Pursue your passion to save the lives of dogs and cats

With our courses offered in partnership with Southern Utah University, you can transform your passion for helping dogs and cats into professional growth.

Whether you’re an experienced animal services professional looking to grow your career or new to the field, the partnership between Best Friends and Southern Utah University (SUU) offers unique online learning opportunities in contemporary animal services tailored to fit your needs — from degree programs to professional certifications and credentials.

Graduates from the Best Friends and Southern Utah University (SUU) program

Stay updated on upcoming animal services degree programs

Best Friends Animal Society is teaming up with Southern Utah University to create new academic degree pathways in animal services. Want to learn more about new associate, bachelor's, and master's degree options? Sign up to be the first to hear about new opportunities.

Join the Interest List

Prepare to make a lifesaving impact

Our programs provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to save the lives of cats and dogs in your community. 

Learn from the experts

Courses are carefully curated by experts in the field who have worked hands-on in animal services.

Regional Strategist Marla Browne giving a presentation

Make valuable connections 

The course structure encourages you to grow your lifesaving network through collaboration.

Gain the skills you need 

Our first-of-its-kind programs give you the specific information you need to save the lives of pets.

Two people wearing masks with a community cat in a humane trap

Take the next step in your career

Whether you’re an experienced animal services professional looking to grow your career or you’re new to the field, these courses offer unique learning opportunities and can be tailored to fit your specific goals.

Foundational course

To get the most out of your learning experience, we recommend starting with our foundational course, Introduction to Animal Services.

Person wearing headphones and working on a laptop computer with a terrier dog in his lap

Introduction to Animal Services

Learn about the history of animal services in the United States and develop a better understanding of the data, policies and practices in the field today.

See Course Details

Micro-credential courses

Participants who complete these courses earn micro-credentials that can be combined to equal three academic credits. Eligible courses include Finding Success in Animal Services, the Dog Lifesaving Fundamentals, and the Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals.

Smiling person reaching out to pet a cat in an animal shelter

Finding Success in Animal Services

Take a deep dive into the field of animal services and learn from experts in the field of animal services about career pathways, programs that support lifesaving, and supporting change.

See Course Details

Smiling person relaxing in a yard with a happy dog

Dog Lifesaving Fundamentals

Explore proven ways to save the lives of dogs in animal shelters through adoption, dog behavior and well-being, foster programs, canine handling, shelter medicine, and much more.

See Course Details 

Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals

Learn the strategies, programs and actions that have proven most successful in saving the lives of kittens and cats.

See Course Details 

Specialized courses

If you’re interested in what it takes to run an animal sanctuary, Running a Lifesaving Animal Sanctuary is the course for you.

Person hugging two white pit bull type dogs in a fenced area

Running a Lifesaving Animal Sanctuary

Gain knowledge, resources, and insights to aid you in starting your own successful organization. You'll learn about starting a non-profit, strategic planning, fundraising, and more!

See Certification Details

Leadership certifications

If you're an existing leader in the field, we offer the Animal Services Executive Leadership and the Management Leadership Certification.

Group shot of first graduates from the SUU Executive Leadership Certification with a dog

Animal Services Executive Leadership

Develop connections and community with fellow animal services leaders, and learn about the programs, practices and principles critical to saving cats and dogs in shelters.

See Certification Details

Person holding two boxes containing community cats ready to release

Management Leadership Certification

In this program, you’ll focus on aligning your efforts with the needs of your community to save more cats and dogs.

See Certification Details

Bachelor's degree program

Earn your SUU Bachelor of General Studies designed for Animal Services online while developing the skills and knowledge to become a leader in animal services.

Person playing with a dog in a living room

SUU Bachelor of General Studies designed for Animal Services

The SUU Bachelor of General Studies designed for Animal Services was created specifically for students interested in animal services, and it can be completed entirely online.

See Bachelor’s Degree Details

Master’s degree program

This 30-credit master’s degree can be completed online and covers a wide variety of contemporary animal services topics, from managing people and budgets to fundraising and crisis communications.

Two graduates from SUU wearing caps and gowns with a dog on a leash

SUU Master of Interdisciplinary Studies 

Pursue your passion for helping animals by earning an advanced degree (30-credit master’s degree) tailored to your professional interests.

See Master’s Degree Details

Course availability may vary. 

What past participants have to say about the programs 

"Being part of the ELC helped me build skills and a tool set to approach my work with greater confidence."

Carolyn Evans

Animal Services Executive Leadership Graduate

Executive Director at Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society

“As a leader in animal welfare, I never really had a solid direction until I met the great teams with Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University. Their guidance has shown me structure and passion and dedication, and also has shown me my true potential in helping people and pets in my community.”

Spencer Conover

Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate

Assistant Director, Pasco County Animal Services

“It has been super helpful to see how other organizations do things. Staff morale has improved at my shelter because of what I learned here.”

Randi Leigh Ashley

Management Leadership Certification Graduate

Adoption Supervisor, Anderson County PAWS

Samantha Bell holding a black and white cat

Learn from the experts in animal services

Our facilitators have years of combined experience saving the lives of cats and dogs. They bring their wealth of industry insights and connections to each program. 

Meet the Team

See our upcoming courses

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

3 upcoming events

* = registration required

Jun 20 Saturday

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Jun 29 Monday

Finding Success in Animal Services (FSAS)

See details for times

Learn how to grow your career in animal welfare and gain leadership skills to make a lifesaving impact.

Learn how to grow your career in animal welfare and gain leadership skills to make a lifesaving impact. Discover diverse roles in the field and find where you can make the most difference.

Saturday, June 20: 8:00am–5:00pm MT

Sunday, June 21: 8:00am–5:00pm MT

Monday, June 22: 8:00am–5:00pm MT

Tuesday, June 23: 8:00am–5:00pm MT

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Monday, June 29: 8:00am–5:00pm MT

Grow Your Career in Animal Welfare

Jun 29 Monday

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Aug 17 Monday

Cat Lifesaving Fundamentals (CLF)

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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

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Learn to Save More Cats

Jul 29 Wednesday

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Sep 30 Wednesday

Running a Lifesaving Animal Sanctuary (RLAS)

See details for times

Discover what it takes to create and run an animal sanctuary with expert guidance and in-person experience at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Discover what it takes to create and run an animal sanctuary with expert guidance and in-person experience at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. Ideal for anyone considering starting their own sanctuary. (In-person dates October 11-16)

Wednesday, July 29: 8:00am–5:00pm MT

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Start Your Sanctuary Journey

Ready to up your lifesaving game?

Tell us that you’re interested in one of our programs, and we’ll let you know when the next session opens for enrollment.

Yes, send me updates about the programs »

A groundbreaking partnership 

Best Friends and Southern Utah University have partnered to create the nation’s first university-endorsed animal services leadership program, led by our team of experts in the field. 

Respect and responsibility

We’re so honored to be recognized for our innovative work to make the entire country no-kill.

See our recognitions

About Best Friends

Best Friends Animal Society is working to save the lives of cats and dogs all across the country, giving pets second chances and happy homes.

Just a few years ago, cats and dogs were killed in staggering numbers in this country simply because shelters didn't have the community support or the resources to save their lives. That number is now less than half a million per year, but there’s still work to do to ensure a bright future for every dog and cat in America.

Best Friends operates the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals and is committed to saving the lives of homeless pets by working with shelters and passionate people like you. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill. Together, we will Save Them All.