Shelter Learniverse

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2025-02-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-01-13 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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. If you registered prior to May 2024 or are new to these meetings, please use this link to register:
https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024
All calls are recorded and uploaded to the Community Conversations page on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvo2024Registration

Online Course - Application deadline 2/3/25 - Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2025 Session - UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2025-02-03
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? 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.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Event – 2/1/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2025-02-01 11:00 - 13:30
Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.
Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.
This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160

Online Event - 1/29/25 - Insights on the Consequences of America's Affordable Housing Crisis on People, Pets, and Animal Shelters - IHAC
2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:30
Please join the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, in-person or virtually, for our winter quarter Research Seminar! This event will not be recorded.
Presented by Lauren Loney, JD and IHAC Researcher, with insights from Denver City Councilmember Chris Hinds, Denver City Council District 10. Councilmember Hinds will discuss his District 10 2025 Pilot Pet Deposit Assistance Program and his passion for keeping people and pets together in their homes.
Recent research has shown that housing insecurity for tenants has dramatically increased in the last several years as rents have skyrocketed and eviction rates have climbed higher than even pre-pandemic levels. Housing insecurity directly impacts peoples’ ability to acquire and keep pets. There is a small, but growing body of research to better understand the impact of rental housing conditions on pets, pet owners, and animal shelters in the U.S. and how this issue relates to broader affordable housing and tenants’ rights social justice advocacy.
This presentation will share a brief history of how we arrived at today’s housing crisis, the local, state, and federal policy changes supported by our research, and provide the audience with an exciting peek at upcoming research in collaboration with the City of Denver to implement and assess a pilot pet deposit assistance program. Join us to learn about trends in pet relinquishment due to housing issues, policy solutions, and programmatic tools that may be most useful to mitigate the flow of beloved pets into animal shelters.
WEBSITE LINK: https://crimsonconnect.du.edu/IHAC/rsvp_boot?id=2267099

Online Event - Fourth Thursdays - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection - Maddie's Fund
2025-01-28 12:00 - 13:00
Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month as we talk about dog and cat behavior – supporting pets in our community and animal shelters. Each month, we hear from speakers about topics of interest to our group, such as behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal welfare, and how organizations successfully provide behavior support to dogs and cats.
Who should join: Animal welfare staff and volunteers who are interested in dog and cat behavior, and everyone who works to keep pets out of shelters and in homes.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum – https://maddies.fund/monthlybehaviorconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration

Webinar - 1/27/25 - Pregnant Queens and Bottle Baby Basics - National Kitten Coalition
2025-01-27 16:00 - 17:15
Join us for an exclusive double-feature webinar that covers the basics from two of our most popular sessions: “Caring for Pregnant Queens” and “Caring for Bottle Babies.” As kitten season approaches, you may already be encountering pregnant queens in your community and will soon be seeing bottle baby kittens. In this webinar, you’ll learn the essentials of caring for a pregnant queen and preparing for bottle babies—whether with or without their mom. Get equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the start of kitten season successfully.
Presenters: Susan Spaulding & Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6017358387491/WN_0LQlsYcxQkmYxWs3PepSoQ

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2025-01-27 11:00 - 12:00
Topic: Transformative Strategies for Sustainable Change in Animal Well-Being
Working in organizations in the animal well-being sector often means firefighting and responding reactively to urgent situations within communities. More and more in this ever-evolving landscape, animal well-being organizations are being called to balance their commitment to community care in this way with the need to address inequities and systemic barriers. Join Freedom Verses, a consulting firm rooted in equity and social justice, for an interactive session exploring our offerings to help build sustainable, inclusive practices within your organization and in the communities you serve. Discover how fostering collaboration, navigating conflict with a transformational justice lens, and rooting into your values can help align your work, not only with the needs of the communities most impacted, but also with the needs of your staff on the ground– particularly those whose identities mirror the communities you work within. Whether you’re rethinking decision-making models, deepening your commitment to equity, or addressing internal conflict, this session will showcase Freedom Verses’ tools and approaches to help your organization create lasting change while staying true to its values.
Maddie’s Fund hosts a weekly 50-minute Zoom call for animal well-being professionals. These calls are a collaborative space to share exciting new programs and research, discuss uncomfortable topics, connect with peers in the industry, and more, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.
Who Should Join?
Executive directors, animal well-being leaders, shelter workers, pet support professionals, volunteers, rescue organizations and anyone who shares the common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.
Win Ca$h for Attending!
Each month, Maddie’s Fund will be giving away up to $10,000 in grants. You can enter to win each time you attend a call or watch on-demand during the month by completing the giveaway drawing entry forms shared in the chat during the calls.
Register Today
Join us each Monday at 11am PT/2pm ET to receive support and learn about innovative ideas other organizations across the country are seeing success with. If you registered prior to May 2024 or are new to these meetings, please use this link to register:
https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvoRegistration2024
All calls are recorded and uploaded to the Community Conversations page on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Please note: All views expressed on these calls are not necessarily endorsed by Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/CommunityConvo2024Registration

