Adoption counseling is evolving and it's time to evolve with it! This course will teach you how to create or enhance adoption programs that prioritize inclusivity, transparency, and long-term success.

In this instructor-led course, participants will explore the Adopters Welcome approach and learn how to have impactful, conversation-based adoption discussions. Key topics include matchmaking strategies, crafting engaging animal bios, facilitating meet-and-greets, and overcoming adoption barriers. The course will also dive into transparency with medical and behavioral adoptions, post-adoption support, resources, and handling returns with compassion.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to build stronger connections between adopters and their new companions while creating adoption experiences that are rewarding for all involved!

(5) 90-minute Zoom classes over 5-weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor: Bradley Steelmon, Client Services Supervisor, Pet Network Humane Society

When? Zoom classes will be held on Wednesdays from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30 and 5/7. Please note there is no class on 4/16.

Who should apply?  This course is designed for shelter staff, animal welfare professionals, and volunteers who are involved in the adoption process and want to learn about adoptions with an Adopters Welcome approach. It’s also ideal for organizations looking to implement or refine the Adopters Welcome philosophy to create more inclusive and effective adoption programs. Whether you’re new to adoption counseling or a seasoned pro, this course offers valuable insights to help you connect adopters with their perfect companions and make a lasting impact on your community.   

Cat Adoption Team (CAT) is the largest cat shelter in the Pacific Northwest, boasting 931 felines through foster care in 2024. They’ve refined their famous Fostering 4 Rock Stars model over time, enabling them to serve an ever-growing number of kittens and cats. 

In this online instructor-led course, CAT shares all facets of its foster program, including their culture agreement, foster caregiver recruitment, training, communications and support,  hands-on foster mentor program, admissions procedures and kitten flowchart, kitten socialization, kitten bags for foster parents, fundraising, marketing, pre-adoption, and how they monitor their program for improvements. CAT includes all of the templates, manuals, protocols, and training materials they use so that you can customize them for your organization. Students who complete this online instructor-led course should have everything they need to start or expand their kitten and cat foster programs.

(5) 90-minute and (1) 60-minute Zoom classes over 6-weeks, estimated time commitment of 15 hours for coursework and classes

Instructors: Kristi Brooks, Director of Operations, Cat Adoption Team; Jac Jennen, Admissions and Foster Supervisor; and Dr. Dianne Brown, Medical Director, Cat Adoption Team 

When? Zoom classes will be held Wednesdays from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7; and from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Pacific Time) on 5/14. Please note there is no class on 4/16.

Who should apply? For most staff and/or volunteers (executives, managers, coordinators or assistants, etc.) in shelters or rescue organizations that work with cats. Our program is geared toward those with access to a regular veterinarian, but smaller rescues will still find value in the resources available.

Shelter programming for cats is radically changing every day! Learn how it’s evolved and how to create or grow coordinated programs that result in increased feline lifesaving starting with utilizing the Cat Superhighway framework.

In this advanced-level instructor-led course, students will explore why cat services need reformation and how to lead their organization through challenges. Students will learn how to implement essential cat programs, lead staff and volunteers, engage their community, and be as effective as possible with limited resources. 

Course content includes: Handling Fractious and Feral Cats, Shelter-Neuter-Return and Community Cat Management, Intake Decisions, FIV, FeLV, Ringworm, Panleukopenia, Barrier-free Adoptions, Matchmaking, Working Cat Programs, and more.

(4) 90-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks, estimated time commitment of 20 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor: Monica Tarant, Chief Innovation Officer, Give Them Ten 

When? Zoom classes will be held Mondays from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 3/31, 4/7, 4/21, and 4/28. Please note there is no class on 4/14.

Who should apply? For shelter-based organization directors, managers or coordinators who are empowered to make changes and launch new initiatives in their organizations. Representatives of organizations with physical facilities will get the most from this offering.

In this engaging and informative Instructor-Led Online Course, participants will dive deep into mastering the safe, effective, and humane utilization of standard-issue field services equipment.

