CERTIFICATE IN ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATIONS (CASO) | Module 1 - Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Great shelter leaders begin with a strong foundation.
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LIVE VIRTUAL
Instructor-led learning. Access to the recordings
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11 HOURS
Four 2.5-hour + One 1-hour live sessions at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)
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5 WEEKS
One weekly session starting on November 3
Why This Module Matters
Every decision shapes an outcome.
Modern animal shelters are more than places that provide temporary care for animals. They are community resources that support animals, people, and the human-animal bond.
Leading within this environment requires more than operational knowledge. It requires ethical judgement, systems thinking, evidence-informed decision-making, and a clear understanding of how mission, values, and organizational culture influence everyday decisions.
This module builds that foundation, helping you see how decisions across intake, care, community support, and outcomes connect to a larger purpose.
Part of Your Certification Journey
This course counts toward the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO).
Your learning in this module contributes to your progress through the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO).
Explore the full certification pathway to see where this module fits and what comes next.
What You'll Explore
Five sessions. One strong foundation.
Across five virtual, facilitator-led sessions, you'll explore how modern animal shelters have evolved, how mission and systems shape operational decisions, how leaders navigate ethical complexity, and what humane, community-focused success looks like in practice. The module concludes with a Capstone Integration Session, bringing together your learning through the analysis of a real-world organizational or systems challenge.
01
Session 1
NOV 3
How Has Animal Sheltering Changed?
Explore the evolution of animal sheltering, humane animal care principles, the human-animal bond, and the expanding role of shelters as community resources.
02
Session 2
NOV 10
How Do Mission and Systems Influence Outcomes?
Examine mission, vision, values, organizational culture, and systems thinking to understand how operational decisions influence outcomes across the shelter.
03
Session 3
NOV 17
How Do We Make Ethical Decisions Under Pressure?
Work through competing priorities, resource constraints, complex animal needs, overcrowding pressures, public trust, and humane evidence-informed decision-making.
04
Session 4
NOV 24
What Does Success in Humane Animal Care Look Like?
Explore pet retention, foster and transfer programs, community partnerships, access to care, humane outcomes, and how shelters can support both animals and people.
05
Session 5
DEC 1
Capstone Integration Session
Bring together your Module 1 learning through the Humane Animal Care Systems Reflection. Explore the Capstone requirements and assessment criteria, identify an organizational or systems challenge, and begin developing an evidence-informed approach to your final assessment.
1-hour live sessionWho THIS MODULE IS FOR
Built for Current and Emerging Shelter Leaders
This module is designed for animal welfare professionals preparing to lead, or those who want to strengthen the judgment, systems thinking, and operational leadership skills they bring to their current role.
Leadership starts with a strong foundation. Module 1 is the starting point for developing the ethical judgment, systems perspective, and leadership mindset you'll strengthen throughout the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO).
The Learning Cycle
How You'll Develop Your Leadership Practice
Move beyond theory by connecting facilitated learning, real shelter challenges, workplace application, and reflective practice.
Learn
Leadership, systems thinking, and ethical decision-making.
Analyze
Realistic scenarios and complex operational decisions.
Apply
Systems mapping and case studies, and practical activities.
Reflect
Leadership choices that influence your professional decisions.
Improve
Practical ideas and evidence to improve Portfolio.
The CASO Journey
Your Path to the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO)
Foundations of Humane Animal Care is the starting point in your CASO professional development journey, which includes six modules.
1
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
You are here
2
Leading People, Culture & Team Performance
3
Leading Shelter Operations: Population Management & Animal Flow
4
Managing Risk, Safety & Operational Readiness
5
Building Organizational Systems, Compliance & Accountability
6
Building Community Partnerships & Public Trust
Leadership Integration Session
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Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations
CASO prepares current and aspiring animal welfare leaders to manage the operational, administrative, and people-centred dimensions of modern animal sheltering. Across six modules, learners strengthen their ability to lead teams, manage animal populations and operational flow, reduce organizational risk, build accountable systems, and strengthen community partnerships.
Throughout the program, participants apply learning directly to workplace challenges and build components of a Shelter Operations Improvement Portfolio, integrating practical tools, plans, and improvement initiatives across the six modules.
After completing the curriculum, participants will earn the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations.
Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Learning Goes Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Build your Shelter Operations Improvement Portfolio as you learn.
CASO turns learning into practical improvement.
Throughout Module 1 - Foundations of Humane Animal Care, you will connect course concepts to real shelter operations challenges, reflect on your own organization, and identify opportunities to strengthen humane outcomes, systems, and decision-making.
Using your Shelter Operations Improvement Journal, you can document observations, explore challenges, reflect on your learning, and identify potential improvements. These personal reflections can support your Capstone Assessment and contribute to your broader professional development.
Your work becomes part of your Shelter Operations Improvement Portfolio - a growing collection of practical tools, reflections, analyses, and improvement initiatives developed throughout the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO).
