Maddie's University Online Instructor-Led Courses (Education Grants)

Maddie's University Online Instructor-Led Courses (Education Grants) is sponsored by The Duffield Family Foundation. These competitive, instructor-led online courses are designed for animal welfare staff and volunteers to implement new programs and improve community outcomes.

Maddie’s University | Animal Welfare Education Courses: Online Instructor-Led Courses Accessibility & Translations Applications are now being accepted! The application period closes at 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026. Fall 2026 Courses will begin the week of September 14th, 2026 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! All courses are free #ThanksToMaddie!

These courses require completion of: Self-paced online materials Zoom classes with your instructor and classmates (The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75 or 90 minutes.) Class size is limited and the selection process is competitive. Students may apply for more than one course but are only allowed to take one course per season even if accepted into several.

All Maddie’s University courses are pre-approved for NACA and CAWA CE (continuing education) credits. To be eligible to apply, your organization must be a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) or government animal welfare organization . Scroll down to review course information including course descriptions, instructors, class dates and times before applying.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026. If you have any questions or any issues applying during the open application period, please email [email protected] . Fall 2026 Course Offerings Adoption Marketing: Positive Framing, Connective Storytelling, More Adoptions!

Developing Your Own Kitten College NEW! Disaster Response for Animal Control Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns NEW!

Dog Behavior Reports: Communicating Behavior with Clarity and Purpose Fundamentals of Cooperative Care for Dogs Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach Live Better: From Survival Mode to Compassion Mode Shelter Clinic Management Work Better: the Power of Us Adoption Marketing: Positive Framing, Connective Storytelling, More Adoptions!

Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 15th - October 15th, 2026 This course helps animal welfare staff and volunteers create adoption marketing that increases placements through deeper connection with their community. We'll focus on positive framing, understanding the difference between marketing and adoption counseling, and practical skills you can use immediately.

Students learn to write bios focused on compatibility, improve their visual storytelling, and develop marketing strategies that reach beyond the usual animal welfare bubble. You’ll practice strategies like translating guilt messaging into positive framing and turning insider jargon into language audiences understand.

(5) 75-minute classes over 5 weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes Instructor: Caitlin Quinn, Adjunct Instructor at the University of Florida and communications & customer-experience consultant for animal welfare organizations When?

Two sections of this course will be offered: SECTION 1: Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM Pacific/ 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM Eastern on 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, and 10/13. SECTION 2: Zoom classes will be held Thursdays at 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM Pacific/ 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM Eastern on 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, and 10/15. Who should apply?

Animal welfare professionals responsible for creating content that promotes pets for adoption, particularly those just getting started in adoption marketing or those looking for a refresher.

Applicants may include but are not limited to: Marketing or communications staff Executive & leadership staff Adoption, foster & volunteer coordinators Content is practical, immediately applicable, and designed for organizations of any size or budget. No prior marketing experience is required.

Developing Your Own Kitten College Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 15th - October 6th, 2026 Neonatal kittens are the most vulnerable—and most euthanized—animals in shelters nationwide. This course empowers shelters and rescues of all sizes to build sustainable, high-impact neonatal programs grounded in the principles of Shelter Medicine and High-Quality, High-Volume (HQHV) kitten care.

Modeled after the success of National Kitten College, this four-session series provides a step-by-step guide to launching or strengthening a Kitten College–style program tailored to your organization. Participants will learn how to design foster-based systems, implement evidence-based protocols, train and support staff and foster caregivers, and build the partnerships and data infrastructure needed for long-term success.

A defining feature of this course is that every participant becomes part of the National Kitten College movement. Graduates receive a customizable Kitten College logo and framework, allowing them to build and brand a program that best fits their community while remaining connected to a national network of kitten lifesavers.

Participants may choose to establish their own nationally recognized Kitten College, join the National Kitten College network as a partner site, or adapt the model to strengthen existing efforts. Whether you are starting from scratch or scaling an established program, this course equips you with the tools, community, and national alignment needed to save more lives through innovation, collaboration, and compassion.

This course is eligible for 2. 0 credit hours toward the AAVSB's (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program. (5) 60-minute Zoom classes over 5-weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes.

Instructor: Marnie Russ, Founder & Executive Director, National Kitten College When? Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific / 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Eastern on 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, and 10/13. Who should apply?

Shelter directors, program coordinators, veterinary staff, and foster program managers Dog Behavior Reports: Communicating Behavior with Clarity and Purpose Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 17th - October 15th, 2026 Understanding dog behavior and being able to read dog body language are foundational skills when working in a shelter or rescue environment.

However, developing the skills to communicate what you are doing, what the dog is doing, and why , are separate skills entirely. This course will refine learners’ skills related to observing and reporting dog behavior, and translating that into practical reports for the dogs in your care. Learners should expect to submit weekly video(s) alongside written reports of interactions with dogs.

