
Multi-Site Shelters
You have up to 100-150 full-time equivalent* staff members and a core group of volunteers who support your mission. Register for our online learning programs to expand your staff and volunteers’ knowledge and skills.
Mix & Match Options
Invest $19,000 to register up to 150 participants for either one of our 6-month, online learning programs: CORE and CARS. Fill any remaining seats with members of your volunteer team and have them learn alongside your staff. For example, if you have 150 participants, you can register 125 of them for CORE and 25 for CARS.
*FTE footnote: One full-time equivalent position equals two, part-time positions. For example, a shelter that has 8 full-time staff members and 4 part-time staff members would have 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.

CORE Online
This comprehensive online program covers
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Canine and feline body language and behavior foundations
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Training, enrichment, and behavior modification fundamentals
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Ethics, training methods, and documenting clear and objective behavior notes
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Recognizing complex canine and feline behaviors, including fear, aggression, and play
CARS Online
This in-depth online program covers
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Recognizing and documenting potentially risky canine behaviors
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Applying our comprehensive assessment framework to real-world behavior cases
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Exploring risk assessment as one component of timely and humane pathway planning
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Free bonus modules on understanding and documenting canine behavior in context
Package Options
Looking for more? Pair your online course selection with an advanced program or in-person visits

BEAR
Behavior and Enrichment Academy & Resources
This advanced online program is open to participants who have already completed CORE. It covers
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Recognizing and designing effective shelter behavior programs
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Using behavior knowledge to collaborate effectively with departments
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Canine and feline behavior considerations and evaluations
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Teaching adult learners (e.g., colleagues, adopters, fosters)
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Teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills development
Investment: $1,500 for 2 years; includes 2 years of access to the online modules and 8, virtual mentorship Zoom calls
In-Person Workshop
75 Workshop Participants + CORE Online: $27,000
Select either the canine handing and enrichment workshop or the welfare and behavior modification workshop.
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Four days
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2 participant cohorts


SPA Consulting
Our consulting team is committed to advancing animal welfare and has expertise in sheltering programs, animal behavior, and supporting leaders through organizational change. We’re here to help! We will work alongside you to evaluate and prioritize areas for improvement, create customized solutions, and facilitate program implementation.

