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Shelter Learniverse
Your space for learning, connection, and care.
Explore self-paced modules, coach-led programs, live online events, and on-demand recordings from previous virtual events—built to fit real-world schedules.
Created and powered by the Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP) at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and funded by Maddie’s Fund®. You’ll find the information, resources, and support you need to strengthen your work and your commitment to animal welfare here in the Shelter Learniverse.
Apply by December 5, 2025 • Next group starts January 5, 2026
Professional development that fits real shelter life. The Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program (SCS) offers 6 practical courses that help frontline staff build confidence, consistency, and skills that improve care and outcomes.
Core courses lay the foundation; electives let learners focus on the welfare or medical areas most relevant to their shelter and career goals.
With flexible, self-paced modules, interactive practice, and just 2–3 live meetings per 6-week course (all recorded for convenience), the SCS program brings expert-level learning within reach for every team member.
Step into modern sheltering with confidence. Modern Sheltering Foundations builds the knowledge and perspective every shelter professional needs to thrive—equipping you to make better daily decisions, reduce stress for animals and staff, and set the stage for more successful outcomes.
Learn MoreBuild calm, efficient, and effective care routines that work in the real world. Animal Care Foundations gives you practical tools for daily shelter operations—from intake to ongoing care and monitoring—helping animals stay healthier and your team work smarter.
Learn MoreSee the bigger picture behind daily shelter work. Population Management helps you understand how your role shapes animal flow, capacity, and outcomes—so you can make small daily choices that keep animals moving safely through the system.
Learn MoreBring out the best in every animal. Behavior, Training, and Enrichment helps you understand what animals need to feel safe, learn, and thrive—so you can make every interaction a step toward calmer, happier, more adoptable pets.
Learn MoreExpand your medical knowledge and confidence. Advanced Medical Care helps you understand what’s happening behind the medicine—so you can recognize concerns early, take the right next steps, and keep animals on track even when veterinary teams are stretched thin.
Learn MoreGain confidence in the clinic. Clinic Skills and Operations helps you build comfort and skill assisting with everyday medical tasks—from surgery prep and anesthesia support to patient care, recovery, and clinic flow—so animals get the care they need without delay.
Learn MoreLearn it today, use it tomorrow — live, practical webinars designed for real shelter life. Each KSMP-UCD session dives into shelter operations, capacity for care, behavior and enrichment, population management, and access to care — with recordings available so busy teams never miss out.
Upcoming WebinarsReal talk, real solutions for shelter veterinarians — tackling infectious disease, population health, surgery, and triage through open, case-based discussion. Expect practical takeaways, real-world examples, and time to exchange ideas and questions with colleagues — brought to you by KSMP Shelter Learniverse.
Explore SeriesLearning that fits real shelter life — stream past webinars, explore self-paced modules, and catch up on recorded events anytime. Get practical takeaways at your own pace, share what you learn with your team when it matters most, and keep building skills that make daily work easier and animals’ lives better.
View CatalogYour one-stop source for trusted shelter medicine tools and information — dive into KSMP-UCD’s library of resources, FAQs, and guidebooks designed to help you find answers fast and put best practices into action.
Go to ShelterMedicineStay up to date with the latest in shelter medicine and animal welfare — explore upcoming conferences, workshops, and online events across the industry in the KSMP-UCD Events Calendar.
Visit the CalendarJoin the KSMP team on the road! See where we’ll be speaking, presenting, and connecting with shelter and veterinary professionals at upcoming conferences and events across the U.S. and beyond.
Learn More
The KSMP Shelter Learniverse, supported by Maddie’s Fund®, is built by the first shelter medicine program in the world—UC Davis’ Koret Shelter Medicine Program. Backed by decades of expertise and research leadership, the Shelter Learniverse delivers practical, proven training focused on shelter operations, medical best practices, and real-world solutions—driven by innovation and best practices.
Maddie’s Fund® also offers two additional resources that complement the Shelter Learniverse:
Together, the Shelter Learniverse, Maddie’s® University, and Maddie’s® Pet Forum provide the knowledge, skills, and community connection needed to strengthen your work and improve outcomes for animals everywhere.
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