Battersea Academy offers a wide range of free, bite‑sized sessions for anyone working or volunteering in a dog or cat shelter or rehoming organisation.

Whether you’re building new skills or refreshing what you already know, you’ll find practical learning that fits around your day. 
 

Working with dogs and cats

Build your skills in behaviour, welfare and hands‑on care. 

Animal Behaviour & Welfare Sessions
Animal Behaviour & Welfare Sessions

Alongside Foundations of Shelter Management, we offer a series of one-off topics exploring animal behaviour and welfare.
International Dog & Cat Welfare Conference
International Dog & Cat Welfare Conference

A free online conference with expert speakers and three learning streams: the animal, the human and the organisation.

Working with people

Strengthen your leadership, communication and personal wellbeing. 

Leadership Programme
Leadership Programme

Grow your leadership skills and learn how to support your team with confidence.
People and Team Skills
People and Team Skills

Sessions that support personal development, team wellbeing and effective communication.
A group of people sitting and laughing
Your Wellbeing

Personal well-being is equally as important, which is why we offer a series of learning opportunities focused on this.

Running your organisation

Develop the skills that help your shelter run smoothly and sustainably. 

Foundations of Shelter Management
Foundations of Shelter Management

We offer a wide range of learning opportunities focussed on the day-to-day management of a shelter and much more.

Shelter Management: Residential Week
Shelter Management: Residential Week

The Residential Week builds on knowledge acquired through Foundations of Shelter Management and has been designed with collaboration and the sharing of best practices at the forefront of all sessions.

Fundraising, Marketing & Communications Series
Fundraising, Marketing & Communications Series

Our learning opportunities extend beyond animal welfare topics, and we offer a series of learning opportunities that support key areas of your organisation, such as fundraising, marketing and communications.
Battersea Academy attendee, Albania

An excellent learning opportunity for any rescue organisation, regardless of your experience or where you come from. Don't miss it!

Battersea Academy attendee, Albania

How to book

  1. Log in to your Battersea Academy account.
  2. Browse the course calendar.
  3. Choose the sessions you want to join.
  4. Book your place.
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Frequently asked questions

 

About Battersea Academy

Most sessions are delivered online.  

If you work or volunteer in a dog or cat shelter or rehoming organisation, anywhere in the world, you can join our courses. Sessions are open to all experience levels and roles.

Sessions are delivered in English. Other languages will be introduced in late 2026.

 No. Accounts are free for eligible individuals.

Yes, as long as you continue working or volunteering in the sector. 

Pricing & Bursaries

Our aim is to make Battersea Academy accessible to every shelter and rehoming, regardless of their location or size.
 

An Academy Online account is free. If your organisation has an annual income under £5m, you won’t pay fees for any Battersea Academy learning. When you create an Academy Online account, we may ask for your organisation’s income if we can’t verify it through public sources such as the Charity Commission website. 

Yes. Organisations with an annual income under £3.5m (UK) or £4m (international) can apply for a bursary to help with subsistence costs. This includes travel, accommodation and food. You’ll need to provide proof of income as part of your application.

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