Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 4/29/25 - Part II: Triage that Transforms Intake - HASS
2025-04-29 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Part one left us on a cliffhanger! Ready for part 2? Let’s explore Intake Triage strategies that help manage lost pet intake and streamline your intake process as a whole! Join the next HASS Webinar on April 29th at 1 p.m. CT.
Amanda Foster, HASS Programs Director, and Nichole Hazard, HASS Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, will discuss easy ways to better understand the “why” behind animals entering the shelter and the best practices for communicating effectively with your community.
You can also watch part one here: https://tinyurl.com/4vr5wuvd
Register now: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7017380094930/WN_sgt425qSRlqrPZ0-4XK8ZA#/registration

Online Event - 5/1/25 - Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection: Pawsitively Clean: Foster Home Sanitation Tips with Dr. Chumkee Aziz - Maddie's Fund
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00
Sanitation is one of the most underrated but important factors in maintaining animal wellbeing. We all know how important it is to keep infectious diseases at bay in shelters, but what about foster homes? These temporary havens are a lifeline for our most vulnerable animal populations, giving them a break from shelter stress and infectious disease risk while offering personalized care and attention. But let’s face it, foster homes are busy places! From kids to grandparents, and even resident pets, there can be a lot of interaction going on in foster homes. So, how do we keep these environments safe and healthy for our foster animals? In this webinar, we’ll explore practical, safe, and effective sanitation tips tailored to foster homes. By the end, you’ll know even more than you already do about creating and maintaining clean, nurturing spaces that support your foster animals’ recovery and wellbeing.
Presenter: Dr. Chumkee Aziz, UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
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

Webinar - 5/1/25 - How to practice environmentally sustainable veterinary medicine - The Bridge Club
2025-05-01 17:00 - 18:00
In this session we’ll explore the environmental impacts of the industry and ways to improve them, including actions to take to reduce climate change and waste in veterinary clinics and across the supply chain of medical supplies. we are so fortunate to have Margo Mosher, Senior Director, Global Sustainability with Mars Veterinary Health lead our discussion.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.thebridgeclub.com/events/how-to-practice-environmentally-sustainable-veterinary-medicine

Online Event – 5/3/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-05-03 11:00 - 13:30
Ready to make a difference for feral and stray cats in your community? Join our expert instructors to learn the best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and effective colony management. You’ll learn what TNR is, why it works, and how to address common challenges such as communicating with neighbors, preparing for trapping, conducting large-scale trapping operations, feeding, and providing winter shelter.
If you’re new to TNR, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to kickstart your TNR journey, while experienced trappers can refresh and sharpen their techniques.
Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and real-life video footage from actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow TNR advocates.
This session is led by Susan Richmond, Executive Director, and Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, and lasts 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session. The cost of registration is just $10.00.
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://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/tnr-certification-workshop-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-may-2025/

