Shelter Learniverse

Online Event - 8/24/23 - Stronger Together: Honoring Community Wisdom with Authentic Engagement - California for All Animals
2023-08-24 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Intake is up, but so is innovation and positive disruption. In this series of four dynamic roundtable conversations, frontline workers leading change across California and the country will highlight collaborative approaches to removing barriers that come between people and pets and dish on creative solutions they’re implementing to ensure pets spend more nights at home, not in the shelter.
Pull up a seat and bring your questions for our panelists to discuss around the table on August 17, 24, 31 and September 7 from 9-10 a.m. PDT. Register for the series to attend live or access on-demand after each event, and visit www.californiaforallanimals.com/together to learn more about funding and resources available to California shelters working to keep and bring more #PetsAndPeopleTogether / #MascotasYPersonasJuntas.
August 24: Stronger Together: Honoring Community Wisdom with Authentic Engagement
What does it mean to be truly inclusive? To recognize community wisdom and strengths in order to build our collective capacity to keep and bring more pets and people together? Community is critical to our mission, and if we want to partner with community members and encourage collaboration through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and more, we must create an environment where people feel welcomed, heard and respected.
In this roundtable, we’re getting back to the basics of community engagement. Four organizations will discuss high-impact initiatives, from culturally competent translations to programming grounded in mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity of the human-animal bond.
Panelists

Meagan Cirivello (Humane Society of Sonoma County)
Luis Villa (City of Wasco Animal Services)
Miguel Ruelas (Patitas y Palabras Translation Services)
Christina Avila (City of Perris Animal Control)

WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xEvcITQPSHale7-9mKFvLg

Webinar - 8/23/23 - Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Zoomies: Behavioral Euthanasia: Approaching Decisions with Care and Impacts with Compassion - ASPCAPro
2023-08-23 22:00
Conversations about euthanasia, including euthanasia decision-making, present special challenges within our roles in animal sheltering. It is important that we approach our euthanasia decision-making processes with care and respond to the impacts of those decisions with compassion. This presentation will focus on behavior-based euthanasia decisions within a collaborative, integrated care environment. Dr. Workman will present tools to guide those conversations and decisions that can provide space for both care and compassion – for sheltered animals, for shelter staff, for volunteers, and for the community. The impacts of behavior euthanasia include moral stress and injury, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Mitigating those impacts requires proactive, compassionate care and transparency. After this presentation, you will have more tools in your toolbox to confidently approach behavior euthanasia decisions with care and compassion for all.

Takeaways

Learn an ethics guide to help facilitate difficult conversations about behavioral euthanasia.
Gain tools to guide pathway planning and outcome decisions with a focus on behavior euthanasia decisions.
Understand the unique impacts of behavioral euthanasia on shelter staff, volunteers, and your community.
Access resources for mitigating compassion fatigue and moral injury, including the relationship between self-care and we-care.

Suited For

Animal welfare staff, veterinarians, technicians, and staff working in the Northern Tier (Alaska, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin), but all are welcome.

Presenter
Dr. Miranda K. Workman, Ph.D., Shelter Behavior Training Liaison, ASPCA
Dr. Miranda K. Workman is the Behavioral Sciences Team Shelter Behavior Apprenticeship Liaison for the ASPCA. For over two decades, she has served animals and their humans as a certified animal behavior professional, shelter behavior professional, professor of animal behavior and anthrozoology, and a researcher. She shares her home with her husband, three dogs, three cats, a gecko, and a domestic mouse, all of whom contributed in their own way to her PhD research focused on multi-species families.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/northern-tier-shelter-initiative-zoomies-behavioral-euthanasia-approaching

Webinar - 8/22/23 - Caring for Premature Kittens - National Kitten Coalition
2023-08-22 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
We are taking a deep dive into more advanced topics and special problems regarding caring for premature kittens. We’ll answer some of your frequently asked questions and discuss incubators, nebulizers, and more!
Do you want to know more about how to care for premature kittens? Learn how to identify them and help them thrive.
Join us for this free training to enrich and develop your kitten-care skills.
Presenter: Susan Spaulding, AKA “Kitten Mom”
If you can’t join us for the live presentation, don’t worry! Sign-up anyway, because a recording of this, and other webinars, will be available on NKC’s eLearning Center no later than 2 weeks after they air.
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4284768658242829406