Expectations and methodologies for animal handling and capture have changed in recent years.  Understanding the significance of low-stress restraint and handling techniques is crucial for both animals and animal professionals alike. By prioritizing best-practice methods, we not only ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the animals under the care of the shelters/officers but also ensure the safety and welfare of our dedicated staff. Low-stress handling minimizes the risk of injury or trauma to the animals, fosters trust and cooperation during interactions, and makes a significant contribution toward ensuring live outcomes for pets as they process through shelters. Moreover, best practice handling enhances the safety of officers by reducing the likelihood of aggressive responses from stressed animals, creating a more secure environment for all involved. By embracing these practices, we uphold our commitment to compassionate and effective animal care while also promoting the welfare of those tasked with its enforcement.

Led by our expert instructor, and with special guest presentations, students will explore what it means to be a professional in the animal handling and capture space in 2025 and beyond. Instruction will be a hybrid of slides, lecture, and live demonstrations using tools in a well-equipped training space.

As a final deliverable for each cohort, students will be tasked with crafting a new animal handling and/or capture policy for their organization, in consultation with the instructor and the other students, which will be adopted by their organization after training is over. Students will be provided with templates and sample policies to ease development and keep the workload as light as possible.

(4) 60-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks, estimated time commitment of 8-12 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor:  John Peaveler, Owner, Humane Innovations

When?  Zoom classes will be held on Mondays 10:00 AM -11:00 AM (Pacific Time) on 3/31, 4/7, 4/21, and 5/5. Please note there is no class on 4/14 or 4/28.

Who should apply? Anyone who plays a supervisory, management, or leadership level role which includes responsibility over physical animal handling and capture in any setting. The majority of tools and techniques will be appropriate for any setting, with the exception of lost dog recapture protocol.

This course is designed to teach shelter and rescue professionals to identify common behavior problems in shelter dogs and help you place those animals in foster homes. Taking on a dog that presents with concerning behaviors can be a daunting task for a foster caregiver, especially those that are new to fostering. Training shelter staff and volunteers to assist and support foster dogs during their stay not only empowers foster caregivers to take on more cases, but also increases positive outcomes for dogs that present with behavior concerns.

During the live sessions, students will get an in-depth look at case studies, hone their behavior observation skills, learn more about balancing risk and quality of life, break down protocols step by step, as well as look at the subtleties and nuances of big behaviors. At the end of this course, students will use their new skills to develop foster protocols catered to their own organizations.

This course has been pre-approved for 4.0 continuing education units for trainers in the knowledge area from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

(6) 90-minute Zoom classes over 6-weeks, estimated time commitment of 16 hours for coursework and classes.

Instructor: Samantha Wolfman, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Wolfman Dog Training & Consulting

When? Zoom classes will be held on Thursdays from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, and 5/15. Please note there is no class on 4/17.

Who should apply? Anyone who handles animals, including directors, managers, coordinators, and volunteers is encouraged to apply. This class is best suited to organizations that have an established dog foster program and are looking to expand their reach with behavior animals.

Youth programming is the key to expanding your organization’s community reach and is the proactive solution needed to end overpopulation and animal cruelty. Youth programs are also beneficial in introducing new populations of potential donors, fosters, adopters, and volunteers to your organization, while also generating revenue at the same time.

In this course, Charleston Animal Society’s Humane Education team will collaborate with participants to discover new ways to engage children, identify and overcome roadblocks, and find resources to enhance your current programming. Participants will also engage in discussions on challenging animal welfare philosophies that may hold us back.

The live portion of this course is particularly valuable for those who have a direct interest in, or are currently involved with youth programming. If you are already facilitating humane education programs, we’ll dive into specific games, lessons, and program details. Topics will include safety and liability, marketing, funding opportunities, available resources, incorporating animal ambassadors, measuring your success, and more.