Online Event - 5/6/25 - All Call: Boosting Adoptions with Bilingual Support - California for All Animals
2025-05-06 12:00 - 13:00
Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to engage all members of our communities. Starting February 18, Partnering for Pets: A Multicultural Community of Practice, is coming to the All Call to strengthen our capacity to do just that.
Are you passionate about increasing adoptions, foster, return to home, and keeping more pets and people together? Do you want to learn and share practical strategies for building relationships with diverse communities? This community is for you!
On May 6, Director Alma Torres will discuss the Fresno Animal Center team’s approach to community engagement. Join the call to learn how Fresno is fostering a more inclusive organizational culture and advancing welcoming practices, including reaching more adopters by offering bilingual support.
Through June 3, the All Call will provide a space for learning, sharing, and networking with colleagues dedicated to building stronger connections with all segments of their communities. You’ll hear how California shelters are advancing culturally-responsive programming and building bridges to decrease length of stay and increase positive outcomes for animals, as well as the shelter staff and community members who care for them.
About the All Call
The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. 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 California for All team members Allison Cardona, Nadia Oseguera-Ramóna, and Ivy Ruiz, and is enriched by rotating facilitators. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.
Register: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Ahora, más que nunca, es esencial que todos los miembros de nuestras comunidades participen. A partir del 18 de febrero, Partnering for Pets: A Multicultural Community of Practice (Colaborando para mascotas: Una comunidad de práctica multicultural), llegará a All Call para reforzar nuestra capacidad de hacer precisamente eso.
¿Le apasiona aumentar las adopciones, el cuidado temporal, el regreso a casa y mantener juntos a más mascotas y personas? ¿Quiere aprender y compartir estrategias prácticas para cultivar relaciones con comunidades diversas? ¡Esta comunidad es para ti!
Hasta el 3 de junio, el All Call ofrecerá un espacio para aprender, compartir y establecer contactos con colegas dedicados a construir conexiones más fuertes con todos los segmentos de sus comunidades. Escuchará cómo los refugios de California están avanzando en programas culturalmente responsables y construyendo puentes para reducir la estancia y aumentar los resultados positivos para los animales, y también para el personal del refugio y los miembros de la comunidad que los cuidan.
Acerca de All Call
All Call es una llamada comunitaria que se realiza dos veces al mes para profesionales del bienestar animal en California, los primeros y terceros martes. La llamada de una hora es un espacio dedicado a compartir y aprender unos de otros. Los temas más populares incluyen iniciativas que crean una cultura más inclusiva tanto para el personal como para la comunidad, programas que mantienen a las mascotas con su familia, tendencias de la industria, estudios, y también temas difíciles, como lo que no funciona o lo que es particularmente difícil en tiempos de crisis. La sesión es una mezcla de presentaciones, historias, debate abierto y tiempo para preguntas y respuestas.
All Call está organizada por Allison Cardona, Nadia Oseguera-Ramóna e Ivy Ruiz, miembros del equipo de California For All, y se complementa con facilitadores rotativos. Sólo es necesario inscribirse una vez. En ocasiones, las llamadas se graban; después de la llamada se envían correos electrónicos de resumida con recursos adicionales.
Regístrese: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Webinar - 5/6/25 - Maximizing Social Media for Animal Reunification during Disasters or Emergencies for Animal Shelters - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-05-06 12:00 - 13:15
During a disaster or emergency, every second counts in the animal reunification effort. A well-structured social media strategy can make all the difference in reuniting lost pets with their families.
This webinar introduces an easy-to-use, template-driven approach designed for animal shelters to implement during a disaster or emergency, efficiently leveraging social media, maximizing online visibility, and reaching the right people when it matters most, supporting the animal reunification efforts from the start.
We’ll discuss how platform algorithms impact reach, the window of online visibility, and how structured posting methods can increase reunifications.
Join Angelina Martin as she shares practical steps and real-world insights having worked communications through 6 major disasters/emergencies for animal shelters and response teams, helping shelters maximize social media animal reunification efforts.
This session will equip you with the template, structure, process, and more! We’ll review:

The Window of Online Visibility – Understanding how timing impacts social media reach during disasters or emergencies.
How Social Media Algorithms Work – Why posts are seen (or buried) and how to structure content for maximum visibility
The Essential Elements of a Structured Post – What to include in every post to increase visibility and the chances of reunification.
Template-Driven Posting Strategies – A step-by-step approach to making social media efforts efficient and effective.
Engaging the Community for Faster Reunifications – Engaging the public to help spread the word.
Tracking and Updating Shared Posts – A template for tracking information and ensuring it’s accurate, organized and updated.
Lessons from the Field – Real-world insights about successfully using social media for animal reunification.

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: Over the past 10 years, Angelina Martin has worked as CEO of Online Media Solutions, a media agency providing strategic social media solutions through consultation, education, and webinars. Angelina is currently contracting as the VP of Communications for Shelterly, and the communications strategist for Cal CARTs, Napa CART and CCADT. She specializes in strategic communications and social media management, AI education and training, and online marketing. Her mission is to help people, help more people and animals in times of need.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/maximizing-social-media-for-animal-reunification-during-disasters-or-emergencies-for-animal-shelters/

Webinar - 5/6/25 and 5/8/25 - Role of Companion Animals in Public Health Outbreaks, Including H5N1 - CVMA (fee applies)
2025-05-06 12:30 - 13:45
In recent years, outbreaks of infectious diseases of public health significance have heightened public concern regarding the role of companion animals as sentinels and sources of human infection. The rise in importance of companion animals has also led to concerns about the impact of such outbreaks on the health of families, including their pets. Using situational examples, this talk will review what is known about the role of companion animals in emerging infectious diseases in California, with a focus on H5N1 avian influenza. Opportunities for improved disease recognition by veterinarians and owner education on prevention strategies will be discussed.
This course offers 1.5 CEUs.
May 6, 2025: 12:30 PM–1:45 PM (PST)
May 8, 2025: 5:30 PM–6:45 PM (PST)
WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cvma-online-seminar-role-of-companion-animals-in-public-health-outbreaks-including-h5n1/cvma-online-seminar-role-of-companion-animals-in-public-health-outbreaks-including-h5n1-2/

