Animal Shelter Management Certificate

animal shelter logos

The Animal Shelter Management Program, originally developed in partnership with the Humane Network and now powered by Petco Love, is an innovative professional development opportunity designed to strengthen the future of animal welfare. This redesigned, now 3-course online certificate program brings together the expertise of a leading national nonprofit dedicated to saving pet lives with the academic excellence of a top-tier university, creating a transformative curriculum for current and aspiring shelter leaders.

Rooted in compassion, collaboration, and excellence, the Animal Shelter Management Program reflects Petco Love’s unwavering commitment to create a lifesaving nation for pets. In partnership with the University of the Pacific, this program not only advances shelter leadership but also fosters a sustainable, innovative future for animal welfare across communities.

New in 2027

Shelter Leadership: Jan 11-Mar 7
Shelter Operations: Mar 22-May 16
External Shelter Initiatives: Jun 1-Jul 25
Bundle all three courses and save!
Designed for
  • New shelter directors
  • Shelter directors or managers wishing to dramatically improve their live-release rate
  • People working in the animal welfare field who wish to advance into management roles
  • Board members of animal shelters
  • Activists who wish to see a change in their local community shelter
  • Professionals looking for a career change
  • Those wanting to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Cost per course: $595

Certificate Bundle: $1,635 - Save $150!

Note: This certificate program is not eligible for financial aid.

animal shelter

Entirely Online

Three 8-week courses

24 total CEUs

animal shelter
Bundle Courses and Save

Cost per course: $595

Certificate Bundle: $1,635 - Save $150!

Note: This certificate program is not eligible for financial aid through University of the Pacific.

Register Now

Course Descriptions

Course Code: UNSM 110
Individual cost: $595 (Bundle courses to save!)
8.0 CEUs

Course Description

Effective leadership is the foundation of a thriving organization. Designed for current and aspiring leaders, this course provides insights to help you guide your organizations with clarity, purpose, and impact. You will explore the essential elements of shelter leadership, cultivate your leadership style, strengthen your ability to build and lead a strong team, create a positive culture, and understand the importance of strategic planning to shape your organization’s future.

Module 1: Organizational Structure and Governance

Module 2: Shelter Mission and Philosophy

Module 3: Analysis, Data, and Decision-Making

Module 4: Shelter Administration

Module 5: Leadership Style and Competencies

Module 6: Building Teams and Culture

Module 7: Leading Teams to Achieve Results

Module 8: Strategic Planning for the Future

Course Code: UNSM 120
Individual cost: $595 (Bundle courses to save!)
8.0 CEUs

Course Description

Quality animal care and efficient processes are essential to a shelter’s success and lifesaving mission. Designed for shelter professionals and leaders, this course provides the knowledge and skills to ensure exceptional care for animals and develop effective adoption programs, all while delivering excellent customer service for your community. You will explore animal care and enrichment for both cats and dogs, understand core principles of shelter medicine and clinic operations, and be provided with an essential understanding of animal health considerations to make appropriate decisions.

Module 1: Customer Service Fundamentals for Shelters

Module 2: Animal Care Fundamentals and Animal Flow

Module 3: Cat - Enrichment and Care Strategies

Module 4: Dog - Enrichment and Care Strategies

Module 5: Effective Adoption Programs

Module 6: Shelter Medicine

Module 7: Clinic Operations

Module 8: Animal Handling and Humane Euthanasia

Course Code: UNSM 130
Individual cost: $595 (Bundle courses to save!)

Course Description

Development, including fundraising, marketing and outreach, are essential to the success and long-term sustainability of any organization. This course, designed for shelter professionals and leaders, will give you the skills needed to help your organization grow and succeed. You will also explore ways to engage your community, communicate effectively with the public and the local media, build strong partnerships and develop volunteer and outreach programs that provide essential services, and support your lifesaving mission.

Module 1: Development Fundamentals

Module 2: Fundraising Strategies I

Module 3: Fundraising Strategies II

Module 4: Marketing and Promotion Fundamentals

Module 5: Media Relations and Social Media Strategies

Module 6: Volunteer and Foster Program Development

Module 7: Public Programs and Services

Module 8: Community Partnerships and Engagement