Shelter Learniverse

Online Course – 3/7/26 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Central (small fee applies)
2026-03-07 11:00 - 13:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
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.
Led by experts from Neighborhood Cats, this 2.75-hour session includes an 15-minute Q&A. Registration is just $10.
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://communitycatscentral.com/events/live-tnr-certification-workshop-march-2026/

Webinar - 3/11/26 - Getting to Our Goals: Rethinking Community Engagement to Support Our Mission - Best Friends
2026-03-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Success in animal welfare today is about more than outcomes—it’s about relationships, and to reach our long-term goals, we must authentically engage with our communities, without judgement. This webinar explores how equitable, community-centric practices can dramatically improve outcomes for animals and people alike. Participants will explore evolving best practices and walk away with tools to reshape policies, partnerships, and messaging that truly reflect their values and goals. We’ll discuss impactful questions: Can you tweak your adoption process to decrease judgement and help more pets? Is your public messaging building trust with your community? How can we engage everyone in our work, particularly those in which we may not agree? Leave this session energized after re-imagining what the future of animal welfare could look like if we engage the full spectrum of our communities.
Presented by: Dr. Abbie Atteberry DVM, MS, CAWA, Elite FFCP
National Shelter Medicine; Best Friends Animal Society
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg

Webinar - 3/12/26 - Human Commonalities - HASS
2026-03-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
This webinar explores how shared human experiences shape the way people seek help, connect with services, and make decisions about their pets. Participants will learn how these insights can strengthen community‑centered programming and improve outcomes for both pets and families. The session highlights new data, stories, and tools that help organizations design more empathetic, effective support systems. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate these findings into daily operations and long‑term planning.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aVr-u-zVQAOlSO2SgyLrZw#/registration

Webinar - 3/12/26 - Maddie's Insights: Early Life Stressors and the Behavior and Physiology of Rescue Kittens - Maddie's Fund
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Maddie’s® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Join us in March for a webinar on how early-life stress affects rescue kittens’ behavior and health. Our speaker is Dr. Jennifer Vernick, a veterinary behavioral medicine resident at Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI in Canada.
Across species, early-life stressors, such as inadequate nutrition, maternal separation, unreliable access to shelter, threats/abuse, and disease, profoundly affect brain development and behavior. Research has shown these stressors can impair cognitive, emotional, and social functions as well as alter the body’s stress response systems, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In kittens specifically, early nutritional stress and maternal separation have been linked to learning deficits, abnormal fear responses, increased aggression, and altered play behavior.
At the end of this webinar, you will:

be able to identify several different examples of early life stressors
understand why hair cortisol concentration (HCC) may be useful to measure
be able to provide potential reasons for high and low HCC
understand why relative telomere length (RTL) is measured
be able to provide potential causes for shortened telomeres
be able to provide examples of how early life stressors were associated with the behaviours that rescue kittens displayed during testing

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 submitted for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval for on-demand viewers. We will post the recording on Maddie’s University a day or so after the live webcast.
Guest Speaker:
Jennifer Vernick, BA, DVM
Behavioural Medicine Resident
Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI
REGISTER: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 3/12/26 - Friend or Foe, My Dog Doesn’t Know: Finding Relief when Dogs Fear Strangers - ACVB (fee applies)
2026-03-12 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Dogs can develop a fear of strangers for many reasons. Often, the intensity of fear escalates over time, creating distress for dogs as well as for their caregivers. Early recognition and appropriate intervention may prevent both the development and progression of fear yet common canine communications are often overlooked or misinterpreted. For therapy to be effective and humane, it is important to determine the emotional components contributing to the behavior. This webinar will discuss a practical approach to recognizing, assessing and managing fear of strangers in canine patients.
Speaker: Ellen M. Lindell, VMD, DACVB
WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5112443649528767580