Online Certificate Program – Starts 1/27/25 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2025-01-27
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.
01/27/2025 – 3/23/2025 Registration now available.
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
Course Price: $429
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Online Conference - 1/25/25 and 1/26/25 - Online Cat Conference - Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)
2025-01-26 07:00 - 14:00, 2025-01-25 07:00 - 14:00
Each year, the global Community Cats Podcast community comes together for this unique virtual event—no travel required!
Take part in two days filled with cat-centric content, speakers from a wide variety of animal welfare roles share their perspectives on the field, providing valuable insights to help you or your organization create a more humane world for community cats.
Attendees can take advantage of the interactive format, useful handouts, and get access to an exclusive Facebook group to network with other cat-focused volunteers and professionals.
Early bird registration is just $50, covering access to the live event, recorded sessions afterward, speaker slides, handouts, and more. Prices increase to $75 on December 27—so don’t delay!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/online-cat-conference-jan-2025/

Online Seminar - 1/21/25 and 1/23/25 - New Laws for 2025 - CVMA (fee applies)
2025-01-23 17:30 - 18:30, 2025-01-21 12:30 - 13:30
With several new laws taking effect in 2025, it is important for veterinary practices to have a clear view of the legal landscape to ensure continuing compliance. This talk will cover new and important laws that all employers and employees should be aware of moving forward. The course qualifies as continuing education credit for the purpose of California veterinarian and registered veterinary technician license renewal.
CVMA Online Seminars are convenient interactive presentations offering CEUs held in real-time. This learning platform allows you to participate from anywhere with internet access—from your practice, your home, or anywhere you have an internet connection. Attending is as easy as a few mouse clicks. You will only need internet access and either computer audio, a headset, or a telephone.
This webinar is open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary hospital staff, and veterinary students only.
This course is complimentary to all CVMA members!
This course qualifies for 1.0 CEU.
WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cvma-new-laws-2025/cvma-new-laws-2025-registration/

Webinar - 1/23/25 - Shelter & Rescue – A Training and Development Framework For Staff and Volunteers with Petra Edwards - PPG (fee applies)
2025-01-23 15:00 - 16:00
Behavior and welfare are sciences, and our understanding of behavior change and best practice animal care processes has changed drastically over the years. This is why continuous training and development and a commitment (and passion) for continuing education are so critical for animal trainers. This can be incredibly challenging for large organizations with a high flow of animals and teams of staff or volunteers at different stages in their careers, like shelters, rescues, daycares, boarding, or large training facilities. At this organizational level, training and development need to be structured and consistent and should strategically develop core competencies with a focus on skills, knowledge, and coached experience.
This comprehensive and holistic approach to training and development was introduced at the RSPCA South Australia with a new training and safety program – PAWS Training. The RSPCA South Australia cares for approximately 6,000 to 9,000 animals per year. They have limited space, limited resources, and limited staff, and rely heavily on hundreds of volunteers to be able to provide incredible support to homeless pets. The program was delivered in a combination of online theory and on-the-ground practical and coaching, and complimented work health and safety policy and procedure changes in the shelter that maximized safety for all.
This presentation explores the development, rollout, and overall outcomes of the PAWS program, including challenges faced, improvements made, and benefits to animals in care. We will also discuss the core transferable components for other organisations whose core business is working with large numbers of animals and people.
Learning Objectives
•Develop an understanding of the key components of a structured, consistent training and development program for staff and volunteers
• Develop an understanding of the processes involved in implementing a brand-new structure and educational program
Presenter: Petra Edwards
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/shelter-rescue-a-training-and-development-framework-for-staff-and-volunteers-with-petra-edwards/

