LEADING PEOPLE
The best leaders never stop learning! This course will help you lead with confidence, inspire high performing teams, and navigate the complex realities of animal welfare leadership.
THE 2026 COHORT IS SOLD OUT
Leading People is currently at capacity. Join the waitlist here to be notified about future registration opportunities.
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LIVE VIRTUAL
Facilitator-led sessions
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15 HOURS
Five 3-hour sessions
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5 SESSIONS
Interactive learning with a live facilitator. Starts on Sept 29th
Why This COURSE Matters
Leadership shapes everything that follows.
Leadership in animal welfare isn't simply about having authority. It's about how you build trust, influence people, strengthen relationships, and create an environment where people can do their best work.
This course challenges you to examine not only how you lead, but how you show up as a leader, follower, and peer; and how those behaviours shape engagement, culture, and organizational performance.
What You'll Explore
Five sessions. One leadership journey.
"Leadership is about people and investing in relationships. The currency of leadership is influence." - Angelo Caravaggio
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Session 1 - Sept 29
Understanding Leadership
Build a foundation and explore the difference between leadership and management.
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Session 2 - Oct 6
Toxic Leadership: Causes & Cures
Recognize toxic behaviours, their impact, and explore psychological safety.
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Session 3 - Oct 13
Employee Engagement
Motivation, volunteer leadership, inclusive culture, and the critical role of followership.
04
Session 4 - oct 20
Practical Lessons in Leadership
Real leadership challenges, failure, decision-making, and lessons from practice.
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Session 5 - oct 27
Becoming the Senior Leader
Shift toward strategic thinking, external awareness, and relationship-building.
The Learning Cycle
How You'll Develop Your Professional Practice
Learn
Explore leadership concepts and frameworks.
Apply
Connect concepts to real workplace situations.
Discuss
Challenge ideas and learn through interactive dialogue.
Reflect
Examine your own leadership behaviours and experiences.
Practice
Turn insights into behaviours you can use in your organization..
Who Should Enroll
Built for Animal Welfare Leaders
This course is designed for current and emerging leaders who want to strengthen their ability to lead people, build healthy teams, and create lasting impact in their organizations.
This course will be applied to the CAWP if you choose to register for the designation (Certified Animal Welfare Professional Designation).
Meet Your Facilitator
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Dr. Angelo Caravaggio, OMM, CD, Ph.D.
Leadership Educator & Facilitator
Dr. Angelo Caravaggio is a seasoned leadership educator and executive-development specialist with over 25 years of experience helping leaders think strategically, act ethically, and inspire high-performing teams.
He has taught leadership at the graduate level, designed programs for public-sector and community-focused organizations, and now supports leaders through his company, C9Leadership. Dr. Caravaggio is also the author of Leadership: It’s Simple But It Ain’t Easy, which offers practical insights for emerging and experienced leaders alike.
The CAWP Journey
Your Path to the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) Designation
Humane Canada is launching the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) program as a pilot, introducing Canada's first national professional designation for experienced animal welfare leaders.
Leading People is the starting point in your CAWP professional development journey.
1
Leading People
You are here
2
Governance, Strategic Leadership & Organizational Performance
3
Emergency Management, Risk & Compliance
4
Fundraising Methods, Principles & Practices
5
Communications
6
Leading the Organization
7
Professional Practice & Ethics
8
Community Engagement & Partnerships
9
Financial Management & Fiduciary Responsibility
Professional Transition Session
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CAWP Professional Portfolio & Evaluation
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Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP)
Through nine comprehensive modules, participants strengthen the leadership, ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, and practical competencies needed to lead humane, accountable, and community-focused animal welfare organizations. As a pilot participant, you will help shape a new professional standard for animal welfare leadership in Canada while advancing your own knowledge and expertise.
Upon completion of all nine modules, candidates undertake the CAWP Professional Portfolio & Evaluation, demonstrating their learning through a leadership philosophy, applied case studies, an organizational improvement plan, and evidence of professional competencies. Participants who successfully meet all program requirements will earn the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) designation.
This pilot marks the beginning of a new chapter in the professionalization of animal welfare leadership in Canada. Be part of a landmark moment for Canada's animal welfare sector.
Continue Your CAWP Journey
Explore the Full CAWP Professional Designation
Leading People is the starting point in the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) journey. If you are planning to pursue the full designation, you can register for the CAWP program and receive benefits that apply throughout your learning journey.
CAWP Program Registration
The one-time CAWP Program Registration Fee is $99 for Humane Canada Members & Associates and $125 for Non-Members.
Once registered, you will receive a 10% discount on every CAWP module as you continue through the program.
Visit the CAWP program page for full details about the nine modules, registration benefits, Professional Practice Portfolio, fees, requirements, and the pathway to earning your professional designation.
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Pilot Program Notice
The CAWP Designation is currently being offered as a pilot program. Participant feedback and ongoing evaluation will help shape the program's future development. As the program evolves, some requirements or program elements may be refined. Any significant changes will be communicated to participants.
Read the full pilot program notice ↓CURRENT COHORT SOLD OUT
Leading People Waitlist
Leading People is currently at capacity. Join the waitlist to be notified about future registration opportunities.
Interested in the next Leading People offering? Join the waitlist and we'll let you know when future registration opportunities become available.
Working toward your CAWP designation? Once your Program Registration Fee is paid, you'll receive a 10% discount coupon that can be applied toward CAWP modules. See registration fee →
Pricing shown reflects the current Leading People offering and is provided for reference. Future dates, pricing and availability will be confirmed when registration opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find your answer here, please email Kathrin at [email protected]
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Who is this course designed for?
This course is built for leaders in animal welfare, including CEOs, Executive Directors, Directors, Senior Managers, and supervisors working in humane societies, SPCAs, rescues, and municipal animal services.
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What makes this course unique to animal welfare?
The course addresses leadership challenges specific to humane societies, SPCAs, rescues, and municipal services, including public pressure, emotional labour, team burnout, field operations, and the importance of relationship‑based leadership in high‑stress environments.
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How is the course delivered?
The course is fully online and highly interactive. You’ll participate in discussions, analyze real‑world scenarios, and engage with peers from across the sector to deepen your leadership practice.
The course runs over five weeks with a weekly session every Tuesday, from September 29 to October 27, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
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How much time should I expect to commit each week?
Each weekly session is 3 hours long. Most participants will spend 3 - 5 hours per week attending live sessions and reviewing course materials, discussions, and assignments.
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Will the sessions be recorded?
Yes, and you will have access to the recording after every session. We encourage you to make time in your schedule to attend all sessions live, if possible, and make the most of them.
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What is the cost to take this course?
We have pricing tiers for Humane Canada members, Humane Canada associates and the general public.
To make this course accessible to as many professionals as possible, we have split the cost into two monthly payments.
Humane Canada members: $297.50 x 2
Humane Canada associates: $347.50 x 2
General: $497.50 x 2
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Can my organization pay for my registration?
Yes. Many participants register through their organization’s professional development budget.
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Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete all course requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
This certificate may be applied toward the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) designation.
Current Cohort Sold Out
Leading People
Leading People is currently at capacity. Join the waitlist to be notified about future registration opportunities.
Sold Out — Join the Waitlist →Thank you for your interest in this course
We will review your eligibility form and contact you once the review is complete.
Leading People is part of Humane Canada’s evolving professional development program and is expected to form one module within the upcoming Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) designation or certificate pathway.
Have a question or need more info about this course? Email: Kathrin Delutis at [email protected].
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