people sitting at conference

Fulfill animal welfare education requirements

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

Through the 2023 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.

We will be adding additional opportunities to earn continuing education credits and certificates as they develop, so please be sure to check back for updates. If you have any questions or would like more information, please email conferences@bestfriends.org.

Person holding a dog at an animal shelter

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.

Person caring for a cat in an animal shelter

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.

Representative from Southern Utah University talking with a Best Friends Conference attendee

Southern Utah University (SUU)

SUU is the academic partner of Best Friends Animal Society. 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.

AAVSB’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE)

This program has been approved for 14.25 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. Select live, in person sessions have RACE approval, with up to 10.5 hours available to participants. RACE-approved sessions will soon be marked on the sessions page or you can email conferences@bestfriends.org for a full list. For attendees seeking RACE-approved continuing education credit, please submit this form within 7 days of attending the conference. Check back soon for more information on which sessions are approved. Your certificate of attendance will be emailed within 14 days of submitting the form. Register for a RACEtrack account here.