Shelter Learniverse

Hybrid Conference - 7/14/23 to 7/18/23 - AVMA Convention 2023 - AVMA (fee applies)
2023-07-18 07:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th St., Denver, CO, 80202, United States
AVMA Convention 2023 heads west to beautiful Denver this summer. Taking place July 14 – 18, AVMA Convention is the premier event for veterinary professionals. Step back from the day-to-day and rekindle your energy and passion for veterinary medicine. Experience over 600 hours of high-quality CE, highly rated special events, innovative solutions, and so much more. Everyone is welcome—it’s your convention! Reach new heights with the veterinary profession and gain an educational edge through best-in-class CE—including hands-on labs and workshops, panels, and lectures taught by veterinary experts. Network with colleagues, make new friends, and discover products and services that will enhance your veterinary career.
Select sessions will stream live and be available on demand following Convention.
The AVMA is proud to partner with the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) for this year’s Convention.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention

National Shelter Medicine Rounds – 7/18/23 – Canine Distemper Virus Management: A New Strategy for an Old Virus – University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program
2023-07-18 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
The University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program is thrilled to announce the reinstatement 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 first national rounds call will take place Tuesday July 18th from 2:30 to 3: 30 Central Time and the topic of presentation and discussion will be “Canine Distemper Virus Management: A New Strategy for an Old Virus.” 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 Canine Distemper Virus work and research discussed on this call would not have been possible without Maddie’s Fund’s generous support of shelters experiencing outbreaks.
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)
+13052241968,,97442637396# US
Zoom Meeting Link: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/97442637396

Online Event - 7/18/23 - Diagnosing Abdominal Torsions: Twisted in Every Way - VETGirl (fee applies)
2023-07-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Diagnosis, STAT!
In this 1-hour, VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Marc Seitz, DACVR, DABVP reviews the radiographic features of gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), 360-degree GDV, colonic torsion, splenic torsion, and mesenteric torsion. Tune in to improve your radiographic confidence with abdominal torsions!
Not a VETgirl ELITE member? Get your learning on with the #1 veterinary CE resource – clinically relevant, practical, and accessible 24/7 on your own time! Don’t miss out – click HERE to check out your options, including our new 14-day, no-commitment ELITE Trial.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/july-18-2023-diagnosing-abdominal-torsions-twisted-in-every-way/

Webinar - 7/19/23 - "Stop that!" The Neuroscience of Repetitive and Stereotypical Behaviour with Daniel Shaw - PPG (fee applies)
2023-07-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
This webinar will look at why dogs engage in repetitive or stereotypical behaviours from a neurobiological perspective. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and neuroethology to develop a broad perspective on these types of behaviours.
With this deepened understanding, Daniel will describe some practical applications of this knowledge to support dogs displaying these behaviours, and dive into some case studies from his practice.
CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, KPA 1, PMCT 1 & IAABC 1
Presenter: Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), GMBPsS, CDBC is an animal behaviourist with a background in animal behaviour, psychology and neuroscience. As the owner of Animal Behaviour Kent, Daniel has a successful track record of supporting dogs and cats with behaviour problems, and has a special interest in the effects of trauma on animals. Daniel is a degree qualified psychologist, a certified dog behaviour consultant with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), and is currently obtaining a masters degree in neuroscience.
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5214266

Webinar - 7/19/23 - "Stop that!": The Neuroscience of Repetitive and Stereotypical Behaviour - PPG (fee applies)
2023-07-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
This webinar will look at why dogs engage in repetitive or stereotypical behaviours from a neurobiological perspective. Drawing on research from neuroscience, psychology, and neuroethology to develop a broad perspective on these types of behaviours.
With this deepened understanding, Daniel will describe some practical applications of this knowledge to support dogs displaying these behaviours, and dive into some case studies from his practice.
CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, KPA 1, PMCT 1 & IAABC 1
Registered for the live event, get busy and cannot make it!
No worries you will automatically receive a recording!
About the Presenter
Daniel Shaw BSc (Hons), GMBPsS, CDBC is an animal behaviourist with a background in animal behaviour, psychology and neuroscience. As the owner of Animal Behaviour Kent, Daniel has a successful track record of supporting dogs and cats with behaviour problems, and has a special interest in the effects of trauma on animals. Daniel is a degree qualified psychologist, a certified dog behaviour consultant with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC), and is currently obtaining a masters degree in neuroscience.
WEBSITE LINK: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-5214266

Online Training - 7/20/23 - Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs - CalAnimals (fee applies)
2023-07-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
With overflowing kennels and longer lengths of stay, most shelters are seeing no shortage of behavioral challenges among dogs. The most concerning, of course, is aggression, and behavior expert Kelley Bollen will lead this session to take a deep dive into why dogs exhibit aggressive behavior, the different types of aggression we see in dogs, and what situations can trigger aggressive behavior. She will discuss what we as shelter professionals can do to modify this serious and sometimes dangerous behavior and provide guidance on safe placement. With safety considerations for staff, volunteers, and the public, as well as the overall implications our choices have on our ability to maintain liability insurance as an industry, having clear guidelines and pathways for dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior is critically important.

