Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals

This seven-week program will give you the knowledge and encouragement you need to save the lives of kittens and cats in your community. 

Presented in collaboration with Southern Utah University, the Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals (CLF) course takes a deep dive into the strategies, programs and actions that have proven most successful in saving the lives of kittens and cats, the most at-risk populations in our nation’s shelters.

You’ll learn from experts from across the country who cover everything from community cat programming and kitten fostering to strategic intake and how to best use volunteers.

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Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals offers animal caregivers, community members, and animal advocates, and volunteers an opportunity to learn about the proven policies, programs and procedures necessary to meet the community’s expectation of cat lifesaving.

What you’ll learn 

The CLF program taps into the lifesaving knowledge and skills of seasoned practitioners. 

You’ll learn what programs and strategies you can implement to save more cats’ lives and deepen your understanding of a wide range of topics all geared toward feline lifesaving.

Modules include introduction to cat lifesaving, community cat programming, strategic intake, adoptions, fosters and volunteers, cats in shelters, shelter medicine and kittens.

What to expect 

During the program, you will be asked to complete seven comprehensive, online modules, participate in online discussions and complete weekly assignments.

You should expect to spend about six to nine hours per week on self-study assignments and developing a pilot program proposal.

Benefits of the program 

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

The course focuses foundationally on how lifesaving can be increased. Activities and discussions during the program are designed to facilitate relationships with animal services advocates and professionals, and provide support.

You’ll be empowered to provide your community with lifesaving strategies and programs.

Upon graduation, you’ll have access to a private Facebook group to continue learning and connect with other graduates for ongoing support.  

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 Fundamentals and Finding Success in Animal Services.

What past participants have to say about the program

Even if you're a seasoned animal welfare staff member, taking this course is a great way to get a refresh on cat lifesaving fundamentals. For those new to the field, this is an amazing way to learn the many avenues of animal welfare in one spot.”

— Summer D., Dallas, TX

Great information on how to enhance the quality of life for cats in a shelter. The medical module was interesting particularly on the changing perceptions around FeLV/FIV cats and testing for that.”

— Michelle. B., Colorado Springs, CO

Ready to up your lifesaving game? 

You can make a difference for kittens and cats in your community, and we invite you to get started with the application process today. 

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See our upcoming courses

Take the next step in your lifesaving career and get started with one of our upcoming course offerings.

1 upcoming events

* = registration required

Jun 29 Monday

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Aug 17 Monday

Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals (CLF)

See details for times

Enhance your cat lifesaving skills through proven strategies and practices.

Enhance your cat lifesaving skills through proven strategies and practices. This course is ideal for anyone working with cats in shelters or the community.

Monday, June 29: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, June 30: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, July 1: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, July 2: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, July 3: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, July 4: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, July 5: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, July 6: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, July 7: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, July 8: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, July 9: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, July 10: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, July 11: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, July 12: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, July 13: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, July 14: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, July 15: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, July 16: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, July 17: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, July 18: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, July 19: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, July 20: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, July 21: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, July 22: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, July 23: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, July 24: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, July 25: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, July 26: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, July 27: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, July 28: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, July 29: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, July 30: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, July 31: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, August 1: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, August 2: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, August 3: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, August 4: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, August 5: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, August 6: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, August 7: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, August 8: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, August 9: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, August 10: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Tuesday, August 11: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Wednesday, August 12: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Thursday, August 13: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Friday, August 14: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Saturday, August 15: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Sunday, August 16: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Monday, August 17: 8:00am–8:00am MT

Learn to Save More Cats

Tell us that you’re interested in our Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals, formerly known as Cat Lifesaving Course, and we’ll let you know when the next session opens for enrollment.

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Want to explore the course further? View the syllabus here.

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