Shelter Learniverse

Webinar - 9/21/24 - Return-to-Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats - Community Cats Podcast
2024-09-21 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
It used to be that a feral cat had little chance of exiting a shelter alive after he entered. But that’s no longer the case. In recent years, more and more shelters have adopted Return-to-Field (RTF) programs. Instead of euthanizing healthy community cats (whether feral, friendly or otherwise), the shelter will spay or neuter, eartip and vaccinate, then return the cat back to where he was found. We’ll cover the policies behind RTF, the mechanics of implementing the program, current controversies over the RTF of friendly cats, and how to combine RTF with TNR in general to lower cat populations and create sustainability.
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/return-to-field-saving-the-lives-of-community-cats-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2024/

Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/23/24 – Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program – Leadership – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-09-23 | Virtual
Society’s relationship to pets continues to evolve. The majority of people consider their pets to be beloved family members and expect their local animal shelter to work diligently to save the lives of the dogs and cats that enter the facility. This program will provide the knowledge you need to assume a management or leadership role at an open-admission animal shelter. You’ll learn how to maximize a shelter’s lifesaving potential through program management, community engagement, and shelter operations while at the same time preparing yourself for an exciting career.
The five courses are:

Leadership covering strategic planning, analyzing operations, decision-making, managing people and processes to achieve results, organizational responsibilities, and working with a board of directors.
Shelter Operations covering adoptions, animal care and sheltering fundamentals, animal behavior and enrichment, and customer service.
Community Program Development covering volunteers, foster care, spay/neuter, pet retention, events, and community relations.
Animal Health and Clinic Operations covering understanding shelter medicine, basic animal health considerations and care, euthanasia decisions, and clinic operations.
Marketing and Development covering development fundamentals, fundraising strategies, marketing fundamentals, adoption promotion, social media and websites, and media relations.

Each of these courses include live video conference sessions with top experts in the field providing students valuable contacts within the field. Additionally, alumni have access to exclusive networking opportunities and receive notification of employment opportunities.
You can sign up for individual courses or all five for a discount. All five must be completed to get a certificate.
Who will benefit from the program?

Professionals seeking a career change to something more personally fulfilling.
New shelter directors.
Shelter directors or managers wishing to improve their organization’s live release rate and sustainability.
People working in the animal welfare field who wish to advance into management roles.
Board members of animal shelters.

Credit for program/courses
Upon completion of all five courses, you will receive a Certificate in Animal Shelter Management from the University of the Pacific.
Each course earns:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the University of the Pacific
Association of Animal Welfare Advancement CAWA Continuing Education (CE) credits

Schedule and Registration
Each of the five online courses are six weeks long and are offered sequentially. The entire program is about seven months long, and a new round starts again after a short break. More information on start dates of each course and the registration form can be found on the University of the Pacific website.
​WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=21282#courseSectionDetails_2946837

Online Workshop - 9/23/24 - Leadership Accelerator: Effective Strategies to Make DEI Stick - The AAWA
2024-09-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
A four-hour accelerated workshop for leaders working towards an equitable and just profession.
In this executive level leadership online workshop, you will work together as a cohort of committed leaders. You will engage in self-reflection, create a roadmap for making DEI a strategic goal in your organization, and identify the core skills leaders need to model.
Workshop Objectives:

Define concepts of DEI and impact on animal welfare
Examine our DEI Journey Maps and share with others
Practice calling in conversations and how to foster open communication
Strategize new ways to incorporate DEI practices throughout your organization
Craft a 90-day action plan for the top three things you can do that would advance DEI in your organization

While we recognize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion from multiple levels of an organization, this course is specifically designed to support leaders, including executives, C-level staff, directors of municipal animal services, and board members.
Presenters:
– Jasmin M. Robinson, Director of DEI Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
– Maria Morukian, Founder & President, MSM Global Consulting
WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/9-23-24

Online Course – Starts 9/24/24 – Canine Social Behavior – IAABC (fee applies)
2024-09-24 | 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

Course Begins: September 24, 2024
Duration: 5 weeks
Instructor: Camille Ward, PhD, CAAB
Course type: Instructed Course
** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS **

Auditors do not attend online meetings
Meetings are not recorded
Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm Eastern (first meeting October 1st)
Meetings are 1 hour in duration
There are 5 meetings for this course