Your Shelter Operations Improvement Portfolio May Include
- ✓ Systems Mapping Worksheet
- ✓ Humane Animal Care Systems Reflection
- ✓ Workplace improvement opportunities
- ✓ Ethical decision-making reflections
- ✓ Community-based solution ideas
- ✓ Evidence of applied leadership practice
Why It Matters
Professional capability develops through more than knowledge. It grows through application, reflection, ethical judgement, and continuous improvement.
The Module 1 Capstone Assessment provides an opportunity to demonstrate how you apply course concepts to an organizational or systems challenge, using evidence-informed analysis and professional judgement.
Your Improvement Journal remains a personal learning resource and does not need to be submitted for assessment.
As you progress through CASO, your portfolio helps you connect learning across modules and translate new insights into meaningful improvements in animal shelter operations.
Enroll in Module 1
Invest in Your Professional Practice
Choose the rate that applies to your Humane Canada affiliation.
CASO Program Registration
Planning to Complete Your CASO Certificate?
If you are continuing through the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO), learn about the one-time Program Registration Fee and the benefits available throughout your certification journey.
Register once. Save throughout your CASO journey.
Once you pay the CASO Program Registration Fee, you will receive a 10% discount coupon to apply to all six CASO modules. Visit the CASO program page to view registration fees, program benefits, certificate requirements, and full program details.
Meet Your Facilitator
Megan Hamlet
Facilitator
Megan Hamlet is a bilingual communications professional, facilitator, trainer, and community advocate with more than 15 years of experience helping organizations engage people, build partnerships, and create positive change.
She has collaborated with organizations including Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Assembly of First Nations, Food Banks Alberta, ASPECT BC, Royal Roads University, and numerous community partners to advance initiatives focused on education, community engagement, inclusion, and social impact.
Known for her collaborative approach and ability to connect people around a common purpose, Megan is passionate about building stronger communities through meaningful relationships, volunteerism, and lifelong learning. She enjoys bringing diverse perspectives together to share ideas, navigate challenges, and create positive outcomes for both people and communities.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before enrolling in CASO's Module 1 - Foundations of Humane Animal Care.
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Do I need previous animal shelter leadership experience to take this module?
No. Module 1 (Foundations of Humane Animal Care) is designed for both current and emerging leaders.
This module is ideal for professionals preparing for leadership roles and those who want to strengthen their understanding of modern humane animal care and shelter operations. For example:- Shelter supervisors,
- Managers,
- Team leads,
- Animal control supervisors,
- Experienced animal care professionals
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Is this module delivered online or in person?
The module is delivered live online with a facilitator.
It includes four interactive virtual sessions.Each session will be recorded and made available to all participants.
We encourage participants to attend sessions live to enhance their learning experience. -
How long is Module 1 and when are the sessions?
Module 1 includes 10 hours of facilitator-led learning, delivered across four 2.5-hour virtual sessions. Sessions are scheduled from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. ET (10:30 to 1:00 p.m. PT) on the following days:
- Tuesday, November 3
- Tuesday, November 10
- Tuesday, November 17
- Tuesday, November 24
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What is the cost to take this module?
The investment for this module varies for each audience:
- Humane Canada Members: $395
- Humane Canada Associates: $495
- Non-members: $595
For those interested in pursuing CASO certification, we encourage them to pay a one-time fee to unlock 10% off all six CASO modules.
- Humane Canada Members and Associates: $99
- Non-members: $125
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How do I know if I am a Humane Canada Member or Associate?
Great question. Member and Associate status is granted to animal welfare organizations such as humane societies, municipal shelters, SPCAs, TNR groups, etc.
If you work at an animal welfare organization and are unsure whether or not it holds Member or Associate status with Humane Canada, ask your executive director or CEO.
Staff working at a Humane Canada Member or Associate organization are eligible for perks, such as preferred course rates.
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Is Module 1 part of the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO)?
Yes. Foundations of Humane Animal Care is the first of six curriculum modules in the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO) program and establishes the leadership, ethical, and systems-thinking foundation for the modules that follow.
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Do I have to complete the entire CASO certificate to take Module 1?
No. You can enroll in Module 1 as an individual professional development course. If you intend to complete the CASO certificate, this module provides the foundation for the rest of the program.
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Are there assignments or assessments?
Yes. Learning includes scenario-based knowledge quizzes, participation and reflection discussions, workplace application activities, and a Humane Animal Care Systems Reflection Project.
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What Happens After I Complete All Four Sessions in Module 1?
After successfully completing the six curriculum modules, participants complete two final certificate requirements:
- A Leadership Integration Session – Bringing It All Together (approximately 45–60 minutes),
- A Capstone Portfolio Presentation & Assessment (approximately 2–3 hours)
Ready When You Are
Build the Foundation for
Humane Shelter Leadership
Begin your Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations journey with Module 1.
Enroll in Module 1 →Explore More Education
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