Continuing Education

Fulfill animal welfare education requirements

You can earn continuing education credits including NACA, CAWA, and more through Best Friends National Conference sessions.

Through the 2026 Best Friends National Conference, you can earn continuing education credits or continuing education units and certificates. See the information below about the qualifying credits and certificates and how to submit for your credentials.

We will be adding additional opportunities to earn credits and certificates as they develop, so please be sure to check back for updates. If you have any questions or would like more information, email conferences@bestfriends.org.

Shelter Pet Data Champions Program

At the 2026 Best Friends National Conference, we’re introducing the Shelter Pet Data Champions Program — a new initiative designed to help animal welfare professionals build data skills through hands-on engagement. 

Participants who attend a series of data-focused sessions and conversations will be recognized for their commitment to using data to improve the lives of pets in their communities. 

To complete the program and earn recognition, participants must:   

• Maintain a current SPDA account with data entered through April 2026. 
• Complete at least four (4) onsite data focused touchpoints at BFNC, choosing from this list:  
  • Engage with research poster sessions (as a presenter or attendee)  
  • Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a member of the data team 
  • Attend qualifying conference sessions tagged as “Shelter Pet Data Champions” (23 sessions identified, filter to “Approved for Credit”) 

National Animal Care & Control Association

This conference has been approved for continuing education units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA policy located here: nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification.

Certified animal welfare administrator

Best Friends Animal Society is an approved provider of content that enhances professional competence and aligns with the five domains of the certified animal welfare administrator (CAWA) exam specifications. Every hour of training equals one continuing education credit toward a CAWA recertification.  

Field services

At Best Friends National Conference, field services professionals have the opportunity to earn continuing education units vital for professional growth. Requirements for credit vary by state, so be sure to check with your local and state officials. 

AAVSB’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE)

This program has been approved for 15 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. Select live, in person sessions have RACE approval, with up to 12 hours available to participants. RACE-approved sessions are marked on the sessions page or you can email conferences@bestfriends.org for a full list. For attendees seeking RACE-approved continuing education credit, please submit this form within 7 days of attending the conference. Your certificate of attendance will be emailed within 14 days of submitting the form. Register for a RACEtrack account here.