About
Animal welfare isn’t just a concept; it’s a set of values that shape your organization’s culture, credibility, and impact. Introduction to Animal Welfare is a research-informed, practical course designed specifically for working dog organizations. This course is intentionally designed for everyone, not just canine staff. Leadership, fundraising and marketing teams, client services, volunteers, board members, and program staff all play a role in shaping animal welfare outcomes. This course gives each role the tools to understand that responsibility and act on it. Animal welfare is a value-laden discipline and people want to support organizations that reflect their values. Donors, staff, volunteers, and clients are actively seeking organizations that demonstrate ethical, transparent, and evidence-based approaches to animal care. This course helps you clearly define, communicate, and live your animal welfare values—strengthening trust, alignment, and organizational resilience. Rather than prescribing one “right” approach, this course equips your team with the knowledge, language, and frameworks needed to make informed, ethical decisions that fit your unique context. If your organization is ready to move from good intentions to intentional, evidence-based animal welfare practices, this course provides the foundation. This course will take up to 1 hour and is organized in 3 parts: Part 1: History of Animal Welfare Part 2: Perceptions of Animal Welfare and Animal Use Part 3: How to Apply Animal Welfare Concepts in your Role Follow along to the video content, developed and delivered by Dr. Katelyn Mills, Co-Founder of Working Dog Innovations, and complete the reflection exercises throughout to apply the concepts to your own organization.