Online Training - 3/14/26 - Trappers’ Tips & Tricks Certification Workshop - Community Cats Central
2026-03-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Led by the experienced team at Neighborhood Cats, this workshop dives into proven techniques for trapping even the most trap-savvy cats. Drawing on more than two decades of hands-on TNR work, the session focuses on practical adjustments and creative strategies that can dramatically improve trapping success in real-world situations.
Whether you’re dealing with cats that won’t step on a trip plate or colonies that seem one step ahead of every plan, this workshop offers field-tested solutions you can adapt to your own work.
What You’ll Learn
Advanced Trapping Techniques for Wary Cats
Explore creative methods for outsmarting trap-wise cats, including modifying traps, using alternative bait strategies, and adjusting setups to increase success. Learn when and how techniques like clear rear doors, garden netting, and training cats to enter traps can make the difference between frustration and progress.
Problem-Solving in Real-World TNR Scenarios
Gain insight into how experienced trappers assess situations, adapt on the fly, and select the right tools for challenging environments. Real-life video footage from actual projects illustrates how small changes can lead to big results.
Valuable Resources & Certification
Take advantage of the interactive format and live Q&A, extensive handouts, and real-life video footage from actual projects. Attendees will receive a digital certificate after passing a brief quiz and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow TNR advocates. Plus the live course recording will be available for you to review for one year.
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://communitycatscentral.com/events/trappers-tips-tricks-certification-workshop-2026/

Webinar - 3/18/26 - Springtime Safety: Preventing Toxic Exposures in Kittens - National Kitten Coalition
2026-03-18 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Join us for an essential 30-minute webinar, Springtime Safety: Preventing Toxic Exposures in Kittens, led by Rosemarie Crawford, LVT.
While our focus extends beyond lilies, it’s crucial to note that a staggering 53% of cat owners are unaware that lilies are toxic to their pets*. With Easter approaching, many households are likely to display lilies and other seasonal items that pose serious risks to kittens.
This webinar aims to equip fosters and caregivers with the knowledge needed to navigate these hazards and to emphasize the importance of educating new adopters about the safety of their adorable spring kittens.
We’ll cover the most prevalent holiday hazards, including toxic plants, festive foods, and household decorations, while providing effective prevention strategies and guidance on how to respond in case of exposure. Attendees will walk away with clear, actionable insights to ensure the safety of kittens during the holiday celebrations, along with the opportunity for a live Q&A. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance the well-being of our furry friends!
* Cats Protection, 2025 (https://www.cats.org.uk/media/onnnmi1h/cats-report-uk-2025_digital.pdf)
Presenter: Rosemarie Crawford, LVT
NKC Co-Founder and Director of Educational Programs
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/springtime-safety-preventing-toxic-exposures-in-kittens/

Webinar - 3/18/26 - Challenging our assumption: The intersection of storytelling and data - Life of Riley
2026-03-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
This 60-minute workshop will explore the assumptions, limitations and opportunities of data as we lend a critical eye to the data landscape. Participants will explore case studies and scenarios about how data can be used in multiple stories; and where storytelling can be used to fill the gaps of what is known.
Presenter: Gretchen Mielke, Ed.D
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2W7pfiiOQICGE7mgU3ImXg#/registration

Webinar - 3/19/26 - There's No Place Like Home: How to Advocate for Pet Inclusive Housing - Best Friends
2026-03-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Families surrender beloved pets to shelters every day because people can’t find housing for the whole family. This is a major issue for pets, people, communities, shelters, and rescues — and it’s a problem we can solve together.
Register to join live on Thursday, March 19 at 4pm ET.
Learn about innovative pet-inclusive housing advocacy efforts around the country, and leave with new solutions for communities and organizations of any size. We’ll dive into ordinances, coalitions, relationships, data, and how to persuade elected officials that pet-inclusive housing isn’t an animal welfare issue — it’s a community welfare issue.
Our three panelists will share insights based on years of experience: Shannon Glenn, Executive Director of My Pit Bull is Family, on innovative approaches in Minneapolis; Jamie Blackburn, Housing Policy Specialist, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), on state-level work to break down housing stability barriers; and Kathleen Murphy, Policy Analyst, Best Friends Animal Society, to highlight national trends to inform and inspire your next steps — Kathleen is also a former Metro Nashville councilwoman. Arin Greenwood, Senior Strategist, Network and Advocacy Communications, Best Friends Animal Society, will moderate.
Whether you’re new to housing advocacy or already working with a coalition to pass pet-inclusive housing laws, this webinar will give you confidence, inspiration, strategies, and tools to help more pets and people in your community be together in homes. Bring your questions for the Q&A! Save your seat and join live.
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4917520773897/WN_BwUVeYo4SwugXsHyWmmpKg#/registration

