Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 2/6/25 - From Data to Dollars: Making Your Municipal Shelter’s Case for Funding - Best Friends
2025-02-06 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
In the high-stakes world of government animal shelters, every decision counts—especially when it comes to funding. Shelter leaders know a budget cut can be the difference between life and death for the animals in their care. In this webinar, we’ll help you navigate these challenges with the tools and knowledge to make a data-driven case for your funding. Using data from shelter management software, Census reports, Shelter Pet Data Alliance, and more, you can present a compelling, fact-based argument for keeping or even increasing the budget you need to continue your lifesaving work.
Our expert panel includes three experienced leaders who have navigated the challenges of government shelter management: Whitney Bollinger, Director of Strategy and Network Operations, Best Friends Animal Society; Kelsey Knight, Manager, Washington Parish Animal Shelter; and Scott Trebatoski, Director, Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center.
Gain practical insights on how to leverage data to secure your budget. Register now and join live on Thursday, February 6, at 5pm ET.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017344450526/WN_KfRPE0y5SYiijul_aFpweg#/registration

Webinar - 2/6/25 - Puppy Socialization or Infectious Disease Prevention: Can’t We Have Both? - Fear Free
2025-02-06 17:00 - 18:00
Puppies are like sponges, learning how to navigate the world. Unfortunately, as they transition from maternal to vaccine-acquired immunity, they can also “soak up” life-threatening infectious diseases. Knowing that socialization during the first 12 weeks is key to reducing future behavior concerns, veterinary and shelter professionals must understand how to balance vaccination and socialization to promote physical and behavioral health.
Join Dr. Meghan Herron, DVM, DACVB, FFCP-V, and Dr. Jason Stull, VMD, MPVM, PhD, DACVPM, on Thursday, February 6, at 8 p.m. ET, for a review of key concepts and practical step-by-step recommendations for safe and effective puppy socialization.
During this webinar, we will learn:

The key elements of promoting puppy socialization
The greatest infectious disease risks for young and adolescent dogs
Individual and group-level methods to effectively reduce disease risk
Practical steps to balance socialization and infectious disease risk in young and adolescent dogs

This webinar will be recorded and is RACE-approved for 1 CE Hour.
WEBSITE LINK: https://fearfreellc.webinargeek.com/puppy-socialization-or-infectious-disease-prevention-can-t-we-have-both

Online Course – Starts 2/10/25 – Creating Desirable Behavior Around Distractions – IAABC (fee applies)
2025-02-10
Full Students have instructor support in the class Forum to ask any questions you have during the course.
Auditors have access to course material only.
Michele demonstrates and explains how to train reliable behaviors around surprises, temptations, and all those daily events that present challenges for dogs. Trainers working with companion and sports dogs, as well as guide dogs, will benefit from this!
This course will help you:

Identify what environmental cues trigger undesirable behaviors in each individual dog
Create an effective training plan, teaching the dog to choose desirable behavior without human prompting in mild, and even highly distracting situations
Successfully manage challenging situations for both dog and handler

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/creating-desirable-behavior-around-distractions/

Webinar - 2/11/25 - When Cursing Isn’t Enough: Understanding Compassion Fatigue and Stress for Animal Welfare Professionals - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-02-11 10:00 - 11:15
The emotional train ride affects animal care, animal control, animal welfare workers, and volunteers whether you’re in the field or in the shelter. And sometimes, cursing just isn’t enough.
This webinar takes a direct look at the emotional and complex aspects of emotional fatigue and stress for animal care, control, and welfare workers and volunteers. It explores how the emotional impact directly affects us as well as how we can turn it into job satisfaction, thereby improving the lives of animals as well as ourselves. Learn how the joys and pains of the job often parallel each other. We’ll also talk about simple ways to handle all of this stress, even if it includes a curse word or two.
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: Rob Leinberger
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/when-cursing-isnt-enough-understanding-compassion-fatigue-and-stress-for-animal-welfare-professionals/

