Shelters and Rescue Groups

Register now for a C.L.A.S.S. Shelter, Rescue Group, and Nonprofits account >

One of the goals of the C.L.A.S.S. program was to develop an assessment that is particularly beneficial to the needs of shelter dogs. To this end, any municipal shelter or registered 501(c)(3) shelter or rescue group may register their shelter and all dogs in their care for free. If you have a staff person who will be doing C.L.A.S.S. evaluations only on shelter dogs up for adoption, their evaluator registration fee is reduced from $40 to $25.

Once a dog has passed the initial B.A. level of the C.L.A.S.S. program, they may be listed on the C.L.A.S.S. web site in our “C.L.A.S.S. Gallery” section.

The C.L.A.S.S. Shelter Program can increase adoptions and lead to quieter kennels and less stressed dogs. Included in the Shelter Handbook are a Training Orientation program for training shelter staff and volunteers, Lesson Plans, and supplemental training information to enhance a shelter's existing volunteer and enrichment program or create a new one.

This short video created by the Center for Shelter Dogs highlights the benefits of using C.L.A.S.S. in a shelter. Volunteers appreciate the structure and guidance the C.L.A.S.S. program provides, and the enrichment for the dogs in C.L.A.S.S. Training. See the difference C.L.A.S.S. can make in a shelter dog’s behavior!

Do you work with pit bulls? Animal Farm Foundation has now approved the C.L.A.S.S. program for their grant programs for shelters and rescues. Pit bull dogs up for adoption that pass the B.A. Level of the C.L.A.S.S. program are eligible for a grant of $150 from the AFF. You can read more details at their website: http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/pages/Grant-Programs

Are you a volunteer or staff trainer with a shelter, municipal animal control, or rescue group? Read about Introducing C.L.A.S.S. to Shelters download the recommended C.L.A.S.S. curriculumfor ideas on offering your training services to shelters.

How do I get started?

Download the Overview Handbook to read about the C.L.A.S.S. rules and requirements.

How do I find an Evaluator?

All Evaluators will be listed as an Official C.L.A.S.S. Evaluator in the APDT Trainer Search.

What does the C.L.A.S.S. Program cost?

Visit our registration fees page for details on pricing.

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