Webinar - 5/7/25 - Summa Fundraising Series Session 1: Fundraising 101 - CalAnimals
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00
Presented by: Summa sponsored fundraising professionals

Unlock the secrets to successful fundraising in this workshop! Discover the essentials of building a comprehensive fundraising program that delivers results. We’ll dive into creating a powerful plan, unpacking the must-have elements to ensure a robust strategy that maximizes both funds raised and donor relationships. Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your fundraising game!
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_r2kC_cwgT3SRH4Ce-nd6hA#/registration

Hybrid Conference - 5/8/25 - IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Pre-Conference Events - IAABC (fee applies)
2025-05-08
Our education experts will deliver a rich mix of insights on the latest in animal behavior and training science, research, challenges, and best practices.
Join us in Colorado Springs, where behavior consultants, animal trainers, veterinary professionals, shelter and rescue staff, working animal experts, and passionate enthusiasts are all welcome. With the stunning backdrop of the Rockies and our shared dedication to animal behavior and training, this conference is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Our pre-conference events on May 8 operate at a financial loss to make unique learning exPreview (opens in a new tab)periences accessible. Spaces are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/animal-behavior-conference/

Webinar - 5/8/25 - APCC: Don’t Sweat It: An Overview of Common Toxidromes and Their Management - ASPCAPro
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00
This course will cover common toxidromes encountered in veterinary medicine, including anticholinergic, cholinergic, sympathomimetic, opioid and hyperthermic toxidromes. Dr. Hopkins will provide an overview of mechanisms, clinical presentations, treatment, diagnostic testing and considerations for approaching decontamination and unknown toxic exposures.
Key Takeaways:

An understanding of constellations of clinical signs and how they might direct treatment in a poisoning case
An understanding of mechanisms of action in groups of similar toxins that can cause significant clinical signs
An understanding of appropriate diagnostics to use for various conditions
How to approach management of an unknown toxin

This webinar is suited for veterinarians and technicians; aimed at emergency management but is appropriate for all practitioners. This session is RACE-approved and is eligible for 1 hour of free CE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/apcc-dont-sweat-it-overview-common-toxidromes-and-their-management

Webinar - 5/8/25 - Blueprints and Principles: The Architecture of a Modern Animal Services Program - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:15
Participants will delve into essential principles that underpin effective and contemporary animal control programs. The curriculum offers a comprehensive framework intended to assist organizations contemplating the establishment of an animal control program or seeking to refine their existing initiatives. It serves as a strategic guide for evaluating and optimizing program architectures that effectively serve and support communities.
At the end of this webinar, attendees will have an understanding of:

The four foundational pillars of an Animal Control Program
Creating community-specific initiatives
Program success metrics and transparency
How subsidiarity can be used to leverage community support towards your program

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: Dr. Christina Avila is a distinguished expert in the animal welfare sector, holding a doctorate in business and boasting over 20 years of diverse experience that encompasses veterinary medicine, kennel operations, and fieldwork. Known for her unwavering dedication to animal welfare, Dr. Avila has become a prominent advocate for innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing the industry today.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/blueprints-and-principles-the-architecture-of-a-modern-animal-services-program/

Webinar - 5/8/25 - Maddie's Insights: Exploring Factors That Influence Public Engagement of Adoptable Pets on Social Me - Maddie's Fund
2025-05-08 12:00 - 13:00
The use of social media platforms to advertise adoptable animals has increased throughout the years. The content of these posts (e.g., photos, videos, text) may increase post engagement (e.g., likes and shares) and ultimately animal adoptions. Few studies have examined which characteristics of post content successfully increases engagement. This talk will give background information regarding the online promotion of adoptable animals and will focus on the results of our recent study that analyzed the Facebook posts of several rural animal shelters to determine whether certain types of content (e.g., style/features of photos and videos, subject/tone of text, type/sex of animal, etc.) influenced engagement. We also had the opportunity to compare differences between posts in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2020 (post-pandemic). The results of this study suggest that the type of animal and the environment in which the animals were depicted can influence likes and shares of posts. It was also discovered that posts in 2019 received more likes, while posts in 2020 received more shares. Although the findings of this study support the use of social media to increase the engagement of posts depicting adoptable animals, more research is needed to determine how the content of posts directly influence adoption rates.
Attendees will learn about:

