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  • Online Course – 3/7/26 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Central (small fee applies)

    Online Course – 3/7/26 – Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshop – Community Cats Central (small fee applies)

    Ready to make a difference for feral and stray cats in your community? Join our expert instructors to learn the best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and effective colony management. You’ll learn what TNR is, why it works, and how to address common challenges such as communicating with neighbors, preparing for trapping, conducting large-scale trapping operations, feeding, and providing winter shelter.

    If you’re new to TNR, you’ll gain the essential skills needed to kickstart your TNR journey, while experienced trappers can refresh and sharpen their techniques.

    Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and real-life video footage from actual projects. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance and access to a dedicated Facebook group for ongoing networking with fellow TNR advocates.

    Led by experts from Neighborhood Cats, this 2.75-hour session includes an 15-minute Q&A. Registration is just $10.

    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://communitycatscentral.com/events/live-tnr-certification-workshop-march-2026/

  • Hybrid Conference – 6/18/26 to 6/21/26 – PacVet 2026 – CVMA (fee applies)

    Hybrid Conference – 6/18/26 to 6/21/26 – PacVet 2026 – CVMA (fee applies)

    The 2026 Pacific Veterinary Conference (PacVet), sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), is where veterinary professionals from all walks of the profession come together for a one-of-a-kind educational experience in California. With nearly two decades of impact, PacVet continues to be a trusted destination for continuing education, professional connection, and industry discovery.

    Choose from a wide range of CE tracks designed for veterinarians, technicians, practice managers, practice staff, and veterinary/RVT students—covering topics like small animal medicine, small animal surgery, practice management and ownership, avian/exotics, shelter medicine, and more! Plus, round out your educational journey with hands-on labs and practical workshops. Beyond the classroom, explore a lively exhibit hall filled with the latest tools, tech, and solutions for your practice.

    Whether you are looking to learn, connect, or recharge by the coast, PacVet 2026 offers the perfect blend of education and inspiration in a setting that celebrates the profession and the people who shape it.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://pacvet.net/

  • Webinar – 2/26/26 – Dental Health for Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and At-Home Care – Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

    Webinar – 2/26/26 – Dental Health for Dogs and Cats: Signs, Treatment, and At-Home Care – Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

    February is National Pet Dental Health Month, highlighting the importance of dental care for your pet’s overall health. Dental disease is common in both dogs and cats and, if left untreated, can cause pain, tooth loss, and infection that can affect the entire body.

    Join us on Thursday, February 26th at 6PM ET on Zoom as Dr. Brad Cingolani, Resident Veterinarian in Dentistry and Oral Surgery at AMC, discusses common dental conditions in dogs and cats. He will discuss signs that may indicate a problem, explain what to expect from a veterinary dental exam and treatment, and share practical steps pet owners can take at home to promote healthier teeth and gums.

    This is a free, online-only event hosted via Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registered participants the day of the event. REGISTER TODAY. Please email UsdanInstitute@amcny.org with any questions.

    Please note: This webinar is intended for pet owners and is not eligible for CE credit.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://app.glueup.com/event/dental-health-for-dogs-and-cats-signs-treatment-and-at-home-care-166531/

  • Online Course – Starts 4/6/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    Online Course – Starts 4/6/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    Are you ready to take your career in animal sheltering to the next level? Offered by the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse as part of Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge, the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program empowers frontline animal shelter workers to provide exceptional care, grounded in best practices, with a focus on improving outcomes for animals and communities.

    Through engaging online courses, you’ll gain expertise in:

    • Best practices to reduce animal stress.
    • Foundational animal care and medical care to enhance your skills.
    • Behavior, training, and enrichment for healthier, happier animals.
    • Population management to optimize shelter resources.
    • Daily care best practices that streamline your workflow and maximize impact.

    Whether you’re new to shelter work or a seasoned professional, this program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and recognition to make a greater difference.

    Why Become Certified?

    • Advance your career with professional credentials.
    • Learn practical, actionable skills to improve daily operations.
    • Gain confidence in providing high-quality care for every animal.

    Start learning today and become part of the growing movement to transform animal sheltering. 

    Certification is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie!

    This program is most relevant for individuals working in public shelters or private shelters with municipal contracts. Enrollment is limited; applicants from these shelter types will be prioritized for this session.

    Learn more about upcoming sessions and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General

  • Online Event – 2/11/26 – The Roundtable: Justice in Action for Animal Welfare – The AAWA

    Online Event – 2/11/26 – The Roundtable: Justice in Action for Animal Welfare – The AAWA

    The animal welfare profession has made meaningful progress toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—but real transformation requires going further. To create lasting change, we must look beyond DEI initiatives and examine the deeper systemic barriers that shape who has access to animal care, services, and leadership opportunities.

