The well-being of your shelter team goes beyond green smoothies and pep talks. True resilience in the demanding world of animal care requires practical tools, steadfast support, and actionable skills.
Today's animal welfare and veterinary medical professionals are pushing the boundaries of what's possible for animals, people, and the organizations that heal, connect, and protect them. If that's you, it's easy to feel like nothing you do is ever good enough. The work feels never-ending. Taking care of your own needs might seem impossible.
It's true – the work has become more complex. But you don't need a magic formula to be well while you do meaningful work. You do need tools and ongoing support while you practice new, life-changing skills.
Compassion Fatigue Strategies is an 8-week UF Shelter Medicine Program online course led by certified compassion fatigue educator Jessica Dolce. This course will arm your team with strategies to manage stress, build lasting resilience, and foster a healthy work environment that supports both individual and collective well-being.
📅 Course Dates: October 16 to December 10, 2023
Special Offers
- Early Bird Rate: Enroll by September 15 for just $299 (a $50 savings!)
- Regular Rate: $349, starting September 16
- Group Special: Bring your entire team and enjoy an additional 10% discount for groups of 10 or more.
Don't miss this chance to invest in the wellness and success of your shelter team. Equip them with the skills to thrive amidst the challenges and to continue making a profound difference in the lives of animals.
Thank you so much for this class – it could not have been done any better! It was a total game changer for me and it’s helping me to be my best for the animals. Because of the class I’ve taken back my mornings and that has really helped. The class really spoke to the specific struggles I’ve had working in animal shelters and validated my experiences. Thank you — Animal Shelter Worker, 2023 CFS Alum
Learn More and Register Here.
Here’s What You’ll Get:
- Six core strategies that research has shown reduces and transforms empathy fatigue-related stress
- All lessons available on day one, 100% online, learn at your own pace
- Four Modules with videos, integration activities, & readings
- Daily support and community on discussion boards
- Four live sessions with Jessica Dolce, including a session on Stress First Aid skills
- Recorded conversation with Ellen Dolce, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Recorded conversation with Mueni Rudd, Senior Director of Research & Development at Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity
- 15 Continuing Education Credits
This is a chance to get 8 weeks of support and to learn new approaches to coping with stress, so you can keep doing the work you’re passionate about, without causing harm to yourself in the process. My hope is that the people who take this course will leave feeling like they’re not in this alone, that they have practical resources and choices to help them navigate ongoing challenges, and a sense of realistic optimism about the future.
— Jessica Dolce, certified compassion fatigue educator
Schedule
The course begins Monday, October 16, 2023 and runs through December 10, 2023. Students typically spend an average of 2 hours per week (15-20 minutes a day) moving through the 4 learning modules of this course. This equates to about 1 module every 2 weeks, for a total of 8 weeks. Designed for busy professionals, this online course is available 24/7 and self-paced for the flexibility you need. You’ll have access to all of the class materials on day one and then you can do the work at your own speed.
Students will also get together for 4 live calls to practice stress reduction and mindfulness techniques – this is like 4 hours of self-care, built right into the class. Plus, we talk about what we’re learning and experiencing on the discussion boards – so there’s daily support from Jessica!
The live calls will be on Tuesday evenings at 8 pm ET (10/24, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5). Calls will be recorded and shared for those unable to attend the live sessions.
Ongoing access to all course materials will be available for 2 months after the interactive portion of the course is completed (until February 10, 2024).
Continuing Professional Education Credits
This course is eligible for 15 credits of continuing professional education for veterinarians in Florida. Veterinarians from other states should contact their licensing board for guidance. The course has been approved for 15 hours of continuing professional education by Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), and National Animal Control Association (NACA). Participants may download a Certificate of Completion after completing all course requirements.
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Julie Levy, DVM
Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida
Maddie's Million Pet Challenge
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu
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