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/aggression-and-anxiety-mentorship-a-deep-dive-into-complex-behaviors/

Online Event - 1/2/25 - Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection: Expanding Capacity with Foster Innovation at SBCAS - Maddie's Fund
2025-01-02 12:00 - 13:00
Sarah Aguilar, Director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services, describes how she and her small team expanded their capacity and improved morale through the growth of their foster program. From starting a Doggy Day Trip program, with about 350 trips each month, to 1,500 kitten placements and housing as many dogs in foster as in shelter, SBCAS built on their existing systems and saw immediate benefits in dog well-being, adoptions, and volunteer engagement. Hear how they did it, what they learned along the way, and what’s next for the program.
Guest Speaker: Sarah Aguilar, Director, Santa Barbara County Animal Services
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 – 1/2/25 – Live from the Ranch: Social Reinforcement with Ken Ramirez and Maia Huff-Owen – Karen Pryor Academy
2025-01-02 13:00 - 14:00
On Live from The Ranch, Maia Huff-Owen will join Ken Ramirez to share insights on social reinforcement—where the reinforcer involves the behavior of another being besides your learner—which she gained from teaching positive reinforcement sheep herding.
Explore what makes social reinforcement a powerful catalyst for fabulous performances, why it merits explicit consideration and preparation in dog training, and how positive sheepdog training techniques can foster a partnership that thrives even when you can’t control the ultimate reinforcer—be it sheep, squirrels, or even your spouse.
Tune in on Thursday, January 2, at 1:00 pm (PT) for this free, live broadcast with audience Q&A!
WEBSITE LINK: https://theranch.clickertraining.com/live/#next

Webinar - 1/2/25 - Circle Method for Basic Reactivity and Over Arousal (Part 2) with Denise Fenzi - FDSA (fee applies)
2025-01-02 18:00 - 19:00
This webinar is intended to provide advice, interventions, and skills for individuals working with reactive or overexcited dogs. “The circle method of Loose Leash Walking” will be used to help the behavior and emotional state of reactive and over-aroused dogs by allowing them to adjust to their environment, reconnect with their handlers, and become more emotionally comfortable in the presence of specific triggers. The method can be used regardless of food interest and does not require elaborate set-ups. The information presented will build upon the circle method of loose leash walking, and will assume knowledge of that material. This webinar assumes professional or amateur trainers who can assimilate the information with a preexisting working knowledge of dog behavior, reactivity and over-aroused behavior.
Note: This webinar is back by popular demand. Please check your webinar library to avoid a duplicate purchase.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Online Event – 1/4/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-01-04 11:00 - 13:30
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
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://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160

Online Course – Starts 1/6/25 – The Thinking Animal: Cognition and its Role in Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-06
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!
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Mondays at 7:00 pm Eastern (first meeting January 13th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 4 meetings for this course

Course Begins: January 6, 2025
Duration: 4 weeks
Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/the-thinking-dog-cognition-and-its-role-in-behavior/

Online Certificate Program - Starts 1/6/25 - Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program - Community Program Development - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-01-06
Upcoming Community Program Development Course: Involving the community is critical to the success of any animal shelter as few shelters have the resources to meet all of the needs without substantial community involvement. Adoptions, donations, and volunteers, are essential components in life-saving. This course will teach you how to develop all of the necessary community programs that make up a successful, sustainable no-kill shelter and how they work together.
Please note upcoming section runs 1/06/25 – 2/16/25

About the Certificate:
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/public/category/courseCategoryCertificateProfile.do?method=load&certificateId=192577

Online Course - Starts 1/6/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-01-06
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the 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.