    As a follow-up to our Justice in Action: Moving Beyond DEI in Animal Welfare webinar (October 21, 2025), this interactive roundtable invites participants to explore what justice in action looks like in practice. You’ll hear from peers and panelists who are embedding justice into their organizations’ everyday work—sharing candid insights, challenges, and strategies along the way.

    Whether you lead an organization, manage teams, or work directly with communities, this discussion will provide a space to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and co-create approaches to advancing justice across our field.

    Participants will:

    • Discuss what “justice in action” looks like in practice
    • Explore examples of justice in action in the workplace
    • Share strategies to incorporate justice in action into organizational culture

    Panelists:

    Andrea Clara, Animal Care Team Lead, Oregon Humane Society
    Katie Jarl, VP of Government Relations, Animal Policy Group
    Jenny Rapinchuk, Animal Care Team Lead, Oregon Humane Society

    Facilitated by Jasmin Robinson, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://learning.theaawa.org/products/2-11-26-the-roundtable-justice-in-action-for-animal-welfare

  • Webinar – 2/12/26 – Reactivity and aggression: When fear is NOT the driver – FDSA (fee applies)

    Webinar – 2/12/26 – Reactivity and aggression: When fear is NOT the driver – FDSA (fee applies)

    Reactive and aggressive behaviors in dogs are often explained almost exclusively through the lens of fear. While fear-based reactivity and aggression is real and important to understand, it is not the only pathway that leads to responses such as barking, lunging, charging, running fence lines, growling, snapping, or biting. Many dogs display intense, persistent, or confrontational behaviors for reasons that are not rooted in fear, and applying a fear-based framework in these cases can result in the implementation of ineffective training strategies, unfair expectations, limited progress, and frustration for both dogs and their humans. This webinar explores aggression and reactivity in dogs when fear is not the primary driver. We will examine behaviors that are preference-driven, innately reinforcing, and/or shaped by genetic selection, including alerting behaviors, guarding and territorial responses, prey-driven and movement-triggered reactions, genetic intolerance of other dogs, and autonomy-based intolerance of handling or personal space violations. We will also address excitement-driven behaviors and clarify how positive valence high arousal can shift into frustration and redirected aggression when access to a desired outcome is blocked. A key focus of this webinar is understanding why some dogs find behaviors such as barking, posturing, chasing, or engaging in altercations, intrinsically reinforcing, and why performing alternative behaviors can require significant mental effort even when those skills are well trained. We will discuss how behavior becomes habitual through repetition, how reinforcement history shapes responses, and why not all intense behavior reflects emotional dysregulation. We will discuss how to distinguish between fear-based responses, preference-driven fixation, intense frustration, and boundary-driven intolerance, and why these distinctions matter when choosing training and management strategies. Topics include ethical use of interruption, the role of structure and trained alternative behaviors, realistic expectations around tolerance versus enjoyment, the importance of meeting innate needs through appropriate outlets, and the added complexity of working within multi-dog households where arousal and behavior can rapidly escalate. This webinar is designed for anyone wanting a clearer, more nuanced framework for understanding complex behaviors. The emphasis throughout is on safety, fairness, and practical strategies that are effective while respecting both canine needs and real-world constraints.

    Presenter: Sharon Carroll

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/self-study/webinars

  • Online Event – 2/5/26 – Live from the Ranch: Using Classical Conditioning… On Purpose – Karen Pryor Academy

    Online Event – 2/5/26 – Live from the Ranch: Using Classical Conditioning… On Purpose – Karen Pryor Academy

    Ever wonder how animals learn so quickly from everyday experiences? Classical conditioning is constantly at work in animal training, shaping emotional responses long before behavior shows up. When we know how to recognize it, refine it, and use it with intentions, we can create stronger, more reliable learning.

    Sign up to join Allie Bender, Emily Strong, and Ken Ramirez on Thu., 2/5, at 1:00 pm (PT) or get access to the recording.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://learn.clickertraining.com/live-from-the-ranch#next

  • Webinar – 2/25/26 – Starting Strong: How to Perform a Kitten Intake Exam – National Kitten Coalition

    Webinar – 2/25/26 – Starting Strong: How to Perform a Kitten Intake Exam – National Kitten Coalition

    Welcome kittens with confidence – join us for a 30‑minute webinar on the essentials of intake exams.

