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What is the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) designation?
It is Canada's first professional designation for the animal welfare sector.
It is a nine-course professional designation pathway to strengthen leadership, strategy, professional practice, and organizational effectiveness for people advancing animal welfare.
CAWP is designed for professionals working in or alongside the animal welfare sector who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities and build practical knowledge they can apply within their organizations and communities.
After completing the required CAWP learning pathway (nine courses), learners progress through the Professional Transition Session and the CAWP Professional Portfolio and Evaluation before completing the requirements for recognition as a Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP).
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How long does it take to achieve this designation?
Learners have up to 36 months to complete the nine courses within the CAWP pathway. The nine CAWP courses total approximately 125 hours of professional learning.
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How long is the designation valid for?
The Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) designation is valid for 3 years. Professionals who want to maintain their CAWP designation must complete a recertification process every 3 years.
More details on the recertification process to come. -
Do I have to complete the nine courses in a specific order?
No. However, the first course, Leading People, is the recommended starting point in the CAWP learning journey. The pathway is designed to progressively develop the knowledge and professional practice required for the CAWP designation.
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What is the cost to become a Certified Animal Welfare Professional?
The total investment for the nine courses that make up the Professional Designation varies for each audience:
- Humane Canada Members: $4,555*
- Humane Canada Associates: $5,455*
- Non-members: $6,355*
*Before program registration fee and discounts.
Each course is paid for separately as enrollment becomes available.The CAWP one-time registration fee provides 10% off all nine courses. The fee is:
- Humane Canada Members and Associates: $99
- Non-members: $125
This one-time fee provides access to CAWP pathway benefits, including:
- A 10% discount coupon for the nine CAWP courses,
- Eligibility to complete the final Professional Portfolio and Evaluation,
- Credential recognition,
- CAWP resources,
- Digital recertification management,
- 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 CAWP program fee and immediately unlock 10% off Leading People, the first course in the CAWP professional learning pathway. Leading People starts on September 29, 2026.
Canada's first professional designation for the animal welfare sector.
Explore Humane Canada's Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) designation, an online professional learning pathway for animal welfare professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge, leadership skills, and career development.
Pilot Program • 2025–2026
Founding learners shaping the future of animal welfare.
Program Overview
CAWP at a Glance
Pathway
9 Courses
A complete professional designation pathway.
Class Time
1:00–4:00 p.m. ET
Scheduled live learning sessions.
Format
Live Virtual
Facilitator-led professional learning.
Focus
Leadership · Strategy · Professional Practice
Building sector-specific leadership capability.
Professional Development
What CAWP Develops
A structured professional learning pathway designed to strengthen the knowledge, judgement, and practical capabilities needed to lead effectively in animal welfare.
Leadership
Strengthen how you lead people, build trust, navigate complex decisions, and create environments where teams can do their best work.
Strategy
Build the strategic perspective needed to connect organizational priorities, governance, resources, risk, and long-term impact.
Professional Practice
Translate learning into practice through reflection, workplace application, ethical decision-making, and evidence of professional growth.
The CAWP Journey
Your Path to the Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) Designation
The CAWP professional learning pathway brings together nine areas of study designed to strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and practical expertise across animal welfare organizations.
Fundraising Methods, Principles and Practices
Communications
Leading the Organization
Professional Practice and Ethics
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Financial Management and Fiduciary Responsibility
Completing the Journey
From learning to demonstrated professional practice
Assessment Standard
Successful completion requires learners to complete the required assessments, meet the applicable passing standards, and demonstrate the competencies established for the CAWP designation. Quantitatively scored required assessments have a minimum passing standard of 80%; applied and competency-based assessments must meet the established competency criteria.
Throughout the pathway, participants connect learning to their workplace, reflect on professional practice, and build evidence of how knowledge and skills are applied in real animal welfare environments.
Beyond the Virtual Classroom
Build Your Professional Practice as You Learn
CAWP is designed to help participants connect learning directly to the realities of professional practice.
Throughout the pathway, participants reflect on their work, examine real workplace challenges, apply new concepts, and document evidence of professional growth. These activities contribute to a developing Professional Practice Portfolio.
Why this matters
Professional competence is demonstrated not only through knowledge, but through reflection, application, experience, and the ability to translate learning into meaningful action.
Professional Practice Portfolio
Your portfolio may include
Who the Program Is For
Built for Experienced Animal Welfare Professionals
CAWP is designed for current and emerging leaders who want to strengthen their professional practice, deepen their leadership capabilities, and contribute to stronger animal welfare organizations.