Applications are being accepted for the Winter 2025 session starting 1/6/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 12/5/24.
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.
This session has been filled. Learn more about upcoming sessions at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Webinar Series - 1/7/25, 1/8/25, 1/14/15, & 1/15/25 - Canine Defensive Handling - Puppyworks (fee applies)
2025-01-07 10:00 - 12:15, 2025-01-08 10:00 - 12:15, 2025-01-14 10:00 - 12:15, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 12:15
Register for this live webinar in four 2 hour sessions presented by Michael Shikashio and Trish McMillan. A crucial skillset for all dog trainers, shelter & rescue personnel to maintain safety in dangerous situations!
Live Sessions
A live webinar in four 2 hour sessions
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
January 7, 8, 14 & 15
Or watch the recordings afterwards anytime, anywhere on any device.
Early Bird Rates
(through December 6, 2024)
Individual: $99
Groups of 4+: $89
Rates go up by $20 after December 6, 2024
Earning CEUs​
10 CEU’s for CCPDT, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA & IAABC
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/defensivehandling

Online Event - Monthly - Journey You Own Meditation Gathering - JYO
2025-01-08 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 - 1/9/25 - Maddie’s Insights: Benefits of Pair-Housing Dogs on Welfare Measures and Length of Stay - Maddie's Fund
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00
Dogs are often housed alone in shelter settings to reduce injury and disease spread. However, social isolation can be a stressor for dogs. Most prior studies have focused on laboratory dogs or shelter dogs that have been kenneled for several months. Thus, those results might not necessarily generalize to shelter dogs, many of which have shorter lengths of stay than those dogs studied to date and might be cohoused soon after intake.
Dr. Feuerbacher and her team investigated the behavioral and physiological effects of single- or pair-housing shelter dogs, most of which had recently entered the shelter, as well as the impact of pair-housing on length of stay. In this talk, Dr. Feuerbacher will review the literature on cohousing dogs, go into detail on her study methods and results, and discuss the benefits and practical considerations of pair-housing dogs.
Attendees will learn to:
1. Identify behavioral and physiological benefits of pair housing
2. Identify adoption benefits of pair housing
3. Understand the requirements to consider using pair housing safely
Register here https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording after the webcast.
Guest Speaker: Dr. Erica Feuerbacher, Associate Professor, School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech and Director, Applied Behavior & Welfare Lab
Engage with our guest speaker on Maddie’s Pet Forum: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcast01092025
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Online Course – Starts 1/13/25 – Professional Dog Training: Science & Application – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-13
Training is simple, but it’s not easy! There’s canine learning to understand, practical skills and timing to master, and of course, the human part of the equation to consider. Professional Dog Training: Science & Application is a comprehensive 20-week program designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed as a dog trainer.
Program Highlights:
Each module features lectures and materials packed full of information and designed by a practicing dog training and behavior professional.
You won’t just be watching videos – throughout the program you will engage in weekly online meetings, projects, assignments, and topic-based discussions.
We learn better together! The program is designed using a community learning model; your active participation contributes to everyone’s educational experience and the success of the program.
Assessment of your work is iterative; you are always given an opportunity to improve!
Instructor: Camille Asmer CDBC, IAABC-ADT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Presenters include:
Lauren Novack; Renee Hall; Kathrine Christ; Tabitha Kucera; Michelle Mullins; Erin Jones; Dante Camacho; Allie Bender; Emily Strong; Alicia Harantschuk; Jackie Laubacher
Module topics include:
Principles of Learning Science; Practical Learning Applications; Body Language & Communication; Training & Management Tools; Puppy Fundamentals; Enhancing Animal Welfare & Management Through Enrichment; Husbandry & Cooperative Care Strategies; Client Communication; Client Instruction; Teaching Group Classes; Practical Ethics for Dog Trainers
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS**

Meetings are a safe space to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers. They are not recorded.
Meetings take place on Mondays at 5:00pm Eastern Time. The first meeting is January 20th.
Meetings are 60 minutes in duration
There are 20 meetings for this program

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/professional-dog-training-science-application/

