Davis, CA – Jennifer Bennett DVM, MS, Director of Shelter Medicine Access to Care at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program recently earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator credential through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, an independent agency whose mission is to help develop strong leaders and promote standards of practice in the animal welfare profession.  Dr. Bennett is now one of several hundred individuals worldwide to hold this prestigious designation, the only leadership credential in animal welfare.

The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement administers the Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) program which distinguishes top-level executives and managers working in both nonprofit and municipal animal welfare agencies. In addition to meeting strict eligibility requirements for leadership and management in the animal welfare field, Dr. Bennett needed to pass a rigorous exam to earn her CAWA designation. 

The CAWA exam covers best practices in animal welfare with questions reviewing leadership, human resources, finance, fundraising, marketing, administration, and animal care.  Obtaining her CAWA status validates Dr. Bennett’s work in the animal welfare field and illustrates her competency to contribute to broader animal welfare conversations as they pertain to her community and across the country. 

Jim Tedford, The Association’s CEO and a CAWA, noted, “Certified Animal Welfare Administrators have demonstrated that they hold specialized qualifications and a commitment to high standards and ethical practices in our industry. We respect their dedication to their own professional development and their pursuit of leadership excellence.”