Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

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  • Webinar – 2/11/25 – How Much Do You Know About Bird Flu? – Maddie’s Fund

    Webinar – 2/11/25 – How Much Do You Know About Bird Flu? – Maddie’s Fund

    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 – From Intake to Impact: Creating Efficient & Successful Pathways to Placement – HASS

    Webinar – 2/13/25 – From Intake to Impact: Creating Efficient & Successful Pathways to Placement – HASS

    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 – 2/6/25 – Puppy Socialization or Infectious Disease Prevention: Can’t We Have Both? – Fear Free

    Webinar – 2/6/25 – Puppy Socialization or Infectious Disease Prevention: Can’t We Have Both? – Fear Free

    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 Event – 3/4/25 – All Call: Understanding Your Community Part 2 – California for All Animals

    Online Event – 3/4/25 – All Call: Understanding Your Community Part 2 – California for All Animals

    Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to engage all members of our communities. Starting February 18, Partnering for Pets: A Multicultural Community of Practice, is coming to the All Call to strengthen our capacity to do just that.

    Are you passionate about increasing adoptions, foster, return to home, and keeping more pets and people together? Do you want to learn and share practical strategies for building relationships with diverse communities? This community is for you!

    March 4 Topic: Understanding Your Community Part 2 with Melissa Gomez, San Francisco SPCA, and Elsa Ramos, Oakland Animal Services. Register to join us.

    Join Melissa Gomez (SF SPCA Community Workforce Manager) and Elsa Ramos (Friends of Oakland Animal Services Bilingual Adoption Coordinator) as they share their journey of creating meaningful connections with Latine pet guardians and discover how you can bring these welcoming approaches to your own organization! Learn about successful volunteer translator programs, community ambassador initiatives, and other approaches that have helped community members feel truly welcomed and supported.

    You’ll leave with practical ideas for recruiting a talented and diverse team, bridging language barriers, supporting families in a climate of fear and deportation threats, and building lasting relationships that help keep and bring pets and people together.

    Through June 3, the All Call will provide a space for learning, sharing, and networking with colleagues dedicated to building stronger connections with all segments of their communities. You’ll hear how California shelters are advancing culturally-responsive programming and building bridges to decrease length of stay and increase positive outcomes for animals, as well as the shelter staff and community members who care for them.

    About the All Call

    The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.

    The All Call is hosted by California for All team members Allison Cardona, Nadia Oseguera-Ramóna, and Ivy Ruiz, 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: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

     


    Ahora, más que nunca, es esencial que todos los miembros de nuestras comunidades participen. A partir del 18 de febrero, Partnering for Pets: A Multicultural Community of Practice (Colaborando para mascotas: Una comunidad de práctica multicultural), llegará a All Call para reforzar nuestra capacidad de hacer precisamente eso.

    ¿Le apasiona aumentar las adopciones, el cuidado temporal, el regreso a casa y mantener juntos a más mascotas y personas? ¿Quiere aprender y compartir estrategias prácticas para cultivar relaciones con comunidades diversas? ¡Esta comunidad es para ti!

    Tema del 4 de marzo: Entendiendo su Comunidad Parte 2 con Melissa Gomez, San Francisco SPCA, y Elsa Ramos, Oakland Animal Services. Regístrese para acompañarnos.

    Acompañe a Melissa Gómez (Directora de Personal Comunitario de SF SPCA) y Elsa Ramos (Coordinadora de Adopción de Friends of Oakland Animal Services) en su camino hacia la creación de conexiones profundas con los cuidadores de mascotas latines y descubra cómo puede aplicar estos métodos de hospitalidad a su propia organización. Aprenda sobre programas exitosos de traductores voluntarios, iniciativas de embajadores de la comunidad y otros métodos que han ayudado a los miembros de la comunidad a sentirse verdaderamente bienvenidos y apoyados.

    Se llevará ideas prácticas para contratar a un equipo diverso y talentoso, enfrentarse a las barreras lingüísticas, apoyar a las familias en un clima de temor y amenazas de deportación, y establecer relaciones que ayuden a unir y mantener unidas a las mascotas y las personas.

    Hasta el 3 de junio, el All Call ofrecerá un espacio para aprender, compartir y establecer contactos con colegas dedicados a construir conexiones más fuertes con todos los segmentos de sus comunidades. Escuchará cómo los refugios de California están avanzando en programas culturalmente responsables y construyendo puentes para reducir la estancia y aumentar los resultados positivos para los animales, y también para el personal del refugio y los miembros de la comunidad que los cuidan.

    Acerca de All Call

    All Call es una llamada comunitaria que se realiza dos veces al mes para profesionales del bienestar animal en California, los primeros y terceros martes. La llamada de una hora es un espacio dedicado a compartir y aprender unos de otros. Los temas más populares incluyen iniciativas que crean una cultura más inclusiva tanto para el personal como para la comunidad, programas que mantienen a las mascotas con su familia, tendencias de la industria, estudios, y también temas difíciles, como lo que no funciona o lo que es particularmente difícil en tiempos de crisis. La sesión es una mezcla de presentaciones, historias, debate abierto y tiempo para preguntas y respuestas.

    All Call está organizada por Allison Cardona, Nadia Oseguera-Ramóna e Ivy Ruiz, miembros del equipo de California For All, y se complementa con facilitadores rotativos. Sólo es necesario inscribirse una vez. En ocasiones, las llamadas se graban; después de la llamada se envían correos electrónicos de resumida con recursos adicionales.

