Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

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  • Online Course – Starts 1/13/25 – Professional Dog Training: Science & Application – IAABC (fee applies)

    Online Course – Starts 1/13/25 – Professional Dog Training: Science & Application – IAABC (fee applies)

    Training is simple, but it’s not easy! There’s canine learning to understand, practical skills and timing to master, and of course, the human part of the equation to consider. Professional Dog Training: Science & Application is a comprehensive 20-week program designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed as a dog trainer.

    Program Highlights:

    Each module features lectures and materials packed full of information and designed by a practicing dog training and behavior professional.
    You won’t just be watching videos – throughout the program you will engage in weekly online meetings, projects, assignments, and topic-based discussions.
    We learn better together! The program is designed using a community learning model; your active participation contributes to everyone’s educational experience and the success of the program.
    Assessment of your work is iterative; you are always given an opportunity to improve!

    Instructor: Camille Asmer CDBC, IAABC-ADT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA

    Presenters include:

    Lauren Novack; Renee Hall; Kathrine Christ; Tabitha Kucera; Michelle Mullins; Erin Jones; Dante Camacho; Allie Bender; Emily Strong; Alicia Harantschuk; Jackie Laubacher

    Module topics include:

    Principles of Learning Science; Practical Learning Applications; Body Language & Communication; Training & Management Tools; Puppy Fundamentals; Enhancing Animal Welfare & Management Through Enrichment; Husbandry & Cooperative Care Strategies; Client Communication; Client Instruction; Teaching Group Classes; Practical Ethics for Dog Trainers

    **IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WEEKLY ONLINE MEETINGS**

    • Meetings are a safe space to ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers. They are not recorded.
    • Meetings take place on Mondays at 5:00pm Eastern Time. The first meeting is January 20th.
    • Meetings are 60 minutes in duration
    • There are 20 meetings for this program

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/professional-dog-training-science-application/

  • Webinar – 2/13/25 – Tox Trends: Emerging Toxins and Updates in Small Animal Clinical Toxicology – ASPCAPro

    Webinar – 2/13/25 – Tox Trends: Emerging Toxins and Updates in Small Animal Clinical Toxicology – ASPCAPro

    In this one-hour session, learn how to identify and treat the toxic syndromes currently on the rise in companion animals. This portion of the lecture will include discussion on psychedelic mushrooms, delta-8 THC, oclacitinib, illicit xylazine, and SGLT inhibitors. In the second half of the hour will feature recent updates in clinical toxicology. We will cover extracorporeal elimination, grape and raisin exposures, induction of emesis with ropinirole, and fluid diuresis.

    Takeaways

    • Identify and manage small animal toxicoses on the rise in veterinary medicine.
    • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using human over-the-counter urine drug screens.
    • Discuss current management of Vitis sp. (grape and raisin) exposures in dogs.

    Suited For
    This session is suited for small animal veterinarians and veterinary technicians, but all are welcome.

    Presenter: Renee Tourdot, DVM, Senior Toxicologist and Team Leader, ASPCA

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/tox-trends-emerging-toxins-and-updates-small-animal-clinical-toxicology

  • Webinar – 12/10/24 – Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease: Standardizing Protocols for Vaccination and Treatment – Fear Free

    Webinar – 12/10/24 – Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease: Standardizing Protocols for Vaccination and Treatment – Fear Free

    Variations in vaccination protocols against pathogens that cause canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) can leave dogs vulnerable to infection. Understanding when to recommend non-core vaccines, such as Bordetella and canine influenza, as part of a dog’s core vaccine protocol is critical for comprehensive protection.

    Join us tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET with Dr. Carol Reinero, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), PhD, FFCP-V, to discuss vaccination and treatment protocols for CIRD, including risk assessment and vaccination route.

    During this webinar, we will cover:

    • The differences in core and non-core vaccines for dogs based on the 2022 AAHA guidelines
    • Epidemiologic data showing differences in non-core vaccine use even in similar geographic regions, using vaccines against Bordetella and influenza as examples
    • The clinical manifestations of canine infectious respiratory disease complex and how they are treated

    Join us for this free webinar! This webinar will be recorded and is RACE-approved for 1 CE Hour.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4764570/58E57B8408D716885ABFB9A45BC67367

  • Webinar – 12/18/24 – Top Poisons That Kill – VETGirl (fee applies for non-members)

    Webinar – 12/18/24 – Top Poisons That Kill – VETGirl (fee applies for non-members)

    F-U… HELP!

    In this 1-hour, VETgirl small animal webinar, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT will review the top poisons that kill small animal patients. While these poisons aren’t common, they have a higher rate of fatality compared to other more commonly seen toxicants in dogs and cats. In this lecture, Dr. Lee will review toxicants such as 5-FU, isoniazid, ethylene glycol, bifenthrin, and organophosphates/carbamates, the mechanism of action of each toxicant, modality of mechanism, clinical signs, and overall treatment!

    WEBSITE LINK: https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/december-18-2024-top-poisons-that-kill/

  • Webinar – 1/23/25 – Shelter & Rescue – A Training and Development Framework For Staff and Volunteers with Petra Edwards – PPG (fee applies)

    Webinar – 1/23/25 – Shelter & Rescue – A Training and Development Framework For Staff and Volunteers with Petra Edwards – PPG (fee applies)

    Behavior and welfare are sciences, and our understanding of behavior change and best practice animal care processes has changed drastically over the years. This is why continuous training and development and a commitment (and passion) for continuing education are so critical for animal trainers. This can be incredibly challenging for large organizations with a high flow of animals and teams of staff or volunteers at different stages in their careers, like shelters, rescues, daycares, boarding, or large training facilities. At this organizational level, training and development need to be structured and consistent and should strategically develop core competencies with a focus on skills, knowledge, and coached experience.