the online promotion of adoptable animals and the features that have previously been linked to increased adoptions.
using social media platforms to increase public engagement of adoptable animals. Specifically, what features of post content may have an influence.
questions that have yet to be answered. Topics of future exploration will be suggested.

Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.0 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit between 11/13/24 – 11/13/26 in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. Complete the quiz to earn continuing education credit.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 5/8/25 - Accreditation Reform - The Bridge Club
2025-05-08 17:00 - 18:00
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.thebridgeclub.com/events/accreditation-reform

Online Conference - 5/13/25 - The Maui Wildfire: An In-depth Look at Community Cats and Disaster Response - Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)
2025-05-13 10:00 - 15:15
In the summer of 2023, a wildfire sparked by a fallen power line destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii. The blaze left behind not only over five square miles of rubble and ash, but hundreds of surviving cats, most of them community cats. Join the leaders of the wildfire response, including animal welfare professionals from Maui Humane Society, UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program and Neighborhood Cats, and learn how they rescued and pursued live outcomes for every cat who made it through the fire, feral or not.
After this conference, you and your agency will be prepared to implement a wildfire or other disaster response for cats in your community, including running a shelter-in-place program in the disaster zone, initial treatment and assessment after rescue, housing fire cats, pathways towards specific outcomes, reunification efforts and, ultimately, placement.
Stay tuned for more details about the speakers and program. Let’s work together to ensure no cat is left behind in times of disaster!

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://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/the-maui-wildfire-an-in-depth-look-at-community-cats-and-disaster-response/

Webinar - 5/13/25 - The Adopter Experience: A Guide to Increasing Adoptions - Shelter Animals Count
2025-05-13 12:30 - 13:30
In order to address the backlog of pets in shelters and rescues, we need to increase adoptions. If you are unable to attend this workshop at the Animal Care Expo by Humane World for Animals, we are going to give you the opportunity to hear from each of the session’s panelists with five distinct perspectives, about the latest data-supported methods to attract adopters, help them find a match and support them for the long haul.
To tackle the backlog of pets in shelters and rescues, boosting adoptions is essential. Join a panel of experts as they share the latest data-driven strategies for attracting adopters, matching them with the right pets and supporting them throughout the adoption journey. Gain insights into the adopter experience, from navigating online processes to visiting a local shelter, and walk away with practical tips to enhance adoptions at every stage while fostering community engagement.
Panelists:
Lindsay Hamrick – Humane World for Animals
Amanda Foster – Human Animal Support Services (HASS)
Stephanie Filer – Shelter Animals Count
Courtney Suthoff – Hill’s Pet Nutrition April Huntsman – Adopt-a-Pet
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oOiX_ntHRludG9hN4-Ldsg#/registration

Webinar - 5/14/25 - Unlocking AI for Animal Shelters - Outcomes Consulting
2025-05-14 11:00 - 12:00
Join us on May 14 at 2 PM EST / 11 AM PST for a live webinar led by Kristen Hassen of Outcomes Consulting Group, designed specifically for animal shelter professionals. This interactive, fast-paced session will teach you how to easily integrate AI into operations to save time, streamline processes, and improve outcomes. Whether you’re just getting started with AI or looking to expand your AI toolkit, this session will provide actionable insights and real-world examples to help your team work smarter and save more lives.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jsE51Gw-RFqVlNn-RowUNA#/registration

Online Training – 5/14/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-05-14 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.
This session is led by Dr. Rachel Geller, founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. and lasts 1.5 hours, including an optional 15-minute Q&A session. Registration is just $10.00.
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/8757944804645518678