Online Course - Starts 3/23/26 - Tails of Understanding: The Art of Communication With Our Human Clients - IAABC (fee applies)
2026-03-23 00:00 - 23:59 | Virtual
Do you ever feel that working with dogs is the easy part, and that working with their humans is the real challenge? This comprehensive 4-module course is designed specifically for dog trainers, veterinarians, shelter workers, groomers, and behavior consultants who want to strengthen their communication skills and navigate difficult client interactions with confidence.
Taught by two experts in conflict resolution who are also seasoned dog professionals with a combined 50 years of experience working with people and their dogs, this course offers practical strategies drawn from real-world scenarios you’ll actually face in your practice.
Through this course, you’ll learn how to:

Engage clients with genuine curiosity to uncover what’s really driving their concerns
Avoid common communication mistakes that lead to frustration and breakdown
Stay emotionally grounded when clients are reactive, dismissive, or resistant
Have hard conversations without damaging the relationship
Work effectively with clients who challenge your expertise or resist your guidance

This course goes beyond technical training knowledge to address the human side of animal work. You’ll develop the resilience and communication skills needed to build trust, collaborate effectively, and create lasting positive change—even with your most challenging clients.
Whether you’re dealing with clients who won’t follow through, argue with every suggestion, or bring conflict into your training sessions, this course will give you the tools to handle these situations professionally while protecting your own wellbeing.
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LIVE SESSIONS **
Sessions are not recorded
Sessions are 2 hours in duration
There are 4 live/online sessions for this course (March 25th, 27th, 30th and April 1st – 12:00PM EDT)
Duration: 2 weeks
Instructors: Carmaleta Aufderheide & Karis Nafte
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/tails-of-understanding-the-art-of-communication-with-our-human-clients/

Online Course - Starts 3/24/26 - Critical Applications: Ethical Approaches to Behavior Interventions - IAABC (fee applies)
2026-03-24 00:00 - 23:59 | Virtual
Are you interested in developing your skills and strengthening your knowledge on how to best handle and interact with animals while focusing on their welfare and well-being?
In this 8-week course, we will take a deep dive into the uses and applications of critical analysis when handling behavior cases. We will discuss the critical questions that allow us to evaluate our own choice of methods and inform us on how we can best approach each case from a competent, skilled and humane perspective. And, importantly, we will explore whether these methods are the most humane options available to help the individual animal learners live their best lives.
What to expect from this course:

Immersion into developing critical thinking skills and analysis when working maladaptive behavior cases.
Coverage of best practices to address individual cases using a systematic and informed approach.
Explanations of more than just how something works but why it works to best navigate the challenging space of current training methods.
Consideration of the ethical components behind working with nonhuman animal learners.

Is this course for you?
The course is not species-specific, so anyone working with any companion animal species can join.
A basic understanding of learning science is recommended but not required.
Though the focus is on behavior interventions, industry professionals of all experience levels will be able to gain a deeper understanding of humane practices by participating in the course.
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE WEEKLY MEETINGS **
Meetings are a safe space to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers. They are not recorded.
Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 5:00pm EDT, beginning March 31st.
Meetings are 1 hour in duration.
Meetings begin 1 week after course opens.
There are 8 meetings for this course.
Duration: 8 weeks
Instructor: Dr. Erin Jones MSc, PhD, PgDip, CPDT-KA, ADT, CDBC
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/critical-applications/