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

Webinar - 9/25/24 - For Dog's sake, can you stop that? Canine-Friendly Body Language Improvements for Humans - Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)
2024-09-25 09:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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_4bcg2hn4TGGXti0SZvCoCw#/registration

Webinar - 9/25/24 - The Future of Post-Adoption Support - University of Florida Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program
2024-09-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Are you an animal welfare professional looking to enhance your organization’s post-adoption support? Could your return rates for adoptions decrease if your adopters could get real-time answers to the most common settling-in issues for a new pet?
Petszel can lighten this load for you. Join us for a webinar to explore how Petszel can help your organization make more adoptions stick and see examples from other shelters that are using this app.
Date: September 25, 2024, 1:00 pm ET
Title: The Future of Post-Adoption Support
Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NqcIQaHWTA2wvA_vY2Angw
This new app developed by shelter directors and veterinarians works with your existing software to trickle tailored content delivered at the right time to new adopters. Automated post-adoption engagement and adopter check-in surveys delivered to your inbox let you know if issues are developing, giving your team time to help before a return occurs.
Petszel is free for shelters and rescues. Direct connection to PetPoint, Shelterluv, and ShelterBuddy (Chameleon coming soon!) reduces staff time and can even transfer medical records to the pet’s new veterinarian to improve continuity of care.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NqcIQaHWTA2wvA_vY2Angw

Webinar - 9/26/24 - From Horror to Hope: An Anti-Puppy Mill Advocate’s Eye-Opening Journey Inside of USDA Kennels - Life of Riley at Spring Point
2024-09-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Speakers:

Mindi Callison, Founder and Executive Director of Bailing out Benji
Alexis Bell, Research Analyst Bailing out Benji

Mindi and Alexis have devoted their lives to ending puppy mill cruelty and Bailing Out Benji is widely known as a powerful and tireless advocate for the dogs on these facilities. Through their examination of inspection records and images from licensed dog breeding facilities, they have uncovered and exposed cruelty and played critical roles in shutting down bad facilities and passing animal protection legislation. Earlier this year, members of Bailing Out Benji were given intimate access inside USDA kennels in the Midwest: they were allowed to see every inch of these facilities, touch everything (including dogs!) and had all their questions answered by the kennel owners.
Join Mindi and Alexis for a conversation about their experience and hear why animal advocates can be hopeful about changes that are happening within the industry.
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvdO-qqTwsE9cLZ_pIAXRc8lpwnlI00ijf#/registration

Webinar - 9/26/24 - Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Tracking Behavioral Observations in Shelter Animals - ASPCAPro
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us for an insightful session that will help you enhance your organization’s methods for collecting and utilizing behavioral observations in shelter animals. Our expert panelists will examine a mock behavioral communications flowchart and share valuable, practical tips to help you evaluate your shelter’s behavioral communication processes. You’ll walk away knowing how to implement small changes that can significantly improve the behavioral health of shelter animals.
Takeaways

Learn tips and tools for assessing your current system
Understand the important role of integrated care in behavioral health

Suited For
This webinar is best suited for animal behavior professionals, shelter professionals, and shelter volunteers.
Credits
This webinar has been submitted for CCPDT credit and is pending approval.
Presenters
Elise Gingrich DVM, MPH, MS, DACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Senior Director, Shelter Medicine Shelter Services, ASPCA
K.C. Thompson, Shelter Operations Manager, Humane Society of Charlotte
Katie Donohue, Associate Director of Behavior Services – Adoption Centers CBCC-KA
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/shelter-behavior-roundtable-tracking-behavioral-observations-shelter-animals

Webinar - 9/27/24 - Bridging the Gap: How VPAs Can Revolutionize Veterinary Care - United Spay Alliance
2024-09-27 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Are you ready to learn about a game-changing opportunity in veterinary care?
Join us for a FREE webinar, “Bridging the Gap: How VPAs Can Revolutionize Veterinary Care,” featuring expert Dr. Bob Murtaugh, where we’ll dive into the exciting push for the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA) position. This new role is set to enhance and support the veterinary profession, offering solutions to both current and future challenges.
In this session, you will:

Discover how the VPA role addresses veterinary provider needs.
Learn how practitioners can promote growth and improve access to care.
Gain practical insights on how YOU can help bring this role to life.

