Shelter Learniverse

5/8/24 - How to be an Expert Witness in Animal Cruelty and Custody Cases - The AAWA
2024-05-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Three legal experts will discuss:

the role of the animal expert in court proceedings, including testimony in court as well as advising and educating attorneys
preparation for testimony, including cross-examination
best practices for the forensic witness
war stories and current trends

This session will reduce the fear of the unknown and instill confidence in testifying by explaining what is expected of an expert witness and outline things one should and should not do on the stand. Veterinarians often are especially reluctant to become involved with cruelty cases because of the fear of testifying in what they consider a potential adversarial situation and may feel they must make the entire case or speak in absolutes.
Target audience: veterinarians, animal control officers, anyone who may engage in an animal cruelty or custody investigation and be asked to testify as an expert.
Speakers:

Don Cocek, APA Fellow, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Gillian Deegan, Prosecutor, Botetourt County, Virginia
Melinda Merck, DVM, Veterinary Forensics Consulting

WEBSITE LINK: https://bit.ly/49wCJ0o

Online Course – Starts 5/8/24 – Animal Behavior Consulting: Principles & Practice – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-05-08
The IAABC Animal Behavior Consulting Principles & Practice Course is a unique twelve-week multi-module course providing a comprehensive overview of the many facets of animal behavior consulting for all species. The course is appropriate for experienced behavior consultants and practitioners as well as those newer to the field with a strong interest in animal behavior. The course features weekly online meetings with a Course Mentor discussing each learning module.
Course Begins: May 8, 2024
Duration: 12 weeks
Instructor: Erin Jones, PhD, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, CDBC
Course Highlights

27 renowned experts in the field
a comprehensive overview of Animal Behavior Consulting for all species
the only course to cover all facets of Animal Behavior Consulting
weekly online Mentor Meetings for ongoing support and further learning

Presenters include:
Dr. Mary Burch; Dr. Dan Estep; Dr. Susan Friedman; Dr. Lore Haug; Dr. Suzanne Hetts; Dr. Karen Overall; Dr. Chris Pachel; Chirag Patel; Ken Ramirez; Kathy Sdao; Mychelle Blake; Veronica Boutelle; Kristin Buller, LSCW; Brian Burton; Steve Dale; Dr. Sheila D’Arpino; Jessica Dolce; Gail Fisher; Sarah Fraser; Dr. Evon Hekkala; Dr. Jessica Hekman; Dr. Elinor Karlsson; Theresa McKeon; Gina Phairas; Randi Rossman; Dr. Rise VanFleet; Miranda Workman
Topics covered include:
Learning Science; Applied Behavior Analysis; Functional Analysis and Intervention Design; Biology; Ethology; Genetics; Marker Training; Case Studies; Desensitization and Counter Conditioning; Program Management; Behavioral Medicine; LIMA Practices; TAGteach; Business Promotion and Social Media Strategies; Interpreting Scientific Studies; the Human Side of the Equation; Sheltering, Fostering and Enrichment; Animal Welfare Science; Compassion Fatigue
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm Eastern (first meeting May 15th)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration with the exception of Week 7 (June 26th) which is 2 hours in duration
There are 12 meetings for this course

WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/animal-behavior-consulting-principles-practice/

Webinar - 5/7/24 - Press Pause on the Parvo Panic: Preventing a Case from Being an Outbreak - VETGirl
2024-05-07 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Did your parvovirus case turn into a parvovirus outbreak?
In this complimentary, 1-hour VETgirl–Elanco webinar, Dr. Brian DiGangi, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline Practice, Shelter Medicine Practice) will explore current recommendations and new tools for managing canine parvovirus in shelter environments. Tune in and learn how to plan for safe and successful case management by refining preventive care and biosecurity practices.
Thanks to sponsorship from Elanco, the recording of this webinar will be available to view free and On-Demand until August 7, 2024.
WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/may-7-2024-press-pause-on-the-parvo-panic-preventing-a-case-from-being-an-outbreak/

