Celebrating Animal Shelter Staff:
The Heart of Animal Welfare
Their compassion, resilience, and commitment keep shelters running and communities thriving. They are often the first to greet an abandoned pet, the ones who help them heal, and the last to say goodbye when that animal finds their forever home.
At NACA, we believe shelter staff deserve not only our gratitude — but also the training and tools to feel confident, safe, and supported in their work. That’s why we’re proud to announce the launch of our newest certification: ShelterSafe™.
The NACA ShelterSafe™ Certification is designed to strengthen the foundation for anyone working or volunteering in animal welfare — from new shelter employees to experienced team members looking to refresh their knowledge.
This self-paced certification introduces the core concepts every shelter or animal welfare professional should know — from the foundations of humane care and animal welfare principles, to understanding body language for safe interactions, and maintaining effective sanitation practices.
ShelterSafe™ can easily be integrated into your existing onboarding or training program. Agencies can even assign it before a new employee’s first day, ensuring they arrive with a strong understanding of animal welfare basics and workplace safety.
Investing in staff training is one of the most powerful ways a shelter can improve retention, morale, and community impact. When staff feel equipped and supported, they’re more likely to grow, stay, and lead within the organization.
The ShelterSafe™ Certification empowers agencies to build that foundation — one that supports both the animals and the people who care for them.
This course features updated best practices and expert-led instruction from leaders across the field of animal welfare, ensuring your team receives the most current, credible, and practical information available.
Take a moment to thank the incredible people behind every successful adoption, every clean kennel, and every wagging tail. Their compassion and dedication save lives every day.
To learn more about the ShelterSafe™ Certification or to enroll your team, visit www.nacanet.org.
