Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 1/14/25 - Better Together: TNVR & Public Health - United Spay Alliance and Community Cats Podcast
2025-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
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

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

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 - 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 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 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/

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 Seminar - 1/21/25 and 1/23/25 - New Laws for 2025 - CVMA (fee applies)
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 Conference - 1/25/25 and 1/26/25 - Online Cat Conference - Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)
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 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

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 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 – 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 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

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
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