Online Conference - 3/24/26 to 3/26/26 - My Dog Is My Home Conference 2026 - My Dog Is My Home
2026-03-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
When a person loses their home, they experience trauma and grief. Their pet may be their sole source of love and support.
For a person experiencing homelessness, losing their pet can make one of the most difficult times in their life even more painful. Yet, with few emergency facilities offering pet-inclusive housing, it’s a decision so many people feel forced to make. We know pet-inclusive solutions to homelessness are not only possible, they already exist.
Since 2021, we have hosted the annual My Dog Is My Home Conference with the hope that someday, nobody will have to choose between a home and their best friend. By showcasing emerging practices in keeping people and pets together, we are building the housing solutions and communities we want.
The 3-day virtual My Dog Is My Home Conference (Mar 24-26, 2026) brings together:

Leaders in the field of pet-inclusive housing
Individuals with lived experience of homelessness
Hundreds of representatives from human services and animal welfare nonprofits

The My Dog Is My Home Conference aims to increase access to pet-inclusive emergency and long-term housing through workshops, webinars, stories of lived experience, art, community networking, and more.
All of this happens online, so there are no associated expenses beyond registration.
A win-win-win for people, animals, and service providers—pet-inclusive housing:

Supports humans’ mental, emotional and physical health
Saves hard-to-adopt animals from languishing or being euthanized in shelters
Frees space in animal shelters that are beyond their capacity

This year’s presenters include:

Aimee Gilbreath, President, PetSmart Charities
Nicholas Weinmeister, Project Administrator, USC Homelessness Policy Research Institute
Noah Patton, Director of Disaster Recovery Housing, National Low Income Housing Coalition

Need financial assistance? We believe cost should never be a barrier to participation. You can apply today for a scholarship. Made possible by a generous sponsorship from Maddie’s Fund®, #ThanksToMaddie.
REGISTER NOW: https://www.mydogismyhome.org/2026-conference

Online Training - 3/25/26 - Reducing Surrenders with Feline Behavior Support Certification Workshop - Community Cats Central (small fee applies)
2026-03-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual
Led by feline behaviorist Dr. Rachel Geller, this workshop focuses on how a strong understanding of cat behavior can prevent unnecessary surrenders and keep cats in their homes. Designed for surrender prevention specialists, shelter staff, and volunteers, the session explores compassionate, practical approaches that address both human concerns and feline needs—helping families and cats stay together.
Through real-life case examples with proven outcomes, you’ll learn how behavior-informed conversations can shift perspectives, reduce stress, and create lasting solutions for some of the most common challenges facing cat guardians.
What You’ll Learn
Principles of Effective Surrender Prevention
Learn the core strategies behind successful surrender prevention and why they work. This section focuses on guiding conversations with empathy, understanding guardian limitations, and identifying realistic solutions that support both the cat and the caregiver.
Addressing Common Behavior Challenges
Explore practical approaches to the three most frequent reasons cats are surrendered: litter box issues, destructive scratching, and inter-cat aggression. Dr. Geller shares field-tested techniques and examples that help redirect problem behaviors while strengthening the human–animal bond.
Valuable Resources & Certification
Take advantage of the interactive format and live Q&A, extensive handouts, and real-life case studies. Attendees will receive a digital certificate after passing a brief quiz and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow feline advocates. Plus the live course recording will be available for you to review for one year.
#ThanksToMaddie, we have several scholarships available for those helping cats in the United States. Scholarships are limited so don’t miss your chance to attend at no cost!
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://communitycatscentral.com/events/reducing-surrenders-with-feline-behavior-support-march-2026/

Webinar - 3/26/26 - Bridging the gap: Shelters and wildlife coexistence - Humane World for Animals
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Through Humane World’s Wild Neighbors program, we work with animal care and control partners to incorporate wildlife into their mission of animal protection. Animal control facilities are increasingly tasked with responding to wildlife issues in their community, but standard operating procedures often stand in the way of achieving humane outcomes for wildlife.
This discussion will combine what we already know with what we are learning from our partners to provide shelters with more resources for staff and the public on humanely solving conflicts with wildlife. The benefits include programs and frameworks for humane outcomes for wildlife in your community, a reduced workload for officers in the field, and a greater awareness in the community about how to solve problems with wildlife.
Presenter: Grace Kahler, Program Manager, Wildlife Protection, Humane World for Animals
Photo by Wendy J Keefover/Humane World for Animals
WEBSITE LINK: https://humanepro.org/trainings/bridging-gap-shelters-and-wildlife-coexistence

