Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi there! What recommendations do you all have for staff trainings that could be appropriate for all staff members (including development, admin, store manager, etc.) that aren't dealing with the animals on a daily basis? So far, I've done compassion fatigue, customer service, stress management, and animal body language training, so I could use additional ideas. Thank you!

#EducationandTraining

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Whitney Zoghby
Paws4ever
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Hey Whitney!

Great question! Here are some ideas for staff member trainings (especially for non-animal handling folks):

• Disease Training-Our admin staff always appreciate our Vets sharing what the different types of diseases are, what symptoms can occur, etc. We were fascinated a few years back when we learned the ins & outs of Heartworm disease, testing, etc.
• National Trends in sheltering-learning about what's going on throughout the country in animal welfare, using provided surveys/articles, etc. through large nonprofits like Maddie's Fund, HASS, Best Friends Animal Society, etc. Sometimes we get in a silo and forget what others may be going through. Great to compare notes sometimes or see if there are things others are doing differently.
• Topic Specific to the Teams: We will take one topic that impacts multiple departments and do a training just on that one thing from start to finish...such as fostering, using our data system to intake it, foster contracts, speaking to the fosters, all the way to our medical dept re-checks, surgery, adoption, etc. It's interesting to take one topic that multiple depts touch, and process map it start to finish to see if everyone is on the same page with each step.
• Staff Knowledge Trainings: Learn more about each coworker through questions/games/presentations. Learning more about the humanside of our staff outside of work goes a long way in building empathy & understanding when workload & tensions are high. Folks presenting on their most recent vacation, their hobbies, etc. is not "work" related and staff tend to enjoy these spotlights on one another.
• Volunteer Training for Staff: How to coach volunteers, how to handle difficult conversations, how to empower them in their roles, etc. 

Hopefully some of these are helpful!

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Sarah Sukhram
Vol. & Foster Coordinator
Pasco County Animal Services
Land O' Lakes, FL
https://www.pascocountyfl.net/408/Animal-Services
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Here are some that we've included for all staff:

-Professional development

-Not a training, but providing a centralized location for software guides

-Optional HR related subjects such as meal and rest periods, cybersecurity, etc.

-Required HR or OSHA related subjects such as harassment prevention,  hazardous materials, emergency procedures (including active shooter), radiation prevention.

-Disease prevention/signs of illness (if there is a chance they are intercepting guests as they walk in)

-Defensive handling to our all staff training as well.

-Open adoptions/providing a judgement free environment to guests

Hope this helps!

Stacey

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Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA
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Two to add to my list above: emotional intelligence and change management.

Stacey

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Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2023 04:37 PM
From: Stacey Zeitlin
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

Here are some that we've included for all staff:

-Professional development

-Not a training, but providing a centralized location for software guides

-Optional HR related subjects such as meal and rest periods, cybersecurity, etc.

-Required HR or OSHA related subjects such as harassment prevention,  hazardous materials, emergency procedures (including active shooter), radiation prevention.

-Disease prevention/signs of illness (if there is a chance they are intercepting guests as they walk in)

-Defensive handling to our all staff training as well.

-Open adoptions/providing a judgement free environment to guests

Hope this helps!

Stacey

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Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA
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Love your list! Do you have any pre-made templates for any of these trainings? Or an outside source that you point to? Or have you created all these on your own?

Thanks!

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Lauren Nace
Rescue Manager
Saved Me Rescue
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-09-2023 08:24 AM
From: Stacey Zeitlin
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

Two to add to my list above: emotional intelligence and change management.

Stacey

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Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2023 04:37 PM
From: Stacey Zeitlin
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

Here are some that we've included for all staff:

-Professional development

-Not a training, but providing a centralized location for software guides

-Optional HR related subjects such as meal and rest periods, cybersecurity, etc.

-Required HR or OSHA related subjects such as harassment prevention,  hazardous materials, emergency procedures (including active shooter), radiation prevention.

-Disease prevention/signs of illness (if there is a chance they are intercepting guests as they walk in)

-Defensive handling to our all staff training as well.