Webinar - 2/11/25 - How Much Do You Know About Bird Flu? - Maddie's Fund
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
No doubt you have seen recent news about cats infected by H5N1 avian influenza virus. Barn cats in dairies have died from drinking virus-containing raw milk from infected cows. Indoor household cats have acquired infection from eating commercial raw poultry diets laced with the avian virus. In December 2024, 20 big cats died of H5N1 infection at a sanctuary.
How much do you know about bird flu? Can this virus spread from cat-to-cat? Can cats spread infection to people? What is the risk for infected cats entering shelters, TNR clinics, and community clinics?
During this webcast, Drs. Cynda Crawford and Julie Levy will talk about risk factors for H5N1 avian influenza infection of cats in outdoor and indoor settings; risk mitigation measures for shelters, TNR clinics, and community clinics; and what to do if you suspect a cat might be infected.
Bring your questions or ask them ahead of time of this Maddie’s Pet Forum discussion thread: https://maddies.fund/ForumBirdFlu021125
Register for the webcast: https://maddies.fund/BirdFluWebcastRegistration021125
This webinar will be recorded. It has been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association.

Webinar - 2/13/25 - Tox Trends: Emerging Toxins and Updates in Small Animal Clinical Toxicology - ASPCAPro
2025-02-13 07:00 - 08:00
In this one-hour session, learn how to identify and treat the toxic syndromes currently on the rise in companion animals. This portion of the lecture will include discussion on psychedelic mushrooms, delta-8 THC, oclacitinib, illicit xylazine, and SGLT inhibitors. In the second half of the hour will feature recent updates in clinical toxicology. We will cover extracorporeal elimination, grape and raisin exposures, induction of emesis with ropinirole, and fluid diuresis.
Takeaways

Identify and manage small animal toxicoses on the rise in veterinary medicine.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using human over-the-counter urine drug screens.
Discuss current management of Vitis sp. (grape and raisin) exposures in dogs.

Suited For
This session is suited for small animal veterinarians and veterinary technicians, but all are welcome.
Presenter: Renee Tourdot, DVM, Senior Toxicologist and Team Leader, ASPCA
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/tox-trends-emerging-toxins-and-updates-small-animal-clinical-toxicology

Webinar - 2/13/25 - From Intake to Impact: Creating Efficient & Successful Pathways to Placement - HASS
2025-02-13 11:00 - 12:00
Across the country, animal shelters continue to face many challenges in turning animal intake into successful placements. With a united goal of supporting both people and pets in need, Spencer Conovor, Director of HASS pilot shelter Pasco County Animal Services, will speak in this webinar about how to develop a productive pathway to increasing placements and improving intake.
As a reminder, HASS now offers the opportunity to attend the live event and join optional office hours with the keynote speaker at a later date. Rather than a presentation, this forum is an open discussion specifically for attendees to ask questions regarding the webinar topic. Those who register for the live event will also receive office hour registration information following.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7017380094930/WN_0BSthbn0QoSYpM85mKSBFw#/registration