Online Seminar - 5/7/24 and 5/9/24 - Keeping Families Together: How to Support Domestic Violence Survivors and Their Pets - CVMA (fee applies)
2024-05-07 12:30 - 13:45 (America/Los_Angeles)
In this session, we will discuss the link between domestic violence and pets and how the veterinary community can increase access to veterinary care for survivors and pets by supporting pet housing programs at domestic violence shelters. Studies show that 65% of domestic violence survivors have a pet, but nearly half delay or avoid leaving abusers out of concern for their pets.
Veterinary professionals are likely to interact with survivors and their pets and have the opportunity to identify signs of potential abuse, respond to situations of crisis, and connect survivors to resources. Helping survivors and their pets stay together requires collaboration between human services, animal services, and veterinary services. Establishing lines of communication, providing resources, and sharing expertise between veterinary providers and human services removes significant barriers.
After this session, veterinary professionals will feel confident on how to navigate next steps in building relationships in their communities and supporting local pet-housing programs at domestic violence shelters.
Date and Time

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Registration closes May 3, 2024

Thursday, May 9, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Registration closes May 7, 2024

This course qualifies for 1.5 CEU.

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 seminar is open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary hospital staff, and veterinary students only.
Webinar is live and interactive. Webinar may be recorded by the CVMA for internal use and training purposes. All other recordings are prohibited.

WEBSITE LINK: https://cvma.net/continuing-education/upcoming-ce/cvma-online-seminar-domestic-violence-webinar/cvma-online-seminar-domestic-violence-webinar-information/

Webinar - 5/7/24 - Tribal Law and Animal Law - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2024-05-07 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Los_Angeles)
Tribal nations came before and now co-exist with the United States. Each tribal nation’s relationship with the United States federal government and state governments is unique and layered with complex forms of oppression and injustice. These relationships become more complicated with advocacy for companion animals, domestic animals, and wildlife who live on federally recognized reservations, when many tribal nations are still fighting for basic human rights, civil rights, and federal recognition.
Given the expansiveness of tribal law and the uniqueness of each tribal nation, this webinar will highlight some common themes different tribal cultures share that are specific to animals; the struggles that occur in advocating for tribal nations’ needs and the needs of animals who live on reservations; and the challenges that exist with the imposition of mainstream culture onto tribal cultures.
This webinar will then propose collaborative methods with tribal nations that create solutions, which uplift all beings within tribal nations’ lands and legal jurisdictions.
Presenter

As a Criminal Justice Program Fellow, Jessica Chapman works with the ALDF to address crimes against animals, partnering with stakeholders across the criminal justice system to resolve both the impetus and impact of animal cruelty.
Jessica earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley where she double majored in Slavic Languages and Literature and Native American Studies (honors). She earned a J.D. (cum laude) from Michigan State University College of Law, where Jessica received the 2020 Wanda Nash Award from the Animal Law Section of the Michigan State Bar. Jessica earned an Animal law L.L.M. (magna cum laude) from Lewis & Clark Law School. While at Lewis & Clark, she was awarded the inaugural 2021 Outstanding Animal Law L.L.M. Graduate Award and earned placement in the Cornelius Honor Society.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/tribal-law-and-animal-law/

Online Event - 5/7/24 - All Call: Collaborative High Quality, High Volume Spay/Neuter Training - California for All Animals
2024-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
On May 7, Outreach Veterinarian Chumkee Aziz will gather folks from organizations across the state for a conversation about their experiences in High Quality, High Volume Spay/Neuter training programming. Building skill and capacity in this area is one crucial way we can address the access to veterinary care crisis in shelters and communities. Albert Escobedo (RVTg and Director of Veterinary Operations, Humane Society of Sonoma County), Dr. Jennifer Allen (Veterinarian, CAMP LA), Megan Gram (Director of the Pacific Region, Animal Balance), and Kylie Ramos (Community Engagement Program Manager, San Francisco SPCA) will discuss challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome them, vet recruitment strategies, advice for retaining surgical team members, and more.
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

Online Meeting - Mondays - Weekly Community Conversations #ThanksToMaddie - Maddie's Fund
2024-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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. There is a NEW registration page for meetings starting May 6, and anyone who has been attending the calls will need to re-register here before then: 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://forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations

Online Event – 5/4/24 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-05-04 11:00 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
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://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/the-neighborhood-cats-tnr-certification-workshop-may-2024/

Hybrid Conference - 5/1/24 to 5/3/24 - IAABC Foundation Animal Behavior Conference - IAABC (fee applies)
2024-05-03, 2024-05-02, 2024-05-01
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Foundations’ Animal Behavior Conference will be held this year in Asheville, North Carolina and via livestream May 1st-3rd. The IAABC Foundation, sister organization to the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (the IAABC), is hosting its annual conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville – Biltmore and you’re invited!
Explore, discover and learn from experts in dog, cat behavior, horse behavior, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to attend over 30 educational sessions, covering topics such as:

Working with the human-animal, understanding social cognition and behavior of people and the importance of building community
Interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to emotional regulation, understanding disorders
Animal ethics, social constructions and defining “good training”
And much more!

In addition to the educational sessions, the IAABC Foundation is hosting 3 unique off-site events to kick off the conference. Choose to visit the first-of-its-kind facility, ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC), enter the fascinating world of parrot behavior at Phoenix Landing or learn from a panel of renowned equine educators. Last year’s attendees benefited from these amazing learning and networking opportunities. Now you can, too!
A scholarship is available to marginalized communities. IAABC members also receive a discount, so if you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join!
Take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn from top professionals and network with peers who share your interests. Reserve your spot at the IAABC Foundation Conference in Asheville now. We hope to see you there!
Contact the IAABC Foundation at questions@iaabcfoundation.org if you have any questions.
WEBSITE LINK: https://iaabcfoundation.org/animal-behavior-conference/

Online Event - 5/2/24 - Revolutionizing Veterinary Education - The Bridge Club
2024-05-02 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
As more and more technology enters the workforce – the way we train future generations of of DVMs and Technicians is changing. What does it look like and can today’s work force adjust? Join us for an intriguing look to the future, that is happening now!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.thebridgeclub.com/events/revolutionizing-veterinary-education

Online Event – 5/2/24 – Live from the Ranch: Choice and Control in Animal Learning with Susan G. Friedman – Karen Pryor Academy
2024-05-02 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
On the next episode of Live from The Ranch, Ken Ramirez will be joined by Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D. They will discuss what it means to incorporate choice and control in training plans, the impact of negative reinforcement, and how to think beyond labels by measuring observable behavior.
Tune in on YouTube on May 2, at 1 pm PT, for this free virtual event with live audience Q&A.
WEBSITE LINK: https://theranch.clickertraining.com/live/#next

Online Event - First Thursdays - Maddie's Monthly Foster Connection: AWLA's Kitten College Program - Maddie's Fund
2024-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Topic: AWLA’s Kitten College went from saving just 92 kittens a year with 28 foster families, to saving more than 1,500 kittens a year with almost 300 foster families. Come to this session to learn how they do it!
Speaker: Marnie Russ, National Kitten College Program Administrator, Animal Welfare League of Arlington
About Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection:
Join us on the first Thursday of every month to discuss successful foster innovations and programs, collaborate with others in the field, answer questions and talk through complex foster-related issues.
Who should join: Foster managers, coordinators, volunteers and any staff who are interested in learning about what’s working in foster programs.
You only need to register once for all meetings: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording within a day or two after each meeting.
All recordings and resources shared during the webcast will also be available in the Maddie’s Monthly Foster Connection group on Maddie’s Pet Forum https://maddies.fund/monthlyfosterconnectionMPF
Maddie’s Fund does not share registration information.
The opinions expressed by webinar presenters are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Maddie’s Fund.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MonthlyFosterRegistration

Webinar - 5/2/24 - Fear vs. Anxiety: Does the distinction matter? - Dog iBox (fee applies)
2024-05-02 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
It is common for pet parents, trainers, and veterinarians to lump fear and anxiety together as similar emotions. While that’s not inherently wrong, lumping them together without understanding what sets them apart is likely an oversimplification of these complex emotional states. This webinar will tease out some of the subtle nuances of these emotions and, even more importantly, expand on how we can use that information to guide our management and behavior modification (and medication!) interventions to improve their specificity and effectiveness.
Presenter: Dr. Christopher Pachel
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.dog-ibox.com/en/fear-vs-anxiety-same-or-different-and-does-it-matter.html