-Open adoptions/providing a judgement free environment to guests

Hope this helps!

Stacey

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Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA

Thanks, Laura! We have a mix of created in-house and share others. Happy to connect you with our Learning & Development team if you'd like to learn more. Feel free to reach out to me directly at cp@sdhumane.org.

Stacey

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Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2023 07:42 AM
From: Lauren Nace
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

Love your list! Do you have any pre-made templates for any of these trainings? Or an outside source that you point to? Or have you created all these on your own?

Thanks!

------------------------------
Lauren Nace
Rescue Manager
Saved Me Rescue
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 06-09-2023 08:24 AM
From: Stacey Zeitlin
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

Two to add to my list above: emotional intelligence and change management.

Stacey

------------------------------
Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA


Original Message:
Sent: 06-07-2023 04:37 PM
From: Stacey Zeitlin
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

Here are some that we've included for all staff:

-Professional development

-Not a training, but providing a centralized location for software guides

-Optional HR related subjects such as meal and rest periods, cybersecurity, etc.

-Required HR or OSHA related subjects such as harassment prevention,  hazardous materials, emergency procedures (including active shooter), radiation prevention.

-Disease prevention/signs of illness (if there is a chance they are intercepting guests as they walk in)

-Defensive handling to our all staff training as well.

-Open adoptions/providing a judgement free environment to guests

Hope this helps!

Stacey

------------------------------
Stacey Zeitlin
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego CA

It is great that you are looking for additional training opportunities for your staff. Here are some training ideas that can benefit staff members who are not directly involved in animal care:

1. Adoption Process and Counseling: Training on the adoption process and counseling techniques can empower staff members to guide potential adopters through the process effectively. This includes understanding adoption criteria, conducting home visits, assessing compatibility, and providing post-adoption support.

2. Fundraising and Grant Writing: Equip staff members with the skills to secure funding for your organization by offering training on fundraising strategies, grant writing, donor cultivation, and event planning. This can help support the financial sustainability of your pet rescue.

3. Volunteer Management: Provide training on effective volunteer management, including volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, supervision, and recognition. This will help ensure a positive volunteer experience and maximize their impact on your organization.

4. Community Outreach and Education: Train staff members on community outreach strategies to raise awareness about your pet rescue and promote responsible pet ownership. This can include organizing workshops, public speaking, and coordinating educational campaigns.

5. Social Media and Marketing: Offer training on social media management, digital marketing, and branding. This will enable staff members to effectively communicate your organization's message, promote adoptable animals, and engage with supporters online.

6. Crisis Management and Emergency Response: Conduct training sessions on crisis management and emergency response protocols specific to pet rescues. This can include disaster preparedness, evacuation plans, and procedures for handling emergencies like natural disasters or disease outbreaks.

7. Animal Laws and Regulations: Provide training on relevant animal laws and regulations to ensure staff members understand their legal obligations and can navigate issues such as licensing, microchipping, and reporting cases of animal abuse or neglect.

8. Animal Health and Wellness: Although not directly involved in animal care, it can be beneficial for staff members to have a basic understanding of animal health and wellness. Offer training on common health issues, vaccination protocols, parasite control, and recognizing signs of illness.

9. Shelter Operations and Administration: Train staff members on shelter operations and administrative processes. This can include topics like record-keeping, data management, inventory control, and facility maintenance to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

10. Collaboration and Networking: Foster collaboration and networking skills by providing training on building partnerships with other animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and community resources. This can help expand your pet rescue's reach and support network.

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Rosa Alcazar Gonzalez
Non-Profit Coordinator
Wag Workshops
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Hello,

What a great list. Here are a few more I added to your list  for me to use. :)

Transportation Partners- creating options and resources,  building a resource hub for citizens using local social supports. and foster coordination. 