Webinar - 2/13/25 - Maddie's Insights: Can Trauma-Informed Care Support Behavior Modification Efforts for Dogs? - Maddie's Fund
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00
This talk will explore the aspects of Trauma-Informed Care for humans which might be applied in dogs, focusing on the assessment of shelter dogs or those presented for problematic behaviors, and the potential for protecting puppies from adverse early experiences.
Have questions or comments about this topic? Engage with our guest speaker on this Maddie’s Pet Forum discussion thread: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcast02132025
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording after the webcast.
Register now: http://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister
5 key learning outcomes:
1. Summarizing trauma informed care- what it is and where the concept came from
2. Considering adverse early experience and the impact of this for dogs
3. Assessment of animals impacted by adverse early experience
4. Treatment and rehabilitation of animals impacted by adverse early experience
5. The future of TIC in promoting positive welfare for dogs
This webinar has been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association. It has also been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize the Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) approval.
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Claire Corridan, BVMSPhD, MRCVS, Great Expectations Veterinary Consultancy
Dr. Corridan is a veterinary surgeon with a Doctorate in animal behavior and welfare. Claire has had a varied career combining first opinion and veterinary behavior referral practice with research and teaching in animal behavior, welfare and ethics, focusing on the human: dog bond, behavioral prophylaxis and promoting animal welfare for both companion and farmed animal species.
WEBSITE LINK: http://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 2/15/25 - From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-02-15 11:00 - 13:00
So many cats, so few trappers… and veterinarians… and holding space… and transporters. If you live in a well populated urban or suburban area and you’re trying to use TNR to address your city or town’s entire free-roaming cat population, you’re going to need a lot of help! How do you mobilize the public to trap the cats in their own backyards and get hands-on involved, attract volunteers and gain community support?
Learn from the folks who started the community TNR program in New York City and helped other municipalities organize their programs as well. We’ll go over training the public, providing support services, tracking success, gaining publicity and more.
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. 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/register/7923043849557765726

Webinar - 2/17/25 - Classroom to Clinic: Neonatal and Early Kittenhood Emergencies - The National Kitten Coalition
2025-02-17 16:30 - 17:30
Are you a veterinary student or faculty member with a passion for feline health and welfare? Join the National Kitten Coalition this February for our RACE® CE-Approved Neonatal and Early Kittenhood Emergencies webinar tailored especially for you!
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/classroom-to-clinic-neonatal-and-early-kittenhood-emergencies/

Webinar Series - 2/18/25 - Doors Wide Open: Pethelpfinder.org: Access to Financially Friendly Pet Services and What the Site Means for You - Open Door Veterinary Collective
2025-02-18 12:00 - 12:30
Topic: Pethelpfinder.org: Access to Financially Friendly Pet Services and What the Site Means for You
Pethelpfinder.org was launched after targeted research to expand access to veterinary care and pet care resources. Hear about the research, why this database uses the term “financially friendly” care and how it is expanding the connection and conversation on accessible pet care among non-profit animal welfare agencies, social service agencies, private practice veterinarians and leaders in the field.
We’ll share site features, benefits to pet families and benefits for listed service providers and social service agencies. We’re adding more benefits every day! We’ll also share some site statistics, insights on exciting plans for future development and cover how the site can help you during man-made or natural disasters.
Guest Speaker: Heather Cammisa, Program Manager at pethelpfinder.org and Chief Enterprise Officer at Open Door Veterinary Collective
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 - 2/19/25 - Clear the Air: Assessing and Improving Indoor Air Quality in Animal Shelters - UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program
2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:00
Are you struggling with offensive odors, excess humidity, or persistent respiratory disease problems in your animal shelter?
We can’t see the air around us, but we know it’s an important factor in the health and well-being of animals and people. How can you measure ventilation? What is a MERV rating? Is that air purifier in the cat ward helping? Join us for answers to your biggest questions, plus practical recommendations on currently available tools to improve air quality—including some promising new technology.
Join us Wednesday, February 19, from 10-11am Pacific for “Clear the Air: Practical methods for assessing and improving indoor air quality in animal shelters.“ By the end of this webinar, you’ll be able to:

Assess your shelter’s air quality and its relationship to animal health
Identify immediate, low- or no-cost steps you can take to improve air quality
Evaluate air purifier options

Ready for a breath of fresh air? Learn how to create healthier breathing environments in your facility today, clearing the way to better outcomes for sheltered animals and the people who care for them. Have questions now? Ask them when you register for the webinar and we’ll make sure you get answers!
Brought to you by the facilities team at the UCD Koret Shelter Medicine Program: Drs. Becky Stuntebeck and Denae Wagner.
Register and ask your questions now: https://sheltermedicine.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k6Qbq6JnQJuIb86JjrG7oQ#/registration