Webinar - 5/1/24 - Busting DEI Blowback & Burnout - The AAWA
2024-05-01 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Is your DEI work burning you out?
Anyone involved in DEI efforts may be feeling exhausted by what seem like insurmountable odds, especially after repeated attempts to make progress are met with resistance, inaction, and even hostility. How can you move your efforts forward in these moments without causing damage to yourself and others?
Come explore strategies for building an endurance mindset to DEI and try out tools to develop the stamina to continue progressing—even when you feel like you’ve hit the wall.
Session Objectives:

Identify common causes for hitting the DEI Wall
Explore tools to avoid burnout and build individual physical, mental, and emotional stamina
Determine organizational strategies and practices to maintain steady and sustainable progress toward DEI goals in the face of fatigue or blowback

Presenter: Jasmin M. Robinson, Director of DEI Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/5-01-24

Webinar - 5/1/24 - Leaving Conflict Behind: Skills to Reduce Intra-Household Aggression - PPG (fee applies)
2024-05-01 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
This webinar will discuss when and why dogs living together in a home might fight. Once management is in place, then what? How can we teach dogs to move away from conflict rather than into it? We will look beyond the basics to what skills and games can help dogs learn to move away.
Learning Objectives:

Learn skills and games to help dogs learn to move away from conflict.

Presenter: Christina Young
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/leaving-conflict-behind-skills-to-reduce-intra-household-aggression/

Online Event - Fourth Thursdays - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection - Maddie's Fund
2024-04-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
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 - 4/25/24 - Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection: Hyperarousal in Dogs - Maddie's Fund
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This month’s session topic: Hyperarousal in Dogs
Guest Speaker: Dr. Jill Sackman, Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan
Hyperarousal behaviors are common in dogs and are often not correctly identified in the non-clinical behavior setting. Dogs with hyperarousal behaviors can be dangerous, resulting in bruising and bites to family from jumping and grabbing. Injury is often serious enough that many dogs are relinquished. Effective assessment and treatment can result in a majority of dogs being able to stay safely in their adopted home. This talk will review what is currently known about hyperarousal/ hypersensitivity syndrome in dogs and report on a treatment approach used by the author that has led to significant improvement in behaviors and most of the dogs being able to stay safely in their adopted homes.
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

Webinar - 4/25/24 - Invisible Advocates: How the Social Justice Movement Influences Animal Advocacy - Life of Riley
2024-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Though efforts have been made within the animal advocacy movement to recognize intersections with human rights campaigns, the latter are frequently classified as belonging to “other movements” that are separate and apart from animal advocacy. Using real-life examples, presenters will explore ways in which individuals, communities, and groups have made transformative contributions (often unknowingly) to the success of animal advocacy through the framework of social justice. This webinar is intended to bring awareness and appreciation to the many forms of hidden contributions that contribute to victories in animal advocacy.

Speakers:
From Companions and Animals for Reform & Equity (CARE):

Akisha Townsend Eaton, Chief of Policy, Environmental Justice Division
Aline Silva, Senior Director of Environmental Justice & Policy and Housing Specialist

WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAudeChrTMiGtwXmyobJxAQ95RrCmW5oxoZ#/

Webinar - 4/25/24 - Cyber Security: A Leadership Perspective - CalAnimals
2024-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Cyber security pros from Syntech Group have generously agreed to share this super important information with our CalAnimals members. They will discuss current topics and stories about cyber security including examples and tactics that leaders can employ to enhance awareness and implement practices for organizational security. Lastly they will share a few resources for ongoing training and awareness. You won’t want to miss this!
Presenters:Katherine Wetherbee & James Stover – Syntech Group
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BGSyV1QmRXiXzSvHQCb64w#/registration

