Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund^® Instructor-Led Courses! All courses are free, #ThanksToMaddie.

We are excited to share that we have four brand new classes this term! We’re offering 10 different courses and 13 total classes in the Spring 2026 session. The spring 2026 application window opens on February 6, 2026 and closes on February 26, 2026.

Read on to learn about these great new offerings.

Adoption Marketing: Positive Framing, Connective Storytelling, More Adoptions!
Learn to create adoption marketing that connects pets with families through positive framing, compelling storytelling and audience-centered content. Classes will dive into bio writing, photo and video tips, social media and traditional marketing tactics, using AI and other tools for sustainable output, and how good policies support effective marketing, always drawing on real-world examples. Students will build a practical Adoption Marketing Toolkit for immediate use at their organization week by week.

Cooperative Care for Dogs
Get introduced to the key principles of cooperative care to minimize fear, anxiety and stress and improve safety for staff and dogs during medical care and day-to-day care in the shelter and other environments, such as foster homes. The examples in this course reflect “real world” shelter situations, where dogs who are unfamiliar with cooperative care require immediate treatment.

Rural Sheltering
This course addresses the special challenges faced by rural shelters. Learn about practical changes you can make today in your shelter to improve animal welfare and your organization’s connection with your community. The course also addresses the funding challenges faced by rural organizations and how to focus the efforts you put into grant applications.

Work Better: The Power of Us
This course is about how we show up together in the workplace and will help leaders and teams explore the collective side of well-being and leadership. You’ll learn how culture is shaped, how power can be shared more equitably, how values become real when they’re lived, and how trust, accountability, and engagement fuel strong, resilient organizations. Through honest dialogue, reflection, and practical frameworks, you’ll gain tools to strengthen your workplace culture, navigate power dynamics with awareness, and foster environments where people feel connected, valued and supported.

Read all about the 10 courses and get ready to apply soon!

Source: Chew On This