Webinar - 2/19/25 - Improving Access to Care: Financial Triage in Veterinary Medicine - HSVMA
2025-02-19 17:00 - 18:30
One of the most common and distressing barriers to veterinary care for both clients and veterinary teams is finances. When confronted with client financial constraints many practices are forced to provide care at no charge, heavily discount their services or even turn pets away. There is a better way! Join this webinar to learn about practical tools and sustainable solution-oriented financial resources that can be easily implemented by veterinary teams. Help clients say “yes” to your recommended treatment plans and free yourself to work on what matters most: your patient. Register now!
Learning objectives

Attendees will know how to harness financial assistance to benefit their clients and patients, without sacrificing production or clinic revenue.
Attendees will appreciate the unique contributions that each team member can make in navigating financial challenges with a client.
Attendees will come away with a library of resources for veterinary financial assistance.

Presenters
Dr. Margo Hennet is the Director of Veterinary Programs at the Open Door Veterinary Collective. She earned her veterinary degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO and then completed a postdoctoral Internal Medicine internship in Boulder, CO. She has professional experience in research, clinical practice, and the pet care industry. As a clinical veterinarian she has practiced in specialty hospitals, general practice, emergency, and rural mobile settings.
Aimee St. Arnaud is the founder of Open Door Veterinary Collective and a business partner in two full-service veterinary clinics that focus on removing barriers to care and increasing access to veterinary services while still maintaining a net positive revenue. She created Open Door Veterinary Collective, a non-profit that mentors practices that want to replicate this business model as a way to help more pet families get care while reducing moral stress for veterinary teams.
This webinar is FREE for all attendees. 1.5 hours of RACE CE credits for HSVMA members only.
Not yet a member? Join HSVMA today!
WEBSITE LINK: https://hsvma.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__JVIbh3XQYCCs8X_ACTbVg#/registration

Webinar - 2/23/25 - Behavioural Medicine in Shelter Cats for Primary Care Veterinarians and RVTs - AnimalKind
2025-02-23 09:00 - 12:30
Speakers
Claudia Richter, DVM, DACVB
Emilia Gordon, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice)
Description
Join Dr. Richter and Dr. Gordon on February 23, 2025, for a two-session webinar covering the diagnosis, treatment, and management of shelter cat behaviour conditions.
Topics include:

Common behavioural challenges and diagnoses in shelter cats
Differentiating behavioural diagnoses from medical conditions
Identify fear, anxiety and stress in shelter cats
Making treatment plans including the use of medication and behaviour modification
Make a behavioural treatment plan for cats moving from the shelter into a family
Behavioural reasons for shelter surrender in B.C.
Decision-making frameworks for intake, management, treatment and outcomes of behaviour cases
How multi-disciplinary teams (primary care veterinary teams, shelter staff and volunteers) can support and optimize welfare and outcomes for animals with behaviour diagnoses
Behaviour support of cats in stray and protective custody holds

Schedule
9:00-9:15
Welcome!
9:15-10:45
Session 1: Common behavioural diagnoses, interaction with medical conditions and treatment options
CE credits: 1.25*
10:45-11:00
Break
11:00-12:30
Session 2: Shelter “pathway planning” for animals with behaviour diagnoses
CE credits: 1.25*
*Approved by the AAVSB RACE to offer a total of 2.5 CE Credits [# 20-1263851]
Please note this webinar will be recorded, however, CE credits will only be awarded if attendance is live.
WEBSITE LINK: https://animalkind.ca/vet-webinar-2025/