    Regístrese: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

  • Online Event – 2/4/25 – All Call: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Still Matters – California for All Animals

    Online Event – 2/4/25 – All Call: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Still Matters – California for All Animals

    In animal welfare, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not just ideals—they are essential components of impactful and sustainable change. However, enacting change is not always easy. This presentation will explore three strategies to address diversity, equity, and inclusion in the animal welfare profession. 

    Attendees will gain practical insights into the challenges of creating psychologically safe work environments and strategies to foster equity and inclusion. Join us to discover how prioritizing DEI can strengthen our collective mission to improve the lives of animals and the communities that care for them.

    About the presenter

    Jasmin Robinson is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives with The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and MSM Global Consulting.

    Jasmin is a consultant, educator, and people strategist with more than 14 years of professional experience. She has contributed her thought leadership across industries, including education, nonprofit organizations, government, and corporations. Jasmin is committed to empowering professionals who are aware of the inequities in society and strive to be better leaders in their communities and organizations.

    Jasmin is completing a Ph.D. in Educational Administration. Her research interests include Black women’s experiences in historically white spaces, anti-Blackness, and cultural competence. In her spare time, Jasmin enjoys cooking, walking, thrifting, and reading.

    About the All Call

    The All Call is a twice-monthly, California community call for animal well-being professionals that occurs on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. The one-hour call is a dedicated space to share and learn from each other. Popular topics include initiatives that create a more inclusive culture for both staff and community, programs that keep pets with their people, industry trends, research studies, as well as the hard stuff, like what’s not working or what is particularly difficult during times of scarcity. The call is a mix of presentations, storytelling, open discussion, and Q&A time.

    The All Call is hosted by the California for All Animals team, Nadia Oseguera-Ramón, Ivy Ruiz, and Allison Cardona. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.

    Register here: https://tinyurl.com/all-call

  • Webinar – 2/23/25 – Behavioural Medicine in Shelter Cats for Primary Care Veterinarians and RVTs – AnimalKind

    Webinar – 2/23/25 – Behavioural Medicine in Shelter Cats for Primary Care Veterinarians and RVTs – AnimalKind

    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/

  • Online Event – 3/4/25 – Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition – Maddie’s Fund

    Online Event – 3/4/25 – Camp Maddie: Kitten Edition – Maddie’s Fund

    Prepare for Kitten Season with expert guidance!

    ​Camp Maddie is back and this time it’s all about the kittens! ​This half-day session​ on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT​ is designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to tackle the challenges of the upcoming kitten season, which is expected to be particularly demanding. Most kittens in the US are born to free-roaming community cats. With shelters already stretched thin, this event will provide critical insights from ​industry experts to help organizations scale up their responses to meet the needs of more vulnerable kittens in their communities. Learn from national professionals Dr. Julie Levy, Marnie Russ, Monica Tarant, and Tabitha Kucera.

    Topics will include:

    • The role of community cat programs in saving kittens
    • Developing kitten foster programs that are effective, safe, and fun
    • Medical protocols tailored for kitten care in shelters and rescues
    • Behavior and socialization protocols for raising confident, friendly kittens

    Join us for this invaluable opportunity to learn from the best in the field and ensure you are prepared to make a difference in the lives of more kittens this season!

    This event includes an opportunity for more time with the presenters at a follow-up live question and answer session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PT. This will provide time for your team to catch up on any sessions they may have missed from the first day, to browse the extensive collection of supporting documents, protocols, and forms, and to bring forward any remaining questions and obstacles encountered in enhancing your kitten programs.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://maddies.fund/CampMaddieKittenRegistration

  • Webinar – 4/24/25 – Pioneering the Path: Innovations in Field Services Our Communities Need – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Webinar – 4/24/25 – Pioneering the Path: Innovations in Field Services Our Communities Need – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Join us as we explore cutting-edge advancements in animal field services. From AI-assisted tracking to community engagement strategies, this webinar uncovers the tools and approaches needed to build stronger, more resilient communities. Join us as we pave the way for a brighter future together.

    Speaker: Dr. Josh Fisher 

    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/pioneering-the-path-innovations-in-field-services-our-communities-need/

  • Webinar – 2/17/25 – Classroom to Clinic: Neonatal and Early Kittenhood Emergencies – The National Kitten Coalition

    Webinar – 2/17/25 – Classroom to Clinic: Neonatal and Early Kittenhood Emergencies – The National Kitten Coalition

    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 – 5/20/25 – Doors Wide Open – Successful Program Profiles: Neighborhood Pets and their Community-Centered Well-Being for People and Pets – Open Door Veterinary Collective

    Webinar Series – 5/20/25 – Doors Wide Open – Successful Program Profiles: Neighborhood Pets and their Community-Centered Well-Being for People and Pets – Open Door Veterinary Collective

    Topic: Successful Program Profiles: Neighborhood Pets and their Community-Centered Well-Being for People and Pets

    Join Geraldine, Becca and Janet as they discuss the community-centered approach of Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center, a membership-based, Cleveland nonprofit created by proximate leaders—those deeply connected to the communities they serve. They have built strong human service and community development partnerships to help families also access vital healthcare, legal and emergency resources.

    This webcast highlights how Neighborhood Pets offers adaptable strategies for innovative community building in support of human and pet well-being!

    Guest Speakers:

    – Geraldine D’Silva, National Director of Programs & Partnerships at Open Door Veterinary Collective

    – Janet Hoy-Gerlach, PhD, LCSW, LISW-S, Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary Collective

    – Becca Britton, Executive Director at Neighborhood Pets

    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