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What is the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations?
It is Canada's first professional certification to prepare current and aspiring animal welfare leaders to manage the operational, administrative, and people-centred aspects of modern animal sheltering.
In summary, CASO is a six-module professional certification pathway focused on shelter operations CASO is designed for current and aspiring animal welfare leaders, including shelter supervisors, managers, team leads, animal control supervisors, program coordinators, and experienced animal care professionals seeking leadership roles. -
How long does it take to become Certified?
Learners have up to 2 years to complete the six modules within the CASO pathway. The six CASO modules total approximately 60 hours of professional learning.
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How long is the certification valid for?
The Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO) never expires. Once you earn the CASO certification, it is valid for life and does not require renewal.
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Do I have to complete the six modules in a specific order?
No. However, the first module, Foundations of Humane Animal Care, is the recommended starting point in the CASO learning journey.
The pathway is designed to progressively develop the knowledge and professional practice required for the CASO certification. -
What is the cost to become Certified in Animal Shelter Operations?
The total investment for the six modules that make up the CASO certification varies for each audience:
- Humane Canada Members: $2,370*
- Humane Canada Associates: $2,970*
- Non-members: $3,570*
*Before program registration fee and discounts.
Each module is paid for separately as enrollment becomes available.The CASO one-time registration fee provides 10% off all six modules. The fee is:
- Humane Canada Members and Associates: $99
- Non-members: $125
This one-time fee provides access to CASO pathway benefits, including:
- A 10% discount coupon for the six CASO modules,
- Eligibility to complete the final Shelter Operations Improvement Portfolio
- Credential recognition,
- CASO resources,
- Program updates, and
- Priority support from Humane Canada's Learning and Resource Centre team.
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Can organizations register multiple employees?
Yes. Organizations purchasing multiple seats may contact [email protected] to discuss bulk pricing.
Bulk pricing requires enrollment within one year of purchase, and purchases are non-refundable.
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Where do I start?
Start by paying the one-time CASO program fee and immediately unlock 10% off Foundations of Humane Animal Care, the first module in the CASO professional learning pathway.
Foundations of Humane Animal Care starts on November 3, 2026.
Optimizing capacity, workflow, and care systems for modern shelters.
CASO provides shelter professionals with actionable frameworks to streamline intake, improve length-of-stay metrics, and strengthen team performance.
Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations
What CASO Develops
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
Apply humane animal care principles and systems thinking to support positive outcomes for animals, people, and communities.
Manage animal populations and operational flow using evidence-informed practices, capacity for care principles, and outcome planning strategies.
Lead staff and volunteers using inclusive, trauma-informed, and people-centred approaches that foster healthy workplace cultures and team performance.
Implement risk management, biosecurity, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness practices that support organizational resilience and operational readiness. Engage communities through adoption, retention, and outreach programs.
Develop and maintain effective operational systems, documentation practices, and compliance processes that promote accountability and continuous improvement.
Design and support community-based programs that strengthen public trust, improve access to care, and help keep people and pets together whenever possible.
Apply ethical frameworks and evidence-informed decision-making to address complex operational challenges in animal sheltering.
Develop practical solutions and improvement strategies that enhance organizational effectiveness and animal welfare outcomes.
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.
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Enroll You are hereLeading People, Culture and Team Performance
Leading Shelter Operations: Population Management and Animal Flow
Managing Risk, Safety and Operational Readiness
Building Organizational Systems, Compliance and Accountability
Building Community Partnerships and Public Trust
Completing the CASO Journey
Completing the CASO Journey
CASO Curriculum
Six Modules
Integration
Leadership Integration Session
Certificate
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 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.
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.
Each CASO module includes practical work you can refine and integrate into your final Shelter Operations Improvement Portfolio, helping you translate learning into meaningful organizational change.
Participant Requirements
Who the Program Is For
Current and Aspiring Animal Welfare Leaders
The Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations is intended for current and aspiring animal welfare leaders, including shelter supervisors, managers, team leads, animal control supervisors, program coordinators, and experienced animal care professionals seeking leadership roles.
- Shelter Supervisors
- Managers
- Team Leads
- Animal Control Supervisors
- Program Coordinators
- Experienced Animal Care Professionals Seeking Leadership Roles
Prerequisite
Foundational Knowledge
Participants are expected to have foundational knowledge of animal welfare and humane animal care principles. This requirement may be met through:
Format and Duration
Program Structure
6
Modules
60
Hours Total
Flexible
Delivery
Online · Blended · Cohort-Based
Program Registration
One Registration. Your Full CASO Journey.
When you decide to work toward the Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations (CASO), a one-time Program Registration Fee gives you access to program benefits throughout your CASO journey.
Once you pay your Program Registration Fee, you'll receive a 10% discount coupon via email to apply to all six CASO modules.
Your Registration Includes
- ✓ 10% discount coupon for all CASO modules
- ✓ Eligibility to complete the final CASO certificate requirements
- ✓ Certificate upon successful completion of the CASO program
- ✓ Access to resources specific to the CASO program
- ✓ Priority access to CASO program updates
- ✓ Priority support from Humane Canada's Learning and Resource Centre Team
Course Investment
CASO Module Fees
Each CASO module is registered and paid for individually. A 10% program discount is available for all modules when you register and pay the one-time fee.
| Module | CASO Module | Dates | Member | Associate | Non-Member | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 |
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
First module in the pathway
|
Nov. 3 - Dec. 1, 2026 | $395 | $495 | $595 | Enroll |
| 02 | Leading People, Culture and Team Performance |
Nov. 26 - Dec. 17, 2026 | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 03 | Leading Shelter Operations: Population Management and Animal Flow |
TBA | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 04 | Managing Risk, Safety and Operational Readiness |
TBA | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 05 | Building Organizational Systems, Compliance and Accountability |
TBA | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 06 | Building Community Partnerships and Public Trust |
TBA | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
|
Total Course Investment — All 6 Modules Before program registration fee and discounts |
$2,370 | $2,970 | $3,570 |
Full Program
Register for all six modules and save 10%
Learners who register and pay for all six CASO modules at one time receive a 10% program discount.
Organizations
Planning to enroll multiple learners?
Organizations purchasing more than 5 seats may contact [email protected] to discuss bulk pricing.
Bulk pricing requires enrollment within one year of purchase. No refunds.
Your First CASO Module
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Great shelter leaders begin with a strong foundation.
At a Glance
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Ready When You Are
Build the Foundation for
Humane Shelter Leadership
Begin your Certificate in Animal Shelter Operations journey with Module 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find your answer here, please email Kathrin at [email protected]