This webinar is designed with you in mind—whether you’re a veterinary professional, animal lover, or simply curious about the future of veterinary care. The entire session will be Q&A format, allowing you to engage directly with Dr. Murtaugh and ask your most pressing questions throughout the discussion.
📅 Date & Time: Friday, September 27th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET
📍 Location: Online
🎟️ Cost: FREE!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of veterinary care! Reserve your spot now and be part of this exciting discussion. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@unitedspayalliance.org
REGISTER TODAY: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5968507998059028570

Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/30/24 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)
2024-09-30 | Virtual
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.
09/30/2024 – 11/24/2024 – Now available for registration.
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: $399
WEBSITE LINK: https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=2133958

Online Event – 10/3/24 – Live from the Ranch: A New Approach to Loose-Leash Walking with Kiki Yablon and Ken Ramirez – Karen Pryor Academy
2024-10-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
On the Live From The Ranch, Kiki Yablon will join Ken Ramirez to discuss a new approach to loose-leash walking. Rather than just walking by your side, in this method, a dog and a person move through space together, almost like they were off-leash, interacting with each other and the world in ways both parties find enriching.
WEBSITE LINK: https://theranch.clickertraining.com/live/#next

Hybrid Conference - 10/4/24 to 10/6/24 - The Gathering III: CARE Conference 2024 - CARE (fee applies)
2024-10-04 - 2024-10-06 | Loews Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
The Gathering is CARE’s 3rd annual conference which highlights the wisdom of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) people working in partnership with Human and Animal organizations and Proximate Leaders. This unique event is deeply rooted in Community Wisdom.
We will be opening our invitation to 250 Attendees including veterinary students, animal welfare professionals, donors and community members advocating for Human well-being and Animal Care.
This year’s Gathering will focus on recognizing the gifts we have as individuals, prioritizing relationship building, and partnering together to bring about systemic change.
Love in Action. Love is a Verb.
WEBSITE LINK: https://careawo.org/thegathering/

Webinar – 10/4/24 – DPFL Playgroups: The Why, the What, and the How – Dogs Playing for Life
2024-10-04 08:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Learn about all the ways in which DPFL Playgroups are transforming shelters all across the country! This webinar (formerly offered in three parts) will cover the Why, the What, and the How of playgroups. Attendees will be introduced to dynamic video examples and impactful data and experiences from some of the over 350 shelters who have embraced the power of letting shelter dogs play! This is a 3.5-hour presentation with Q&A at intervals throughout. This webinar will not be recorded. This course has been pre-approved for 3 continuing education unit (CEU) credits for Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and by the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).
WEBSITE LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zlBqbWQpRtmPrZExC3_tzA#/registration

Webinar - 10/9/24 - How to Help Fearful Dogs Feel Safe with Dr. Zazie Todd - PPG (fee applies)
2024-10-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Almost three-quarters of dogs have some kind of canine anxiety, according to research. This talk is an overview of how to help fearful dogs, starting with recognizing the signs of fear and helping the dog to feel safe. We’ll look at the prevalence of fears in dogs, the kinds of fears that are most common, and some of the specific steps that can be taken to protect fearful dogs.
Management is important for several reasons. We’ll also look at the role of the dog’s attachment to their guardian, why it’s so important to work at the dog’s pace and not make them face their fears, and which techniques work best with fearful and anxious dogs. We’ll also talk about how to evaluate and prioritize the changes that will be most important in an individual case.
Learning Objectives

Appreciate the importance of choices and routine (including how to cope with changes)
Describe the secure base effect and understand what attachment to the guardian means for a fearful dog
Evaluate the changes that will be most beneficial for a fearful dog, including the role of management
Recognize tools, approaches, and actions that are detrimental for a fearful dog, and help clients choose (and stick to) alternate approaches.

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/how-to-help-fearful-dogs-feel-safe-with-dr-zazie-todd/

Webinar - 10/10/24 - Disaster Response Technology: Shelterly & Petco Love Lost - CalAnimals
2024-10-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Responding effectively during disasters involves careful allocation of resources and information management. With ever increasing frequency and intensity of disaster events, many organizations find themselves thinly stretched during responses. Utilizing technology is critical for ensuring animals get tracked throughout incidents and get back to their people whenever possible.
Shelterly and Petco Love Lost are the leading software tools designed to facilitate disaster response and recovery. Join us for this important session to learn about how Shelterly can help you track, manage, and care for animals during disaster incidents and how the use of Petco Love Lost can effectively support reunification.
Presenters:
Aaron Klein, Petco Love Lost
Abbie Moore, Petco Love Lost
John Peaveler, Humane Innovations
Trevor Skaggs, Shelterly
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_I_2PEWcqRlGQnjCVeBjIsg#/registration