Online Event - 4/24/24 - Understanding Title Protection for Veterinary Technicians - The Bridge Club
2024-04-24 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Whether you are a veterinary technician or veterinarian, title protection is extremely confusing as it varies state by state.
In this exclusive conversation, we are joined by Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR, current President of the Board for Viticus Group; Beckie Mosser, RVT and President-elect for NAVTA and Sam Geiling, RVT, member of NAVTA’s Government Relations Committee to discuss the state of title protection for veterinary technicians. We will dive into the current state of affairs by state. We will provide updated links to content. Join us and have your questions answered!
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.thebridgeclub.com/events/understanding-title-protection-for-veterinary-technicians

Webinar - 4/24/24 - Bottle Feeding & Neonate Nutrition - The National Kitten Coalition
2024-04-24 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Bottle-baby kittens are arriving in many parts of our country – and in some places, the kitten season never stops! Kittens under four weeks of age, or ‘bottle-baby kittens’ need trained fosters to save their lives.
This webinar will teach you everything you need to know, from how much and how often to feed a kitten to how to mix the formula. Join us to learn the basics or get a refresher to bottle feed and help a neonatal kitten grow safely.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2617109689831/WN_Y4qzybIZRZSUWnVkNzgeOA

Webinar - 4/24/24 - The Healthy Animal-Healthy Community Initiative - The AAWA
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Over the last decade, animal welfare organizations in the US have shifted their focus towards addressing the root causes of animal problems, realizing the importance of addressing the human aspect of the issue. Program models have moved away from shelter-based services to more preventive, community-based solutions. The Animal Rescue League of Boston recognized this shift and updated its mission and vision to include bringing veterinary and wellness services directly to those who need it most, ensuring that animals are safe and healthy in communities rather than shelters.
This case study explores the journey of the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Wellness Waggin’ program, from its conception to implementation, including steps like determining a target area, building community relationships, securing funding, and launching a pilot program. The Wellness Waggin’ is now a successful mobile veterinary unit that has completed over 14,000 wellness care appointments since 2018.
Attendees will leave the webinar with:

A basic framework for implementing a new community-based program, including an alternative grass-roots approach to engaging with community that is achievable for organizations of all sizes.
Ideas for learning what each community needs
Ways to determine a target community for a new community-based program or for creating new community partnerships

WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/4-24-24

4/25/24 - Why Animals Need Trainers Who Adhere to the Least Intrusive Principle: Improving Animal Welfare and Honing Trainers’ Skills - Dog iBox (fee applies)
2024-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Recent interest in basic and applied research on negative reinforcement creates an opportunity to confirm the understanding of why animals need trainers who support the least intrusive principle in selecting behavior-change procedures. In this presentation, we will
1) examine the rationale for a hierarchy of behavior-change procedures according to the least intrusive principle,
2) consider the principle’s impact on animal welfare and trainers’ skills,
3) explore the research comparing positive and negative reinforcement for addressing escape-maintained behavior,
4) review alternative solutions to negative reinforcement, and
5) acknowledge recent concerns about the adoption of a procedural ethical guideline as it applies to the animal training profession.
These concerns offer the animal training community the opportunity to disagree well when disagreement exists.
Presenter: Dr. Susan G. Friedman
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.dog-ibox.com/en/why-animals-need-trainers-who-adhere-to-the-least-intrusive-principle-improving-animal-welfare-and-honing-trainers-skills.html

Webinar - 4/24/24 - APCC: Springtime Hazards - ASPCAPro
2024-04-24 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Springtime comes with its own lineup of potential hazards to our pets. This course will cover several springtime hazards for veterinarians and their teams to keep a watch out for, including plants, fertilizers, insecticides, composting dangers, and more.
Takeaways

A dig into springtime related toxins
Discussion of various springtime hazards
The effects on canines and felines exposed to each toxin
Treatment and prognosis breakdowns

Suited For
This session is suited for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, but all are welcome.
Credits
The live webinar and post-webinar online course are RACE-approved and are eligible for one hour of free CE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/apcc-springtime-hazards