Event - 2/25/25 - American Black History: Extraction to Extraordinary Concert - CARE (donation applies)
2025-02-25 16:00 - 18:00
A Black History Concert
Extraction to Extraordinary: A Taken People, and Their Adopted Music
Sponsored by CARE and WYPR
Performers include Kenyatta Hardison, Sunny Cowell, Brooks Long, DDm, Lafayette Gilchrist, Kamonté Johnson & Justin Taylor
These performances will pay homage to the power of the African American experience, both the struggle and ascendance; mirrored by music that sustained and healed a people, and inspired the world. Music performances will begin with Working Songs and move to today, fusions steeped in R&B, Hip Hop and Rock-n-Roll.
Proceeds of Extraction to Extraordinary Musical Event will raise scholarship funds for CARE’s Dr. Jodie G. Blackwell Veterinary Scholarship Fund which benefits African American students. With only 2% of U.S. Veterinarians being African American, CARE, along with your generosity, intends to raise that percentage by helping students offset the incredibly high cost of veterinary school. Last year, more than $80,000 was raised to support our future veterinarians and hope to continue to provide these invaluable funds.
Streaming and in-person tickets available. Seating is first come first serve!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.instantseats.com/?fuseaction=home.artist&VenueID=514&artistid=37665

Webinar - 2/27/25 - Contending with the Polycrisis in the Anthropocene: Climate Change and Human Health - UT OHI
2025-02-27 09:00 - 10:00
A virtual seminar with Daniel Mason-D’Croz
Daniel Mason-D’Croz is a senior research associate in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University. His research focuses on food system transformation broadly, having work on a range of topics in this space such as, assessing climate adaptation and mitigation challenges, estimating potential impacts of current and future diets on public and planetary health, exploring the role of technology and innovation to contribute to alternative food systems, and identifying potential vulnerabilities in current and future food systems.
This seminar is presented by the University of Tennessee One Health Initiative (UT OHI). Each month, OHI hosts speakers from across UT, the nation, and world to discuss their work, how they tackle current global challenges, and how solutions can be achieved by viewing these problems through a One Health lens. Seminars are held via Zoom on the last Thursday of the month, January – October, from 12-1pm Eastern Time.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tennessee.zoom.us/meeting/register/1wIfkJPNRyWmoGJQ_pOxgg#/registration

Webinar - 2/27/25 - Peer Support in Animal Welfare - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2025-02-27 10:00 - 11:15
In the dynamic realm of animal welfare, the significance of peer support cannot be emphasized enough. Join us in this webinar as we explore the concept of peer support and its applications in the fast-paced settings of animal sheltering and animal control. We will address how peer support can enhance other mental health initiatives within your organization and the crucial aspect of proper implementation.
Unlike first responders, the animal welfare sector lags in mental health resource accessibility and addressing the urgent mental health challenges faced by our professionals. Attendees will receive tools to assist them in joining or establishing a peer support team. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Define peer support.
Recognize when it is required.
Identify and understand what constitutes a “Critical Incident” in the Animal Welfare Profession.

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/peer-support-in-animal-welfare/

Webinar - 2/27/25 - Building Collective Momentum: Strategies to Increase Transfers and Adoptions - Best Friends
2025-02-27 14:00 - 15:00
Recent national data highlights a concerning trend: both adoptions at receiving rescues and shelters and transfers from source shelters are down, on average. This challenge offers an important opportunity to rethink how we can support one another and create lifesaving momentum in the animal welfare ecosystem. Join us for a discussion on how strategic transfer partnerships and open adoption practices can boost our collective impact and save more lives.
Hear from panelists with expertise leading both open intake and limited intake organizations. Suzette Cruz, Executive Director at Palm Valley Animal Society, and Jess Bridges, Shelter Operations Manager at Peninsula SPCA, will share their best strategies for starting and maintaining strong transfer and/or transport partnerships, as well as maximizing community adoptions.
Learn how to partner up for maximum impact on the lives of pets and people. Register now and join live on Thursday, February 27 at 5pm ET.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/6417367106034/WN_4mGsgNy4RzuqsMKwh8IlRg#/registration

