CERTIFICATE IN HUMANE ANIMAL CARE (CHAC) | Module 1 – Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Build the foundational knowledge and professional practices for humane, evidence-informed animal care.
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LIVE VIRTUAL
Instructor-led learning. Access to the recordings
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10 HOURS
Four 2.5-hour live sessions at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)
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4 WEEKS
One weekly session starting on October 28
Why This Module Matters
More than compassion
Professional animal care starts with more than compassion. It requires the ability to observe objectively, understand animal welfare, communicate accurately, and make evidence-based decisions.
Module 1 establishes the professional foundation for the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC). You will begin developing the knowledge, judgement and professional practices needed to support positive welfare outcomes in shelter environments.
Professional Practice Principle
Evidence Before Assumption
Observe first. Assess thoughtfully. Act appropriately. Communicate clearly.
Part of Your Certification Journey
This course counts toward the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC).
Your learning in this module contributes to your progress through the
Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC).
Explore the full certification pathway to see where this module fits and what comes next.
What You'll Explore
Four sessions, one professional foundation
Four facilitator-led sessions build the knowledge, observation, judgement and communication skills at the foundation of professional humane animal care.
01
Session 1
Oct 28
The Humane Animal Care Professional
Professional identity, responsibilities and foundational practice principles, with an introduction to the OAAC Framework and Professional Practice Portfolio.
02
Session 2
NOV 4
Understanding Animal Welfare
Animal welfare science, the Five Freedoms and Five Domains Model, and using objective evidence to assess physical, behavioural and emotional wellbeing.
03
Session 3
NOV 11
Objective Observation and Professional Communication
Distinguish observation from interpretation, recognize bias, document welfare concerns objectively and communicate professionally using OAAC.
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Session 4
NOV 18
Applying the Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Bring your learning together through realistic shelter scenarios and demonstrate your developing competency using the Five Domains, objective observation, OAAC and professional communication.
Who This Module Is For
Built for Frontline Humane Animal Care Professionals
This module is designed for people working directly with animals in shelter and animal care environments, as well as individuals entering the animal welfare profession who want to build a strong foundation in humane, evidence-informed animal care.
Professional animal care starts with a strong foundation. Module 1 is the recommended starting point for developing the knowledge, observation skills, professional judgement, and evidence-informed practices you will continue strengthening throughout the Certificate in Humane Animal Care.
The Learning Cycle
How You'll Develop Your Professional Practice
CHAC combines live learning with workplace application, supervisor coaching, reflective practice and competency demonstration so learning becomes part of your daily professional practice.
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Learn
Participate in interactive, instructor-led virtual sessions.
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Apply
Use new knowledge and skills in workplace-based activities.
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Coach
Discuss your learning and development with your supervisor or mentor.
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Reflect
Reflect on your experiences and document your professional growth.
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Demonstrate
Show your developing competence through workplace application and assessment.
Competency develops through practice. Throughout Module 1, you will build evidence of your learning and application in your Professional Practice Portfolio.
The CHAC Journey
Your Path to the Certificate in Humane Animal Care
Module 1 is the recommended starting point in your CHAC professional development journey.
1
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
You are here
2
Animal Health and Behaviour Basics
3
Humane Animal Care Practices
4
Safe and Healthy Shelter Environments
5
Professionalism, Ethics and Communication
Complete All Five Modules › Certificate in Humane Animal Care
CHAC is a competency-based professional development program. Across five modules, learners build knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours through instructor-led learning, workplace application, supervisor coaching and reflective practice.
After successfully completing all five modules, learners earn the Certificate in Humane Animal Care.
Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Learning Goes Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Build your Professional Practice Portfolio as you learn.
CHAC is designed to turn learning into professional practice.
Throughout Module 1, you will apply what you learn in your workplace, complete structured observation activities, participate in supervisor coaching conversations and reflect on your developing professional practice.
