Shelter Learniverse Return to the Shelter Learniverse

Shelter Learniverse and Industry-Wide Calendar

Blog

  • Online Event – 9/10/25 – Turning the Tide for Big Dogs: Proven Strategies That Work – The AAWA

    Online Event – 9/10/25 – Turning the Tide for Big Dogs: Proven Strategies That Work – The AAWA

    Across the country, shelters are facing one of today’s biggest adoption challenges—finding loving homes for large dogs. But there’s hope, and there are solutions.

    Join the Arizona Humane Society for an energizing Lunch & Learn that will show how big changes can start with bold ideas. You’ll discover how their team has not only increased big dog adoptions, but also dramatically reduced length of stay—transforming outcomes for some of their most overlooked companions.

    Through a mix of:

    • Creative adoption incentives that spark interest
    • High-impact marketing campaigns that tell unforgettable stories
    • Innovative programs that meet both dogs’ and adopters’ needs

    …the AHS team is creating a blueprint any shelter can adapt.

    This special Lunch & Learn will take place on Wednesday, September 10, from 2-2:30 ET. Bring your questions—there will be time for a Q&A so you can take actionable ideas back to your own organization. Because every big dog deserves a big story—and a happy ending.

    WEBSITE LINK: https://learning.theaawa.org/p/9-10-25

  • Webinar – 9/10/25 – Medical and Behavioral Data in Animal Shelters: A Lifesaving Tool – Best Friends

    Webinar – 9/10/25 – Medical and Behavioral Data in Animal Shelters: A Lifesaving Tool – Best Friends

    Learn how medical and behavioral data can be transformed into powerful tools to prevent disease, improve welfare, reduce length of stay, and guide evidence-based decisions. Discover practical strategies to turn numbers into impact — and data into lives saved.

    Presented by: Dr. Becca Boronat, MV, CAWA, National Shelter Medicine Veterinarian; Best Friends Animal Society

    WEBSITE LINK: https://bestfriends-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717437859110/WN_iRsWQsmFS4aikwy3tfGwsg#/registration

  • Webinar – 9/15/25 – Effective, Efficient, Economical: How to Step Up Your Sanitation Game – UC Davis KSMP

    Webinar – 9/15/25 – Effective, Efficient, Economical: How to Step Up Your Sanitation Game – UC Davis KSMP

    Strong sanitation is the backbone of healthy shelters—it protects animals, safeguards staff, and saves lives. But doing it right can be resource-intensive, stretching time, people, and budgets thin. That’s why Dave Hachey, President of Ogena Solutions, first brought us Accel/Rescue, and why he’s now doubled down with Sheltr-Partners.org, a not-for-profit created to negotiate better prices specifically for animal shelters and rescues.

    At this conversation with Cynthia Karsten, DVM, of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, you’ll hear the story behind Sheltr-Partners.org, how free membership works, and the benefits shelters are already seeing. You’ll also get an inside look at the newest, most economical hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant. Join us to discover innovative sanitation tools that are helping organizations save major time and money, and plug in your own numbers to see what resource savings are possible for your team.

    This webinar has been approved for 1 hour of Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) continuing education credit by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA).

    Can’t make it live? Register to receive the recording and resources after the event, accessible through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse, #ThanksToMaddie!

    Register here: https://www.shelterlearniverse.com/webinars

  • Webinar – 9/17/25 – Veterinarians Are the Heart: Your Role in Addressing Animal Cruelty in Your Community – HumaneVMA

    Webinar – 9/17/25 – Veterinarians Are the Heart: Your Role in Addressing Animal Cruelty in Your Community – HumaneVMA

    Presented by: Dr. Kris Otteman, DVM, ABVP, CAWA and Linda Fielder, CAWA

    This webinar session will equip veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize, document, and respond to signs of animal cruelty. Led by experts in veterinary forensics, animal welfare, and legal advocacy, the presentation explores the vital link between animal abuse and human violence and how veterinarians can play a pivotal role in protecting both animals and people. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand the connection between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence
    • Alleviate concerns voiced by others about reporting animal cruelty including safety concerns
    • Articulate the differences between forensic veterinary medicine and traditional veterinary medicine
    • Identify what is considered relevant evidence in animal cruelty cases
    • Review resources available to find and understand laws in a specific geographic area
    • Create policies and procedures to prepare the practice to respond and report and be prepared when a case is suspected, or you are asked to assist in your community

    WEBSITE LINK: https://humanevma.memberclicks.net/webinar-veterinarians-are-the-heart

  • Webinar – 9/30/25 – Before Four Weeks: Updated Vaccination Recommendations for Neonatal Puppies and Kittens – UC Davis KSMP

    Webinar – 9/30/25 – Before Four Weeks: Updated Vaccination Recommendations for Neonatal Puppies and Kittens – UC Davis KSMP

    We know that the single best way to protect neonatal and juvenile animals from infectious disease is to care for them in an environment where exposure to disease is low, but those environments can be hard to find! Despite efforts to find low-risk housing options for these vulnerable animals, underage puppies and kittens still sometimes end up being housed in animal shelters or other environments where exposure risk is real. Previous recommendations have been to wait until 4 weeks of age to begin vaccination, potentially missing opportunities to provide protection as early as possible.

    In this webinar, we’ll explore updated recommendations for early vaccination of neonatal and juvenile puppies and kittens in environments that present meaningful risk. We’ll cover the science, the supporting literature, and most importantly, how to apply these new guidelines in a shelter setting.

