Fear Free Shelter Program
In addition to Tier 1 volunteer hours, completion of the Fear Free Shelter Program is a requirement if you wish to handle animals. The course takes approximately 5 hours to complete, but progress on work can be saved at any time, giving you the flexibility to self-pace throughout the program.
In this program, you’ll learn how to improve the emotional experiences of animals by applying key strategies and techniques designed to reduce the negative emotional states that are commonly experienced by shelter and rescue animals, including fear, anxiety, stress (FAS), and frustration. The Fear Free Shelter Program aims to provide training that is suitable for all individuals involved in the care and oversight of shelter and rescue animals.
After a brief introduction to Fear Free, you will work through four mandatory modules, which will need to be taken in consecutive order. Each module will end with an exam, which needs to be successfully completed prior to moving on to the next module. The core modules take approximately 5 hours to complete. When all four modules have been completed, you will be awarded with a Fear Free Shelter Program Certificate of Completion.
This is a free program, but volunteers will need to fill out and upload the volunteer verification form to the Fear Free Shelter page. A member of the LBACS staff will provide volunteers with a signed copy of the form after the onsite orientation.
Send proof of course completion to LBACSvolunteer@longbeach.gov.