Webinar - 10/10/24 - Maddie’s Insights: Behavioral Euthanasia: Just the Facts! - Maddie's Fund
2024-10-10 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. In October, Miranda Hitchcock, MS, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA will be discussing factors associated with behavioral euthanasia in pet dogs.
Behavioral euthanasia is a sensitive topic with a wide variety of personal thoughts and emotions. But what do we actually know about it? How often does it happen, and why? Do we have data we can use to make decisions? Where can we turn for information? This talk will walk you through the existing (and pending!) research on behavioral euthanasia to help us separate fact from fiction. There will be time for your questions.
Register here: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

What you’ll come away with:

An understanding of the history of research on behavioral euthanasia and the gaps
A summary of the 2024 paper “Factors Associated with Behavioral Euthanasia in Pet Dogs” and learn about the methods used (and why)
The types of behaviors that led to euthanasia in this study, and the information we can (and can’t) use from it to make decisions
The main findings of the study, including pieces that agree or disagree with previous literature
The limitations of research like this, and the potential for future study
Takeaways for pet professionals based on this research and resources available for folks in this situation

Can’t attend live? Register anyway and you will get a link to the recording after the webcast.
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.
Maddie’s Pet Forum discussion thread https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastBehavioralEuthanasia
About Guest Speaker: Miranda Hitchcock (she/her), MS Applied Animal Behavior, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified
Miranda is the co-founder and executive director of Every Dog Behavior and Training, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing inclusive, accessible dog training and behavior resources.
She began working with dogs as a volunteer at an animal shelter and fell down the rabbit hole of behavior. She moved to Austin for a Maddie’s Executive Leadership Fellowship with two of Austin’s shelters before becoming the operations manager at the municipal animal shelter.
Miranda left sheltering to found Every Dog in 2019, taking her behavior and leadership expertise to the nonprofit world. She is a certified dog trainer and multi-certified dog behavior consultant. She holds a master’s degree in applied animal Behavior and Welfare from Virginia Tech. In 2024, her first research paper on behavioral euthanasia was published in the journal Frontiers of Veterinary Science.
When not working, Miranda loves rock climbing, listening to fantasy audiobooks, and snuggling with her pittie, Nina.
WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/MIwebcastsRegister

Webinar - 10/10/24 - Americans with Disabilities Act and Service Animals in Field Services - NACA/Justice Clearinghouse
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:15 | Virtual
Service animals provide assistance to many people across this country. So how do you know if an animal is a service animal? What do you do if the animal is or isn’t a service animal? These are questions facing Animal Control Officers and others every day.
Navigating the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) can be a very difficult task and it is important that we protect the rights of the disabled while also being cognisant that there might be those who are claiming the use of a service animal incorrectly. This webinar will give you the tools to understand and provide protections afforded under the ADA while also giving you tools to approach those who are using the term “service animal” incorrectly.
Want to prepare for this webinar? The webinar, From Guide Dogs to Therapy Squirrels: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Animal Welfare Professionals, will be freely available on the JCH YouTube channel until Oct 11, 2024. Hit the bell icon on the JCH YouTube channel page to receive notifications of our latest video releases.
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/americans-with-disabilities-act-and-service-animals-in-field-services/

Online Conference - 10/12/24 to 10/13/24 - 2024 United Spay Alliance Online Conference - Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)
2024-10-12 07:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
The cat caretaking community is gathering together this October for a virtual convention for anyone who’d like to help make spay/neuter services affordable and accessible in their community!
Join the Community Cats Podcast and United Spay Alliance as they partner up to offer a two-day virtual conference that will focus on all aspects of spay/neuter. You’ll see presentations from all sorts of animal welfare experts on topics ranging from starting a low-cost spay/neuter program and funding spay/neuter services, to raising awareness in the community and more! You’ll have opportunities to ask questions, hear what works and didn’t work for professionals and volunteers from the community, and you’ll come away with new ideas to help you control the pet population in your area.
Why Attend?

