people sitting at tables during conference

Need to fulfill animal welfare education requirements?

You can earn continuing education credits and certificates through Best Friends National Conference sessions.

Through the 2022 Best Friends National Conference, you can earn continuing education credits (CEs) or continuing education units (CEUs) and certificates. See the information below about the qualifying credits, certificates and how to submit for your credentials.

Please note, the deadline to purchase session recordings has now passed. 

Animal Control Officer petting a smiling pit bull

The National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA)

NACA has approved the conference for five CEUs. Proof of attendance in the form of your conference registration should be submitted to NACA for credit.

Caregiver taking care of tiny kittens in a pet carrier

Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA)

Best Friends Animal Society is an approved provider of content that enhances professional competence and aligns with the five domains of the CAWA exam specifications. Every hour of training equals one CE toward a CAWA recertification.

Happy dog wearing an SUU bandana

Southern Utah University (SUU)

SUU is the academic partner of Best Friends Animal Society and offers learning opportunities in contemporary animal services, including options to earn continuing education units (CEUs) and institutional certificates.

Here are a few ways that you can earn credits through SUU:

  • Earn an SUU institutional certificate and one CEU by registering for the Best Friends National Conference, attending at least 80% (or 19 hours) of the conference and completing a reflection. Apply and pay for an SUU institutional certificate and one CEU.
  • Earn three CEUs by successfully completing the Best Friends National Conference’s fast-track course. Credits earned here may be applied toward an SUU bachelor’s degree or participating master’s degree program. Apply and pay for three CEUs.
  • Upon successful completion, you will receive an SUU institutional certificate, and earned CEUs will be reflected on a university transcript.
Audience members clapping at a Best Friends National Conference session

Options to earn credits

All in-person sessions, Deep-Dive Day sessions and sessions recorded July 7-9 are eligible for CAWA, NACA and SUU.

AAVSB’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE)

This program has been approved for 11.25 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. Select sessions (marked with ** on the agenda page) have RACE approval, with up to 9.75 hours available to participants. For attendees seeking RACE-approved continuing education credit, please submit this form within 7 days of attending the conference. Your certificate of attendance will be emailed within 14 days of the conference.  Register for a RACEtrack account here.