    By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Describe the immunological basis for vaccine protocols in neonatal animals
    • Summarize the literature supporting early vaccination in high‑risk environments
    • Identify scenarios where early vaccination is recommended due to disease risk
    • Apply updated vaccine protocols in animal shelters
    • Adapt vaccination strategies for use in other high‑exposure settings

    This webinar has been approved for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval, as well as 1.5 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) continuing education credit by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA).

    Can’t make it live? Register to receive a recording and resources after the event.

    Presenters: Kate Hurley, DVM, and Sandra Newbury, DVM

    Register now: http://www.shelterlearniverse.com/webinars

  • Training – 9/19/25 to 9/21/25 – G2Z2025 Feline HQHVSN Workshop – Getting 2 Zero (fee applies)

    Training – 9/19/25 to 9/21/25 – G2Z2025 Feline HQHVSN Workshop – Getting 2 Zero (fee applies)

    Created specifically to fill a gap for veterinary professionals, the G2Z2025 Feline HQHVSN Workshop is the only event of its kind in Australia.

    We are delighted to be welcoming Dr Becky Morrow (DVM, Grad Cert Veterinary Forensics, Grad Cert Shelter Medicine, MS, CAWA), Assistant Teaching Professor (Penn State University), Adjunct Assistant Professor (University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine) and President and Medical Director of Frankies Friends, to Australia, to deliver the Feline HQHVSN Workshop.

    The Feline HQHVSN Workshop consists of one dry lab day on 19th September with all participants. The day includes theory and some practical skills such as ties and knots.

    Depending on numbers (up to 100 participants total) the group will split into two groups to undertake the wet lab days on 20th September and 21st September. Each participant team attends one day of the two. The wet lab will be focussed on desexing cats – 50 each day so one male and one female per team.

    The goal is to have 100 participants that are made up of 50 veterinarians and 50 nurses/techs/practice manager. We are aiming for a ‘team’ (or more) from each workplace so that there is more than one person taking the knowledge and skills back to the workplace and because much of the value of HQHVSN lies in the processes and non-surgical aspects of the model.

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://www.accelevents.com/e/g2z2025

  • Hybrid Conference – 9/26/25 to 9/28/25 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Puppyworks (fee applies)

    Hybrid Conference – 9/26/25 to 9/28/25 – Aggression in Dogs Conference – Puppyworks (fee applies)

    Join the world’s foremost experts on aggression in dogs!

    In a Nutshell

    • Attend Online or In-Person
    • 14 Renowned Speakers
    • 14 Groundbreaking Sessions
    • Save Additional $10 with Discount Code Puppyworks10
    • Exchange Ideas with a Community of your Peers

    19.5 CEUs​

    CCPDT, IAABC, KPA, PPAB, IACP, and PPGA (Whether you attend in-person, online or watch the recordings)

    ​In-Person Location:
    Hilton Charlotte University Place
    8629 Jm Keynes Drive
    Charlotte, NC 28262

    WEBSITE LINK: https://www.puppyworks.com/conference

  • Online Training – 9/20/25 – Return-to-Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Training – 9/20/25 – Return-to-Field: Saving the Lives of Community Cats – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    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.

    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.

    This session is led by Susan Richmond, Executive Director, and Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, and lasts 2 hours, followed by an optional 15-minute Q&A session. Registration is just $10.00.

    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/return-to-field-saving-the-lives-of-community-cats-presented-by-neighborhood-cats-sept-2025/

  • Online Training – 9/17/25 – Surrender Prevention Certification Workshop Presented by Dr. Rachel Geller – Community Cats Podcast (small fee applies)

    Online Training – 9/17/25 – 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.

    This session is led by Dr. Rachel Geller, founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc. and lasts 1.5 hours, including an optional 15-minute Q&A session. Registration is just $10.00.

    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/surrender-prevention-certification-workshop-sept-2025/

  • Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/15/25 – Community Cats Program Management – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    Online Certificate Program – Starts 9/15/25 – Community Cats Program Management – Humane Network/UoP (fee applies)

    Are you ready to make a greater impact in your community? Registration is now open for the next session of the Community Cat Program Management Course in collaboration with the University of the Pacific, Benerd College! Course leaders, Stacy LeBaron (Community Cats Podcast & United Spay Alliance) and Elizabeth Finch (Community Cats Podcast), will facilitate this unique, fully comprehensive, eight-week certificate program covers every essential aspect of building and managing a successful community cat initiative.

    The 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.

    Course Highlights:
    Beyond the Fundamentals: Master trap-neuter-return (TNR), the cornerstone of community cat management.
    Community Outreach & Education: Learn to engage your community and effectively market your program.
    Legal & Ethical Considerations: Navigate laws and best practices to protect both cats and your program.
    Building Strong Community Partnerships: Form collaborations for maximum impact.
    Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and retain passionate volunteers to drive your mission forward.
    Colony Management and Complaint Mitigation: Effectively manage cat colonies and address public concerns.
    Funding and Sustainability: Secure funding and develop a long-term plan for ongoing success.

    This course is ideal for nonprofit leaders, community advocates, veterinary students, animal welfare professionals, animal control officers, and anyone ready to turn their passion for helping cats into lasting action.

    The University of the Pacific is an approved provider of content that enhances professional competence and aligns with the CAWA Exam specifications. Additionally, this course is approved for NACA Continuing Education credit. To learn more about the CAWA accreditation, visit CAWA Accreditation Information.

    Enrollment deadline: September 14, 2025

    WEBSITE LINK:  https://uc.pacific.edu/search/publicCourseSearchDetails.do?method=load&courseId=3508103&selectedProgramAreaId=20924&selectedProgramStreamId=20939#courseSectionDetails_3973670