Webinar - 5/17/25 - Targeted TNR and Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck Certification Workshop - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-05-17 11:00 - 13:00
The more cats you fix, the more impact your TNR program will have, right? Wrong! Spay/neuter volume alone is rarely enough by itself to keep consistently reducing a community’s free-roaming cat population over time. Another aspect to the program needs to be identifying areas of high need (meaning, lots of cats) and then focusing TNR resources at that location in order to achieve high sterilization rates. Discover what targeting is, why it’s so important, and how you can do it no matter how large or small your program currently is. This program is presented in partnership with Neighborhood Cats. This class offers a certification option.
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: Targeted TNR Registration

Online Certificate Program – Starts 5/19/25 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-05-19
The shelter environment is a very stressful place that affects the psychological well-being of the animals. Comprehensive behavior programs are essential to keep the animals behaviorally and emotionally healthy during their stay. This eight-week course will give you the knowledge and skills to develop an effective behavior program aimed at improving the welfare of the animals in your care.
Dates: 5/19/25 – 7/13/25
Who will benefit from this program?

Anyone currently affiliated with an animal shelter or rescue organization who wants to learn more about animal behavior as it relates to the shelter/foster environment.
Anyone who wants to improve the emotional wellbeing of the animals in your care.
Anyone seeking a behavior specialist position with an animal shelter or rescue organization.

What You Will Learn

Gain knowledge on how to read dog and cat animal body language and signaling
Learn techniques for safe, humane handling of the animals
Understand how the shelter environment effects the emotional wellbeing of the animals and how to use stress reduction techniques to improve welfare
Gain knowledge on how to keep the animals physically, mentally, and socially stimulated through shelter-wide enrichment programs
Understand the value of effective canine and feline behavior assessments
Obtain the knowledge and skills needed to implement training and behavior modification techniques to improve the behavior and emotional state of the shelter animals
Obtain skills needed to ensure quality customer service for adoption counseling and follow-up.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): 4.8 CEUs
Course Code: UNSM 050 – 013
Certificate Price: $429
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Webinar - 5/19/25 - Redefining the Gold Standard: A New Framework for More Accessible Care - UC Davis KSMP
2025-05-19 13:00 - 14:30
What if the “gold standard” isn’t gold for everyone?
We all know it’s time to have this conversation. At best, one-size-fits-all thinking in veterinary care limits our ability to help—and feels disempowering on both sides of the exam table. At worst, care without context results in barriers that prevent us from even meeting the pets who need us most.
Let’s flip the script!
A standing-room-only presentation at this year’s Animal Care Expo reinforced what we’ve all been thinking: It’s time to say no to the status quo! Join us Monday, May 19, from 1- 2:30pm Pacific for Redesigning the Gold Standard: A New Framework for More Accessible Care.
By the end of this webinar, you’ll be able to:

Articulate the difference between spectrum of care, incremental care, gold standard, and standard of care—and learn how contextualized care is critical to all.
Match care to context—balance medical best practices with real-world constraints, community needs, and ethical obligations.
Understand how the law supports your ability to provide care.
SCOPE before you SOAP.

Presented by Dr. Jennifer Bennett, Dr. Sarah Mantovani and Kelly Bremken, MSSW
Register now: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/webinar/register/8017470939827/WN_QUVCHUn_RvKtsnVarFa8dw

Webinar - 5/20/25 - Unleash the Power of Pet Reunification - CalAnimals
2025-05-20 10:00 - 11:00
Join Gina Knepp from Petco Love and Sarah Aguilar, Director Santa Barbara County Animal Services Division, for an engaging session that will transform your approach to lost pet recovery! Discover the exciting enhancements of the Love Lost platform, packed with innovative features designed to bridge the gap between shelters and community members. Whether you are new to the platform or a seasoned user, this session promises valuable insights on maximizing its potential. Learn about the latest mapping tools and discover how field officers can leverage these upgrades to reunite lost pets with their families right where they are are-saving time and resources for everyone involved. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your impact in the community.
Presenters:
Gina Knepp, Petco Love
Sarah Aguilar, Santa Barbara County Animal Services
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9IRbnlkuQKC5Tu91N-arWw#/registration