National Shelter Medicine Rounds – 8/22/23 – Connecting Infectious Disease, Wellbeing, and Equity – University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program
2023-08-22 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
The University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program is thrilled to announce the next installment of National Shelter Medicine Rounds!
National Rounds is a platform for discussion of current topics relevant to shelter medicine for continued learning and collaboration. While primarily intended or shelter veterinarians, others interested in shelter medicine are welcome to join; we believe everyone will take something away from these calls! The national rounds call will take place Tuesday August 22nd from 2:30 to 3: 30 Central Time.
The topic of presentation and discussion this week will be “Connecting Infectious Disease, Wellbeing, and Equity”.
If we really want to change the experiences of the animals and the people we serve, we need to think outside our shelter walls or the foster homes that make up our rescues. So many of the most common terrible maladies are actually quite preventable. Yet, infectious disease so often results from inequities and lack of access to care. If we want less illness and better welfare for everyone in our organizations and our communities, we need to connect the dots between infectious disease, well-being, and equity.
We hope to have an open discussion, so come with questions and feel free to unmute to participate! Our hope is to create a space that feels safe for all participants; we ask you to follow these Accountable Space guidelines. The presentation portion of National Rounds will be recorded, but the discussion and Q & A sessions will not.
If you or someone you know would like to be added to the national rounds email list, please send your request to nationalsheltermedicinerounds@vetmed.wisc.edu.
Please use the following Zoom link to access National Rounds calls: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/97442637396
Meeting ID: 974 4263 7396
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,97442637396# US (Washington DC)
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Zoom Meeting Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/97442637396

Webinar - 8/22/23 - Reset Your Walking! Learn Good Posture, Walk The Way Your Body is Designed, and Prevent On-The-Job Injuries - PPG (fee applies)
2023-08-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Learn Good Posture, Walk The Way Your Body is Designed, and Prevent On-The-Job Injuries
Most adults need help to walk correctly. Years of bad habits have created sore and aching bodies that no longer move seamlessly like our bodies were designed. Too many hours at a desk, poor posture, loss of core, and aching older joints!
This is a light hearted and fun interactive webinar on Zoom. Come prepared to move around, learn and practice your walking mechanics and have some giggles.
Come and Learn Good Walking Mechanics & Eliminate Injury. Walking can also be restorative, helping alleviate aches and pains
If you experience the following, you will benefit from a Walking Reset session!

Foot problems
Knee problems
Hip and back problems
Leaning from the waist when walking
Looking down
Walking like you are kicking a ball forward
Slouchy posture
Loose hanging arms

ChiWalking encourages participants to use good posture, have loose joints, engage one’s core muscles, and relax the peripheral muscles of the arms and legs.
This approach to walking makes it more efficient to move with fewer injuries.
Come and join us for this live webinar
You will learn the following.

Body Alignment – Both lower and upper body
Arm positioning & Swing
Locating and moving from your dantien
Structured form focus exercises to build new habits
Supplemental learning
Shoes and equipment
Cadence
Getting out the door

Presenter: Niki Tudge MBA PCBC-A CABC CDBC. Six Sigma Certified Black Belt
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5343572

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2023-08-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-08-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-07-31 11:00 - 12:00 | 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

Webinar - 8/20/23 - El manejo de heridas en la sala de emergencia - VETGirl
2023-08-20 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
En este webinar, de 1 hora de VETgirl Español, el Dr. Alberto L. Fernandez, DACVECC repasa el manejo de heridas en la sala de emergencia y cómo las decisiones tomadas en este proceso pueden afectar los resultados. Estaremos revisando los diferentes tipos de vendajes así como también el cierre de heridas primario y el aplazamiento del cierre de heridas. También estaremos discutiendo el uso apropiado de antibióticos.
Thanks to sponsorship from VETgirl, this webinar is FREE to all! (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/august-20-2023-el-manejo-de-heridas-en-la-sala-de-emergencia/