Online Course Application Period – 2/28/25 to 3/11/25 – Spring 2025 Online Instructor-Led Courses – Maddie’s Fund
2025-02-28 09:00
Spring 2025 Courses begin the week of March 31, 2025
Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. They’re the catalyst you need to take your programs and learning to the next level! All courses are free #ThanksToMaddie!
These courses require completion of:

Self-paced online materials
Zoom classes with your instructor and classmates (The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, but can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90 minutes.)
Final project
Course Evaluation Survey

Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive.
To be eligible, your organization must be a U.S.-based 501c3 or government animal welfare organization. All Maddie’s University courses are pre-approved for NACA and CAWA CE (continuing education) credits.
Application period: February 28 – March 11, 2025.
Spring 2025 Course Offerings

Adoption Counseling
Cat Adoption Team’s Fostering 4 Rock Stars
Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters
Field Services: Tools & Equipment
Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns: Supporting Dogs and People
Live Better: The Power of You
Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach
Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge Shelter Consultations
Marketing Communications 101: The Essentials of Community Connection
Pet Support Services: Culture, Collaboration, and Case Management
Shelter Clinic Management

Learn more about each course’s information including course descriptions, instructors, class dates and meeting times on Maddie’s University: https://university.maddiesfund.org/online-instructor-led-courses

Online Event – 3/1/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-03-01 10:00 - 13:30
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160

Online Course - Starts 3/3/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-03-03
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 spring 2025 session starting 3/3/25! Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 2/3/25.
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

Online Event - 3/4/25 - Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition - Maddie's Fund
2025-03-04 09:00 - 13:00
Prepare for Kitten Season with expert guidance!
​Camp Maddie is back and this time it’s all about the kittens! ​This half-day session​ on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT​ is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of the upcoming kitten season, which is expected to be particularly demanding. Most kittens in the US are born to free-roaming community cats. With shelters already stretched thin, this event will provide critical insights from ​industry experts to help organizations scale up their responses to meet the needs of more vulnerable kittens in their communities. Learn from national professionals Dr. Julie Levy, Marnie Russ, Monica Tarant, and Tabitha Kucera.
Topics will include:

The role of community cat programs in saving kittens
Developing kitten foster programs that are effective, safe, and fun
Medical protocols tailored for kitten care in shelters and rescues
Behavior and socialization protocols for raising confident, friendly kittens

Join us for this invaluable opportunity to learn from the best in the field and ensure you are prepared to make a difference in the lives of more kittens this season!
This event includes an opportunity for more time with the presenters at a follow-up live question and answer session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT. This will provide time for your team to catch up on any sessions they may have missed from the first day, to browse the extensive collection of supporting documents, protocols, and forms, and to bring forward any remaining questions and obstacles encountered in enhancing your kitten programs.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/CampMaddieKittenRegistration

Webinar - 3/4/25 - Apartment Living: How To Work Around Challenges of Living with Pets in an Apartment - PPG (fee applies)
2025-03-04 15:30 - 16:30
Are you struggling to share your life with your pets while living in an apartment? Or have you recently relocated your life and family to an apartment and are now experiencing unique challenges with your dog’s behavior?
Like any unique environment, apartment living provides specific training challenges for you and your pet. Sometimes, a short potty break can provide lots of close and intense stimuli that your dog may not be comfortable with. What about internal noises from neighbors, elevators, and many other unpredictable stimuli that impact your dog’s comfort level?
This webinar will cover some essential elements to consider when choosing an apartment. We will also look at some of the protocols and training processes that can be implemented to help your dog comfortably acclimatize to apartment living alongside conditioning programs to help modify problematic behaviors you may be experiencing.
Learning Objectives

Understand what the “nice to haves” are when looking to rent.
Review a list of things you can begin to work on in preparation for moving into an apartment.
Understand the beneficial exercises you can work on to help your dog adjust to stairs, neighbors, elevators, close quarters, and strange people.
Understand and learn some great management activities and routines to help prevent the escalation of problems while you work through a training plan.