Thanks,

Michelle 

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Michelle Russillo
CEO
WAGS PET ADOPTION
Westminster CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-09-2023 06:24 PM
From: Rosa Alcazar Gonzalez
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

It is great that you are looking for additional training opportunities for your staff. Here are some training ideas that can benefit staff members who are not directly involved in animal care:

1. Adoption Process and Counseling: Training on the adoption process and counseling techniques can empower staff members to guide potential adopters through the process effectively. This includes understanding adoption criteria, conducting home visits, assessing compatibility, and providing post-adoption support.

2. Fundraising and Grant Writing: Equip staff members with the skills to secure funding for your organization by offering training on fundraising strategies, grant writing, donor cultivation, and event planning. This can help support the financial sustainability of your pet rescue.

3. Volunteer Management: Provide training on effective volunteer management, including volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, supervision, and recognition. This will help ensure a positive volunteer experience and maximize their impact on your organization.

4. Community Outreach and Education: Train staff members on community outreach strategies to raise awareness about your pet rescue and promote responsible pet ownership. This can include organizing workshops, public speaking, and coordinating educational campaigns.

5. Social Media and Marketing: Offer training on social media management, digital marketing, and branding. This will enable staff members to effectively communicate your organization's message, promote adoptable animals, and engage with supporters online.

6. Crisis Management and Emergency Response: Conduct training sessions on crisis management and emergency response protocols specific to pet rescues. This can include disaster preparedness, evacuation plans, and procedures for handling emergencies like natural disasters or disease outbreaks.

7. Animal Laws and Regulations: Provide training on relevant animal laws and regulations to ensure staff members understand their legal obligations and can navigate issues such as licensing, microchipping, and reporting cases of animal abuse or neglect.

8. Animal Health and Wellness: Although not directly involved in animal care, it can be beneficial for staff members to have a basic understanding of animal health and wellness. Offer training on common health issues, vaccination protocols, parasite control, and recognizing signs of illness.

9. Shelter Operations and Administration: Train staff members on shelter operations and administrative processes. This can include topics like record-keeping, data management, inventory control, and facility maintenance to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

10. Collaboration and Networking: Foster collaboration and networking skills by providing training on building partnerships with other animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, and community resources. This can help expand your pet rescue's reach and support network.

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Rosa Alcazar Gonzalez
Non-Profit Coordinator
Wag Workshops
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If you do play groups Dogs Play For Life has different webinar series that they put out that are really great resources.  You could utilize those?

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Kelly Eckerle
Dubois County Humane Society
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For animal enrichment, Shelter Playgroup Alliance is a great resource for practices that are consistent with Fear Free tennets!

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Emily Wood
Director
Broward County Animal Care
Fort Lauderdale FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-11-2023 03:54 AM
From: Kelly Eckerle
Subject: Ideas for all staff trainings (including staff not dealing with animals)?

If you do play groups Dogs Play For Life has different webinar series that they put out that are really great resources.  You could utilize those?

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Kelly Eckerle
Dubois County Humane Society
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This is a great list already! A couple additional ideas:

1- some kind of training around DEI and its impacts on the industry. The REDI program from CARE is a great one, and there are some great DEI consultants out there, too. But many folks enter animal sheltering without an awareness of how racism and other factors have historically kept people from pets. 

2- Depending on your area, education on a few key phrases and resources for speakers of other languages. It's really helpful for staff to be able to say things like "Let me get someone who speaks Spanish" or ASL or whatever other languages are common in your area instead of looking around looking confused!

3- recognizing and addressing trauma and PTSD. A LOT of what gets labeled as compassion fatigue in animal sheltering is actually trauma. Many folks working in shelters are going to be exposed to trauma- from bites, fights, watching animals deteriorate, getting called awful things, etc. I think we do a disservice when we tell folks that this is just compassion fatigue, and setting people up to know the signs of trauma and PTSD right off the bat can help a lot of folks. We offered a 2part webinar series about this that folks are welcome to share, and I'm considering making a condensed version specifically for shelter staff onboarding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObO84fOUw20&t=4s

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Miranda Hitchcock
MS Applied Animal Behavior, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified
Executive Director
Every Dog Behavior and Training
Austin, TX
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