Expert Presentations: Learn from leading animal welfare experts about starting and funding spay/neuter programs, raising community awareness, and much more.
Interactive Sessions: Ask questions, engage with professionals and volunteers, and gain practical insights to help control the pet population in your area.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

Scholarships: Thanks to our generous sponsors, scholarships are available for those interested in attending. The scholarship includes access to both the live event and recorded sessions. Visit Community Cats Podcast’s scholarships page to apply!
REGISTER NOW: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/2024-united-spay-alliance-online-conference/

Online Event - 10/15/24 - State of HASS Webinar Follow-up Q&A Session - HASS
2024-10-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Mike Wheeler, Director of Community Services at Cabot Animal Support Services, is planning an informal Q&A with people who attended the State of HASS live webinar or watched the replay to dive deeper into some topics and hear more from you.
Sign up here to join us for a follow-up session to learn more and ask questions about HASS data, research, and progress. You will also hear more about what one pilot director, Mike Wheeler from Cabot Animal Support Services, is doing in Arkansas to make it the HASS capital of the world!
WEBSITE LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_-D0s3U9jbb59hepOChPFUVzNJujjCr3bHFL2cRmSl4PK0A/viewform

Webinar - 10/16/24 - Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Zoomies: Contracts, Compensation and Collaboration - ASPCAPro
2024-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us for an insightful session in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program that will help your agency navigate the complexities of contracting for animal sheltering services. Our panelists will discuss the necessities of developing contracts with local governments, outline essential steps to build collaborative relationships with key government stakeholders and explore ways to demonstrate the need for adequate compensation for these valuable services.
Takeaways

The essentials for building and maintaining collaborative relationships with key government stakeholders
Key elements to include and what to avoid in contract negotiations for animal sheltering services
Pros and cons of various contractual models

Suited for:
This session is best suited for animal welfare leaders and staff as well as local governments that contract for animal sheltering services.
Speakers:

Triniti Halverson, CAWA, Executive Director of Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
Megan Dennis, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington
Kate Meghji, Chief Operating Officer at Humane Rescue Alliance
Julianna Tetlow, Senior Director of Government Relations at the San Diego Humane Society & Civic Alliance Solutions
The University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/ntsi-zoomies-contracts-compensation-collaboration-how-build-animal-sheltering

Online Training - 10/16/24 - Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller - Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-10-16 16:00 - 17:30 | Virtual
Community Cats Podcast is teaming up with renowned cat behaviorist Dr. Rachel Gellar to present a certification workshop designed to keep more cats and families together.
The workshop aims to help anyone on the front lines of animal shelters or rescues, who routinely work with families thinking about giving their cat or kitten over to the shelter for reasons related to feline behavior. This session will offer more information about surrender prevention, what it is and why it works, and some common interventions.
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. Attendees will receive a certificate after completing a short quiz.
But that’s not all! Everyone who registers will also receive access to four (4) mini-courses, perfect for anyone looking to keep more cats in homes, regardless of experience level! Mini-courses will cover common behavior topics, such as:

Litter box issues
Scratching concerns
Introducing your new cat to your home
Introducing your new cat to your resident cat

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-oct-2024/

Webinar - 10/17/24 - Better Outcomes: Harnessing Narrative Change to Transform Animal Welfare - CalAnimals
2024-10-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Pets rely on people, making human connections crucial to improving their lives. The problem is our stories and messages often undermine our best efforts. For decades mainstream narratives have been villainizing, blaming, and shaming pet owners, community members, and other animal welfare advocates. Stories and messages have failed to describe the root causes of issues. The result is that precious energy and resources go to faulty strategies and infighting. Pet families are separated, and animals go without the care they need. In this webinar we explore how better stories and messages can help us overcome these challenges and help us focus on doing our best work for pets and people together.
Presenter:
Hanna Lentz, Executive Director
Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change (SPARC)
WEBSITE LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OoMWeOsuSYia2DrFCVvijw#/registration

