Welcome to the Shelter Learniverse: Empowering You with Knowledge and Support
Explore the Shelter Learniverse, an online learning initiative by the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, funded by Maddie's Fund®. Access a wealth of resources and courses designed to enhance your skills and support your commitment to animal welfare.
Interested in Applying for the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program for a Future Session?*
* Our session starting 10/21/24 is now full but you can apply for a future session and subscribe to our list to get updates.
Are you a frontline staff member ready to elevate your skills and deepen your impact? Are you looking for a pathway to a more fulfilling and sustainable career in the animal care field? Are you a leader, looking for a training program to advance your team’s skills?
Visit our "Certification" page for information on the new Shelter Care Specialist (SCS) Certification Program designed to empower shelter staff—animal care attendants/technicians, behavior/training staff, adoptions staff, intake staff, veterinary assistants, and other frontline workers. Developed by shelter medicine and operations experts, this comprehensive training elevates staff expertise in best practices of general shelter operations, medical care, population management, and behavior, training, and enrichment.
If you would like to be considered for future Shelter Care Specialist Certificate Program sessions, please click the "Apply Now" button below and complete the application form. If you also check the "Add to Mailing List" option at the end of this form we will keep you updated on future session start dates.
NOTE: The content of this program at this time is most relevant for individuals working in public shelters or private shelters with municipal contracts. Because enrollment for this program is limited, we will be prioritizing the enrollment of individuals from these types of shelters.
To review information about the SCS program, visit our "About Certification" pages.
Meet the Shelter Learniverse
Dedicated to supporting you in your work in the animal sheltering industry, the Shelter Learniverse at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program is part of the Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge. Learn more about how we can help you in your work and career.
Advance Your Career With Shelter Care Specialist Certification
Introducing Shelter Care Specialist Certification: a game-changing professional development program for shelter team members. Elevate your professional skills and credentials, positioning yourself for a long-term, fulfilling career in animal welfare.
Start Learning Now
Check out our bite-sized, self-paced, on-demand learning options. Dive in now!
Addressing Access to Care in Animal Shelters
The Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP) envisions a future where every shelter team member can deliver the care animals in shelters need, when and where it's needed most. The Shelter Learniverse mission is to provide essential, easily accessible online learning to enhance the lives of shelter animals and support the dedicated teams caring for them, while addressing the profound access to care challenges many shelters and communities are facing.
In response to this crisis, both KSMP and Maddie’s Fund® are dedicated to providing comprehensive educational initiatives that equip shelter staff with essential medical, behavioral, and shelter best practices training. We're here to support you and enhance the care you're able to provide for animals in and through shelters.
Learning That Fits Your Schedule
Explore our full catalog of on-demand learning for busy shelter professionals with big goals. We've got it all - instructor-led training programs, short self-paced options, more in-depth on-demand modules, and even recorded national events. It's all available anytime, anywhere, on any device.
Koret Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California, Davis
School of Veterinary Medicine
At the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, we support your work in the animal sheltering industry. As part of Maddie's® Million Pet Challenge, our Shelter Learniverse offers unique, convenient content, tailored to your needs. Check out additional Koret Shelter Medicine Program at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine resources below.
Industry Events Calendar
The animal sheltering's most-used calendar of upcoming in-person and online events from across the industry.
UC Davis Shelter Medicine Website
Visit our resource library for answers to your shelter medicine questions and to learn more about our program.
California For All Program
Providing California shelters with grants, resources and support and acting as a possible model for other states.