Course Info
The COAPE Diploma in Animal Shelter Management is a comprehensive, modern qualification for anyone dedicated to improving welfare standards within animal shelters, rescue organisations, and community outreach programmes. Blending evidence-based behavioural science with practical management skills, the diploma equips students to build safer, more efficient, and more compassionate shelter environments. Whether you already work in animal welfare or plan to enter the sector, this course provides the knowledge, confidence, and tools to create meaningful, sustainable change for animals, staff, and communities.
This is a demanding course, consisting of ±40 hours of pre-recorded lectures and 8 assignments. As one of the highest qualifications of its kind, it requires commitment—all prescribed books must be read, and additional research is essential for achieving strong results.
A solid understanding and application of motivational, reward-based training techniques is required. If you are unsure whether you meet this requirement, please contact us so we can discuss support options.
Course Options
- Standard 24-month course: Modules release on set dates with corresponding assignment deadlines. This option allows you to progress with a cohort.
- Do It In Your Own Time (DIIYOT): No fixed due dates; each module is released once the previous assignment is submitted. Maximum duration: 36 months.
The diploma starts every March and September (enrolments close 2 weeks prior).
DIIYOT students may begin at any time.
Certificates are awarded upon successful completion.
What the student will learn
- Effective Shelter Operations: Designing daily workflows that improve welfare, reduce stress, and enhance efficiency.
- Behaviour & Welfare Insights: Practical, science-based understanding to support assessment, enrichment, and rehabilitation.
- Leadership & Community Impact: Skills to lead teams, engage communities, and implement long-term welfare initiatives.
Course Content
- Module 1: Introduction to Animal Shelter Management
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- Types, roles, and evolution of shelters
- Key challenges, opportunities, and modern welfare models (5 Domains)
- Module 2: Shelter Design & Facility Management
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- Welfare-focused design and layout
- Intake/quarantine methods
- Maintenance protocols and emergency preparedness
- Module 3: Shelter Operations
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- Organisational structure, leadership, and daily logistics
- Health and safety protocols
- Accurate record keeping
- Module 4: Animal Care & Welfare
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- Best practices in handling, humane intake, and species-specific care
- Disease prevention, nutrition, grooming, and basic shelter veterinary medicine
- Managing common diseases, vaccination, sterilisation, and parasite control
- Module 5: Shelter Behaviour
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- Behaviour fundamentals for dogs and cats
- Positive reinforcement, behaviour modification, and staff training
- Module 6: Staff & Volunteer Management
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- Leadership styles, team building, recruitment, and retention
- Creating a positive work environment
- Conflict resolution and managing compassion fatigue
- Module 7: Fundraising & Financial Management
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- Nonprofit financial principles
- Budgeting, fundraising strategies, grants, and donor relations
- Technology use in shelter administration
- Module 8: Policies, Public Relations & Community Engagement
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- Public image, media communication, and social media
- Outreach and education programmes
- Developing policies such as intake procedures and euthanasia guidelines
