Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

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  • Webinar – 6/27/24 – Recognizing and Understanding Bias for the Animal Welfare Professional – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Webinar – 6/27/24 – Recognizing and Understanding Bias for the Animal Welfare Professional – NACA/Justice Clearinghouse

    Our brains are amazing at making connections, doing work, and making decisions without us ever realizing it. Like when you drive home and realize as you’re parking that you don’t really remember the drive – yup – your unconscious brain played navigator so you could zone out a bit. However, these unconscious connections and processes can have a lasting effect on how you do your job.

    Join us as we discuss different types of bias and how they unconsciously invade your decisions and actions on and off the job.

    • Learn to identify 5-8 different bias types
    • Understand how bias and cynicism can play off of each other;
    • That bias, while often thought of as a negative, is actually an evolutionary necessity that we can earn to identify and work on
    • And how to create a shared language around bias so your entire team can work on being more aware of these unconscious traps.

    About the Presenter

    Officer Jace Huggins has been an enforcement officer and animal care professional for more than 15 years, serving in a diverse set of roles with agencies throughout California.  As an Animal Care Manager for Placer SPCA, he oversaw the husbandry and care of all animals in the shelter. He then became an animal control officer for the City of Sacramento and in time, earned the title of Chief Animal Control Officer. He recently took on the role of Vice President and Chief of Humane Law Enforcement at San Diego Humane Society. His team services a population of just over 2,500,000. Jace directs, coordinates, and evaluates Humane law activities including the enforcement of laws related to animal protection and the sheltering of animals; develops and implements animal control programs and field enforcement policies; and assists with the coordination of division activities with the 13 cities that SDHS contracts with. One of his proudest accomplishments is the development of the Sacramento P.A.W.S. (Promoting Animal Welfare and Safety) program, which includes volunteer field responders for low-risk/high-education need kitten calls, a no barrier resource program for owners, and a door-to-door resource program led by officer/volunteer teams. He works diligently on innovative programs that focus on keeping pets in their homes and providing owners with non-judgmental, low/no barrier access to resources. Jace prioritizes inclusion in animal welfare, serving on multiple DEI committees. He was a trainer for the City Of Sacramento Police Academy, serves as a board member for NACA, and is a law enforcement trainer with the Humane Society of the United States.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/webinar/recognizing-and-understanding-bias-for-the-animal-welfare-professional/

  • Online Event – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays – All Call – Beyond Words: Navigating Accent Discrimination in the Workplace – California for All Animals

    Online Event – 1st and 3rd Tuesdays – All Call – Beyond Words: Navigating Accent Discrimination in the Workplace – California for All Animals

    More than one billion people speak English worldwide, yet no one speaks it exactly the same way. Factors like region, culture, and variations among native and non-native speakers contribute to language fluidity and diversity. Yet accent bias and discrimination is universal and often goes unexamined. Whether it’s conscious or unconscious, it can fuel stereotyping, judgment, racism, and distrust within our teams and communities. At the April 16 All Call, Dr. Wesley Cheung (Shelter Medicine Resident, Ontario Veterinary College) will explore this topic with examples from the veterinary and shelter sector. He’ll offer steps we can take to reduce accent biases and build trust so we can accomplish more together.

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

    The All Call is hosted by California for All co-leaders Allison Cardona and Nadia Oseguera and is enriched by rotating facilitators. You only need to register one time. Calls are sometimes recorded; recap emails with supplemental resources are sent post-call.

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

  • Webinar – 4/11/24 – Building Trust, Preventing Bites: Proactive Dog Bite Prevention and Handling Strategies – Fear Free

    Webinar – 4/11/24 – Building Trust, Preventing Bites: Proactive Dog Bite Prevention and Handling Strategies – Fear Free

    As you know, a scared or anxious dog can react abnormally out of the desire to protect themselves. But, how does this translate into an effective and safe dog bite prevention strategy? The key to an effective dog bite prevention strategy is being proactive rather than reactive when a pet is showing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress.

