Since its inception in 2012, the Shelter Medicine Program has expanded from a partnership with one humane society to working with 11 partner shelters and serving rural communities through our mobile surgical unit. The program has prevented countless unwanted litters and provided basic medical care needed to improve the health of thousands of shelter dogs and cats, thereby increasing their chances of being adopted. It has also alleviated some of the financial challenges for humane societies operating with limited budgets.
Beyond directly assisting shelter animals, the program helps produce more proficient veterinarians by expanding our students’ clinical skills.
Students gain hands-on experience in:
- Anesthesia
- Surgery
- Physical examination
- Parasitology
- Clinical pathology
- Infectious disease management
- Behavioral assessment