Online Learning
New England Federation Webinars
The New England Fed is pleased to offer year round educational opportunities to leadership teams and operations staff.
Upcoming Webinars
Small but Mighty: Supercharging Shelter Care for Rabbits, Rodents & Other Small Mammals
Speaker: Lena DeTar, DVM, DACVPM, DABVP-SMP, Associate Clinical Professor, Shelter Medicine, Cornell University
Description:
Small mammals may be tiny, but their shelter needs are anything but simple. This information-packed session is designed for shelter staff who want to strengthen their knowledge and feel more confident caring for rabbits, rodents, ferrets, and other small species in a fast-paced shelter environment.
We’ll dig into the essentials—smart husbandry, targeted medical care, and efficient workflows—to help your team improve outcomes for these frequently overlooked animals. From selecting safe bedding and enrichment to navigating anesthesia, vaccinations, and surgical considerations, we’ll break down what matters most for day-to-day shelter practice.
You’ll walk away with practical strategies to minimize length of stay, reduce stress and disease, and support the overall well-being of every small mammal who hops, scurries, or slinks into your care. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or are suddenly managing an unexpected influx of pocket pets, this session will equip your team with the tools—and confidence—to deliver excellent, efficient care.
When: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 11am
Stronger Together: How Shelters Can Partner for Greater Impact
Speakers: Members of the MASS Coalition
Description:
Effective collaboration is one of the most powerful tools in animal welfare. When shelters, rescues, and community partners work together, we can share resources, reduce duplication, close gaps in care, and achieve better outcomes for pets and the people who love them. In this one-hour session, we’ll explore what meaningful collaboration looks like across the sheltering landscape—from communication and resource sharing to coordinated programs and regional partnerships. A featured speaker from the MASS Coalition will provide an overview of the Coalition’s work, discuss real-world examples of successful collaboration, and offer insight into how shelters of all sizes can strengthen their connections with peer organizations. The session will conclude with an open Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to ask questions, share challenges, and learn from coalition members actively involved in statewide partnership efforts. Whether your organization is newly exploring collaboration or looking to deepen existing relationships, this webinar will provide practical guidance, inspiration, and a clearer picture of what we can accomplish when we work together.
When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 11am
Past Webinars
Hop to It! Putting ASV Guidelines for Rabbit Housing into Practice
Rabbits are one of the most common yet overlooked species in shelters, particularly when it comes to housing that meets their physical and behavioral needs. In this session, Sarah Hicks, Outreach Veterinarian, UW- Madison Shelter Medicine Program, focuses on implementation- how to translate the ASV’s Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Shelters into practical upgrades in shelters of all types and sizes. Participants will learn how improved housing supports health, behavior, and faster flow-through, and will leave with the ability to evaluate current setups and plan realistic next steps for rabbit welfare improvements.
Small but Mighty: Supercharging Shelter Care for Rabbits, Rodents & Other Small Mammals
Coming Wednesday, February 11, 2026 @ 11am
Ferrets! Ferrets! Ferrets!
In a previous session, L. Vanessa Gruden, Executive Director of the Ferret Association of Connecticut, led an engaging one-hour discussion focused on various aspects of ferret care. This session provided valuable insights into ferret behavior, proper handling techniques, essential care and housing tips, and more! Participants had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of ferrets and learn from the expertise of the shelter's "Ferret Room" and its furry inhabitants.
Can I Catch That?
Discover insights from a one-hour webinar on Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters, featuring Dr. Stephanie Magnarelli, DVM, from the Animal Rescue League of NH. Delve into practical strategies for preventing, detecting, and treating infectious diseases commonly encountered in shelter environments. Dr. Magnarelli shares her expertise to help you maintain the health and well-being of shelter animals while minimizing the risk of disease transmission.
Liability Considerations when Placing Animals
Discover insights into liability issues when placing pets with Jonathan Schopf, a trial attorney at the Vincelette Law Firm in Albany, New York. In this recorded webinar, Jonathan shares his expertise in animal law, providing valuable guidance to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits involved in placing pets. Gain valuable insights into navigating legal considerations and ensuring the welfare of companion animals in placement situations.
Reunited & It Feels So Good
Delve into the recorded webinar "Reunited and It Feels So Good: Changing the Conversation About Stray Cats in Our Shelters and Increasing Your Reclaim Rate in 10 Simple Steps" by Corinne Bourgoin from MSPCA Boston Adoption Center. Gain valuable insights into innovative strategies for increasing the reclaim rate of stray cats in shelters, transforming the way we approach their care and welfare.
From Self Care to We Care
Explore the recorded webinar "From Self-Care to We-Care: Organizational Practices that Support Staff Resilience" by Jessica Dolce. Gain valuable insights into fostering a culture of resilience and well-being within your organization, with practical strategies to support staff self-care and collective well-being.
Best practices for companion birds
Delve into the recorded webinar "Best Practices for Companion Birds: Housing, Nutrition, and Enrichment" by Sheila S. Blanchette, IAABC Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant/Trainer of Heart of Feathers Education & Training LLC. Gain valuable insights into providing optimal care for companion birds, covering essential topics such as housing, nutrition, and enrichment to enhance their well-being and quality of life.
Why Access to Pet Resources is a Social Justice Issue
Discover insights into the social justice implications of pet resource access in the recorded webinar "Why Access to Pet Resources is a Social Justice Issue" by Amanda Arrington, Senior Director of the groundbreaking Pets for Life program at the Humane Society of the United States. Gain valuable perspectives on the intersectionality of animal welfare and social justice, and learn about innovative approaches to ensuring equitable access to pet resources for underserved communities.
Terrified Tigers and other Ferocious Felines Cat Behavior Modification
Explore the recorded webinar "Terrified Tigers and other Ferocious Felines: Cat Behavior Modification" by Rebecca Lohnes, MS, CCBC, CDBC, of Young Lion Training & Behavior, LLC. Gain valuable insights into effective behavior modification techniques for cats, including strategies for addressing fear and aggression. Learn from an experienced professional about fostering positive behavioral change and enhancing the well-being of our feline companions.
Pump the Brakes! What to Do When You’re Spinning Out on Stress
Delve into the recorded webinar "Pump the Brakes! What to Do When You’re Spinning Out on Stress" by Jessica Dolce, MS, Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator. Gain valuable insights into managing stress and preventing burnout in high-pressure environments. Learn practical strategies and self-care techniques to promote well-being and resilience in challenging situations.
Humane Handling & Body Language
Discover valuable insights into humane handling and basic body language of cats and dogs for shelter employees in the recorded webinar "Humane Handling & Body Language." Presented by Morgan Katz and Corinne Bourgoin of the MSPCA, this one-hour session is the perfect training for new hires or veteran staff in need of a refresher. Gain essential skills to ensure the well-being and safety of animals in your care, enhancing your effectiveness in shelter operations.
Help The Helpers: An Intro to Compassion Resilience in Animal Welfare
How do we take care of ourselves and each other during this challenging time in animal welfare? This webinar will provide an introduction to common occupational stressors and the protective factors that support well being in ongoing, stressful circumstances. The session will explore terminology, symptoms, and risk factors related to empathic strain aka compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and moral distress. Participants will then learn practical strategies that individuals, peers, and leaders can implement to reduce stress and distress, increase compassion resilience, and create healthier workplaces.
