Cat Adoption Team (CAT) is the largest cat shelter in the Pacific Northwest, boasting 1,004 felines through foster care in 2023. 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 mentorship, admissions procedures and kitten flowchart, kitten socialization, fundraising, marketing, 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; Heather Miller, Development and Communications Director, Cat Adoption Team; and Dr. Dianne Brown, Medical Director, Cat Adoption Team 

When? Zoom classes will be held Wednesdays, from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET on 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16; and from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET on 10/23 

Who should apply? For most staff and/or volunteers (executives, managers, coordinators or assistants, etc.) in shelters or rescue organizations that work with cats.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

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.

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 for Cats, FIV, FeLV, Ringworm, Panleukopenia, Behavior Programs, Conflict Resolution, 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, The Give Them Ten Movement

When? Zoom classes will be held Mondays from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM ET on 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, and 10/7.

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.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

In this engaging and informative Instructor-Led Online Course participants will discover the pivotal role community engagement plays in the realm of animal control and welfare. It's not just about the animals; it's about cultivating compassionate and responsible communities that actively participate in creating a safer, more humane, and healthier environment for our pets.

You'll explore a spectrum of community-centered strategies, successful partnerships, and innovative initiatives, all of which have generated tangible results in animal control efforts across the nation. From local grassroots endeavors to larger-scale community programs, this course empowers you to become an agent of change within your community. By addressing the root causes of animal-related issues and fostering a sense of shared responsibility, you'll contribute to a more sustainable and humane future for all. 

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. 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.

(4) 90-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks, estimated time commitment of 10 hours for coursework and classes

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

When? Zoom classes will be held  -- class dates and times will be posted by 8/2/24.

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. 

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

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.

 Understanding the significance of low-stress restraint and handling techniques is crucial for both animals and animal control officers alike. By prioritizing these 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 officers. 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, students will explore live presentations and hands-on practice sessions right from the comfort of their own space. In this virtual classroom environment via Zoom, students not only absorb essential humane concepts and safe handling techniques but also get the chance to apply them practically, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The content will be presented live, and students will be instructed to have enough space for them to model the skills that will be demonstrated in the class. The instructor will present humane concepts and safe handling techniques. 

 As a final deliverable for each cohort, students will be tasked with crafting at least one new animal handling and/or capture policy for their organization, in consultation with the instructor and the other students, which will be adopted after training is over. 

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

Instructor:  Jerrica Owen, Executive Director, NACA & John Peaveler, Owner, Humane Innovations

When?  Zoom classes will be held on Thursdays 3:00PM -4:00PM ET on 9/19, 9/26, 10/3 and 10/10

Who should apply?  Anyone who handles animals, including directors, managers, coordinators, and animal services officers, is encouraged to apply. This is ideal for shelter-based organizations with field services, such as municipal organizations or those with municipal contracts.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

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.

Instructor: Rachel Jones, Consultant

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

When? Zoom classes will be held on Tuesdays from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM ET on 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, and 10/15

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).

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

In the United States, the majority of pets enter animal shelters as lost pets, making supporting this population the greatest opportunity for lifesaving and community engagement. Attendees can expect to leave with data-backed solutions and tools for implementing lost pet reunification programs like short-term foster placements, tracking actionable data, and enhancing lost and found pet communication strategies. By leveraging a shelter support framework and community participation, we can reduce shelter intake, increase return-to-home rates, and create more advocates for lost and stray pets! 

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

Instructor: Jenifer Reed, Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Program Implementation Manager

When? Zoom classes will be held on Tuesdays from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET on 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, and 10/15.

Who Should Apply? Best for those managing or leading municipal animal shelters that take in stray pets and oversee intake processes and/or community support teams or programs. Topics will range from programmatic structure tailored to your organization’s operations, data tracking, marketing and communication strategies, how to train and prepare staff to carry out the program, and more.

Applications will open August 19th.

Humane education programs are an invaluable resource to any shelter, as they directly help them meet their organizational goals and benefit the entire community. These programs help expand your community reach into new populations of donors, fosters, adopters, and volunteers, while also generating revenue for the organization. Humane education exists with the hopes that by creating kinder, more compassionate youth, the future of animal welfare will be brighter. In this instructor-led course, students will learn about the tools and techniques needed to garner organizational buy-in, create programs to fit needs, and get tips and tricks to get started right away. If you are already facilitating humane education programs, we’ll dive into specific games, lessons, and program details. Topics include safety and liability, marketing, funding opportunities, resources at your disposal, incorporating animal ambassadors, how to measure 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 1:00-2:30 PM ET on 9/24, 10/1, 10,8, 10/15. *Note: this course starts the week of 9/23, not the week of 9/16*

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.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

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 mini 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 and guest speakers, followed by time to discuss, ask questions, brainstorm and create.

*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.

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

Instructor: Caitlin Quinn, former Director Of Operations at HeARTs Speak, Adjunct Professor at University of Florida, and Consultant.

When? Zoom classes will be held Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 PM ET on 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, and 10/17.

Who should apply? For animal welfare professionals looking to understand foundational concepts of marketing and communications, including those who develop communications, marketing, advertising, and fundraising messaging and materials, communicate with audiences using press releases, email, newsletters, website and social media posts. This class is best-suited for those creating a marketing plan for the first time or those looking to brush up on making marketing more strategic.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

By providing resources and services, 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) 75-minute Zoom classes over 6-weeks, estimated time commitment of 10 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor: Lucy Fernandez, PASS Manager, Austin Pets Alive!

When? Zoom classes will be held Wednesdays from 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM ET on 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, and 10/23.

Who should apply? Best for those managing or have approval to start pet support services program(s), those managing intake diversion processes, and 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.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

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! 

(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 Thursdays from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM ET on  9/19, 9/26, 10/3, and 10/10.

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. 

Applications will open August 19, 2024.

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 to increase transports, identify partners, and increase lifesaving outcomes. This course will focus on equitable transport partnerships, with a local-first approach. Join those involved in transport programs across the country to connect and learn from each other. 

(4) 75-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks, estimated time commitment of 10 hours for coursework and classes

Instructor: Clare Callison, Senior Director of Operations, Austin Pets Alive!

When? Zoom classes will be held: Thursdays from 3:00 - 4:15 pm ET on 9/19, 9/26, 10/3 and 10/10.

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.

Applications will open August 19, 2024.