These videos and reports will be reviewed by the course instructor to provide feedback and coaching where needed. By the end of this course, learners will have a template/model of a behavior report that describes an interaction with a dog, communicates an assessment of the dog, and identifies a path forward for the dog.

If your shelter or rescue has been struggling to “get everyone on the same page” when it comes to writing behavior reports, this course will give you the “page” that everyone can get on board with! This course has been approved for continuing education credits (CEUs) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

(5) 75-minute classes over 5 weeks, estimated time commitment of 15 hours for coursework and classes Instructor: Devan Amundsen CPDT-KA CBCC-KA, Founder and Director, Free Dog Trainers When? Zoom classes will be held Thursdays at 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM Pacific / 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM Eastern on 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, and 10/15 Who should apply?

This course is intended for those who work hands-on day-to-day with dogs at a shelter or rescue, those who conduct assessments of dogs in the interest of placing them in adoptive homes, and/or those who supervise staff/volunteers who perform those duties.

Disaster Response for Animal Control Officers Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 15th - October 20th, 2026 This course builds directly on the foundational disaster response concepts from the NACA Field Services Series: Disaster Response for Animal Control self-paced course.

In this live virtual course, participants will deepen their understanding of disaster planning and enhance real-world readiness for animal control professionals. Learners will focus on advanced coordination practices, practical decision-making, and field-ready workflows for responding to disasters involving animals and people.

Through presentations, scenario-based discussions, guided planning activities, and role-based exercises, attendees will walk away with concrete tools they can apply immediately, such as improved response checklists, coordination templates, and after-action improvement strategies. (5) 60-minute classes over 6 weeks, estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes When?

Zoom classes will be held Tuesdays at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Pacific / 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Eastern on 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/13, and 10/20. (NOTE: NO CLASS ON 10/6.) Who should apply?

Anyone in Animal Control/Field Services Feline Lifesaving: Essential Cat Programs for Shelters Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 16th - October 7th, 2026 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. This course is eligible for 3.

0 credit hours toward the AAVSB's (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program. (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 Wednesdays at 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Eastern 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.

Fostering Dogs with Behavior Concerns Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 14th - October 19th, 2026 This course is designed to teach shelter and rescue professionals to place and support dogs who are presenting with behavior concerns into 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 real life case studies that highlight complicated behaviors, as well as build a support system for fosters willing to take on these challenges.

By the end of this course, students will be able to build out protocols for triaging stressful situations in the home (management strategies, communication plans, etc.), as well as support the modification of behavior through simple interventions that set the dog and the foster up for success. This course has been approved for continuing education credits (CEUs) 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, Owner & Head Trainer, Wolf. Man Dog Training & Consulting, and Foster and Transport Coordinator, Animal Welfare League of Arlington When?

Zoom classes will be held on Mondays at 2:00 PM -3:30 PM Pacific/ 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Eastern on 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, and 10/19. 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. Fundamentals of Cooperative Care for Dogs Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 15th - October 13th, 2026 This course introduces the core principles of cooperative care for dogs.

Cooperative care training began in zoos and other institutions involved in the husbandry of wild animals and is now standard practice in modern accredited zoos and aquariums worldwide. Cooperative care reduces fear, anxiety, and stress by teaching dogs behaviors to actively and willingly participate in grooming and medical procedures.

When dogs learn to cooperate in their own care, they are less fearful and stressed, which improves safety for both dogs and handlers. This means less struggling, less restraint, less stress, and less biting! While the course focuses on shelter dogs, an environment that presents unique challenges for both dogs and handlers, the techniques can be used with any dog.

There is often an immediate need for medical handling for dogs upon intake into a shelter. The examples in this course reflect “real world” shelter situations in which dogs unfamiliar with cooperative care require immediate treatment.

The course will demonstrate how cooperative care training teaches the dog to permit handling and medical procedures through desensitization and counterconditioning, while giving them a choice to opt in or out of a procedure through established yes and no signals. Participants in the course will be asked to submit a short (1-2 min) training video with a dog each week and share them in the course video library.

All participants can watch and learn from each other as we document progress and teach behaviors you may have never thought possible.

After completing this course you will be able to: ● Recognize and respect canine "No" signals for safer handling ● Practice using start/stop buttons, predictor cues and touch gradients ● Increase tolerance and safety for handling, grooming, and medical procedures through desensitization and counterconditioning ● Develop simple behavior plans to administer essential care ● Communicate with dogs that respects them as sentient beings with their own emotions This course has been approved for continuing education credits (CEUs) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).

(4) 75-minute classes over 5 weeks, estimated time commitment of 10 hours for coursework and classes Instructor: Ferdie Yau, MA, CPDT-KA, FFCT, Humane Society of Westchester, CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, Shelter Playgroup Alliance When? Zoom classes will be held on Tuesdays at 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Pacific/ 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM Eastern on 9/15, 9/22, 10/6, and 10/13. (NOTE: NO CLASS ON 9/29) Who Should Apply?