(4) 90-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes 

Instructors: De Daltorio, Chief Education Officer; Heather Grogan, Director of Humane Education; and Kylie Wiest, Humane Education Manager at Charleston Animal Society 

When? Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Pacific Time) on 4/1, 4/8, 4/22 and 5/6. Please note there is no class on 4/15 or 4/29.

Who should apply? For shelter or rescue organizations looking to grow their youth programming. We encourage shelter directors, managers, staff and/or volunteers to apply.

We live and work in a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA)—where change is constant, stress is high, and the emotional toll of caring for animals and people can feel overwhelming. In the midst of it all, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves—our well-being, our boundaries, and even our sense of purpose. And yet, how we show up for ourselves directly impacts how we lead, how we work, and how we navigate challenges with our teams.

This course is an opportunity to step back, reflect, and explore what it means to lead and work with more intention, curiosity, and compassion. It's about discovering what supports you, what drains you, and what small shifts can help you move through challenges in a way that feels more sustainable -- for yourself and those around you.

Together, in community, we’ll explore how our belief systems shape the way we move through the world—and what it takes to shift the ones that no longer serve us. We’ll reflect on what it really means to protect our peace, not just by setting boundaries, but by learning to regulate our emotions, making us more effective in difficult conversations and decision-making. We’ll examine the power of radical acceptance, finding clarity in what we can and can’t control without losing hope. And we'll reframe compassion and forgiveness as leadership strengths -- practices that sustain us, rather than burdens that wear us down.

Through storytelling, guided reflection, and shared conversation, these sessions invite you to pause, get curious, and reconnect with the parts of yourself that often get lost in the urgency of our work. Because when we take care of ourselves, we lead better. When we lead with intention, our workplaces and communities have a better chance to thrive.

By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with:

• Tools to regulate stress and emotions so you can lead with clarity and resilience.
• A deeper understanding of how to set boundaries that protect your energy and enhance your effectiveness at work.
• Practices that strengthen self-compassion and courage, allowing you to show up more fully in tough moments.
• Strategies for building trust, curiosity, and accountability in your workplace and relationships.

There are no perfect answers here -- just a space to explore, reflect, and connect with others who are asking similar questions. 

Come as you are. Let's figure it out together.

(5) 90-minute Zoom classes over 5-weeks, estimated time commitment of 13-16 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor:  José Ocaño & Angel Guzmán, Hatching LLC

When?  Zoom classes will be held on Tuesdays from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 4/1, 4/8, 4/22, 4/29, and 5/6. Please note there is no class on 4/15.

Who should apply?  Anyone looking to deepen their connection with themselves and the world around them. You should apply if you want to:  build grounding practices, emotional regulation, and self-compassion; be more intentional with your time, energy and focus; strengthen courage and accountability in your work and relationships; show up with more curiosity and integrity even in tough moments. Whether you're in animal welfare, leadership, or personal growth, this course will help you align your actions with your values and create a more grounded, purposeful life.

Want to reach more people in your community? This interactive, hands-on course is designed for animal welfare professionals looking to create a focused marketing and communications plan for a specific community-centered program* at their organization.

By the end of the course, you'll have a mini marketing plan tailored to your program, audience, and goals—complete with messaging and sample copy for newsletters, social posts, and more.

Each session combines short, informative presentations from the instructor or guest speaker with interactive discussions, brainstorming, and hands-on creation time. Together, we’ll take your ideas from strategy to implementation.

*Community-centered programs may include Lost Pet Reunification, Pet Support Services, Foster Care, Supported Rehoming, Field Services & Public Safety, Community Partnerships, and other initiatives designed for community engagement.

(5) 60-minute Zoom classes over 5-weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes.

Instructor: Caitlin Quinn, Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida and communications & customer-experience consultant for animal welfare organizations.

When?  Zoom classes will be held Thursdays, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, 5/1 and 5/8. Please note there is no class on 4/17.

Who should apply?

This course is designed for animal welfare professionals who want to build a strong foundation in marketing and communications. If you create messaging and materials for marketing, advertising, fundraising, or public outreach—whether through press releases, emails, newsletters, websites, or social media—this course will help you develop a clear, strategic approach to your work.