This evidence becomes part of your Professional Practice Portfolio — a record of your workplace learning, reflection, competency development and professional growth throughout the Certificate in Humane Animal Care.
Competency develops through practice. Your portfolio helps document not only what you have learned, but how you apply that learning in real animal care environments.
Your Module 1 Portfolio Will Build Evidence Through
- ✓ Personal Professional Statement
- ✓ Welfare Observation activities
- ✓ Five Domains Assessment
- ✓ Objective Observation Record
- ✓ Workplace Application Record
- ✓ Supervisor Coaching Record
- ✓ Reflection Journal
- ✓ Module 1 Competency Demonstration
Why It Matters
Competency in CHAC is not demonstrated through a single exam. It develops through learning, workplace application, coaching, reflection and demonstration. Your portfolio provides evidence of that development and helps connect formal learning with day-to-day professional practice.
Enroll in Module 1
Invest in Your Professional Practice
Choose the rate that applies to your Humane Canada affiliation.
CHAC Program Registration
Planning to Complete Your CHAC Certificate?
If you are continuing through the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC), learn about the one-time Program Registration Fee and the benefits available throughout your certification journey.
Register once. Save throughout your CHAC journey.
Once you pay the CHAC Program Registration Fee, you will receive a 10% discount coupon to apply to all five CHAC modules. Visit the CHAC program page to view registration fees, program benefits, certificate requirements, and full program details.
Meet Your Facilitator
Kathrin Delutis
Facilitator
Kathrin Delutis is an experienced association and not-for-profit leader, facilitator, and mentor with more than 35 years of executive leadership experience. Through her independent consulting work, she supports associations and charitable organizations in areas including governance, strategic planning, leadership development, risk management, and organizational effectiveness.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before enrolling in Module 1.
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Do I need previous animal care experience?
No. No previous formal training or animal welfare experience is required.
Module 1 is the recommended starting point for people entering the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC), as well as professionals who want to strengthen their foundation in evidence-informed humane animal care. -
How is Module 1 delivered 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 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. ET (10:00 to 12:30 p.m. PT) on the following days:
- Wednesday, October 28
- Wednesday, November 4
- Wednesday, November 11
- Wednesday, November 18
Learning continues between sessions through workplace application, reflection, supervisor coaching and Professional Practice Portfolio activities.
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What happens between the live sessions?
Between sessions, you will apply your learning in an animal care environment through structured workplace activities, observation, reflection and supervisor coaching. These activities help you connect what you learn in the virtual classroom with your day-to-day professional practice.
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What is the Professional Practice Portfolio?
The Professional Practice Portfolio is a record of your learning and developing professional competencies throughout CHAC. In Module 1, you will begin building evidence through activities such as welfare observations, Five Domains assessment, objective observation, workplace application, supervisor coaching, reflection and competency demonstration.
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Do I need a supervisor to participate in CHAC?
CHAC includes workplace application and supervisor coaching as part of the learning process.
Your supervisor supports you in reflecting on your practice, applying new skills in the workplace and documenting your professional development as you progress through the program. -
Will I receive a certificate after completing Module 1?
Yes, you will receive a virtual certificate after completing Module 1. However, completing Module 1 alone does not earn the full Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC).
Full certification requires completion of the entire CHAC pathway, which includes five modules. -
How do I earn the full Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC)?
To earn the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC), you must complete all five CHAC modules, including:
- The required workplace application,
- Supervisor coaching,
- Reflective practice, and
- Professional Practice Portfolio activities.
After completing the five modules and their required learning activities, you will earn the Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC).
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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 CHAC certification, we encourage them to pay a one-time fee to unlock 10% off all five CHAC modules. This fee is:
- 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.
Ready When You Are
Build the Foundation for Professional Animal Care
Begin your Certificate in Humane Animal Care journey with Module 1.
Enroll in Module 1 →Explore More Education
Additional Resources for Animal Care and Behaviour