Professional Audience
Designed for professionals working across the sector
Eligibility
Applicants should meet one of the following experience pathways
Animal Welfare Experience
Five or more years of full-time experience within a ten-year period in a not-for-profit or charitable organization, including at least three years in an organization providing spay/neuter or field services for companion animals.
Supervisory or Management Experience
A minimum of five years of full-time supervisory or management experience within a ten-year period in any field.
And
Hold a Certificate in Humane Animal Care or an equivalent credential.
Program Structure
Designed for Learning That Fits Professional Practice
CAWP combines facilitator-led learning with workplace application, reflection, and professional practice across nine courses.
9
Courses
A progressive learning pathway covering key areas of leadership and organizational practice.
~125
Hours of Learning
Approximately 125 hours of facilitator-led learning across the nine-course pathway.
36
Months to Complete
Complete the pathway within 36 months from the start of your first course.
How Learning Is Delivered
Structured learning with space to apply what you learn
Completion period
All nine courses must be completed within 36 months of the start date of the learner's first course.
Program Registration
Begin Your CAWP Learning Journey
CAWP has a one-time program registration fee in addition to the individual course fees. Registration provides access to program benefits, such as discounts, and supports your participation throughout the professional designation pathway.
One-Time Registration Fee
Register for the CAWP program
Choose the registration option that applies to your Humane Canada membership status.
Registration Includes
Benefits throughout your CAWP pathway
Course Investment
CAWP Course Fees
Each CAWP course is registered and paid for individually. Course fees vary according to course length and your Humane Canada membership status.
| Course | CAWP Course | Dates | Hours | Duration | Member | Associate | Non-Member | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Leading People First course in the pathway | Sep. 29 - Oct. 27, 2026 | 15 hrs | 5 weeks | $595 | $695 | $795 | Waitlist |
| 02 | Governance, Strategic Leadership and Organizational Performance | Nov. 2 - Dec. 14, 2026 | 20 hrs | 7 weeks | $595 | $695 | $795 | Enroll |
| 03 | Emergency Management, Risk and Compliance | Jan 5 - Feb. 16, 2027 | 20 hrs | 7 weeks | $595 | $695 | $795 | Enroll |
| 04 | Fundraising Methods, Principles and Practices | TBA | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 05 | Communications | TBA | 15 hrs | 5 weeks | $595 | $695 | $795 | — |
| 06 | Leading the Organization | TBA | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 07 | Professional Practice and Ethics | TBA | 15 hrs | 5 weeks | $595 | $695 | $795 | — |
| 08 | Community Engagement and Partnerships | TBA | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| 09 | Financial Management and Fiduciary Responsibility | TBA | 10 hrs | 4 weeks | $395 | $495 | $595 | — |
| Total Course Investment — All 9 Courses Before program registration fee and discounts | $4,555 | $5,455 | $6,355 |
Full Program
Register for all nine courses and save 10%
Learners who register and pay for all nine CAWP courses at one time receive a 10% program discount.
Organizations
Planning to enroll multiple learners?
Organizations purchasing multiple seats may contact [email protected] to discuss bulk pricing.
Bulk pricing requires enrollment within one year of purchase. No refunds.
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, we may refine some requirements or program elements. We will communicate any significant changes to participants.
Read the full pilot program notice ↓Your First CAWP Course
Leading People
A 5-week interactive online course to build trust, influence people, and strengthen relationships across your team and stakeholders.
At a Glance
Format
Live Virtual
Learning Time
15 Hours
Sessions
5 Facilitator-Led Sessions
Next Cohort
Starts September 29
Ready When You Are
Begin Your CAWP Learning Journey
Register for the CAWP program to access pathway benefits and course discounts, then begin with Leading People — the first course in the professional learning pathway.
CAWP is currently being offered as a pilot program.
Important Program Information
CAWP Pilot Program Notice
The Certified Animal Welfare Professional (CAWP) program is currently being offered as a pilot program.
Participant feedback and ongoing program evaluation will help inform the future development of CAWP. During the pilot period, Humane Canada may refine aspects of the learning pathway, requirements, program structure, evaluation process, or other program elements based on participant experience and evaluation findings.
Any significant changes affecting participants will be communicated as the pilot evolves.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find your answer here, please email Kathrin at [email protected]