Webinar Series - 7/16, 7/23, 8/13, and 8/20 - K9 Aggression & Misbehavior Master Series - Puppyworks (fee applies)
2023-08-20 10:00 - 12:30, 2023-08-13 10:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
A groundbreaking webinar series on practical K9 misbehavior & aggression modification and management. Over the course of four engaging sessions, Trish King & Pat Miller will delve deep into theory, and equip you with practical solutions to achieve remarkable results for your clients & their dogs.
Sundays: July 16 & 23 and August 13 & 20
10:00 AM PST/11 AM Mountain/ 12 PM Central and 1 PM EST
Or watch the recordings available the day after each live session with unlimited views for up to one year!
10 CEUs
THROUGHOUT THE 4 IMMERSIVE SESSIONS EXPECT TO:
Unlock the Theory:
Gain a profound understanding of the factors that contribute to misbehavior & aggression and how they impact dogs & their humans.
Practical Hands-On Solutions:
Trish and Pat will demonstrate step-by-step solutions, equipping you with the tools and techniques to implement real change in the lives of dogs and their humans.
Empower Yourself and Your Clients:
Discover how to effectively communicate with clients, tailor behavior modification plans to individual dogs, and guide owners towards sustainable results.
Types of behavior & aggression problems & their solutions include:
Separation Anxiety – Disobedient – Willful – Aggressive – Mouthy Rough – Destructive – Too energetic – Easily aroused – Chasing people – Chasing Cars – Dog on Dog aggression – Biting & Nipping – Resource Guarding
​Some of the aspects we will be exploring include:
The Owner: Personality Types (Controllers vs Nurturers) & Baseline Abilities, Commitment & Family Constraints
The Dog: History, Medical Conditions & All Other Motivational Factors
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/millerking

Webinar - 8/17/23 - When Start Buttons Fail: When Opted In Dogs Opt Back Out - FDSA (fee applies)
2023-08-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
You’re all ready to train; you have the plan, the dog, and the treats. Your dog seems attentive during your warm up, but as you get into the session, things start falling apart. It starts with the dog getting distracted and goes downhill from there.
What happened? Your dog seemed ready to work, but here you are, with your dog sniffing the ground or staring at a distraction.
Sometimes dogs who have appeared to opt in might not be as ready as they seem. The signs aren’t always clear, but dogs will often let us know if they aren’t 100% in the game. This webinar will show you how to recognize those subtle signs that give you a clue to the dog’s state of mind, so you don’t start training with a dog that’s not quite ready.
Occasionally dogs will be all in, but something happens to change that. Perhaps a new distraction showed up, or the dog made a mistake and struggled to recover, or maybe the handler asked for too many repetitions of a behavior. We’ll cover this scenario too – how to get the dog back. There are many options for handling a situation like this, and you’ll learn how to find one that works for your dog.
When your opted in dog opts back out, you have options! Join me as we explore this topic deeper so you know just what to do when it happens to you.
Presenter: Nicole Wiebusch
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Webinar - 8/17/23 - Beyond Enforcement: Insights into Community-Centered Field Services - HASS
2023-08-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Traditionally, field services or animal control roles have been dedicated to enforcement: impounding animals, tackling cruelty and neglect, getting unsafe animals off the streets, and issuing citations to people violating animal statutes. Field services roles are changing, expanding into community-centered practices to support people and pets through community outreach, supplies and food, helping pet owners access vet care, and getting lost pets home. What can these changes mean for your organization and community? Join us with experts Dr. Josh Fisher, Director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care and Control and Board President for the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA); Mike Wheeler, Director of Community Services for the City of Cabot and NACA Board Member; and Scott Giacoppo, Director of National Shelter Support for Best Friends Animal Society, for insights into the transformation of field services. Vincent Medley, Maddie’s® Director of Human Animal Support Services, will moderate.
Register below and join live on Thursday, August 17 to ask your questions and participate in the chat. After the live event, a recording will be distributed to everyone who registers within 3 business days.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7816739797796/WN_Wc8iXW7JTYGHF10A-p5jsg

Webinar - 8/17/23 - Using data to build and track effective programs - Best Friends
2023-08-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
The most successful industries know how to use data to their advantage and animal welfare is certainly no exception. Our expert-led webinar series, using the latest in data technology, can help you do even more to convert numbers into action. Join director of Enterprise Analytics Michelle Dunivan and data scientist Maureen Gillespie for our three-part series, which will cover how to navigate your data, identify opportunities for improvement, make decisions about resource allocation, monitor progress toward even the most ambitious lifesaving goals, and talk about what’s on the horizon with Shelter Pet Data Alliance (SPDA).
Following each webinar, there will be a Q&A portion. Submit your questions ahead of time during registration or live at the event using the Q&A box.
Lifesaving with the Latest Data Technology
Webinar 1: Using data to build and track effective programs
August 17, 2023 5:00 PM Eastern Time
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will understand:

What your organization’s numbers mean in everyday language;
How analyzing data can uncover opportunities for improvement; and
Ways to use data for tracking successes and setbacks.