This class is best suited for:

●           Those new to marketing in animal welfare

●           Anyone creating a marketing plan for the first time

●           Professionals looking to make their marketing more strategic and effective

Be ready to dig in! This is a hands-on, interactive course where you'll actively apply what you learn to create a working marketing and communications plan.

This course covers the basic concepts when doing a holistic shelter consultation and is geared towards shelter leaders who are interested in improving their own shelters or helping other shelters improve, although everyone is welcome to apply. The course is the result of a collaboration between Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge, the University of Florida Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Program, UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Open Door Veterinary Collective, Team Shelter USA, and Maddie's Fund®.

After successfully completing this course you will have a fundamental knowledge of the following key shelter assessment topics: (1) The potential impact of public policy on rescue, shelter and field operations, (2) Effective community programs and link to shelter success, (3) Intake policies, (4) Population management to the best outcome, and (5) Packaging messaging to influence positive change.

This course is eligible for 2.5 credit hours toward the AAVSB's (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program.

(5) 90-minute Zoom classes over 5-weeks, estimated time commitment of 14 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor: Dr. Sara Pizano, Animal Welfare Strategist, Team Shelter USA

When? Zoom classes will be held Mondays from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Pacific Time) on 3/31, 4/7, 4/21, 4/28, and 5/5. Please note there is no class on 4/14.

Who should apply? Shelter leaders, anyone interested in improving their own shelter or helping other shelters

By providing cultural competency and compassionate critical thinking, animal welfare organizations can work toward reducing barriers to keep pets and people (families) together. “Pet support services” programs not only provide reactive responses to community needs but can also proactively and strategically work to solve root causes such as lack of accessibility to resources. The animal welfare organization can act as a central support hub to directly provide resources or leverage partnerships with service organizations in your local ecosystem that can fill in gaps in support. Resources and services may include the provision of pet supplies or food, behavior support, medical support, emergency boarding, people-housing-related assistance, and more.

During this course, we’ll discuss the key components of a successful pet support services program, individual case management, strategic decision-making processes, utilizing technology to your advantage, having the right people on the team, measuring progress, and the importance of regular communications with your community to ensure visibility of programs. We aim to give you the roadmap to either pilot a new program or increase the success of your current one. 

(6) 90-minute Zoom classes over 6-weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor: Lucy Fernandez, Senior Intake Diversion (PASS) Program Manager, Austin Pets Alive!

When? Zoom classes will be held Wednesdays from 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM (Pacific Time) on 4/2, 4/9, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, and 5/14. Please note there is no class on 4/16.

Who should apply? Best for those managing or have approval to start pet support services program(s), those managing intake diversion processes, those interacting with community members, and those offering intake diversion options. Many topics will be presented from a “leadership” lens (e.g., how to structure a department, strategic program implementation, and hiring the right people) and have the goal of keeping more people and pets together by providing support services.

Logistically, managing a shelter clinic can be hard! And while there is a lot of help and support for private practice managers, it doesn’t always translate to shelter medicine. During this course, you will learn to identify key points in your shelter clinic day-to-day operations that can help you streamline processes, create usable and applicable protocols, share solutions to common problems, and create an overall more efficient and effective shelter clinic. Another topic of discussion will be culture. The instructor will share some proven, tangible actions you can take to improve the human connections in your workspace. Set the right example so you can bring the best out in your staff!

(4) 90-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes   

This course is eligible for 4.5 credit hours toward the AAVSB's (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program.

Instructor: Jordana Moerbe, Medical Care Director, Austin Pets Alive! & Shelter Support Director, American Pets Alive!

When? Zoom classes will be held on Thursdays from 8:00AM - 9:30AM (Pacific Time) on 4/3, 4/10, 4/24, and 5/1. Please note there is no class on 4/17.

Who should apply? For shelter executives, veterinarians, clinic managers, coordinators or assistants; or anyone who wants to start or improve their organization's medical services via a shelter clinic.