Module 1
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
You are here
Professional Certificate Program
Build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours required to deliver compassionate, evidence-informed animal care.
A foundational professional development program for individuals working or volunteering in animal shelter environments.
Curriculum 5 Modules
Learning 50 Hours
Class Time Four 2.5-hour live sessions at 1:00 p.m. ET
Focus Humane Animal Care
Compassionate Care
Evidence-Informed Practice
.png)
Professional Development
What CHAC Develops
CHAC is designed to build the knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required for high-quality humane animal care.
01
Apply evidence-informed animal care principles and professional standards in daily practice.
02
Recognize and respond to animal health and behaviour needs using humane, practical approaches.
03
Apply humane animal care practices that support physical and behavioural wellbeing.
04
Contribute to safe and healthy shelter environments through effective care practices and protocols.
05
Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice and effective communication in animal care settings.
06
Apply learning in the workplace through reflection, coaching and competency-based professional practice.
The CHAC Journey
Your Path to the Certificate in Humane Animal Care
Foundations of Humane Animal Care is the recommended starting point for your CHAC professional development journey and includes five modules.
1
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Enroll You are here2
Understanding Animal Health and Behaviour
3
Humane Animal Care Practices
4
Safe and Healthy Shelter Environments
5
Professionalism, Ethics and Communication
Certificate in Humane Animal Care
Across five modules, learners build knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours through instructor-led learning, workplace application, supervisor coaching and reflective practice.
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.
→
Module 2
Understanding Animal Health and Behaviour
→
Module 3
Humane Animal Care Practices
→
Module 4
Safe and Healthy Shelter Environments
→
Module 5
Professionalism, Ethics and Communication
Certificate Completion
Complete the Curriculum. Demonstrate Your Competency.
Achievement 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.
Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Build Your Professional Practice as You Learn
Throughout the certificate, each learner develops a Professional Practice Portfolio that documents their growth as a humane animal care professional.
Professional Practice Portfolio
Document your learning, application, competency and professional growth.
The portfolio serves as evidence of learning, competency development, and workplace application.
Your Portfolio Includes
Build evidence of your development throughout the CHAC journey.
Personal Professional Statement
Weekly Workplace Applications
Weekly Reflection Journals
Welfare Assessments
Behaviour Observation Logs
Enrichment Plans
Humane Care Assessment Tools
Supervisor Coaching Records
Competency Demonstration Checklists
Personal Professional Development Plan
The portfolio serves as evidence of learning, competency development, and workplace application.
Who the Program Is For
Built for Humane Animal Care Professionals
The Certificate in Humane Animal Care is designed for individuals working or volunteering in animal shelter environments.
This Certificate Is Designed For
Animal Care Attendants
Shelter Staff
Animal Care Technicians
Kennel and Cattery Staff
Adoption Counsellors
Animal Welfare Assistants
Shelter Volunteers
Foster Coordinators
New employees entering the animal welfare profession
Individuals seeking a career in animal sheltering
Program Structure
Format and Duration
CHAC combines structured professional learning with workplace application, supervisor coaching, reflective practice and competency demonstration.
5
Professional Learning Modules
50
Hours of Professional Learning
4
Facilitator-Led Sessions per Module
How You'll Learn
Learning that connects directly to professional practice.
Each module combines instructor-led learning with opportunities to apply knowledge and demonstrate developing competency in the workplace.
Instructor-Led Learning
Participate in facilitated professional learning sessions.
Workplace Application
Apply knowledge and skills within animal care environments.
Supervisor Coaching
Discuss learning and professional development with a supervisor or mentor.
Reflective Practice
Reflect on experiences and document professional growth.
Competency Demonstration
Demonstrate developing competence through workplace application and assessment.
Professional Practice Portfolio
Build evidence of learning and professional development throughout the program.
Each module builds progressively toward the Certificate in Humane Animal Care.
Program Registration
Program Registration
One Registration, Full Certification Path
Pay a one-time Program Registration Fee and unlock a 10% discount coupon for every module in the program and your Certificate in Humane Animal Care.