Webinar 2: Persuading people through the power of data
September 14, 2023 5:00 PM Eastern Time
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will understand:

The ways data plays a role in compelling storytelling;
How to talk about your organizational strengths and current challenges; and
How to mobilize the community to support your organization in the fight to save lives.

Webinar 3: Get to know Shelter Pet Data Alliance
October 12, 2023 5:00 PM Eastern Time
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will understand:

How Shelter Pet Data Alliance accesses real-time data from shelters across the U.S.;
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about SPDA; and
Exciting future developments in store for the tool.

WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/3516904029550/WN_Qh63akEmRAyXVc7aNujT6A

Webinar - 8/17/23 - Outcomes Protocol for At-Risk Dogs - CalAnimals
2023-08-17 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
With shelters struggling with high populations and capacity issues, it’s more urgent than ever that dogs move through the shelter system quickly to make space for incoming dogs. Whether you are struggling to make behavioral euthanasia decisions for dogs with documented histories of aggression, or you are managing a population of long stay dogs experiencing behavioral decline, this webinar will help you more effectively and efficiently manage your dog population, give your dogs a fair chance at a live outcome, and reduce your overall length of stay. Kristen Hassen has led three, large government animal shelters with intakes up to 20,000 annually and has taught and mentored many others.
“We need to achieve a balance of lifesaving, humane care, risk management, and cost efficiency.” All four are possible, but we need to have better systems in place to triage dogs from intake to appropriate pathways, establish goals for length of stay in shelter, implement standard procedures for dogs at risk of behavioral or space euthanasia, and ensure each dog is treated as an individual while in the care of animal services.”
This presentation will include 45 minutes of presentation time and 45 minutes for questions and discussion. Topics covered include:
-Chunking dogs into groups to address various barriers to exit.
-How to manage dogs with behavioral histories at intake.
-The role of volunteers and advocates in moving at-risk dogs through the system.
-The at-risk dog flow process.
-Shelter status and the role of rescue groups
-What outcomes can you expect?
-Euthanasia due to space vs. behavioral decline vs. behavior – why distinguishing these is important.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7c_K2d9SRMGkHSATNRTr1g#/registration

Webinar - 8/17/23 - APCC: Toxins That Keep Toxicologists Up At Night - ASPCAPro
2023-08-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Veterinarians are constantly concerned about toxins that can harm their animal patients. This course will cover toxins that cause more severe poisonings in pets, including those that are fast acting, cause significant or life-threatening clinical signs, or are complicated to manage. Agents discussed will include ethylene glycol, baclofen, cholecalciferol, 5-fluoruracil, 5-HTP, and amlodipine. Mechanisms of toxicity, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment will be discussed.

Takeaways

How to diagnose and treat ethylene glycol toxicosis in dogs and cats, and the differences between the two species.
How to manage the complications from baclofen in dogs and cats.
How to institute initial treatment as well as potentials for long-term treatment in dogs and cats exposed to cholecalciferol.
How to stabilize and treat 5-FU and 5-HTP exposures in dogs and cats.
How to navigate complications associated with amlodipine management in dogs and cats.

Suited For
This is well suited for veterinarians but veterinary technicians are welcome.
Credits

The live webinar and post-webinar online course are RACE-approved and are eligible for one hour of free CE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/apcc-toxins-keep-toxicologists-night