The Roundtable: Make a PACT with Your Community
2024-04-23 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Compassion, transparency, leadership.
These are the drivers of People and Animals in Community Together (PACT), a new movement in sheltering that recognizes the power of working together as outlined in nine shared beliefs. Hundreds of organizations and their communities are already on board or are in the process of making a PACT.
Join your host Michael Robbins for a candid conversation with longtime shelter leaders Sharon Harvey, Joe Elmore, and Dr. Kendall Houlihan about why they embrace PACT — and why you should, too. This discussion will be tailored to executive leadership, but all are welcome to learn more about the nine tenets of PACT.
Panelists:

Joe Elmore, President & CEO, Charleston Animal Society
Sharon Harvey, President & CEO, Cleveland Animal Protective League
Dr. Kendall Houlihan, Associate Director in the Animal Welfare Division, AVMA

Moderator:

Michael Robbins, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Atlanta Humane Society

Zoom Meeting – 4/23/24 – Leadership Job-Alike – HASS
2024-04-23 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
This group is for Leadership in Animal Welfare, Human Animal Support Services, and more, and occurs once a month unless otherwise posted.
Please note: All Job-Alikes will be suspended starting May 1st.
During this suspension period, HASS will continue to evaluate the best step forward for the Job-Alike program. We’ve heard your feedback loud and clear that the time commitment, meeting cadence and frequency, as well as meeting format can be challenging, so it’s our goal to find a path that resolves these challenges, among others. We hope to have a clear direction and solutions outlined for you all by the end of August and already have plans in the works to transition this program smoothly.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYqd-yvrDkiEtxoB6v-gympzL5KOmvKw9M4

Online Event – 4/20/24 – Online Behavior Day – Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)
2024-04-20 07:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Community Cats Podcast will host their ever-popular Online Behavior Day on April 20, 2024.
More than 400 attendees from all walks of life are expected to log on and learn all they can to better understand and care for the cats in their lives. From animal shelter professionals to caregivers and cat owners, this is the perfect event for anyone who has wondered why cats do the things they do.
Online Behavior Day will feature four of the animal welfare industry’s most-trusted authorities on feline behavior. Workshops will focus on an array of subjects, from managing multi-cat households to creating a fear free shelter environment. Sessions will include a live Q&A to address attendees burning questions and concerns.
The impressive speaker lineup includes:

Pam Johnson-Bennett, certified cat behavior consultant and best-selling author of 8 books
Tabitha Kucera, Elite Fear Free and Low Stress HandlingⓇ-certified Registered Veterinary Technician, certified cat behavior consultant, and one of only 30 Veterinary Technician Specialists in behavior
Rachel Geller, Ed. D, Founder and President of All Cats All the Time, Inc., certified cat behavior and retention specialist, and Fear Free Shelter Specialist
Arden Moore, America’s Pet Health and Safety Coach and host of “Oh Behave” on Pet Life Radio

Sessions will run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Registration is $25 (early bird registration is $20 and ends March 20, 2024) and includes access to the live event and recordings after the event has passed. People who would like to attend this virtual event should complete the registration form here. More information about Online Behavior Day, its sessions and sponsors, can be found on the conference page here.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/2024-online-behavior-day/

Webinar - 4/19/24 - For Dog's sake, can you stop that? Canine-Friendly Body Language Improvements for Humans - Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)
2024-04-19 09:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Dogs are resilient and oh-so-forgiving! These qualities make them endearing as companions, along with their ability to love unconditionally. So, why do some dogs struggle to understand us when we are offering affection or when we want to help them, not harm them? In this session, we will focus on the HUMAN handling that contributes to unwanted behavior, even “aggression”. Get ready to rethink your approach as we reveal the common and widely accepted and taught handling errors that set dogs up for failure. Through extensive video examples, we will demonstrate alternative handling techniques that help dogs to trust and thrive!
This webinar will demonstrate:
– Examples of handling that causes negative behavior compared to handling that promotes desired behavior
– Demonstration of handling that induces trust and learning with dogs that are too afraid to respond initially to food rewards or affection
– Comprehensive discussion around the correct use of pressure and release and why this is a critical skill for shelter canine handlers to master to save more dogs
This is a 2-hour presentation followed by a 30 min Q&A session. This webinar costs $20 and you will receive the recording the next day.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EYFAcMH0S-6beQZX-RStQQ#/