    This comprehensive and holistic approach to training and development was introduced at the RSPCA South Australia with a new training and safety program – PAWS Training. The RSPCA South Australia cares for approximately 6,000 to 9,000 animals per year. They have limited space, limited resources, and limited staff, and rely heavily on hundreds of volunteers to be able to provide incredible support to homeless pets. The program was delivered in a combination of online theory and on-the-ground practical and coaching, and complimented work health and safety policy and procedure changes in the shelter that maximized safety for all.

    This presentation explores the development, rollout, and overall outcomes of the PAWS program, including challenges faced, improvements made, and benefits to animals in care. We will also discuss the core transferable components for other organisations whose core business is working with large numbers of animals and people.

    Learning Objectives

    •Develop an understanding of the key components of a structured, consistent training and development program for staff and volunteers
    • Develop an understanding of the processes involved in implementing a brand-new structure and educational program

    Presenter: Petra Edwards

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/webinars-events/webinars/shelter-rescue-a-training-and-development-framework-for-staff-and-volunteers-with-petra-edwards/

  • Online Conference – 1/25/25 and 1/26/25 – Online Cat Conference – Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)

    Online Conference – 1/25/25 and 1/26/25 – Online Cat Conference – Community Cats Podcast (fee applies)

    Each year, the global Community Cats Podcast community comes together for this unique virtual event—no travel required!

    Take part in two days filled with cat-centric content, speakers from a wide variety of animal welfare roles share their perspectives on the field, providing valuable insights to help you or your organization create a more humane world for community cats.

    Attendees can take advantage of the interactive format, useful handouts, and get access to an exclusive Facebook group to network with other cat-focused volunteers and professionals.

    Early bird registration is just $50, covering access to the live event, recorded sessions afterward, speaker slides, handouts, and more. Prices increase to $75 on December 27—so don’t delay!

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/events/online-cat-conference-jan-2025/

  • Online Training – 1/15/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Training – 1/15/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you may be the difference between a cat losing her home and staying in her home. Join this session to learn what surrender prevention is and why it works. Instructed by Dr. Rachel Geller, she will share real examples, with proven results, setting the potential surrenderer and cat on the road to a happy relationship together and keeping the cat in her home. We’ll cover how to empathize with cat owners, working around their limitations (financial, time, patience), and focus on the 3 most common reasons for surrender: litter box problems, scratching (and not on the scratching post!), and inter-cat aggression. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual techniques. This session is being recorded and recordings will be shared. Attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/8757944804645518678

  • Webinar – 1/14/25 – Better Together: TNVR & Public Health – United Spay Alliance and Community Cats Podcast

    Webinar – 1/14/25 – Better Together: TNVR & Public Health – United Spay Alliance and Community Cats Podcast

    For decades, we’ve been sterilizing community cats in order to help reduce their population, with the primary goal of improving their wellbeing. But what if I told you there is an additional benefit to Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) programs – one that protects the health of pets and people in our communities?

    By integrating rabies vaccinations into TNVR efforts, we create a protective barrier against the disease, reducing the risk of transmission from wildlife to both pets and people. This added layer of protections has garnered the attention and support of public health officials across the country. In this webinar, we’ll also explore how TNVR programs can help prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis by community cats.

    Ultimately, TNVR not only reduces community cat populations but also plays a critical role in safeguarding public health.

    Presented by G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH
    G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH, is a community cat and High Quality, High Volume Spay-Neuter (HQHVSN) surgeon at Paws Plus Veterinary in Lakeland, FL. He is the former Medical Director and HQHVSN Surgeon with the Animal Rescue Coalition in Sarasota, FL, and previously served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, where he trained veterinary students in HQHVSN techniques. Dr. Weedon also instructs veterinarians through his consulting company, SNIP (Spay/Neuter Instructional Program). A dedicated advocate for pet overpopulation solutions, Dr. Weedon is a member of the Veterinary Shortage Task Force at United Spay Alliance. He is also involved with organizations like Alley Cat Allies and serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs. Dr. Weedon holds degrees from Purdue University and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8009686463839117918

  • Online Certificate Program – Starts 1/13/25 – Community Cats Program Management – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    Online Certificate Program – Starts 1/13/25 – Community Cats Program Management – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    This innovative and comprehensive eight-week certificate course is designed to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage community cat programs. Aimed at animal welfare professionals, veterinary students, animal control officers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates, this course combines theory with practical applications to cover all aspects of community cat welfare. Through a blend of online lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world assignments, students will learn how to implement humane and effective strategies for managing community cat populations, ensuring their health and welfare while engaging positively with the communities they serve.

    Modules include:

      1. Introduction to Community Cats
      2. Fundamentals of TNR
      3. Community Engagement and Education (AKA “Marketing Module”)
      4. Legal and Ethical Considerations
      5. Volunteer Management and Community Involvement
      6. Ongoing Management for Community Cats
      7. Conflict Resolution and Community Relations (AKA “Customer Service Module”)
      8. Funding and Sustainability

    Enrollment deadline: January 12, 2025

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103&selectedProgramAreaId=20924&selectedProgramStreamId=20939

  • Online Event – 1/4/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Event – 1/4/25 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Are you ready to be part of the solution for feral and stray cats in your neighborhood? Our expert instructors will teach you best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management. Learn what TNR is and why it works. We’ll cover getting along with neighbors, preparations for trapping, trapping itself (including entire colonies at once), feeding, providing winter shelter, and more. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and gain access to an ongoing Facebook group for networking with other TNR activists. Instructed by Susan Richmond, executive director, and Bryan Kortis, national programs director.

    Session duration is 2.5 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session.

    This course/webinar/series/conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5162202024417496160