Anyone who handles dogs including directors, managers, volunteers, behavior and training staff, veterinarians, techs, veterinary assistants or anyone who wants to be better at taking care of their own dogs. This class is best suited for people who handle dogs on a daily or semi-daily basis.

Humane Education: Tools & Techniques to Expand Your Reach Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 15th - October 6th, 2026 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. (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 at 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific/ 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern on 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, and 10/6. 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. Live Better: From Survival Mode to Compassion Mode Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 14th - October 19th, 2026 At the heart of this course is a simple question: For many of us, that question gets buried beneath responsibilities, expectations, and the demands of everyday life.

Over time, we can become disconnected from ourselves, our values, and the people and causes we care about most. Live Better: From Survival Mode to Compassion Mode ™ is a six week course designed to help you better understand yourself and strengthen your capacity for compassion.

Together, we'll explore four practices that support a more intentional and compassionate life: Engaging with Suffering, Cultivating Empathy, Taking Intentional Action, and Managing Expectations. Along the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the patterns, beliefs, needs, and expectations that influence how you think, feel, and show up in the world.

By the end of this course, you can: Strengthen your capacity to navigate life's challenges with greater compassion Deepen your understanding of yourself Explore your nervous system, beliefs, needs, and expectations Cultivate practices that support lasting well-being This course is eligible for 6. 0 credit hours toward the AAVSB's (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program.

(6) 75-minute Zoom classes over 6 weeks, estimated time commitment of 13-15 hours for coursework and classes. Instructor: José Ocaño, Founder & CEO, Hatching LLC When? Zoom classes will be held on Mondays at 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Pacific/ 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM Eastern on 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, and 10/19.

Who should apply? This course is for leaders, helpers, and humans who want to: Better understand themselves. Cultivate daily practices that support resilience and well-being.

Learn practical tools for navigating life's challenges with greater compassion. If you're looking for an opportunity to pause, reflect, and choose a more intentional way of showing up in your life, we'd love to have you join us. Shelter Clinic Management Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 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!

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. (4) 90-minute Zoom classes over 4-weeks estimated time commitment of 12 hours for coursework and classes Instructor: Jordana Moerbe, Medical Care Director, Austin Pets Alive!

& Shelter Support Director, American Pets Alive! When? Zoom classes will be held on Thursdays at 8:00 AM -9:30 AM Pacific/ 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Eastern on 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, and 10/8.

Who should apply? For shelter clinic managers, lead technicians, health supervisors, veterinarians, or other veterinary field staff and volunteers looking to make a difference or start a career in shelter medicine leadership.

Work Better: The Power of Us Application Period: August 14th - August 23rd, 2026 Class Dates: September 14th - October 19th, 2026 **Prerequisite: To apply for this course, you must have previously completed the "Live Better: The Power of You" Instructor-Led Course. In Live Better , you explored your story, your beliefs, your needs, and the practices that help you show up with more compassion, clarity, and intention.

You learned ways to regulate yourself, reflect honestly, and choose how you want to live. Work Better: The Power of US™ takes what you cultivated within and brings it into your work relationships, team dynamics, and workplace culture.

We’ll explore how self-understanding and self-compassion can help us lead with more authenticity, integrity, and accountability, while also deepening how we communicate, make decisions, and navigate power and responsibility together.

This work is grounded in the belief that intentional, regulated leaders help create intentional, regulated teams, shaping a healthier employee experience, stronger organizations, and deeper impact in the communities we serve. By the end of this course, you can: Develop awareness of how your actions shape workplace culture, relationships, and team dynamics.

Strengthen your ability to navigate communication, power, and decision-making with intention, clarity, and care. Develop the foundation for regulated, accountable, and collaborative teams that support both people and the work. This course is eligible for 6.

0 credit hours toward the AAVSB's (American Association of Veterinary State Boards) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program. (6) 75-minute Zoom classes over 6 weeks, estimated time commitment of 13 hours for coursework and classes Instructor: José Ocaño, Founder & CEO, Hatching LLC When?

Zoom classes will be held on Mondays from 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM (Pacific) / 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM (Eastern) on 9/14, 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, and 10/19. Prerequisite: To apply for this course, you must have previously completed the "Live Better: The Power of You" Instructor-Led Course.

This course is for leaders, helpers, and humans who want to: Build healthier, more intentional relationships at work Strengthen communication, trust, and shared responsibility Cultivate workplace cultures rooted in clarity, accountability, and compassion This course is for anyone who wants to pause, reflect, and choose a more intentional way of showing up in their work.

If you have any questions or any issues applying during the open application period, please email [email protected] . Self-paced online courses On-demand presentations Check out our FAQs page for a list of commonly asked questions. If you are still in need of technical assistance, send us an email and we'll get back to you.

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