Online Conference - 10/20/24 - 5th Annual National Kitten Coalition Veterinary Conference - National Kitten Coalition (fee applies)
2024-10-20 06:45 - 15:15 | Virtual
Affordable Group Pricing Options Available!
Groups of five or more: don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to provide your entire clinic team with RACE® CE-approved kitten-specific training and education at an unbeatable price! Contact webevents@kittencoalition.org today to secure your team’s spot and unlock exclusive savings!
The National Kitten Coalition Veterinary Conference is a kitten-focused, virtual event intended for veterinarians, veterinary technicians/nurses, those currently enrolled in veterinary or veterinary technician schools, veterinary staff members in private practices and shelters, and those involved in veterinary education and research.
This one-day conference will include sessions on kitten hospitalization, spay/neuter techniques, upper respiratory tract infections, diarrhea, kitten toxicities, fetal and neonatal mortality, and more! Explore the full conference lineup here.
Since this is a virtual event, you’ll have an opportunity to gain valuable insights and to have your questions answered by some of the most knowledgeable veterinary experts —without having to travel. Registration includes access to on-demand recordings of the sessions after the October 20, 2024 conference date.
The National Kitten Coalition is an American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) approved provider for RACE® CE. This conference program (AAVBS Course Number: 20-1194430) has been approved by the AAVSB for 6.5 credits of live, interactive RACE® CE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians/nurses in jurisdictions that recognize RACE® approval.
The 2024 National Kitten Coalition Veterinary Conference will be recorded. The on-demand recorded version of the conference and CE quizzes are also being submitted for RACE® CE approval. All who register for the live conference will also have access to the recorded sessions and optional quizzes through December 31, 2024.
WEBSITE LINK: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AovGtH5vpkec4Z1jsavFskiv6qY1DFsrTFq5aEeCIPi711dE9Pcg~ArKaUQQIQ5XKa5f1qrAhtf0GyAoQb1Ybd6TlMkTDxJy1PjNYrd9ksC8y5mVIFQTM3JAqKVBRS5_odoU_YlV7l5dVMA

Online Course – Starts 10/21/24 – Compassion Fatigue Strategies Plus – University of Florida – Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program (fee applies)
2024-10-21 | Virtual
Today’s animal welfare and veterinary medical professionals are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for animals, people, and the organizations that heal, connect, and protect them. If that’s you, it’s easy to feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. The work feels never-ending. Taking care of your own needs might seem impossible.
Transforming empathic distress (aka compassion fatigue) is absolutely possible for you and your staff. That’s why the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida is once again offering its Compassion Fatigue Strategies online course with certified compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce.
This course will help you recognize signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma, learn how to reduce stress injury, increase your self-care and team-care practices, build compassion satisfaction, restore resiliency, and make successful changes in your life and in your organization.
By the end of class you’ll:

Have 6 strategies to help you do the work you love, without being sidelined by compassion fatigue and burnout, so that you can feel energized and happy again
Know which self-care and stress management practices work for you
Have a personal mission statement so that you can feel clear about why you do this work even when it’s challenging
Have clear and manageable goals, so that you can make lasting changes in your sleep, diet, friendships, or anything else that really matters to you
Feel comfortable using super simple meditation practices, so that you can restore your balance
Clearly understand how and when to get professional mental health help, without shame
Know how to collaborate with your staff and coworkers on these issues so that you can all benefit from what you learned in the course

Regular individual registration is $349 per person through October 21st, 2024.
Bring the whole team for a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more.
WEBSITE LINK: https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/continuing-education/compassion-fatigue-strategies/

Webinar - 10/23/24 - Counter-conditioning for Fearful and Anxious Dogs: How to Get it Right with Dr. Zazie Todd - PPG (fee applies)
2024-10-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
When a dog is frightened, we often make use of classical conditioning. Counter conditioning is a very effective tool to help dogs learn to like things they were previously afraid of, but many people make mistakes in its implementation—and then think it hasn’t worked. This talk will give an overview of those all-important details and why they matter.
The details include how to make a clear contingency, when and how to combine counterconditioning with desensitization, and the role of an element of surprise. Plus we’ll talk about the best ways to explain these ideas in client-friendly ways. Along the way there will be nods to the science of counter-conditioning and how it has changed since the days of Pavlov.
Learning Objectives

Spot common mistakes that people make in counter-conditioning
Understand the role of an element of surprise
Develop and perfect counter-conditioning plans

WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/counter-conditioning-for-fearful-and-anxious-dogs-how-to-get-it-right-wiht-dr-zazie-todd/

