Winter 2023 Online Instructor-Led Courses

Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? 

Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. They’re the catalyst you need to take your programs and learning to the next level! These courses require completion of: self-paced online materials, (4) 90-minute Zoom classes with your instructor and classmates, and a final project. Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive. 

THE WINTER 2023 APPLICATION WINDOW IS DECEMBER 13, 2022 - JANUARY 10, 2023. Links to applications will be available below on December 13, 2022. 

Sample Application

To apply (1) click the application hyperlink provided in the description below (2) click the green ENROLL button on the application webpage, and (3) click submit on the survey via Survey Monkey. To be eligible, your organization must be a U.S. based 501c3 or government animal welfare organization. All Maddie’s University courses are pre-approved for NACA and CAWA CE (continuing education) credits. Every hour of training equals 1 CE credit towards CAWA Recertification.

If you have any questions please email maddiesuniversity@maddiesfund.org.


Field Services: Community-Centered Programming 

This Online Instructor-Led Course from NACA will teach you everything you need to know about the foundations and future of animal field services. You’ll hear from several shelters that are successfully redefining what field services mean in their cities, jurisdictions and within their communities, including time for Q&A. We’ll explore innovative and lifesaving programming involved in a community-focused field services approach such as fence fixing programs, reunification strategies in the field, data driven program targeting, and field intake to placement programs. In addition to program structures, common challenges with implementation and how to overcome barriers will also be discussed. The virtual (Zoom) classes for this Instructor-Led Online Course will be interactive. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of where field services have been, where we are now, and where we are going. 

Instructor: Jerrica Owen CAWA, Executive Director, National Animal Care & Control Association 

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 14 hours for coursework and classes. 

When? Zoom classes will be held Mondays at 3:00 PM ET on the dates: 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, (no class 2/20), 2/27 

Who should apply? Directors, managers, coordinators and animal services officers are encouraged to apply. Best for shelter-based organizations with field services, like municipal organizations or organizations with municipal contracts. 

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Feline Lifesaving

Learn how to create and grow multiple coordinated shelter programs that will result in more cat adoptions and increased feline lifesaving. In this advanced level instructor-led course, students will learn how to create and manage essential cat programs, lead staff and volunteers to accomplish goals and be as effective as possible with limited resources. Course content includes: Shelter-Neuter-Return, Intake Management, FIV, FeLV, Ringworm, Behavior Programs, Foster Care, Matchmaking, Working Cat Programs, and more.

Instructor: Monica Frenden, Chief Innovation Officer: Feline Lifesaving at Cincinnati Animal CARE and The Joanie Bernard Foundation

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 20 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 1:00 PM ET on the dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21

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.

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Foster Care for Adult Dogs

Adult dogs are sitting in shelters. Let's get them out and into homes and let's get your organization on board with a foster-centric mentality for adult dogs. This course will teach you how to grow or create your program. We’ll discuss the biggest challenges and how you can avoid or overcome them. Topics of discussion will include: creating a shift in organizational culture, marketing foster dogs, field trips, short-term and emergency foster care, support and training foster caregivers, and more. Online (Zoom) classes are interactive. You will be expected to join breakout rooms to brainstorm ideas, interact with other students and have some fun.

Instructors: Rachel Jones, consultant

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 15 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 5:00 PM ET on the dates: 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21

Who should apply? For directors, managers or staff who are empowered to make changes and launch new initiatives in their organizations. Priority will be given to organizations that have two or more representatives apply (e.g., manager and staff teams).

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Foster Caregivers: Recruitment, Reengagement, Retention and Renewal

Looking to expand your roster of foster caregivers? In this instructor-led course, you’ll learn about the importance of creating a community culture of fostering, how to implement inclusive recruitment strategies to widen your reach for new foster families, and how to bring in more support for your program. We’ll discuss the latest market research, how organizations with the most robust foster programs are building their foster base, and strategies for making your new and existing foster caregivers feel welcome and included to keep them engaged and coming back.

Instructor: Kelly Duer, Senior Community Solutions Initiative Specialist, Maddie's Fund

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes. 

When? Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 4 pm ET on the dates: 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21

Who should apply? For directors, managers or staff who are empowered to make changes and launch new initiatives in their organizations. Priority will be given to organizations that have two or more representatives apply (e.g., manager and staff teams).

