Training and Certification

The ASPCA's SAFER® Assessment is a tool for assessing the probability of future canine aggression. To implement SAFER in your facility, we strongly recommend that individuals from your shelter attend a workshop offered through the ASPCA and/or purchase a SAFER Manual and Training Guide and instructional DVD.

In addition, obtaining SAFER certification ensures that you are conducting and scoring assessment items correctly. This in turn helps ensure that you are using SAFER scores appropriately to make sound decisions about the dogs you assess.

Training Resources

We have several ways to support the SAFER program.

• Your agency or community can host a two-day workshop. For more information contact us at SAFER@aspca.org
• Start learning on your own by purchasing the SAFER guidebook and DVD and watching our free Canine Communications and SAFER webinar series
• Try a SAFER remote coaching session via webcam – you bring the dogs and we'll bring the real time coaching to you!

Certification Resources

How to Become SAFER Certified
Find out what it means to be SAFER certified, and use these instructions and forms to submit videos of assessments you've performed to an ASPCA SAFER facilitator.

Remote SAFER Certification
Use a webcam to assess dogs real-time in your shelter and get certified.

SAFER Certification Checklist (.pdf)
Use this checklist to practice handling and assessment techniques and prepare for certification.

FAQs: SAFER Certification
Is it OK to practice with shelter dogs? Submitting assessments for multiple assessors. Your questions answered.