Online Event - 1/23/25 - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection: Decoding Behavior Certifications - Maddie's Fund
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:00
Guest Speaker: Dorothy Baisly
Alphabet soup! The behavior and training world is full of letters and it can be very confusing to navigate. Which letters mean what and how do you know as a behavior professional which certifications you should pursue. Even harder for shelter leadership is knowing who to hire to best serve the animals in your care.
Meet with Dot Baisly, the Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) for a discussion on deciphering all those letters and learn about the IAABC’s certifications, particularly the shelter behavior certifications. These certs are the only ones in the animal behavior industry that are specific to the needs of shelters and their animals. Dot will review the steps to becoming certified and be available after for a discussion and answer questions anyone may have about certifications and IAABC specifically.
About Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection: Join us on the fourth Thursday of every month as we talk about dog and cat behavior – supporting pets in our community and animal shelters. Each month, we hear from speakers about topics of interest to our group, such as behavior medications, modifying animal behavior, assessing and improving animal welfare, and how organizations successfully provide behavior support to dogs and cats.
Who should join: Animal welfare staff and volunteers who are interested in dog and cat behavior, and everyone who works to keep pets out of shelters and in homes.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Behavior Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum – https://maddies.fund/monthlybehaviorconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyBehaviorRegistration

Online Event - 1/21/25 - All Call: Stronger Together - California for All Animals
2025-01-21 12:00 - 13:00
1/21 All Call Update
The way we get through the hardest days and nights is together: It’s what we’ve seen in the actions of Los Angeles animal shelters, partner organizations, community members, and neighbors near and far. At the next All Call on January 21, we are shifting gears to create space for what’s most needed now—connection and resource-sharing. Join your colleagues across California at 12 p.m. PT to offer and receive support. SoCal organizations will highlight resources available to shelters as they continue to mobilize to assist pets and people displaced by the fires.
Postponed: 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? Join the January 21 All Call to preview our upcoming virtual community of practice focused on multicultural engagement! Interested in joining? Let us know at tinyurl.com/partneringforpets.
Starting on January 28, this new community will provide a space for peer-supported learning, sharing, and networking with fellow professionals dedicated to building stronger connections with all segments of their communities.
At each meeting, 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.
Registration priority will be given to Cal for All Animals grantee shelters. As space allows, non-grantee organizations will also be invited to join.
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 co-leaders Allison Cardona and Nadia Oseguera 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 here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

Webinar Series - 1/21/25 - Doors Wide Open: Exploring Pet Inclusive Transportation Options to Increase Access to Veterinary Care - Open Door Veterinary Collective
2025-01-21 12:00 - 12:30
Topic: Exploring Pet Inclusive Transportation Options to Increase Access to Veterinary Care
Pet-friendly or pet-inclusive transportation is a recurring barrier identified by public-facing staff and volunteers across the human and animal welfare sectors. Families who struggle to find pet-friendly transportation are directly affected in their ability to access care for their animals. By highlighting these barriers and some solutions, we aim to expand the conversation to help increase access to veterinary care for bonded pet families in need.
This session will touch on local transit options, including public transport and specialized pet shuttle services. We will also spotlight examples of organizations that have successfully leveraged their own resources to create effective transportation solutions.
Guest Speakers:
– Geraldine D’Silva, Maddie’s National Director of Programs & Partnerships at Open Door Veterinary Collective
– Gayle Bair, Pet Retention Liaison at Animal Friends
– Marty Sampson, Founder and CEO at Leash
– Sarah McGoldrick, Vice President of Animal Operations at Dallas Pets Alive!
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.
This new monthly webcast series begins on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 12 pm – 12:30 pm Pacific Time.
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Event - 1st Tuesdays - All Call - California for All Animals
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00
The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.
The All Call is hosted by the California for All Animals team, Nadia Oseguera-Ramón, Ivy Ruiz, and Allison Cardona. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call. Find past call resources and recordings, including the recent Multicultural Engagement Community of Practice series, at the Cal for All Animals website.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Event - Monthly - Journey You Own Meditation Gathering - JYO
2025-01-08 17:00 - 17:45
Create a shared, supportive space to explore grounding practices.
The guided meditations happen every month and typically run 30-45 minutes. All are welcome to these very low-key sessions, with videos on or off, whatever feels most comfortable to you. No speaking is necessary unless you’d like to share at the end of the session.
Attendees register once and can attend any of the monthly meditation dates. Don’t forget to add the dates to your calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on any sessions.

About the Host
Jyothi Robertson is a student of meditation practice for 40+ years and trauma-sensitive grounding practices formally for the past three years. She was raised by parents who practice meditation and lead spiritual teachings for members of their Indian community. She began pursuing her own formal exploration of spirituality as an anthropology major at Princeton University and conducted fieldwork for her thesis while living at an ashram (spiritual center) in India in 1996. As a veterinarian, she is interested in highlighting the spiritual connection between all living beings.
Jyothi has completed certifications in trauma-sensitive mindfulness, advanced trauma-sensitive meditation, deep listening, DEI, and since 2019, has been receiving training in Buddhist meditation practices and philosophy. As a student learning meditation, she is interested in exploring these practices with others in community.
WEBSITE LINK: https://jyo.world/meditation-gathering/