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Short-Term Foster and Field Trips

Short on staff? Short of funds? Starting or building your short-term foster program should be your organization's bang-for-your-buck, lifesaving, to-do item. Dive deep into learning how to create and run several types of short-term foster programs that will provide your animals with enrichment, get them seen, give you great marketing material, expand your foster caregiver base, and increase adoptions. Programs covered include field trips, overnights and emergency foster care. If you already have a short-term foster program but think you could do better, this apprenticeship will teach you how from the perspective of an organization that is doing it very successfully. Those with limited staff and financial resources are encouraged to apply, as these programs are inexpensive to run and can greatly increase community engagement when done right.

Instructor: Savana Hutchinson, Assistant Director of Operations, Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Thursdays at 1:00 PM ET on the dates: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23

Who should apply? For all levels of staff and/or volunteers (executives, veterinarians, managers, coordinators or assistants, etc.). Organizations with physical facilities will get the most from this offering. 

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Shelter Clinic Management

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. I can help you 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 we will discuss is culture. I 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!

Instructor: Jordana Moerbe, Shelter Support Director, American Pets Alive!, Maddie's Medical Program Advisor

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Thursdays at 6:00 PM ET on the dates: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23

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.

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Marketing Communications 101: The Essentials 

Interested in reaching more of your community? This Online Instructor-Led Course is for those wanting hands-on experience creating a marketing and communications plan for a specific community centric program* at their organization. You’ll walk away with a marketing plan specific to your unique program, audience and goals, with messaging and sample copy to use in emails, press releases and more. Together, we’ll take it from strategy to implementation. This interactive workshop style class will feature short informative presentations by instructors followed by ample time to discuss, ask questions, brainstorm and most importantly, work on your plan.

*Community centric programs include programs such as Lost Pet Reunification, Pet Support Services, Foster Care, Supported Rehoming, Field Services and Public Safety, Community Partnerships and more. 

Instructors: Maddie’s Fund Marketing Communications Team, Sharon Fletcher, Brittany Ransonet, Craig Coryell and Wendy Frink 

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 10 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Wednesdays at 1:30pm ET on the dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22

Who should apply? For animal welfare professionals looking to understand foundational concepts of marketing and communications. Those who develop communications, marketing, advertising, and fundraising messaging and materials, communicate with audiences using press releases, email, newsletters, website and social media posts.

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Transport: Forming Equitable Partnerships

Transport programs are continuing to grow and evolve to meet the shifting needs of the sheltering and rescue community. Those looking to be "destination partners" will leave this instructor-led course with tools on how to expand their programs, how to say "yes" to more requests for help, and lessons on building sustainable and effective transport programs. Those looking to be "source partners" will leave with lessons on how increase transports, identify partners, and increase lifesaving outcomes. This course will focus on equitable transport partnerships, with a local-first approach.

Instructor: Clare Callison, Maddie's® Director of National Operations, American Pets Alive!

This instructor-led course requires a time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 4pm ET on the dates: 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21

Who should apply? For transport coordinators, program managers, shelter/rescue directors, etc. who are empowered to make changes and launch new initiatives in their organizations. Best for organizations that are either currently transporting or close to starting a transport program. Open to both source (giving) and/or destination (receiving) groups.

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Care Pathways: Guiding Animals Through the Shelter 

Care pathways have long been used in human medical care, and now they are being used successfully in animal care too! Care pathways are standardized paths that guide a group of pets from intake to outcome and direct our often limited resources to the animals that really need them. These pathways aim to reduce shelter stay, providing high quality and efficient care for animals in your organization’s care, based on their common needs. During this course, you’ll generate a plan for your organization, including components for step-by-step implementation and programmatic evaluation. We’ll discuss all types of care pathways; however, there will be a slight focus on care pathways related to animal behavior.

Instructor: Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB, Director of Community Solutions Initiative, Maddie's Fund®

This instructor-led course will have (4) 90-minute Zoom classes over the course of a 5-week span and requires an estimated time commitment of 16 hours for coursework and classes.

When? Zoom classes will be held Wednesdays at 4 pm ET on the dates: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1

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. Behavior staff are encouraged to apply. Applicants where 2 or more people from the same organization apply will be prioritized for admission into the course, as planning will be a part of the coursework.

Apply Now