2 hours of CE for Humane Officers, CACOs, and CAWAs
$25 members, $35 non-members
Recording available through September 30th

$25 Members (this includes staff/volunteers of CalAnimals Member Agencies). Login to receive discount (username may be your email). Multiple attendees may be added to one invoice by choosing Add Additional Attendee during registration process. Additional Member Discount for registering 10 or more on one invoice (use Promo Code GROUP10 at checkout).
$35 Non-members
Registration may not be shared.
CE certificates will be sent after each live session based on the Zoom attendance report. Individuals that view the Zoom recordings later will be sent CE certificates on the first Monday of each month. Sign into the Zoom session with the email you used to register.
*Registration will remain open until 9/25/23.
WEBSITE LINK: https://calanimals.site-ym.com/event/AggressiveBehavior

Webinar - 7/20/23 - Compassion Fatigue Foundations for Animal Care Professionals - Best Friends
2023-07-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Trauma-exposed work creates a unique environment with an increased risk for serious stress and burnout. Animal welfare professionals are particularly susceptible to secondary traumatic stress because of the vulnerable nature of the animals they care for, the high volume and unpredictable nature of their jobs, and their relative lack of psychological protection.
In this free webinar, participants will learn practical strategies everyone can implement to reduce work-related stress, build resilience, and increase job satisfaction by understanding compassion fatigue (definitions, symptoms, contributing factors), along with other common occupational stressors. This is a comprehensive introduction to the key healthy changes individuals and leadership can make in order to better support staff wellbeing, so they can thrive in the challenging work they do.
Presenter: Jessica Dolce (she/her), Founder of Compassion in Balance, Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator (MS CCFE)
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.
Register here
Jessica Dolce, MS CCFE, is a Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator, receiving her training from TEND Academy. She brings 20 years of experience working with and for companion animals to The Compassion in Balance® Program, her online education platform for animal shelters.
She is an instructor with The Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida where she teaches wellbeing courses for veterinary students and animal welfare professionals. Jessica has worked with organizations such as the ASPCA, HSUS, The Animal Legal Defense Fund, The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, and Animals Asia.
Jessica holds a Master of Science in Adult and Higher Education degree and is certified in Mental Health First Aid. She lives in Maine and can be found online at: https://jessicadolce.com and http://compassioninbalance.com.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P2eisB-IRmGcyOu0wepwxw#/registration

Webinar - 7/20/23 - Cats and Wildlife - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2023-07-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Virtual
With a mission to protect all animals, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) stands on common ground with those who care about both cats and wildlife. With determination, innovation and collaboration, we believe that human-cat-wildlife conflicts can be humanely resolved. Please join us for this webinar, in which we will discuss the following topics:

The relationship between cats and wildlife
The value of trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) programs
Protecting community cats from wildlife
Protecting wildlife from domestic cats
Tips for keeping cats happily indoors

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/cats-and-wildlife/

Webinar - 7/20/23 - Introduction to Prey Drive in Dogs - FDSA (fee applies)
2023-07-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Prey drive is an instinctive behavior that many dogs have been selectively bred for. It’s a fascinating subject that can also cause difficulties between dogs and humans. In fact, it’s often seen as a behavior problem that needs to be resolved.
Join me for this exciting webinar where we’ll explore prey drive in depth. We’ll cover the following:

What prey drive is
How it differs from reactivity, and ways it may link to reactivity
The links between prey drive and welfare
How to create robust management to support your training
Ways to work with your dog’s prey drive so that your dog learns to see you as a partner in your adventures together

Join me in this webinar and start creating a more joyful and connected life with your dog.
Presenter: Tracey McLennan
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Conference – 7/22/23 to 7/23/23 – 2023 ASPCA® Cornell Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Conference – ASPCA (fee applies)
2023-07-22 04:00 - 15:30, 2023-07-23 04:00 - 13:45 | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, United States
Registration is now open for the 2023 ASPCA Cornell Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Conference taking place July 22-23 at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the conference and will kick off with a keynote address by Matt Bershadker, President & CEO of the ASPCA.
The agenda features over 40 sessions, workshops, and roundtables for sheltering and veterinary professionals, including:

