Thank you for your interest in the Shelter Care Specialist (SCS) Certification Program!
Learn more about the specifics of the program - CLICK HERE
If you would like to be considered for the Fall 2026 Shelter Care Specialist Certificate Program session beginning October 5, 2026, please complete this application by September 4, 2026.
We have had a great deal of interest in this program since it was first offered to applicants in October 2024. We do have to limit enrollments so that we can provide appropriate coaching to our learners.
Due to these program enrollment limitations, applications are reviewed for each session based on each session's group/cohort goals.
Fall 2026 Session Cohort Priorities:
- Repeat Program Applicants: We will continue to give special consideration to applicants who have applied for a previous session of the SCS Program and not been accepted.
- Shelter Intakes: Shelters taking in both dogs and cats are typically prioritized.
- Shelter Size: Shelters of all sizes will be concerned but we do often give extra weight to medium and large shelters (typically 4,000 intakes/year or more).
NOTE: If your shelter does not meet these criteria, you may still apply, but please be aware that your application may be saved for a future cohort with priorities that better match your situation. In addition, if you are not currently working in a shelter or are not accepted into the next cohort,
be sure to check out our online, self-paced, on-demand offerings. View Our On-Demand Catalog - Here.
If you previously submitted an application for past sessions, please indicate that in your responses below.
If you check the "Add to Mailing List" option at the end of this form, we will keep you up to date on SCS happenings and future session start dates.