Webinar - 3/26/26 - Learn What the Monster Likes… and Feed It! Bridging the Animal Rights/Welfare/Control Gap by Focusing on The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:15 | Virtual
Is your organization rooted in animal rights, animal welfare, or animal control? In the eyes of many government officials and funders, it doesn’t matter—because animal issues often take a back seat to public safety concerns. What does get their attention is the human impact. By demonstrating The Link between animal abuse and human violence, you can shift the conversation—and the priorities.
This webinar introduces the critical connections between animal cruelty and domestic violence, child maltreatment, and elder abuse. You’ll learn how to leverage these connections to increase public recognition, attract new funding, and elevate your organization’s relevance in broader conversations about safety and well-being.
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/learn-what-the-monster-likes-and-feed-it-bridging-the-animal-rights-welfare-control-gap-by-focusing-on-the-link-between-animal-abuse-and-human-violence/

Webinar - 3/31/26 - More Than a Pet: Integrating the Human-Animal Bond into Ethical Social Work Practice - Center for Pet Family Well-Being
2026-03-31 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Pets play a critical role in the lives, safety, and well-being of many social work clients. In practice settings, such as housing, child welfare, aging services, behavioral health, and interpersonal violence, client decisions and outcomes are frequently influenced by their relationships with their pets. When pets are not considered, service plans may unintentionally create barriers to care, safety, and stability.
This Social Work Month webinar is designed to inform social workers about why pets must be recognized as part of the client system. Grounded in a One Health framework, this session will examine how the human–animal bond influences client engagement, risk, and access to services, and why pet-inclusive practice is essential for ethical, effective social work.
WEBSITE LINK: https://tiny.utk.edu/March2026Webinar

Webinar - 4/2/26 - Shelter Medicine Refresher and Updates 2026: Maximizing Veterinary Care in the Shelters - CalAnimals
2026-04-02 09:30 - 11:00 | Virtual
Presenter: Bruce Wagman, Attorney SFSPCA Shelter PALS Program
San Francisco SPCA’s Shelter PALS program will update and summarize the types of tasks that can be done by Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants in shelters, as well as those that are reserved to veterinarians, and how the team members can coordinate and work together to maximize animal health and welfare for all shelter animals.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dR_FqbvNSCqZhQEEpAuV3g

Webinar - 4/2/26 - Dealing with Over-the-Top Behavior: A Practical Tool-Kit - FDSA (fee applies)
2026-04-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Over-excited, over-the-top, out-of-control… Does this sound like a dog you know?
If so, they probably have over-arousal issues! Over-arousal can be a factor in many different behavior issues in dogs*, from hyperactivity to aggression. Teaching animals how to handle arousal can change their lives – and ours – for the better.
*NOTE: The concepts in this webinar apply to species other than dogs, too!
In this webinar, we will explore a range of tools for helping the over-aroused animal in your life. Topics covered include arousal and how it affects behavior, determining which “problem” behaviors relate to over-arousal (and which probably don’t), training games you can use to help the animals in your life learn to manage their arousal levels, and more.
Whether you want to teach your dog better manners around guests or are desperately trying to avoid a repeat of that bite to the mailman, this webinar is for you!
Presenter: Irith Bloom
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

Online Event - First Fridays - First Fridays: AI for Animal Welfare Professionals Collaboration Calls - Outcomes for Pets Consulting
2026-04-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Please join us every first Friday of the month to discuss AI use in animal shelters, share new AI developments, and join your peers in discussing creative solutions to common problems.
Meetings will occur the first Friday of each month at 11 am PST / 2 pm EST.
Registering for this meeting will register you for the complete series.
REGISTER NOW: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tzBOM-0PQ6KEJp3lyAJ0fA#/registration

Online Course – 4/4/26 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Central (small fee applies)
2026-04-04 11:00 - 13:45 | Virtual
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.
Led by experts from Neighborhood Cats, this 2.75-hour session includes an 15-minute Q&A. Registration is just $10.
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://communitycatscentral.com/events/live-tnr-certification-workshop-april-2026/

Online Course – Starts 4/6/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse
2026-04-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the UC Davis 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.

Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering.
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 and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

Online Course – Starts 4/7/26 – Canine Social Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2026-04-07 00:00 - 23:59 | Virtual
This course will teach you about canine communication, play, greetings, conflict resolution behaviors, and puppy social development. Dig into the science of canine social behavior, with an emphasis on dog-to-dog social interactions. Veterinarians, behavior consultants, trainers, groomers, kennel staff, shelter workers, day care staff, pet sitters, dog walkers, and keen guardians will all benefit from this course.
This course will help you:

Explain the importance of social relationships between dogs from a scientific perspective
Accurately interpret body language in dogs and understand how body language is linked to emotional states and communication
Describe and understand the stages of puppy development and how development can affect adult behaviors, including the development of problem behaviors
Recognize and interpret play and greeting behaviors in dogs
Describe the functions of conflict and reconciliation behaviors in dogs

Duration: 5 weeks
Instructor: Dr. Camille Ward MS, PhD, CAAB

Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 5pm EDT (first meeting April 14th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 5 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/canine-social-behavior/

Conference - 4/7/26 to 4/10/26 - Animal Care Expo 2026 - Humane World for Animals (fee applies)
2026-04-07 04:00 - 17:30 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Animal Care Expo is the largest international professional development conference and trade show for animal welfare professionals and volunteers. Experts from all aspects of animal welfare will come together from across the globe to learn about the latest programs, share best practices, gain inspiration and build lasting connections. The conference features an international trade show promoting the latest animal care products and services from a wide range of exhibitors. With a variety of session topics, learning labs, networking opportunities and social events, Animal Care Expo has something for everyone who cares about companion animals.
Join us April 7-10, 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA!
WEBSITE LINK: https://humanepro.org/expo

Conference – 4/9/26 to 4/12/26 – 2026 ABVP Symposium – ABVP (fee applies)
2026-04-09 06:00 - 2026-04-12 14:00 | Virtual
Get ready to expand your expertise, connect with colleagues, and explore the latest breakthroughs in species-specific veterinary care. The ABVP® Scientific Program is packed with innovative sessions, inspiring speakers, and practical insights designed to elevate your practice.
WEBSITE LINK: https://abvp.com/symposium/

Webinar - 4/15/26 - Protecting Kittens Through Vaccination: A Webinar for Rescues, Shelters, and Caregivers - National Kitten Coalition
2026-04-15 16:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Join us for a practical 30 minute webinar designed to help rescue organizations, shelters, fosters, and caregivers understand the essentials of kitten vaccination. Led by Emily Coleman, DVM, this session will walk you through the recommended vaccination schedule, explain why vaccines are critical for young kittens, and provide a clear overview of the diseases they protect against.
Whether you’re caring for a single foster kitten or managing a busy shelter, this webinar will give you the confidence to support healthy starts and prevent outbreaks. With easy to follow guidance and real world tips, you’ll leave with the knowledge you need to keep kittens safe and thriving on their journey to adoption.
Presenter: Emily A. Coleman, DVM
WEBSITE LINK: https://kittencoalition.org/event/protecting-kittens-through-vaccination/