One-Time Registration Fee
Register for the CHAC certification pathway.
Member/Associate $99
Register — Member/Associate
Non-Member $125
Register — Non-Member
What's Included
Your registration connects you to the full CHAC certification pathway.
10% discount coupon for every CHAC module
CHAC Professional Practice Portfolio
Certificate in Humane Animal Care upon successful completion
10%
Save 10% on every CHAC module.
We provide your CHAC module discount coupon after your Program Registration payment.
The Program Registration Fee is separate from individual module fees.
Course Investment
CHAC Module Fees
Each CHAC module is registered and paid for individually. Complete your CHAC Program Registration to receive a 10% discount coupon for your modules.
| Module | CHAC Module | Dates | Hours | Duration | Member | Associate | Non-Member | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Foundations of Humane Animal Care Recommended starting point | Oct. 28 – Nov. 18, 2026 1:00–3:30 p.m. ET | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | Enroll |
| 02 | Understanding Animal Health and Behaviour | Nov. 25 – Dec. 16, 2026 1:00–3:30 p.m. ET | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 03 | Humane Animal Care Practices | TBA 1:00–3:30 p.m. ET | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 04 | Safe and Healthy Shelter Environments | TBA 1:00–3:30 p.m. ET | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 05 | Professionalism, Ethics and Communication | TBA 1:00–3:30 p.m. ET | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
|
Total Course Investment — All 5 Modules Before program registration fee and discounts |
$1,975 | $2,475 | $2,975 |
CHAC Program
Register for the CHAC pathway and save 10%
Learners who complete the CHAC Program Registration receive a 10% discount coupon to use when enrolling in their CHAC modules.
Organizations
Planning to enrol multiple learners?
Organizations purchasing more than 5 seats may contact [email protected] to discuss group registration and pricing.
Module fees are separate from the one-time CHAC Program Registration Fee.
Your First CHAC Module
01 Start the pathway
Foundations of Humane Animal Care
Build the foundational knowledge and professional practices for humane, evidence-informed animal care.
Ready When You Are
Build the Foundation for Professional Animal Care
Begin your Certificate in Humane Animal Care journey with Module 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find your answer here, please email Kathrin at [email protected]
-
What is the Certificate in Humane Animal Care?
It is Canada's first professional certification to prepare animal care professionals to develop the confidence and competencies needed to provide humane, safe, and ethical care to animals in shelter environments..
In summary, CHAC is a five-module professional certification pathway focused on humane animal care CHAC is designed for:- Animal care attendants
- Shelter staff
- Veterinary technicians and technologists
- Kennel and cattery staff
- Adoption counselors
- Veterinary assistants
- Shelter volunteers
- Foster coordinators
- New employees entering the animal welfare profession
- Individuals seeking a career in animal sheltering
No previous shelter experience is required.
-
How long does it take to become Certified?
Learners have up to 2 years to complete the six modules within the CHAC pathway. The five CHAC modules total approximately 50 hours of professional learning.
-
How long is the certification valid for?
The Certificate in Humane Animal Care (CHAC) never expires. Once you earn the CHAC certification, it is valid for life and does not require renewal.
-
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 CHAC learning journey.
The pathway builds the knowledge and professional practice required for CHAC 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: $1,975*
- Humane Canada Associates: $2,475*
- Non-members: $2,975*
*Before program registration fee and discounts.
Each module is paid for separately as enrollment becomes available.The CHAC one-time registration fee provides 10% off all five modules. The fee is:
- Humane Canada Members and Associates: $99
- Non-members: $125
This one-time fee provides access to CHAC pathway benefits, including:
- A 10% discount coupon for the five CHAC modules,
- Eligibility to complete the final Professional Practice Portfolio
- Credential recognition,
- CHAC resources,
- Program updates, and
- Priority support from Humane Canada's Learning and Resource Centre team.
-
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.
-
Where do I start?
Start by paying the one-time CHAC program fee and immediately unlock 10% off Foundations of Humane Animal Care, the first module in the CHAC professional learning pathway.
Foundations of Humane Animal Care starts on October 28, 2026.