With so many dogs coming into our shelters and spending more time in our care, it’s common that we are faced with behavioral challenges to address. The most concerning, of course, is aggression, and behavior expert Kelley Bollen will lead this session to take a deep dive into why dogs exhibit aggressive behavior, the different types of aggression we see in dogs, and what situations can trigger aggressive behavior. She will discuss what we as shelter professionals can do to modify this serious and sometimes dangerous behavior and provide guidance on safe placement. With safety considerations for staff, volunteers, and the public, as well as the overall implications our choices have on our ability to maintain liability insurance as an industry, having clear guidelines and pathways for dogs exhibiting aggressive behavior is critically important.

$25 Members

$35 Non-Members

Behavior Problems are the number one reason for owner relinquishment to shelters.  Many of the problematic behaviors that pet owners struggle with are normal cat or dog behaviors that they just don't understand or appreciate.  Shelter staff should be able to advise pet owners how to resolve problematic behaviors to help keep the animals in their home - where they belong.  This lecture by Kelley Bollen, MS, CABC, offers valuable advice on all the most common problematic behaviors in dogs and cats.

$25 Members

$35 Non-Members

Dogs and cats speak with their bodies and they always “tell” us how they are feeling with this language. Anyone who works with them should be able to read cat and dog body language in order to assess their emotional state. This information will ensure that the animal is properly and safely handled to reduce fear and stress. This presentation, led by Kelley Bollen, MS, CABC, includes a discussion of how to read dog and cat body language and how to safely and humanely handle the shelter animals.

$25 Members

$35 Non-Members

The shelter environment can be a stressful place for animals. Stress reduction is the most important aspect of a behavior wellness program in the shelter. Animals that are stressed are at risk for reduced welfare. In addition to the psychological ramifications, stressed animals are more likely to get sick in the shelter environment. This presentation, led by Kelley Bollen, MS, CABC, discusses why the shelter is a stressful place, how to recognize signs of stress, and what measures should be taken to reduce stress in the shelter animals during their stay.

$25 Members

$35 Non-Members

Cats – the forgotten species. While most shelters have a robust enrichment and training program for their dogs, the cats usually miss out. Keeping these sensitive animals behaviorally healthy in the scary shelter environment is critical for their welfare. Enrichment involves stimulating their senses, giving them things to do like work for their food, providing them with social contact with humans and other cats (for some) and challenging their minds through training. Enrichment and training will not only improve the cat’s quality of life in the shelter, but it can also help them get adopted faster.

Animal Control Officers and Humane Officers now have the opportunity to complete a basic training academy on their own time, at their own pace, without travel.

This is a web-based, on-demand course consisting of more than 60 hours of video trainings conducted by a variety of exceptional experts in our field in California state laws and animal care, specifically to meet the requirements outlined in Health and Safety Code Sec 26222 and California Corporations Code Section 14502. The program also allows for up to 20 hours of self-directed time for reviewing additional provided resources, and quizzes to help ensure that content is understood. 

View Course Agenda 

$450 Members (staff of CalAnimals member organizations)

$500 Non-members (Learner Profile needed)

This training program was designed to ensure all animal officers throughout the state of California have access to quality training and industry best practices, and support each officer’s eligibility to become certified.

*This academy is open to everyone. It is not a requirement nor promise of employment.

Learn more about the CalAnimals 

Certified Animal Control Officer Program, 

our state’s voluntary certification program for ACOs. 

*To obtain certification:

1. You must be employed as an ACO

2. Taken PC 832 Arrest, Search and Seizure

3. Completed a qualifying animal law academy

Animal Control Officers and Humane Officers now have the opportunity to complete an advanced training academy on their own time, at their own pace, without travel.

This is a web-based, on-demand course consisting of more than 40 hours of training to advance skills for investigations, work more effectively with the public, respond to disasters, implement effective programs for cats, safely interact with wildlife, and more! This course meets the requirements for 40 CEUs every 3 years outlined in Health and Safety Code Sec 26222 and California Corporations Code Section 14502 for Certified Animal Control Officers and State Humane Officers. This academy is a collection of video trainings conducted by a variety of exceptional experts in our field.
View Course Agenda

$400 Members (staff of CalAnimals member organizations)

$450 Non-members (Learner Profile needed)

Learn more about renewing your CACO status. 

**Please note: CalAnimals webinars and trainings are for informational purposes only. Please check with your own municipality, legal counsel, and/or veterinarian to determine which activities are appropriate for your agency.

Starting in 2025, San Diego Humane Society and Marin Humane have joined with California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), to create the California Animal Law Enforcement Academy.

This 80-hour Academy will provide consistent training two times a year. The California Animal Law Enforcement Academy is intended to provide training in California animal laws and animal care.

This course can satisfy the requirements mandated by section 14502 of the California Corporations Code for appointment and reappointment as a Humane Officer or satisfaction of Health and Safety Code 26222 for requirements to become a Certified Animal Control Officer (CACO) which is a voluntary program.

Each day will run approximately from 8:30am-5:30pm.

$400 - Payment and registration is through Marin Humane.

Questions?: scaldwell@marinhumane.org, 415.506.6209