Professional Development with Small-Paws
Small-Paws offers practical, evidence-informed continuing education for people who work with and care for animals. Our courses are developed and taught by credentialed professionals with expertise in veterinary medicine, behaviour, training, animal welfare, and related fields.
From focused self-study courses to in-depth mentorships, our learning opportunities are designed to help professionals expand their knowledge and apply it thoughtfully in their work. Small-Paws badges recognize learning completed through our platform. Select a badge below to learn what it represents.
Small-Paws Mentorship: This badge recognizes successful completion of one of our mentorship programs. Each badge will list the name of the mentorship. The instructor and total hours of instruction will vary by mentorship, details can be found here.
Mentorships combine structured course content with guided learning, live instruction, discussion, and applied activities. Learners must complete the requirements established for their specific mentorship to receive this badge.
Small-Paws Professional Development Hours: These badges recognize cumulative hours of professional education completed through Small-Paws, including eligible self-study courses and mentorships.
Badges are awarded in 10-hour increments. Before each badge is issued, Small-Paws verifies the learner’s course records and successful completion of the required hours. A 10+ Hours badge therefore confirms at least 10 verified hours of completed Small-Paws professional education; 20+ Hours confirms at least 20 hours, and so on.
Badges are individually issued and may be requested as learners reach each new 10-hour milestone.
Small-Paws Course Complete: This badge recognizes participation in a Small-Paws professional education course. It reflects engagement with continuing education developed and taught by one of our credentialed instructors. Because Small-Paws courses vary in length and subject, this badge does not represent a specific number of professional development hours.
About our Recognition Badges
Small-Paws provides professional development and continuing education. We do not certify practitioners, issue professional designations, or independently credential learners. Our courses are developed to meet rigorous continuing education standards and are approved by relevant professional credentialing organizations. Approvals vary by course based on subject matter and the scope of each organization.
Should you have any questions or concerns about our courses or the use of a Small-Paws badge, please contact us. We’re happy to help.