By the end of the course, students will: 

1.  Understand compassion fatigue symptoms, contributing factors, and how to access professional mental health help.
2. Learn their signs of stress and how to use simple self regulation practices to reduce stress on the job.
3. Understand the importance of self-care to help them create a better work life balance and healthy boundaries.
4. Reconnect to the rewards and shift to a more positive outlook in order to increase Compassion Satisfaction. 
5. Learn self-compassion and mindfulness practices to help them cope with what they can't control.
6. Craft healthy goals and a personal mission statement.
7. Collaborate with staff and coworkers on these issues, so that they can create a healthier work environment for everyone.

Organizations that create a deadline for completion have the highest completion rates. It helps to provide more structure!

There is a quiz at the end of the course to document engagement.

Participants who pass the quiz will receive a certificate of completion that they can download and share with their supervisor.

You might provide staff with time on the clock to engage with the course or consider reimbursing them for documented study time off hours. 

Other shelters have had success using the group discussion prompts provided. They meet up and make this course a collaborative experience. 

You may wish to offer incentives such as gift cards or earned time off for completing the course. Additional ideas are included in The CiB Program.

Analytics (documenting course progress) can be provided upon request. 

The self-study course is not for sale for individual enrollment. It is only offered as part of the CiB Program for groups. 

If you'd like to learn about compassion fatigue on your own, you are encouraged to enroll in  Compassion Fatigue Strategies Plus! at UFL: an 8 week online course that includes 4 live calls with Jessica, discussion. boards, and CEUs. Offered twice annually, typically in the fall and winter.

Yes, the Self Study Course offers CEUs and provides a Certificate of Completion after passing the final quiz.

• Jessica Dolce, founder of Compassion in Balance, is an approved provider of content for CAWA. Every hour of training equals 1 CE towards CAWA Recertification.
• The Self Study course has been approved for 6 hours of continuing professional education by the National Animal Control Association (NACA).
• Looking for veterinary CEUs? Please contact your licensing board for guidance.

This course has helped more than a thousand shelter workers, veterinary medicine practitioners, animal protection officers, program staff, and more. 

This course is best suited for people who are interested in learning about compassion fatigue and resilience or would benefit from increased support.

Anyone, at any level, including volunteers, can benefit from the course. 

You can enroll your staff any time.

They'll have immediate access to all six modules. 

This class is 100% self-paced and the work can be done at any time, from any device.

They do not have to be in class at specific times. 

Here are some testimonials from recent students:

Megan, Volunteer Coordinator, U.S. Animal Shelter:

"Compassion in Balance has helped me tremendously. I was on the verge of quitting last year and I feel like I’m finally in a better place now. We’ve had compassion fatigue training before, but none of it really focused on working with animals and it didn’t really make sense. You’ve bridged the gap for me and I truly appreciate it!"

Stacy, Veterinarian, Canadian Animal Shelter:

“I really enjoyed the Self Study because the examples matched my experiences at work. Thank you for these tools and for showing me that I'm not alone. Now I know that I can help myself and others, so we can keep doing the work we’re so passionate about.” 

Carrie, vet tech, animal shelter:

"This is such a good program. The course is very informative and helpful! I've attended compassion fatigue classes before and this was, by far, my favorite. All workplaces should offer this."

Sarah, Receptionist at a high-volume spay/neuter clinic:

"You will not regret taking this class. I found myself thinking "oh yeah, that is sooo true" so many times. Jessica provides great real-life examples of dealing with the inevitable stress (and fatigue!) of our jobs working with animals. Do this for yourself!"

Alexis, Adoption Counselor and Animal Care:

"Taking the time to complete this course has allowed me to reconnect with myself. To be provided with tips on how to handle stress, mindfulness, and when to take breaks was helpful. I wasn't sure at first how this course would help me but after completion I'm glad my organization offered it. The standard of burnout culture and desentiviation is very real in this line of work. Having this course to validate emotions that we all experience can make you feel like you're not alone."

Mackenzie, Intake counselor:

"This program has helped me deal with my fatigue and constant annoyance with patrons. Now, I enjoy my work much more and take it each day at a time."

No, the self-study course is a component of The CiB Program and is not for sale as a standalone product.*

*Exception for past and current clients:

If your organization has previously purchased the Self Study and would like to continue enrollment, please contact Jessica at: [email protected]