Online Certificate Program - Starts 1/13/25 - Community Cats Program Management - Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-01-13
This innovative and comprehensive eight-week certificate course is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage community cat programs. Aimed at animal welfare professionals, veterinary students, animal control officers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates, this course combines theory with practical applications to cover all aspects of community cat welfare. Through a blend of online lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world assignments, students will learn how to implement humane and effective strategies for managing community cat populations, ensuring their health and welfare while engaging positively with the communities they serve.
Modules include:

Introduction to Community Cats
Fundamentals of TNR
Community Engagement and Education (AKA “Marketing Module”)
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Volunteer Management and Community Involvement
Ongoing Management for Community Cats
Conflict Resolution and Community Relations (AKA “Customer Service Module”)
Funding and Sustainability

Enrollment deadline: January 12, 2025
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103&selectedProgramAreaId=20924&selectedProgramStreamId=20939

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2025-01-13 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 $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. If you registered prior to May 2024 or are new to these meetings, please use this link to register:
https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024
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/CommunityConvo2024Registration

Webinar - 1/14/25 - Better Together: TNVR & Public Health - United Spay Alliance and Community Cats Podcast
2025-01-14 11:00 - 12:00
For decades, we’ve been sterilizing community cats in order to help reduce their population, with the primary goal of improving their wellbeing. But what if I told you there is an additional benefit to Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) programs – one that protects the health of pets and people in our communities?
By integrating rabies vaccinations into TNVR efforts, we create a protective barrier against the disease, reducing the risk of transmission from wildlife to both pets and people. This added layer of protections has garnered the attention and support of public health officials across the country. In this webinar, we’ll also explore how TNVR programs can help prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis by community cats.
Ultimately, TNVR not only reduces community cat populations but also plays a critical role in safeguarding public health.
Presented by G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH
G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH, is a community cat and High Quality, High Volume Spay-Neuter (HQHVSN) surgeon at Paws Plus Veterinary in Lakeland, FL. He is the former Medical Director and HQHVSN Surgeon with the Animal Rescue Coalition in Sarasota, FL, and previously served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, where he trained veterinary students in HQHVSN techniques. Dr. Weedon also instructs veterinarians through his consulting company, SNIP (Spay/Neuter Instructional Program). A dedicated advocate for pet overpopulation solutions, Dr. Weedon is a member of the Veterinary Shortage Task Force at United Spay Alliance. He is also involved with organizations like Alley Cat Allies and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs. Dr. Weedon holds degrees from Purdue University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8009686463839117918

Webinar - 1/15/25 - Is “Cage-Free” the Way to Be? Rethinking Shelter Housing for Happier, Healthier Cats - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:15
When it comes to caring for cats in shelters, housing isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a critical factor in their health and happiness. But how do you know when to go “cage-free” or stick with individual enclosures? In this engaging and practical webinar, we’ll explore the ins and outs of non-cage housing for shelter cats.
Discover the surprising benefits and hidden risks of room housing. Learn which cats thrive in group environments and which need their own space to feel safe. See real-life examples of smart room setups and furnishings that work for cats, caregivers, and shelter operations alike. Plus, we’ll walk you through an inspiring case study that demonstrates how creative housing solutions make a lifesaving difference in disaster response.
What you’ll walk away with:
🐾 A clear understanding of the pros and cons of cage-free vs. cage-based housing.
🐾 Insights on designing and furnishing non-cage housing that supports social play, stress relief, and behavioral wellness.
🐾 The skills to make informed decisions on when and how to use group housing to support cats’ natural instincts and well-being.
Don’t miss your chance to get your questions answered live during the Q&A with shelter design experts Drs. Denae Wagner and Becky Stuntebeck.
PLUS: Get exclusive access to our new, game-changing Cat Housing Assessment Tool — available for the first time ever to live attendees!
Get ready to rethink cat housing like never before. Your shelter—and your cats—will thank you!
#ThankstoMaddie, this webinar is brought to you by Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Learniverse at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.