Online Event - 10/29/24 - The Roundtable: How to Retain a Diverse Workforce - The AAWA
2024-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
This roundtable features panelists who share the realities of sustaining a workforce with employees from various backgrounds, needs, and experiences. Hear different perspectives on what to consider to keep professionals from diverse backgrounds engaged and committed to their teams and organizations.
This discussion is especially for hiring managers, leaders, and committees who are interested in learning about resources that can help empower, support, and maintain a diverse workforce. This roundtable has been approved for 1 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credit.
The Roundtable Panel:

Rachel Levine, Director of People Development, Dumb Friends League
Jessica Lopez, Executive Director, The PAW Mission
Jessica Umunnabuike, Senior Talent & Diversity Specialist, San Diego Humane Society

Moderated by Jasmin Robinson, Director of DEI Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement
WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/RT-10-29-24

Webinar - 10/29/24 - Sharing Solutions to Support Lost Pet Programs - HASS
2024-10-29 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Stray pet intake is overwhelming animal shelters and there is a rising need for solutions to get those pets back home. Join industry experts from three HASS pilot shelters—Cincinnati Animal CARE, Greenville County Animal Care, and San Diego Humane Society, to learn about their pet reunification programs and how their efforts can be replicated where you live to get more lost pets home.
Register below and join us live on Tuesday, October 29 at 5 p.m. CT. After the live event, a recording will be emailed to all registrants within one week.
WEBSITE LINK: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7816739797796/WN_htCUCWZzSuyhnwXUy3px7Q#/registration

Online Event - 10/30/24 - The ASPCA-AAWA Research Forum 2024 - ASPCA and AAWA
2024-10-30 08:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
Don’t miss this FREE online event showcasing how to help vulnerable pets using data. Whether you love geeking out over data, want to help pets in your community—or both—you don’t want to miss the ASPCA®-AAWA Research Forum online on October 30 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET. Last year, nearly 1,300 of your colleagues registered for the Forum to explore new research results in community and shelter animal welfare.Get access to cutting-edge research that supports your lifesaving work, including studies on:

Tag! You’re Home! Reunification of Pet Cats with Their Owners Using a Community Engagement Approach
Benefits of Pair-Housing Dogs on Welfare Measures and Length of Stay
Using a behavior modification protocol to improve nail trim success in adult shelter cat
Rest or Rehabilitate? The Impact of Early Behavioral Treatment on Shelter Dog Rehabilitation Outcomes
Evaluation of StrayCare – a Targeted Cat Neutering Intervention

Attendees will leave with practical suggestions for applying what they’ve learned to benefit their communities and are eligible for CAWA and NACA credit, as well as IAABC CEUs!
Participate in a live Q&A with the researchers following the presentations.
The Research Forum is for anyone interested in advancing animal welfare, including veterinarians, shelter leadership, staff, and volunteers. Register here for free: aspca.org/researchforum
PS: Can’t attend live? Register anyway, and we’ll make the recordings available.
WEBSITE LINK: http://aspca.org/researchforum

Webinar - 10/30/24 - A Case Study – Animal Behaviour In Local Government: Proactive initiatives from the City of Charles Sturt - PPG (fee applies)
2024-10-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
What do trainers, animal management officers and dog owners have in common? A love of dogs and a need to understand animal behaviour.
This webinar provides a case study for the value of a collaboration between a trainer and a progressive, proactive local government council in South Australia – the City of Charles Sturt.
Local government councils in Australia have legislative requirements and work extensively with their residents in order to promote responsible pet ownership. However, it can be incredibly challenging for councils to educate the public in an area that, let’s face it, is rather boring to hear about. Dog owners aren’t lining up to learn about the laws for registration, desexing, microchipping or leash requirements, and the educational messages can often be lost.
As a trainer working in local government, Petra has been able to incorporate her understanding of animal behaviour and learning theory principles into some incredibly proactive, informative community engagement initiatives, including educational resources, dog park design, seminars and a ‘thank you’ campaign acknowledging responsible pet owners.
This presentation will explore how important animal management messages can be spread through an animal behaviour lens, provide examples of where and how trainers can collaborate with local government agencies, and showcase opportunities to share responsible pet ownership messages through their own work.
Learning Objectives

Identify opportunities to incorporate animal management messaging as part of your training curriculum
Identify opportunities to partner with local government in educational initiatives for their residents

Presenter: Petra Edwards
WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/a-case-study-animal-behaviour-in-local-government-proactive-initiatives-from-the-city-of-charles-sturt/

Online Event – 11/2/24 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)
2024-11-02 11:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
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-nov-2024/