Online Event - 8/17/23 - Boosting Positive Outcomes: Antidotes to Fear, Bias and Saviorism - California for All Animals
2023-08-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Intake is up, but so is innovation and positive disruption. In this series of four dynamic roundtable conversations, frontline workers leading change across California and the country will highlight collaborative approaches to removing barriers that come between people and pets and dish on creative solutions they’re implementing to ensure pets spend more nights at home, not in the shelter.
Pull up a seat and bring your questions for our panelists to discuss around the table on August 17, 24, 31 and September 7 from 9-10 a.m. PDT. Register for the series to attend live or access on-demand after each event, and visit www.californiaforallanimals.com/together to learn more about funding and resources available to California shelters working to keep and bring more #PetsAndPeopleTogether / #MascotasYPersonasJuntas.
August 17: Boosting Positive Outcomes: Antidotes to Fear, Bias and Saviorism
We want to place animals in loving homes, but strict outcomes policies and processes actually discourage awesome adopters or prevent animals from returning home, increasing length of stay; fear, anxiety and stress responses; and disease risk.
At this roundtable, we’re getting real and discussing how we can respond when barriers rooted in fear, bias, and saviorism creep into our systems, muck up our flowthrough, and keep animals waiting. What does it look like when practices and policies are built around love, fairness, and solidarity with our community and in support of our shared goals? Four organizations will explore how community-centered adoption initiatives have opened their doors and jumpstarted positive outcome cycles for animals and more positive, connection-driven cultures among shelter teams.
Panelists

Cole Wakefield (Good Shepherd Humane Society)
Caitlin Daly (SPCA of Erie)
Joy Smith (FieldHaven Feline Center)
Denise Woodside (SEAACA)

WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xEvcITQPSHale7-9mKFvLg

Webinar - 8/16/23 - Curbing Disease As Intake Rises: Prevent, Fight and Win Today - Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge
2023-08-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
From animal care attendants to RVTs and beyond, everyone in the shelter has the power to have a big impact on animal health. Does it seem like animals keep getting sick no matter what you do, especially right now with intake numbers climbing in many shelters? Does URI have to be status quo for summer? Is parvo inevitable? Have you wondered what else you can do to get ahead of these vicious cycles? This webinar is for you!
UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program veterinarians Dr. Aziz and Dr. Stuntebeck will answer your questions and arm you with the information you need to squash the most concerning infectious diseases in your shelter. Whether you’re providing daily care for animals or reviewing care and intake protocols, you’ll learn practical steps to relieve the strain on animals and team members. Come prepared to UNLEARN unhelpful myths and walk away with tools and techniques that will lead to healthier animals, less stress for you, and make your job of serving the pets and people in your community easier.
We want to answer your burning questions: submit them when you register at https://tinyurl.com/curbdisease. This webinar will be interactive, so bring your additional infectious inquiries and conundrums for Dr. Aziz and Dr. Stuntebeck to answer live.
Can’t make it live? Register and receive a link to the recording after the event. Our experts can’t wait to give you what you need to tackle this concerning issue in your shelter!
Questions? Contact us at learniverse@sheltermedportal.com

﻿Register Now to Attend Live or Access On-Demand after 8/16!

Want to invite others to this webinar?
We have cute flyers for you to download, print, share, and post at your shelter to invite other staff members! Both kitten and puppy options are included so you can print one or both depending on your needs. Also, feel free to share this event listing with anyone else who might be interested.

Click the image above to download the flyers as PDFs

Webinar - 8/15/23 - Industry Update: What 2023 Data Is Telling Us - The AAWA
2023-08-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Animal welfare data experts are excited to unveil the results of their latest research on animal sheltering and peer-to-peer rehoming (including demographics) from the first half of 2023. In this roundtable, we’ll discuss:
• What’s been happening in shelters this year
• Factors impacting the industry-wide challenges that organizations across the country are facing
• Trends in supported self-rehoming
• What the next six months will bring
We’ll highlight a new scientific model that projects how many millions of animals will enter the animal sheltering system across the country by the end of the year. And we’ll release the findings from a just-conducted survey that digs deeper into what we’re seeing in shelters—and why.
A discussion facilitated by The Association’s CEO, Jim Tedford, CAWA, featuring panelists:

Stephanie Filer, Executive Director, Shelter Animals Count
April Huntsman, CAWA, Director of Animal Welfare Insights, Adopt a Pet
Melissa Thibault Senior Manager – Research, Research and Strategy, ASPCA

This live and recorded program is approved for 1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit and 1 NACA CE.
WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/8-15-23

