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Studies in Contemporary Animal Services

Take a deep dive into the field of animal services and pursue your passion for helping animals with Best Friends’ Studies in Contemporary Animal Services course.

Presented in collaboration with Southern Utah University, the online Studies in Contemporary Animal Services course is designed to help you learn the skills you need to become an animal welfare professional or help you improve your skills as an animal welfare professional to become more effective in your current role.

The course also gives you the opportunity to explore practical applications of how to be an effective professional in animal services using proven strategies.

During this seven-week, university-endorsed online course, you'll learn from experts in the field of animal services about career pathways, programs that support lifesaving, and how to become confident in supporting change. You’ll walk away having learned how to enhance your professional skills while saving more animals’ lives.

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The Studies in Contemporary Animal Services course is a great way for anyone to build the knowledge and skills needed to start or advance their career.

 

 

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What you’ll learn 

The Studies in Contemporary Animal Services course takes an in-depth look at the field of animal services and gives you the skills you need to help save more animals’ lives.

You’ll learn how to help animals in your community by engaging the public, working effectively and efficiently in a shelter environment, forming lasting mutually beneficial partnerships, and much more. 

Modules include topics that cover animal services organizations and careers, lifesaving programs, the importance of data, finance, advocating for funding and resources, collaboration, well-being in animal services, and supporting change.

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What to expect 

During the program, you’ll build a professional portfolio and complete seven comprehensive, online modules and weekly assignments.

You’ll also participate in weekly online discussions. You can expect to spend about six to nine hours per week on discussions and self-study assignments.

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Benefits of the program

When you successfully complete the program you will earn one Southern Utah University credit and a digital badge.

After completing Studies in Contemporary Animal Services, you’ll walk away with a more in-depth understanding of the field of animal services, the career pathways you can take, and how you can support lifesaving change within the field from any position or professional level.

Participants who complete this course earn micro-credentials that can be combined to equal three academic credits. Other micro-credential courses include the Dog Lifesaving Course and Cat Lifesaving Course.

Ready to find your place or advance your career in animal services?

Take the next step — start the Studies in Contemporary Animal Services application process today!

Start your application
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Ready to up your lifesaving game? 

Tell us that you’re interested in Studies in Contemporary Animal Services, and we’ll let you know when the next session opens for enrollment.

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If you still have questions, email us at learning@bestfriends.org.