Webinar Series - 5/20/25 - Doors Wide Open - Successful Program Profiles: Neighborhood Pets and their Community-Centered Well-Being for People and Pets - Open Door Veterinary Collective
2025-05-20 12:00
Topic: Successful Program Profiles: Neighborhood Pets and their Community-Centered Well-Being for People and Pets
Join Geraldine, Becca and Janet as they discuss the community-centered approach of Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center, a membership-based, Cleveland nonprofit created by proximate leaders—those deeply connected to the communities they serve. They have built strong human service and community development partnerships to help families also access vital healthcare, legal and emergency resources.
This webcast highlights how Neighborhood Pets offers adaptable strategies for innovative community building in support of human and pet well-being!
Guest Speakers:
– Geraldine D’Silva, National Director of Programs & Partnerships at Open Door Veterinary Collective
– Janet Hoy-Gerlach, PhD, LCSW, LISW-S, Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary Collective
– Becca Britton, Executive Director at Neighborhood Pets
Register here: https://maddiesfund-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1QXhCo6QRRSKBYInJ_Ki0Q#/
Join Open Door Veterinary Collective for lively conversations as we explore innovative and practical solutions that organizations are using to address barriers to accessing pet care and resources in their communities.
We’ll cover various topics and share successful strategies through short 30-minute presentations, panel discussions, video snippets and Q&A sessions.
Topics and featured programs include:
• Pet Inclusive Transportation Options
• Access to Financially Friendly Pet Services
• Engaging with Human and Social Service Providers to Increase Access to Care
• Successful Program Profiles: Neighborhood Pets and their Community-Centered Well-Being for People and Pets
• How to Multiply Existing Donor Dollars for Veterinary Care in Your Community and more!
Who should attend? Everyone is welcome! This series is perfect for those interested or involved in access to veterinary care. Each session will be recorded and viewable on-demand within a few days after the event.
Come make friends and learn to make access to care more achievable for all involved! #ThanksToMaddie
Learn more: https://forum.maddiesfund.org/opendoorwebcasts

Webinar - 5/20/25 - Healthy Humans, Happy Pets Part 1 - Physical Wellbeing: The Foundation of Health - Fear Free Shelters
2025-05-20 12:00 - 13:00
Physical wellbeing is the foundation for showing up as our best selves—both for the animals in our care and for each other. Just as we prioritize comfort and health for pets, it’s vital to extend that same level of care to ourselves to maintain energy, focus, and emotional resilience in veterinary and pet care environments.
Join Fear Free Shelters for a webinar with Melyssa Allen, MA, NBC-HWC, DipACLM, as we explore the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and their role in supporting wellbeing. We’ll focus on the core behaviors of nutrition, physical activity, and sleep, and how they influence not only our physical health but the quality of care we provide to pets every day.
What You’ll Learn:
• An introduction to the six pillars of lifestyle medicine
• How core health behaviors impact physical wellbeing and mental health
• The importance of lifestyle habits in supporting both personal and professional quality of life
• How to create a personal wellbeing vision and identify goals aligned with that vision
Presentation by
Melyssa Allen, MA, NBC-HWC, DipACLM
Register now: https://fearfreellc.webinargeek.com/healthy-humans-happy-pets-part-1-physical-well-being-the-foundation-of-health

Webinar - 5/20/25 - Gatekeeping Care: The Intersection of Spay/Neuter and the Myth of "Responsible Pet Ownership" - MCVMA
2025-05-20 17:00 - 18:00
Join MCVMA and shelter medicine professionals for an open panel discussion on the recently released WSAVA guidelines on pet sterilization and the broader, ongoing debate around spay/neuter practices. We’ll explore the implications of these guidelines for access to care, equity in veterinary medicine, and how structural bias shapes the way we define and approach “responsible pet ownership.” This conversation aims to bring diverse perspectives to a complex issue impacting communities, veterinarians, and the animals we serve. We welcome questions and interaction from attendees and hope to foster an engaging, thoughtful dialogue. This session will include a Q&A. Please share any questions you’d like to ask our panelists in the registration form below.
Our Panelists:
– Dr. Sohaila Jafarian, DVM, MPH (MCVMA Board Member)
– Dr. Chumkee Aziz, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice)
– Dr. Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Internal Medicine), DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice)
WSAVA Guidelines for Control of Reproduction in Dogs and Cats: https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/reproduction-guidelines/
MCVMA’s Response to WSAVA Guidelines: https://mcvma.org/position-statements/
An ASV Critique: The 2024 WSAVA Guidelines for the Control Of Reproduction in Dogs and Cats: https://doi.org/10.56771/jsmcah.v4.120
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ycs0c-LOTyGev1F7BHuRcA#/registration

