August 2012 by Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, MS

Audience: Executive Leadership, Foster Caregivers, Shelter/Rescue Staff & Volunteers, Veterinary Team

Video Length: 51 minutes

From the minute a dog or cat sets paw inside an animal control vehicle or shelter, the clock is ticking on decisions, procedures and practices that can spell health or illness - even life or death - for that animal. Dr. Brian DiGangi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida, presents at the 2012 Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference at University of Florida on how decisions made in that first critical hour impact the stress response and susceptibility to disease of sheltered animals, and how you can use that time to maximize the life-saving capacity of your organization.

Learning objectives:

  • Learn the importance of sound intake protocols and their impact on live release rates
  • Review standard medical health protocols including physical examination, vaccination, de-worming and diagnostic disease testing
  • Identify opportunities to meet the behavioral needs of each animal and ensure good mental health in the shelter environment
  • Understand the importance of preventative healthcare for the individual animal as a means to ensure overall population health and well-being in light of published guidelines for standards of care

After viewing the presentation, click here to take the quiz and receive a Certificate of Attendance!

About Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, MS

Dr. DiGangi is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Practitioners and Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. DiGangi received a BS in Animal Science from North Carolina State University in 2001 and graduated from the University of Florida (UF) College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. While at UF, Dr. DiGangi completed clinical externships in both shelter medicine and exotic animal medicine and co-founded the UF Student Chapter of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Dr. DiGangi became the first resident in Shelter Medicine to graduate from UF in 2012, became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Canine and Feline Practice, and studied and researched feline vaccination issues for his MS degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences.

Dr. DiGangi has published research on feline adoption, pregnancy detection and immunology. Other interests include cleaning and disinfection, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and shelter animal welfare. Dr. Digangi currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.