    Dr. Emily Coleman, DVM, Executive Director of The National Kitten Coalition, will guide you step‑by‑step through how to perform a kitten intake exam. Designed for rescue and shelter staff, as well as fosters and caregivers, this session covers what to look for during intake, how to spot potential health concerns, and the importance of documenting baseline stats to track changes over time.

    You will gain simple, practical strategies to build confidence in monitoring kitten health, along with ready‑to‑use intake and tracking materials to support your caregiving journey. The webinar concludes with a brief Q&A, giving you the chance to get your questions answered and leave prepared to welcome kittens safely and successfully. When you register, you will also have the opportunity to submit your questions in advance—helping us ensure the session covers the topics most important to you.

    Presenter: Emily A. Coleman, DMV

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://kittencoalition.org/event/starting-strong-how-to-perform-a-kitten-intake-exam/

  • Webinar – 2/12/26 – Maddie’s Insights: Not All Cats Want a Couch: Using Research for Decisions on Working Cat Placements – Maddie’s Fund

    Webinar – 2/12/26 – Maddie’s Insights: Not All Cats Want a Couch: Using Research for Decisions on Working Cat Placements – Maddie’s Fund

    Recent research published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health highlights an important truth: not every cat is suited for life in a traditional home. Using the Feline Spectrum Assessment (FSA), the study revealed that cats least likely to be socialized were more fearful, less affectionate, and less amenable to handling post-adoption (even by their primary caretaker) compared to their more socialized counterparts. Adopters of these cats were also more likely to report their cat would have been happier outside, underscoring the need for shelters to carefully match cats with appropriate placement pathways. This evidence helps confirm what many in sheltering already know—while adoption is an ideal outcome for many cats, it is not the right outcome for every cat.

    In the case of cats for which a traditional adoption pathway would not be appropriate and TNR/RTF is not possible, working cat or barn cat programs provide a humane and practical alternative. But careful consideration must be given to ensure the cat is medically appropriate, the placement site is suitable and safe, and that the transition into a new environment is conducted in a thoughtful, stepwise way. At Toronto Humane Society, cats identified as barn cat candidates are selected using the FSA alongside behavioral history and ongoing monitoring of in-shelter behavior modification progress, then integrated using a structured acclimation process: a period of crate confinement, followed by exploration in a secure space such as a tack room, before eventual free-roam. This approach maximizes welfare and sets both the cat and placement site up for long-term success.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand how findings from recent research on the Feline Spectrum Assessment can inform decisions about which cats are best suited for traditional homes, barn cat placement, or TNR/RTF.
    • Learn how to identify appropriate candidates for barn or working cat programs by combining FSA results, behavioral history, and in-shelter progress.
    • Explore step-by-step strategies to successfully integrate barn cats into their new environments in ways that support welfare, safety, and long-term success.

    Guest Speaker:
    Jacklyn Ellis, MRes PhD CAAB CSB-C
    Director, Behaviour, Toronto Humane Society

    Earn continuing education credit from The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement towards 1.0 CAWA CEs. This webinar has also been pre-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). It has also been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit until 10/14/2027 in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval.

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

  • Online Course – Application deadline 2/27/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    Online Course – Application deadline 2/27/26 – Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program Spring 2026 Session – UC Davis KSMP Shelter Learniverse

    Offered by the Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse as part of Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge, the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program empowers frontline animal shelter workers to provide exceptional care, grounded in best practices, with a focus on improving outcomes for animals and communities. Courses focus on safe, low-stress handling, sound medical and behavioral care, and practical systems that keep animals moving through your shelter instead of getting stuck.

    You’ll gain expertise in:

    • Best practices to reduce animal stress.
    • Foundational animal care and medical care to enhance your skills.
    • Behavior, training, and enrichment for healthier, happier animals.
    • Population management to optimize shelter resources.
    • Daily care best practices that streamline your workflow and maximize impact.

    The Shelter Care Specialist Certification is designed for you:

    • Built for real frontline work across the shelter: front desk, kennels, adoptions, foster, volunteers, clinic, and field services.
    • Short, on-the-job–friendly lessons with coach feedback and tools you can plug directly into existing routines.
    • Emphasizes realistic workflows—intake, daily care, behavior support, and outcome planning—so you can do more for animals with the resources you already have.
    • Certification is currently free, #ThanksToMaddie!

    Whether you’re new to shelter work or a seasoned professional, this program equips you with the tools, knowledge, and recognition to make a greater difference.

    Applications are being accepted for the Spring 2026 session starting 4/6/26. 

    Application deadline: 2/27/26.

    Learn more about upcoming sessions and apply at https://tinyurl.com/SCS-General