Webinar – 8/15/23 – Fancy Footwork: Practical Handling and Training Solutions for the Entire Shelter – Dogs Playing for Life
2023-08-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
While playgroups are the foundation of our shelter training program, teaching shelter teams how to implement a generalized, effective, and enjoyable way to handle and train their dogs is another essential aspect of our canine programming! In this webinar, we will teach the fundamentals of our “Fancy Footwork” techniques that focus on achieving good leash manners through the use of your FEET instead of your hands. Come learn this unique and highly effective approach that promotes dogs happily walking softly by your side, offering tons of eye contact, and wowing adopters! This new approach to leash work will enhance your handling skills and increase your ability to train ALL dogs, even those that are highly aroused, stressed, fearful, or not motivated by food, all in an effort to improve quality of life and lifesaving for dogs living in shelters.
Additionally, we will teach you how to implement our critically important kennel routines. The kennel areas of our nation’s shelters can be one of the most challenging and distressing environments that dogs–and their handlers–ever face. DPFL kennel routines have been developed and taught to shelters across the country in an effort to combat these challenges and to provide safer and more successful ways for dogs and people to maneuver through the kennels.
This is a 1.5-hour presentation followed by a Q&A session. This webinar will NOT be recorded and is scheduled on EASTERN TIME.
WEBSITE LINK: https://dogsplayingforlife.com/webinars/

Online Course – Starts 8/15/23 – Shelter Cat Behavior Mentorship with Trish McMillan – Shelter Behavior Hub (fee applies)
2023-08-15 | Virtual
Are you on a mission to improve outcomes for cats at your shelter? We have the perfect mentorship for shelter cat advocates who want to take their feline programs to the next level – from meeting the needs of neonates to securing placement for ferals!
This is an on-demand course, with weekly Zoom meetings and a discussion group in between, starting on August 15th. Classes run weekly for thirteen weeks, and participants have a whole year to access course material. We will cover all aspects of shelter cat behavior, from intake to assessment, to post-adoption support. With the help of your peers from all over the world, we will explore the latest science and best practices in building your shelter behavior programming to meet and exceed industry standards, and to give every cat in your care the best chance at a great life.
WEBSITE LINK: https://trish-s-school-bcb6.thinkific.com/courses/2023A-SCBM-shelter-cat-behavior-mentorship

Webinar - 8/14/23 - BREATHE! It's Good for You (And Your Dog) - Your End of the Leash Part 2 - PPG (fee applies)
2023-08-14 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual
This webinar is the second in the Your End of the Leash series, which focuses on helping handlers become the best possible partners for their dogs.
No matter how smart your dog may be, no matter how much he knows or can do, he still depends on you as his partner.
Would you want a partner who was tense with gritted teeth and tight breathing? Or would you prefer a relaxed partner, whose movements and expression showed enjoyment in working with you?
This webinar focuses on the simple but oh-so complicated basic of life itself: breathing. We’ll cover:

Breathe! Why in and out is the best choice
Breathing as communication – what you tell your dog (maybe without meaning to)
Effects of breathing on learning & performance
Observing breathing patterns in yourself and others
Coaching others

You’ll learn practical techniques to help yourself (and your students) create greater awareness about breathing, along with ways to practice here, there and everywhere.
Bonus: what you learn in your quest to become your dog’s best partner turns out to be helpful in the rest of your life! Breathing awareness can help you relax, reduce tension and stress, and understand how your breathing can affect others.
Presenter: Suzanne Clothier
CEUs: PPAB 1, CPDT 1, KPA 1, PMCT 1 & IAABC 1
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5282460

Conference - 8/10/23 to 8/12/23 - 2023 Best Friends National Conference - Best Friends
2023-08-12 06:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-11 06:00 - 14:45, 2023-08-10 06:00 - 15:00 | Mariott Marquis, Houston, 77010
At the Best Friends National Conference presented by Petco Love, you’ll learn how to make an impact in your community from presenters from different backgrounds and organization types, including leaders in animal welfare, marketing, DE&I, government relations, and more — and all while having fun!
Plus, you’ll make meaningful connections with fellow animal welfare volunteers and staff members from across the country.
Here’s a brief highlight of what we have lined up so far this year:

How to Best Serve the Underserved: In this session, we’ll discuss how high-volume shelters can better cater to their communities’ needs, and by extension the animals’ needs. You’ll learn the best practices for implementing community-oriented programs at a high-volume organization.
Taking Back Your Lifesaving Power – How to Deal With Backlash From the Media and Community: During this interactive session, shelters, rescue groups, and other organizations in attendance will discover the power of language, learn how to deal with backlash, and find out how to communicate effectively and be transparent.
Turning “I Can’t” Into “Why Not?” – A Shelter’s Journey Toward Lifesaving: From high euthanasia rates to high save rates, this session speaks to rural, Southern shelters that are historically underfunded and understaffed and shows that, with a drive to save lives, anything is possible.