    Join us during Dog Bite Prevention Week, on April 11, at 3 p.m. ET with Steve Dale, CABC, FFCP, to explore how being proactive can significantly enhance workplace safety and foster a harmonious environment for both humans and pets. Discover practical techniques and approaches to mitigate potential aggression and create a happier, safer environment for everyone involved.

    In this webinar, you will:

    • Learn proactive measures to create a safer environment for dogs and humans
    • Explore techniques for effectively managing and de-escalating tense situations involving fearful or anxious dogs
    • Gain insights into communication strategies that promote trust and confidence between dogs and humans, contributing to a stronger human-animal bond
    • Acquire actionable tips for implementing dog bite prevention protocols in workplace settings

    If you are unable to attend in person, we encourage you to register. All registrants will receive the recording of this webinar to your inbox within 1-2 weeks of the event date. If you are interested in continuing your education through previous webinars, you can access the recordings for all Fear Free webinars through our site, here.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://fearfreellc.webinargeek.com/building-trust-preventing-bites-proactive-dog-bite-prevention-and-handling-strategies

  • Hybrid Conference – 6/4/24 to 6/5/24 – 2024 Veterinary Behavior Symposium – ACVB (fee applies)

    Hybrid Conference – 6/4/24 to 6/5/24 – 2024 Veterinary Behavior Symposium – ACVB (fee applies)

    Please join ACVB for our two-day Veterinary Behavior Symposium June 4–5, 2024 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Register now and join us for one or both days!

    The Veterinary Behavior Symposium provides a forum for sharing cutting-edge, original research in the field of animal behavior. The program will be held in-person in Minneapolis and be available virtually (live-streamed) as well. The presentations will be made available after the event for all registrants for those who wish to view again or return to it.

    DAY 1: VBS Scientific Paper Session
    Tuesday, June 4, 2024 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
    The VBS Scientific Paper Session provides a community for sharing cutting-edge, original research in the field of animal behavior. Join us in person to connect with other professionals or attend virtually via live stream. The presentations will be made available after the event for all registrants who wish to view the presentations after the meeting.

    DAY 2: New! VBS Practical Behavior Forum
    Wednesday, June 5, 2024 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
    The VBS Practical Behavior Forum is the ACVB’s exciting new offering especially for veterinarians in primary care. Join ACVB Diplomates for concise and informative talks on topics that you address every day. This is the first ever ACVB sponsored conference to offer effective tips and takeaways to help you practice behavioral medicine in ‘the real world’. Attend virtually or in person.

    The Practical Behavior Forum is eligible for 6.5 continuing education credits from Karen Pryor Academy and 6.5 continuing education credits from Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.dacvb.org/page/2024VBSandForum

  • Webinar – 4/19/24 – For Dog’s sake, can you stop that? Canine-Friendly Body Language Improvements for Humans – Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)

    Webinar – 4/19/24 – For Dog’s sake, can you stop that? Canine-Friendly Body Language Improvements for Humans – Dogs Playing for Life (fee applies)

    Dogs are resilient and oh-so-forgiving! These qualities make them endearing as companions, along with their ability to love unconditionally. So, why do some dogs struggle to understand us when we are offering affection or when we want to help them, not harm them? In this session, we will focus on the HUMAN handling that contributes to unwanted behavior, even “aggression”. Get ready to rethink your approach as we reveal the common and widely accepted and taught handling errors that set dogs up for failure. Through extensive video examples, we will demonstrate alternative handling techniques that help dogs to trust and thrive!

