Why Animal Shelter Leadership?
Leaders of animal shelters have responsibilities that are unique to the profession of animal welfare. For example, they might need to enforce and modify local animal-control ordinances, communicate with both elected officials and appointed boards, collaborate with state public health officials, and maintain excellent community relations so that adequate funds, volunteers, and staff are always available to support the life-saving mission of the animal shelter. In this program, students will learn key skills to help them lead, manage, raise funds, market, and coordinate a variety of shelter operations such as animal control, adoptions, fosters, and infectious disease control.
You can start your graduate education in Animal Shelter Leadership with the University of Florida. You can also transfer up to 15 credits from the Graduate Certificate toward the Master’s Degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a Concentration Shelter Medicine, if admitted.
What is this program?
The Shelter Leadership Graduate Certificate is offered through the Maples Center for Forensic Medicine in partnership with the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The certificate consists of 5 fully online courses, and it can be completed in as little as 1 year.
This certificate is a way to gain credentials and learn the important skills necessary for effective leadership in animal shelters.
| Course # | Course Name | Credits | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VME6819 | Principles of Leadership in Animal Shelters | 3 | X | X | |
| VME6801 | Principles of Management in Animal Shelters Prereq: VME6819 | 3 | X | X | |
| VME6841 | Communications and Marketing for Animal Welfare Organizations | 3 | X | X | |
| VME6842 | Fundraising and Development for Animal Welfare Organizations (First Offering Summer 2023) | 3 | X | ||
| VME6840 | Life Enhancing Strategies of Animal Welfare Organizations | 3 | X | X |
Up to 15 credits from the Shelter leadership Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine can be transferred toward UF’s online Master of Science in Shelter Medicine—if admitted. In order to transfer credit, you must complete maintain a B average or higher in each course.
Note: Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the program
Who is this program for?
This graduate certificate is beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills and advance in their career in animal welfare, including:
- Veterinarians
- Veterinary technicians
- Shelter operations staff
- Animal control officers
- Animal welfare professionals
- Shelter volunteers
How much does it cost?
Total Credit Hours: 15
In-State Cost per Credit Hour – $448.73 (plus $13.32 fees)
Out-of-State Cost per Credit Hour – $575.00 (plus $13.32 fees)
Total Cost – In-State (including fees): $6,930.75
Total Cost – Out-of-State (including fees): $8,824.80