Register now: https://tinyurl.com/cathousinginfo

Online Training - 1/15/25 - Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-01-15 11:00 - 12:30
As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you may be the difference between a cat losing her home and staying in her home. Join this session to learn what surrender prevention is and why it works. Instructed by Dr. Rachel Geller, she will share real examples, with proven results, setting the potential surrenderer and cat on the road to a happy relationship together and keeping the cat in her home. We’ll cover how to empathize with cat owners, working around their limitations (financial, time, patience), and focus on the 3 most common reasons for surrender: litter box problems, scratching (and not on the scratching post!), and inter-cat aggression. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual techniques. This session is being recorded and recordings will be shared. Attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/8757944804645518678

Webinar - 1/16/25 - An Introduction to the Canine Care Certified program - Life of Riley
2025-01-16 11:00 - 12:00
This unique 90 minute webinar featuring Dr. Candace Croney is designed to inform and answer questions about the Canine Care Certified program: a nationwide, voluntary program that addresses the health and overall welfare of dogs in the care of breeders in the United States.
It is the only program that not only incorporates measures of the physical health of dogs and puppies raised by breeders, but also strongly emphasizes their behavioral well-being. Email your questions about the CCC program to Chetana by 1/6/2025. There will also be an opportunity to drop questions in the chat during the webinar.
Speaker: Dr. Candace Croney, Director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science & Professor of Animal Behavior and Well-being at Purdue University
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvdumhqzIjHNGX-HeKjaXks9lbyNXojGKb#/registration

Online Course - 1/18/25 - Feline Confident With Pattern Games - IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-18
Pattern games offer animals predictability and focus in our unpredictable world. This course will give you practical ideas and tools to use with your cats and clients to set them up for success in a variety of contexts. This course is designed for cat behavior consultants but will also appeal to pet owners.
What to expect from this course:

Create training plans using pattern games
Teach a variety of pattern games, such as 1-23, Look At That, Super Bowls, and more
Explore contexts in which the use of each pattern game would be most suitable
Apply pattern games in specific situations, and learn how and when to adjust your training plan
Consider best practices for setting your clients up for success

Join us for this course and develop knowledge and skills to use with all your feline behavior cases.
Course Begins: January 18, 2025
Duration: 6 weeks
Instructor: Beth Brown CDBC, CCBC, CCUI, CSAT, CPDT-KSA, FFCP
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/feline-confident-with-pattern-games/

Online Course – Starts 1/19/25 – Beginning Behavior Consulting Mentorship with Sarah Filipiak – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-01-19
Are you new to behavior consulting or thinking about starting work in behavior? Are you already consulting and looking for advice regarding more advanced cases? Are you looking for help with specific cases or kinds of cases? If you’ve thought about taking on, or are new to, cases such as aggression towards strangers, dog-dog reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety, or you just want to brush up on your behavior chops, this mentorship is for you.
This mentorship will help you:

Understand how to determine and acknowledge your skill level
Examine the difference between training and behavior modification
Understand the basic principles of behavior modification and how they apply to all situations
Understand how to communicate your expectations and clients’ options prior to accepting more challenging cases
Understand how to write behavior plans clients can follow
Explore how to motivate clients to implement plans requiring a heavy level of commitment and follow-through

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Sarah Filipiak will share tips on coaching behavior clients, including case organization and communication, for maximum client compliance. She’ll also cover the risks inherent in tackling tricky behaviors and how to keep from getting in over your head while still expanding your training horizons. We’ll also take a look at training hierarchies and other tools that can help you solve your current challenging cases.
This program will explore evaluating, resolving, and managing problem canine behaviors through guided online discussions, sample case studies, video analysis, useful handouts, and more. In addition to the ongoing course interaction and support, you’ll meet weekly for face-to-face live online group support.
Come prepared with a client behavior case you would like to troubleshoot, or just join us to listen and learn.
Course Begins: January 19, 2025
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Sarah Filipiak CDBC, BSJ
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/beginning-behavior-consulting-mentorship-with-sarah-filipiak/
