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.

The content on this website is not intended to replace the learning experience of participating in a workshop or working through the SAFER guide and the 60-minute instructional video.

Training Resources

SAFER Workshops
Find out when workshops are scheduled in your area.

SAFER Manual and Training Guide and DVD
Order these materials to get detailed instructions on how to conduct and score each item in the SAFER assessment, plus information on how to support the dogs in your care with identified behavior issues.

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.

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.