In addition to all the engaging sessions, when you register you’ll enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and hot lunch each day of the conference, access to our app, a closing celebration party, access to the Hub to shop and mingle with exhibitors, and so much more.
If you register by June 9, the registration fee is only $295. There’s no need to enter a special code. The $100 discount will be taken off automatically when you register. Beginning June 10, the price increases to $395.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends.org/events/best-friends-national-conference

Online Course - Application period closes 8/10/23 - Winter Cohort 2023 - Shelter Playgroup Alliance
2023-08-10 | Virtual
Starting in August 2023, the Shelter Playgroup Alliance no-cost CORE program will be restricted to 75 seats per cohort for individuals who are employed by, or volunteer at, a shelter or rescue and meet the following criteria:

Provide direct care to animals.
Dedicate two hours per week to complete the program in the allotted time frame; staff may need permission and support from supervisors to meet this criterion.
Have access to more than one species.
Regular access to dogs in a shelter or rescue (not only one’s own dog).
Have access to high-speed internet.
Have access to a video camera or a phone with video capabilities.
Able to listen, read, and write in English at a 6th grade level.
Acknowledge the level of difficulty of the program and have a plan for completion within the allotted 16-week time frame.
Demonstrate a learning mindset and are able and willing to receive constructive and kind feedback.
Able to incorporate feedback from the SPA grading team, adjust based on that feedback, and re-submit assignments.
Commitment to the use of positive reinforcement and LIMA-based practices in the shelter environment.

Applicants for the no-cost CORE program must respond to a survey detailing how they meet the above program criteria. Applications will not be accepted in any other form.
Shelter and rescue organizations will be limited to 10 people per cohort. Priority will be given to individuals from the same organization who will be taking the program together, as that practice can increase completion. If multiple people from the same organization apply, each much submit their own application. Group enrollment is no longer available for this program.
At this time, we will no longer offer free nor paid seats for individuals not providing direct care at a shelter or rescue, including private trainers (even if they provide training classes at a shelter or rescue facility) or day care staff.
Individuals who do not complete the program in the time allotted will be considered for 15 spaces in a second cohort. Those individuals who wish to be considered to roll-over to a second cohort must submit a short essay with a realistic plan for completion.
CPDT: 36 CEUs | IAABC: 36 CEUs
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.shelterdogplay.org/workshops

Webinar - 8/3/23 - The Intersectionality of Wildlife and Animal Welfare: A Roadmap to Humane Outcomes for Everyone - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2023-08-03 10:00 - 11:15 | Virtual
More and more animal welfare agencies across the country are beginning to look into the connectivity between the work they do in their communities and the native wildlife that live there. Animal care and control facilities are fielding hundreds of calls yearly each relating to concerns and questions from citizens about native wildlife. Similarly, animal control agencies are becoming increasingly tasked with responding to calls for service in the field relating to wildlife. These increasing trends can leave many agencies in the scramble trying to decide their role in wildlife conservation and conflict mitigation and filling in gaps as they appear.
This webinar will provide measured steps and benefits for animal welfare organizations and field service agencies to begin engaging in wildlife work and transform the way you respond to these types of situations as they arise all while upholding your humane mission. The benefits for taking the time to engage in these systematic changes are innumerable and include- humane outcomes for wildlife in your community, a reduced workload for officers in the field, increased disease tracking and mitigation techniques, and a greater understanding of how to solve problems that arise with native wildlife.
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
Jennifer Toussaint is the Chief of Animal Control in Arlington County, Virginia at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. Jennifer joined the Animal Control team in early 2012 as a Deputy and accepted the Chief position in 2016. Since becoming Chief, Jennifer has implemented a local ordinance in relation to exotic animal care and ownership. She has also expanded the Animal Control Department’s outreach efforts in providing additional support to pet owners to enable high owner-pet retention in the community. She specializes nationally in Humane Urban Wildlife Management practices and has been published multiple times on the topic. Jennifer is a CIT-trained officer and has trained animal control and welfare professionals on a variety of topics including: active listening, emergency preparedness, emotional support and service animals, animal neglect/cruelty investigations, and wildlife intake and triage. She is the Incident Commander for the Community Animal Response Team in Arlington, VA. Jennifer is the 2017 recipient of the Virginia Animal Control Association Dr. Kent Roberts Animal Control Officer of the Year and received a commendation from the Virginia General Assembly for her service. In 2020, Jennifer’s department won the Outstanding Agency of the Year award from the Virginia Animal Control Association. She is a graduate of Moravian College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Spanish. Jennifer shares her home with her rescue dogs Rheagan and Ducky.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/the-intersectionality-of-wildlife-and-animal-welfare-a-roadmap-to-humane-outcomes-for-everyone/