Engaging Emergency Practitioners in Access to Veterinary Care
Veterinary Telemedicine: Its Impact On The Future of Animal Welfare, Sheltering, & Access to Care
Pushing the Needle of Workforce and Shelter Staff
Psychopharmacology and Sheltered Animals
Excessive Arousal in Shelter-Housed Dogs: Results from a Multi-Site Pilot Study

WEBSITE LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/462348/home

Webinar Series - 7/16, 7/23, 8/13, and 8/20 - K9 Aggression & Misbehavior Master Series - Puppyworks (fee applies)
2023-07-23 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 - 7/23/23 - Fear Free Vaccination Experience - VETGirl
2023-07-23 17:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
Best practices that make the difference!
In this complimentary, 1-hour, VETgirl–Elanco webinar, Natalie Gruchow, CVPM, SHRM-CP will provide a basic overview of Lyme, leptospirosis, and feline leukemia vaccines with the focus on how to clearly explain the benefits to pet owners. There are many lifestyle factors that influence the decision to vaccinate or not vaccinate, and we must learn to be proactive about addressing potential concerns that may arise. Tune in to learn how the use of Fear-Free concepts can alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress during the vaccination appointment for the pet and pet owner.
Thanks to sponsorship from Elanco, 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/july-23-2023-fear-free-vaccination-experience/

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2023-07-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-07-31 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-08-07 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 - 7/25/23 - Animal Intake in the HASS Model: the Vision, the Myths, the Revolution - HASS
2023-07-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
What does animal intake look like in the Human Animal Support Services model? Join us for an eye-opening webinar as we delve into the vision, the nitty-gritty, and common misconceptions about this model’s transformative and lifesaving impact. Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, and Vincent Medley, Maddie’s® Director of Human Animal Support Services, will discuss this topic live along with Jorge Ortega, Animal Services Director for Guilford County Animal Shelter, a HASS pilot shelter. Attendees will gain valuable insights about how this model works today, and how it’s moving us toward a future where people and pets thrive together. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from HASS leaders, be part of the revolution in animal intake, and learn more about the HASS vision for a more compassionate and effective approach to animal services.
Register below and join us live on Tuesday, July 25 at 5 p.m. CT. After the live event, a recording will be distributed to everyone who registers within 3 business days.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/2616740581796/WN_lBlv2e6RSLSx2m8K_Qqw-Q#/registration

Webinar - 7/25/23 - Stop, Go, or Proceed with Caution with Drs. Margaret Gruen and Kristen Messenger - ACVB (fee applies)
2023-07-25 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
In this webinar, Drs. Gruen and Messenger will discuss the balance of behavioral medications and anesthetic events, particularly with elective procedures. They will review the mechanisms of action of psychopharmacologic and anesthetic medications and which are safe to be used in combination, and which combinations to avoid.
Dr. Margaret Gruen graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, completed an internship followed by a residency in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine at NC State University, and is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. She completed a PhD in Comparative Biomedical Sciences at NC State University with work focused on the assessment of pain in cats with degenerative joint disease. She then completed a post-doctoral position at Duke University, and served as a co-Director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. She is currently an Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine, a Chancellor’s University Faculty Scholar, and the Co-Director of the Feline Health Center at NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her work focuses on topics of human-animal interaction, including understanding the effects of chronic pain on behavior and cognition.
Dr. Kristen Messenger is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at North Carolina State University. She completed her DVM at NC State in 2006, and completed an internship in emergency and critical care at Louisville Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Services in KY the following year. Dr. Messenger returned to NCSU for 2 residencies and a PhD. She is board-certified in both anesthesia/analgesia, and clinical pharmacology, and currently works with both of these specialty services at NCSU. Dr. Messenger’s research interests are in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of analgesic and anesthetic drugs, with a special focus on NSAIDs and opioids in companion and food animals.
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8113452863977088860

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/

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 - 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 - 8/3/23 - 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/

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

Conference - 8/10/23 to 8/12/23 - 2023 Best Friends National Conference - Best Friends
2023-08-10 06:00 - 15:00, 2023-08-11 06:00 - 14:45, 2023-08-12 06:00 - 19:00 | 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

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

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 – 8/15/23 – 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/