Presenter – Yvette Van Veen PCT-A
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/apartment-living-how-to-work-around-challenges-of-living-in-an-apartment-presented-by-yvette-van-veen/

Webinar - 3/10/25 - Transforming Perceptions, Increasing Adoptions: The Future of Shelter Pets in California - CalAnimals
2025-03-10 10:00 - 11:00
Most Californians say they support pet adoptions from shelters—but the reality doesn’t match their intentions. So, how do we close this gap and make shelters the first choice for pet seekers?
Join us for an exclusive look at CalAnimals’ new statewide advertising campaign designed to shift public perception and drive more pet adoptions. Sasha Howell, the strategic lead from Off Madison Ave, will reveal key research findings that uncover the biggest barriers to adoption—and how our campaign is strategically designed to overcome them.
You’ll gain insights into:

What Californians really think about shelters (and why they hesitate to adopt).
The research-backed messaging approach that will reshape public perception.
How you can help amplify this campaign and make a lasting impact on pet homelessness.

With our ad campaign launching soon, we need the collective power of shelters, advocates, and supporters to get this message in front of the right people at the right time. Be part of the movement that’s redefining shelter adoption in California!
Register now and be a part of the change!
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kP4P4g3pSFS29xPOXedRkg#/registration

Webinar - 3/11/25 - Loose Leash Walking Success for Clients with Mobility Disabilities - PPG (fee applies)
2025-03-11 10:00 - 11:00
Loose leash walking can be far more challenging to train than it appears, and for clients with mobility disabilities, it can present even greater difficulties. Veronica Sanchez, M.Ed., CDBC, CPDT-KA, explores how mobility disabilities can affect a client’s ability to train loose-leash walking and presents practical training techniques and strategies to help clients succeed.
Learning Objectives

How mobility disabilities can affect clients working on leash walking
How loose leash walking criteria may need to be adapted for clients with mobility disabilities
Techniques for introducing leash walking when the handler uses a wheelchair, walker, or other adaptive equipment
The importance of precise positioning for dogs walking on leash with clients who have mobility disabilities, and strategies for training positioning
Key foundation behaviors that support loose leash walking
Simple, effective strategies to help clients practice leash walking while navigating their disability

Presenter – Veronica Sanchez M.Ed, CABC, CPDT-KA
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/loose-leash-walking-success-for-clients-with-mobility-disabilities-with-veronica-sanchez/

Online Course – 3/12/25 – Return to Home Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast
2025-03-12 11:00 - 12:30
Leave all your assumptions about ‘dumped, abandoned, or unwanted’ stray cats at the door! Imagine if every stray cat entering our shelters was treated as a beloved pet with a family searching for them. How can we streamline the process of reuniting lost pets with their owners—without overburdening our dedicated staff and volunteers or filling up shelter space with lengthy stray holds?
In this session, we’ll explore straightforward, effective strategies and processes you can implement to support the owners of lost cats, become a valuable resource for those who find stray cats, and boost the rates at which cats in our shelters are joyfully reunited with their families.
Take advantage of the interactive format and earn your certificate of completion after passing a short quiz. Plus gain access to an exclusive Facebook group to network with other cat-focused volunteers and professionals.
This workshop is presented by Corinne Bourgoin, Shelter Operations Supervisor at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(MSPCA), and lasts 1.5 hours, including an optional 15-minute Q&A session. Registration is just $10.00.
For more information and to sign up go here.
Scholarships may be available! Apply for a scholarship to cover the $10 registration fee at this link: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/event-scholarships/
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-home-certification-workshop-mar-2025/

Webinar - 3/12/25 - How to Make Meaningful Culture Changes - The AAWA
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Leaders of animal welfare organizations often face complex challenges, especially trailblazers trying to make sustainable and meaningful culture changes to address the needs of increasingly diverse staff and communities.
Meaningful change requires the courage to explore and challenge beliefs and assumptions that hinder progress toward our goals. This webinar is for leaders ready to reimagine possibilities for equity and inclusion in the workplace. Participants will examine the mental roadblocks that hinder progress and explore the tools needed to champion organizational transformation.
Presenters:

Maria Morukian, President, MSM Global Consulting
Jasmin Robinson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

This webinar in the first part in a three-part Making Sustainable Change Series which addresses the mindset leaders need to affect change. The series includes a webinar, a roundtable discussion, and an interactive clinic. While you don’t have to attend each session in the series, participants who commit to the entire series will benefit the most.