Webinar - 5/21/25 - Summa Fundraising Series Session 2: Special Events - CalAnimals
2025-05-21 10:00 - 11:00
Presented by: Summa sponsored fundraising professionals

To event or not to event—that is the question! Join us for an engaging workshop to explore whether special events should play a role in your fundraising strategy. Learn insider tips and proven techniques to plan unforgettable events that drive success and amplify your mission. Don’t miss this chance to take your fundraising to the next level!
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OenLwg_DRGS0Oa46l1haTQ#/registration

Webinar - 5/21/25 - Panleukopenia 101: A Guide for Fosters and Caregivers - National Kitten Coalition
2025-05-21 16:30 - 17:30
Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to learn from Dr. Emily Coleman as she explores the life-saving strategies for panleukopenia in kittens. Specifically designed for foster families and kitten caregivers, this webinar will provide you with crucial knowledge on recognizing early symptoms, accessing timely care, and implementing effective vaccination and cleaning protocols to stop the spread of this devastating disease. Equip yourself with the tools and confidence to safeguard the health of the kittens you care for and make a lasting impact on their lives.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4117434563319/WN_zwMw0g2xStK9RJ3xNbcMyQ#/registration

Online Course - Starts 5/26/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-05-26
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 next session starting 8/4/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 7/4/25.
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.
Learn more about upcoming sessions at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Webinar - 5/28/25 - Making Kittens Count: Kitten-Focused Data Insights and Opportunities - Shelter Animals Count
2025-05-28 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for this exciting conversation with Hannah Shaw, aka “The Kitten Lady”. This session explores how better data-keeping for pre-adoption age kittens can drive lifesaving outcomes for the tiniest felines. Hannah will share fascinating new national insights from SAC’s animal-level data, uncover the challenges and opportunities of tracking kittens, and offer practical strategies to improve how we record, understand, and act on kitten-focused data.
Plus, you’ll hear the latest initiatives from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and the latest data from Shelter Animals Count.
Panelists:
Hannah Shaw – The Kitten Lady
Tori Fugate- Shelter Animals Count
Stephanie Filer – Shelter Animals Count
Courtney Suthoff – Hill’s Pet Nutrition
This webinar will be recorded and shared at http://shelteranimalscount.org/unlocking-animal-data-series/.
Making Kittens Count is part of the Unlocking Animal Data series, powered by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_88p4zhlHSomTktSvHqwxGQ#/registration

Webinar - 5/29/25 - Identifying, Strengthening, & Expanding the Mental Health Component within the One Health Framework - UT OHI
2025-05-29 09:00 - 10:00
While the One Health Framework identifies “mental health” as an integral component within the intersections of human, animal, and ecosystem health, its place within the literature remains limited. In this presentation, Chris Weatherly examines reasons why “mental health” remains underexplored within One Health research and practice, while also identifying existing themes within the literature and potential future directions. He’ll also discuss his journey in becoming interested in the field of One Health and expanding its mental health component, including his work as a mental health practitioner, researching climate change and mental health, and his current attempt to synthesize the literature on “animal mental health.”
Dr. Chris Weatherly is an assistant professor in the University of Georgia School of Social Work. He is licensed clinical social worker whose research areas of interest include strengthening rural mental health systems and unpacking the intersections of climate change, environmental degradation, species loss, and mental well-being. He has over 10 years of experience as a mental health professional and has worked within acute psychiatric settings, post-disaster, and rural contexts with populations with severe mental illness, substance use concerns, and complex trauma histories.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tennessee.zoom.us/meeting/register/mmnkiAirTxu-_lEkvThBiw#/registration

Webinar - 6/2/25 - So You Want to Be The Boss? Challenges and Solutions for Today’s Progressive Leaders - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-06-02 10:00 - 11:15
Everyone wants to be the boss! Or so they think… In this presentation, Pasco County Assistant Director Spencer Conover will take you through the challenges of today’s leaders, discuss cultural differences in today’s workforce, and discuss solutions for today’s progressive leaders.
Although examples will be taken from the presenter’s experience in the Animal Welfare industry, Spencer Conover has also led the Pasco County Leadership Development Program and worked with leaders across 57 different departments within County Government. The lessons learned in this presentation will help shape any aspiring leader or help reinvigorate the most seasoned executive leader.
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/so-you-want-to-be-the-boss-challenges-and-solutions-for-todays-progressive-leaders/