    This webinar will demonstrate:

    – Examples of handling that causes negative behavior compared to handling that promotes  desired behavior

    – Demonstration of handling that induces trust and learning with dogs that are too afraid to respond initially to food rewards or affection

    – Comprehensive discussion around the correct use of pressure and release and why this is a critical skill for shelter canine handlers to master to save more dogs

    This is a 2-hour presentation followed by a 30 min Q&A session. This webinar costs $20 and you will receive the recording the next day.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EYFAcMH0S-6beQZX-RStQQ#/

  • Webinar – 4/11/24 – Elevator Behavior: Skills for Existing in Polite Society! – FDSA (fee applies)

    Webinar – 4/11/24 – Elevator Behavior: Skills for Existing in Polite Society! – FDSA (fee applies)

    Is your dog magnetized to people and other dogs when out in public? Does he find it difficult to impossible to simply ignore others in the environment? Do you feel like your dog is constantly looking for interaction with others while you struggle to keep his focus on you? We all want our dogs to be comfortable around other dogs and people and we often work very hard to socialize them. But do we take it too far and create an even bigger problem? Deb will discuss her concept of teaching dogs good “elevator behavior” and the importance of a dog who can simply mind his own business in public places.

    Note: This Webinar is back by popular demand. Please check your webinar library before purchasing.

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

  • Online Certificate Program – Starts 5/20/24 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    Online Certificate Program – Starts 5/20/24 – Animal Shelter Behavioral Management Certificate Program – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    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.

    05/20/2024 – 7/14/2024 – 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

  • Webinar – 4/3/24 – Vector Vigilance: Understanding and Managing Vector-borne Pathogens of Dogs and Cats – VETGirl

    Webinar – 4/3/24 – Vector Vigilance: Understanding and Managing Vector-borne Pathogens of Dogs and Cats – VETGirl

    Vector Villain!

    In this complimentary, 1-hour, VETgirlAntech webinar, Dr. Brian Herrin, DVM, PhD, DACVM will discuss the common arthropod vectors and the pathogens they can transmit to dogs and cats. Ticks, fleas, heartworm, and Lyme may be things your practice sees every day, but new products, diagnostics, and medical recommendations might have muddied your plans. We’ll clear it up with up-to-date information on best diagnostic, treatment, and management practices! Don’t see these issues very often?? You’re in luck, but maybe not for long! We’ll talk about where these vectors are moving so you can begin to assess which patients might be at risk in your practice!

    Thanks to sponsorship from Antech, the recording of this webinar will be available to view free and On-Demand until December 31, 2024.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/april-3-2024-vector-vigilance-understanding-and-managing-vector-borne-pathogens-of-dogs-and-cats/

  • Webinar – 4/24/24 – APCC: Springtime Hazards – ASPCAPro

    Webinar – 4/24/24 – APCC: Springtime Hazards – ASPCAPro

    Springtime comes with its own lineup of potential hazards to our pets. This course will cover several springtime hazards for veterinarians and their teams to keep a watch out for, including plants, fertilizers, insecticides, composting dangers, and more.

    Takeaways

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

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

    Credits

    The live webinar and post-webinar online course are RACE-approved and are eligible for one hour of free CE for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.aspcapro.org/training/webinar/apcc-springtime-hazards

  • Hybrid Conference – 7/11/24 to 7/14/24 – PacVet 2024 – CVMA (fee applies)

    Hybrid Conference – 7/11/24 to 7/14/24 – PacVet 2024 – CVMA (fee applies)

    The Pacific Veterinary Conference is dedicated to providing comprehensive, current, and practical continuing education information for the entire veterinary practice team. The four day conference gives attendees the opportunity to earn CE, attend a two-day Vet Expo, and have plenty of time to spend with family and friends. PacVet attracts veterinary professionals from across the United States, Canada, and other countries. 87 percent of past conference attendees say they would recommend PacVet to their colleagues.

    The Pacific Veterinary Conference is sponsored by the California Veterinary Medical Association.

    In-Person-Only Tracks

    These tracks will be presented exclusively in person in San Francisco.

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • One Health
    • Practice Management
    • Shelter Medicine
    • Small Animal Surgery
    • USDA-NVAP: APHIS-Approved Supplemental Training (AAST)
    • Wellness

    In-Person & Virtual Tracks

    These tracks will be presented both in person in San Francisco and livestreamed online in real time for our virtual audience. 

    • Small Animal Medicine
    • Technician

    Virtual-Only Tracks 

    These tracks will be presented exclusively online for our virtual audience. 

    • Avian/Exotics
    • Equine

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://pacvet.net/san-francisco/