Training

Since 1997 RSPCA International has delivered over 100 training courses in nearly 30 countries in Europe and East Asia.

Making jellyfish out of carrier bags, trying out dog catching and handling equipment, doing a nature trail, visiting a zoo, or examining endangered animal products are just some of the many things you might do on one of our training courses. All the courses are interactive combining presentations with discussions, group-work activities and practical visits.

Most courses last three days and are run with local partners, such as education institutions, government bodies, or non-governmental organisations. Each course is especially adapted to meet the specific needs of the target country and is run by one of our own highly specialised staff or a similar industry professional.

Participants are not limited to animal welfare organisations but can include groups as diverse as government inspectors, teacher trainers and dog wardens.

They are encouraged to agree to keep in touch with each other enabling them to continue to share their knowledge and experience. Continued support is provided by the training team through a follow-up visit to the course.

Animal welfare education, China 2009

In Nanning, southwest China, consultant David Coggan of Humanebeing, led a half-day education session to more than 200 heads of school, teachers and officials in the ‘Ecological Experience Education’ programme annual conference, followed by the RSPCA’s third course for 50 teachers, focusing on effective resource development and practical lesson ideas. A core team of the most experienced teachers has begun to write animal welfare materials for children and guidance for teachers. This activity is funded in part by the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust. A fourth course will be held in the summer of 2010.

Read more about animal welfare education in China and Taiwan.

Find out more about animal welfare education training.

Shelter management and humane dog handling, Turkey 2010

In May 2010 we ran a three-day course in Izmir on shelter management and humane dog handling for vets on the first day, and on shelter routines and humane handling for their shelter professionals on the second and third days. Representatives from the 18 shelters in the Izmir region attended and particularly benefitted from training in humane dog handling which is not currently provided locally.

All aspects of the course were directly linked to new 2009 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines on stray dog control. As a result of the course, shelters in the Izmir region should all be working to more standardised routines, and the vets and shelter professionals should have a greater appreciation of each other's needs and roles. 
 

Find out more about stray animal management and shelter management training.