Community Cat Program Management Certificate in Partnership with University of the Pacific
Professional Training for Community Cat Leaders
Next course starts September 14, 2026.
The Community Cat Program Management Certificate is an 8‑week online course designed to equip animal welfare professionals, advocates, and volunteers with the tools to build and sustain effective community cat programs.
Offered in partnership with the University of the Pacific’s Benerd College, the course combines expert instruction with practical strategies on TNR, community engagement, legal considerations, funding, and long-term sustainability.
Whether you're launching a new initiative or strengthening an existing program, you'll gain real-world skills that help you create measurable impact for cats and communities.
What You’ll Learn
This certificate course provides a deep dive into the core components of successful, humane community cat program management, including:
- Introduction to community cat care and population dynamics
- Fundamentals of Trap‑Neuter‑Return (TNR) best practices
- Community engagement and public education strategies
- Legal and ethical frameworks for humane animal management
- Volunteer recruitment, retention, and leadership
- Funding, sustainability, and program evaluation
- Conflict resolution and community relations
- Long‑term program design and adaptive management
Whether you’re launching a new initiative or strengthening an existing program, this course gives you a repeatable framework for success.
Course Format
This course bridges the gap between heartfelt volunteerism and strategic program leadership—helping you effect lasting community change.
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Delivery: Fully online with pre-recorded lectures and guests from the field, reading and online assignments/quizzes
- Interactive: Live weekly Q&A sessions every Friday
- Flexible: Designed to fit around work and caregiving schedules
- Outcome: Earn a certificate in Community Cat Program Management upon completion
Who should take this course?
No matter your role, this course will help you turn your passion into measurable, humane impact.
Community cat advocates and caretakers
Animal welfare professionals and shelter staff
Nonprofit leaders and program coordinators
Veterinarians and vet techs interested in community cat work
Students pursuing careers in animal welfare
Animal control officers and municipal partners
Why This Certificate Matters
Community cat work goes beyond trap and neuter. Sustainable programs require strategy, collaboration, data‑informed decisions, and community partnerships. Graduates of this program return to their work with confidence, credibility, and a toolkit designed to elevate humane outcomes for cats and communities alike.
Scholarship & Financial Support
One scholarship is awarded each session through Community Cat Champions’ Sue Black Memorial Scholarship. If additional scholarship opportunities are available for the next session, details will be posted here.
How to Register
Registration is handled through the University of the Pacific’s course portal. Visit the registration link provided for the current session or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming start dates and scholarship opportunities.
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