This session, both live and the recording, has been approved for:

1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit
1 NACA CE
1 CE towards ACO CE requirements per Ch. 829 of the Texas Health and Safety Code by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/dei-change2025

Webinar - 3/12/25 - Telemedicine and Vaccine Clinics in California: How to Use and Comply with the New Laws - CVMA and SF SPCA
2025-03-12 12:00 - 14:00
Join the San Francisco SPCA and CVMA (California Veterinary Medical Association)for an exclusive webinar Telemedicine and Vaccine Clinics in California: How to Use and Comply with the New Laws
This informative session will feature Grant Miller, DVM, Director of Regulatory Affairs for CVMA, and Bruce Wagman, Special Counsel for the SF SPCA’s Shelter Policy and Legal Services program, who will share their expertise on 2025 legislative updates and best practices for veterinarians in private practice and shelters, shelter managers, registered veterinarian technicians, and veterinary assistants in California.
Register now
This program has been RACE-approved for 2 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.
This comprehensive course dives into recent legislative updates, including:

Expanded roles for Veterinarians, RVTs, and VAs under California law.
Key implications of:

SB 669, which establishes the capacity for vaccine/preventative care appointments and public vaccine clinics throughout the state.
AB 1399, enabling telemedicine to establish VCPRs and expand access to veterinary care.

Best practices for telemedicine practice.
Legal requirements for RVT-only vaccine/preventative medicine appointments and clinics.

Learn how to integrate these changes into your practice to improve client and patient satisfaction, efficiency, and animal welfare while directly addressing limitations on access to veterinary care.

Understand the latest legal and regulatory updates.
Enhance veterinarians’ ability to provide services to clients and patients with telemedicine, and understand requirements for telemedicine.
Support community service, and animal and public health, with improved and increased abilities for access to veterinary care.

WEBSITE LINK: https://bit.ly/4i63dti

Webinar - 3/13/25 - Adopters Welcome 101 - Humane World for Animals
2025-03-13 11:00 - 12:00
Adopters Welcome was developed by Humane World for Animals over a decade ago to encourage shelters and rescues to remove barriers to adoption. While so many individuals and organizations have embraced its framework, the need to think critically about adoption processes remains. In this updated four-part webinar series, attendees will learn how to identify barriers and develop the skills to create a more inclusive, welcoming, and conversational adoption program.
In the first webinar of the series, learn what Adopters Welcome is and what it isn’t, how it can build community engagement and help more animals. Whether your shelter or rescue has already embraced Adopters Welcome or you’re new to the conversation, this refreshed content is for everyone.
WEBSITE LINK: https://humanesociety.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aYJFP55iRCGuaC_YSUvb4g#/registration

Webinar - 3/13/25 - Lost Pets, Found Faster: How to Improve Reunification Efforts at Intake - HASS
2025-03-13 11:00 - 12:00
Every year, countless pets go missing, but how effective are our current reunification efforts? This webinar explores solutions to improve lost pet reunification rates and keep lost pets out of kennels. Join us March 13th at 1pm/CST as Ashley Shrewsbury, Pet Reunification Specialist at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control as well as Gina Botticello, Community Partnerships and Programs Manager at PASCO County Animal Services, discuss insights into making reunification faster, easier, and more effective. Register today to be part of the solution!
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/9817412860693/WN_Y2RiiWiiRnCCJoQpMeAKqQ#/registration
