How to Become SAFER Certified

A SAFER® certified assessor has demonstrated the ability to accurately and objectively observe and identify behavior. A certified assessor also has the ability to conduct SAFER assessments in a manner that produces accurate and replicatable results.

What Does it Mean to Be SAFER Certified?

Being SAFER certified means that an ASPCA SAFER facilitator has determined that your technique and ability to assess behavior are appropriate and lead to valid and predictive assessments. Certification also means that you are able to perform SAFER assessments safely and humanely. The facilitator makes this determination from video and worksheets for three assessment that you submit to the ASPCA.

If the facilitator determines that you need assistance with technique, you'll receive a written report identifying areas that need refinement. After you implement the recommend changes, you can submit new video and worksheets for certification. Certification is good for one year. You can renew your certification by submitting video and worksheets for recent assessments.

Being certified to assess the dogs in your facility helps ensure that you and your agency have sound information for making important decisions that literally affect the lives of these animals.

Getting Started

To implement SAFER in your facility, we strongly recommend that you attend a workshop offered through the ASPCA. Those interested in certification must either:

• Attend a SAFER workshop taught by SAFER facilitators, OR
• Purchase a SAFER Manual and Training Guide and DVD.

Use the SAFER Certification Checklist (.pdf) to practice assessments. This checklist, which is also available in the training guide, identifies key elements of each assessment item that you need to perform correctly to become a certified SAFER assessor/observer. It also has specific suggestions for improving your skills at reading canine body postures.

Submitting Assessments for Certification

If you have attended a SAFER workshop or reviewed your purchased Manual and Training Guide and DVD and now want to become certified, you can download the SAFER Certification Fact Sheet (.pdf). Follow the instructions in this fact sheet to submit the materials required for certification to the ASPCA.