Webinar - 4/16/26 - Maddie's Insights - Fur-ever starts now: Supporting dogs and adopters post-adoption - Maddie's Fund
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Each year, thousands of dogs are relinquished to rehoming organizations and adopted into new homes. Like many dog owners, adopters often encounter early health and behavior concerns—but for adopted dogs, these challenges can sometimes lead to returns.
In 2018, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, launched a post-adoption support program. Adopters from any UK Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre receive follow-up calls about their dog’s health and behavior at 2 days, 2 weeks, and 4 months after adoption.
This presentation reviews the program’s methodology and participant cohort, highlights the most common adopter-reported concerns, examines use of behavior support (and reasons it’s declined), and explores return-to-kennel rates, including when and why dogs are returned.
Our speakers are Drs. Eleanor Jordan and Lauren Samet, both of Dogs Trust, a British animal welfare charity and humane society which specializes in the well-being of dogs. It is the largest dog welfare charity in the United Kingdom, caring for over 15,000 animals each year.
Learning Objectives:

Understand common health and behavior concerns in dogs post-adoption in the UK.
Learn where adopters in the UK may seek advice from after adopting a dog.
Explore how embedding post-adoption support into the adoption process in the UK impacts engagements with the service.

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 submitted for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval for on-demand viewers. We will post the recording on Maddie’s University a day or so after the live webcast.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 4/16/26 - Ask Us Anything: Real-World Answers for Everyday Animal Welfare Challenges - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Virtual
Got a question? We’re ready.
Join us for an open Q&A session designed for animal welfare professionals at every stage of their careers. Our expert panel — representing municipal agencies, nonprofits, rural programs, and large-scale operations — will tackle your toughest questions, from staffing and funding to intake, public pressure, and field enforcement. Bring your challenges, get practical solutions.
Panelists
Mike Wheeler, Director of Community Services for Cabot, Arkansas
Jerrica Owen, Executive Director, National Animal Care & Control Association
Spencer Conover, Chief Operating Officer, National Animal Care & Control Association
Dr. Josh Fisher, Animal Services Director, City of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/ask-us-anything-real-world-answers-for-everyday-animal-welfare-challenges/

Online Event - 4/18/26 - Feline Behavior Summit 2026 - Community Cats Central (small fee applies)
2026-04-18 07:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Join Community Cats Central for an exciting virtual summit designed to deepen your understanding of feline behavior and improve your ability to support cats in your home, shelter, or rescue organization.
Understanding cat behavior is crucial for building positive relationships with cats, reducing stress, and preventing behavior-related issues that can lead to relinquishment or abandonment. This event features some of the animal welfare industry’s most trusted authorities on feline behavior, who will lead a variety of workshops covering a wide range of cat behavior concerns.
You’ll gain valuable insights into new concepts, tools, and techniques that can be immediately applied to help resolve common behavioral challenges.
In addition to the informative workshops, enjoy fun cat trivia and prizes that will enhance your experience, along with opportunities to network with fellow professionals and volunteers in the animal welfare community. This is a great chance to connect with others who share your passion for improving the lives of cats.
Date: April 18, 2026 Time: 10:00 – 5:00 PM ET
Cost: $25
REGISTER NOW: https://communitycatscentral.thinkific.com/courses/feline-behavior-summit-2026

Webinar - 4/22/26 - Rethinking Retroviruses: FeLV and FIV Testing Updates - Best Friends
2026-04-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
This session will equip shelter veterinarians and staff with the most current, evidence-based guidance on FeLV and FIV testing, interpretation, and management in the shelter setting. Participants will explore updated diagnostic recommendations, common testing challenges, and practical approaches for integrating testing into daily shelter operations. The session will also highlight strategies that support efficient population flow, informed decision-making, and strong lifesaving outcomes.
This program has been submitted for RACE approval (but is not yet approved) for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.
Presented by: Dr. Erin Katribe, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice)
National Shelter Medicine; Best Friends Animal Society
WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg

Hybrid Conference - 4/24/26 to 4/26/26 - IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Conference 2026 - IAABC (fee applies)
2026-04-24 05:00 - 14:15 | Virtual
Join animal welfare professionals at the 2026 IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Conference. This conference features a dedicated Shelter Track on Saturday, April 25, with sessions on behavior assessment, welfare optimization, and enrichment strategies. Explore 40+ evidence-based sessions across species.
Contact: questions@iaabcfoundation.org
WEBSITE LINK: http://iaabcfoundation.org/animal-behavior-conference/