Webinar - 8/1/23 - Canine Distemper: Management for Shelters - Best Friends
2023-08-01 15:00 - 16:00
Canine distemper virus is emerging as a common infectious disease in shelters across the country, particularly in the south. The good news – mildly affected dogs can survive with minimal treatment. Even for organizations with limited resources, outbreaks can be managed to maximize lifesaving.
Join us for this live webinar where we will discuss common misconceptions about distemper, how to approach and interpret diagnostic testing, treatment options, transporting dogs from CDV-endemic areas, and more.
Presenter: Erin Katribe, DVM, MS, Medical Director at Best Friends Animal Society
Following the presentation, there will be a Q&A portion of the event. Submit your questions ahead of time during registration or live during the event.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/1016897809019/WN_jD60KtbrTjyon0lrNxalCg#/registration

Webinar - 8/1/23 - Training & Caring for a Rambunctious, Jumpy, Mouthy Dog: A Webinar for Adopters, Fosters, and Guardians - PPG (fee applies)
2023-08-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Young, busy dogs can be trickier to care for if they are constantly jumping/mouthing and difficult to walk, handle, and live within the home. This webinar discusses how to meet the behavioral needs of social dogs who enjoy being around people, but are so exuberant and/or frustrated that they are jumping up, grabbing people’s bodies or clothing, or biting/tugging on a leash.
The Pet Rescue Resource is available to animal shelters, foster-based rescues, and pet guardians as a resource for this issue. In this webinar, we will focus on training and caring for rambunctious, jumpy, & mouthy dogs in the home context. Whether you are a recent adopter of a shelter dog, a foster person who is generously donating their time and home to help the dog before adoption, or a current guardian of a dog with these behavior challenges, this webinar is for you
Learning Objectives

Learn how to support the behavioral needs of a busy, on-the-go dog
Learn what behaviors and skills are good to teach these dogs
Learn how to train these new behaviors & skills effectively to help them transition more easily into their new home.

CEUs: Pending
Presented by Maria Karunungan
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5343550

Webinar - 7/27/23 - Top Social Media and Communications Challenges for Animal Welfare Agencies - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2023-07-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Virtual
This live presentation is designed specifically for animal shelter representatives who want to learn more about the basics of social media marketing and how to find solutions to the top social media and communications challenges that we face on a daily basis.
Utilizing social networking platforms can help increase your online reputation, staff morale, while decreasing the animal length of stay/increasing adoptions, but only if we communicate effectively, efficiently and in a consistent voice.
During this presentation, we’ll discuss the following topics:

Identification of key challenges of engagement, reach & visibility
Replying to comments using top customer service skills
Building a connection between social media and staff, volunteers & community
The value of social media including influence potential in terms of support
Connecting isolated individuals to increase collaboration and team effort
Creating new content through use of effective social listening

Afterward, stick around for a Q&A discussion to possibly help answer questions you may have by sharing through our experiences.
This webinar is part of the JCH Summer School Program. From June 1-August 31, 2023, attendees will receive a certificate of attendance via email about one hour after the conclusion of a webinar. Want to join us for other Summer School webinars? Check out our Summer School Calendar and register today!
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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/top-social-media-and-communications-challenges-for-animal-welfare-agencies/
