Million Cat Challenge: Navigating Anesthetic Drug Shortages in Shelters After COVID

Dr. Sheilah Robertson and Dr. Sarah KirkAugust 12, 2020

In this webcast, you'll learn what your organization needs to know to provide spay/neuter and veterinary care in a time of COVID.

Attack kitten season like kittens attack your hands with these resources

June 9, 2020

Kitten season is in full swing, so here are some of our best kitten resources all in one place. We know things are a little different this year, but that’s not stopping the kittens from coming! Feral felines & kittens found outdoors  This webinar from the Kitten Lady comes highly recommended from Gimme Shelter. Her…

Caring from Across Town: Practical Telehealth for Shelters & Clinics

Dr. Michael (Mike) Greenberg, Brenton Minish, Julie Ryan-Johnson, DVM, Aimee St.Arnaud and Beth HarrisonJune 4, 2020

Come learn more about the telehealth landscape and how best to implement this tool in your shelter or clinic.

An Emergency Contraceptive Option for Cats During COVID-19 Delayed Surgery

Joyce Briggs, Michael (Mike) Greenberg, Julie K. Levy, Michelle Kutzler and Linda RhodesApril 10, 2020

Find out about new possibilities with non-surgical contraception solutions for cats during this time of Covid-19 delayed surgery.

Million Cat Challenge: Spay/Neuter in the COVID Era

Dr. Julie Levy and Aimee St. ArnaudMarch 31, 2020

In this Covid era, we're told to be #SaferAtHome to avoid overloading the human healthcare system. What does that mean for spay/neuter programs?

Million Cat Challenge: Socking FIP!

Heather Kennedy, DVMPOSTPONED

Due to the immediate challenges shelter and rescue groups are facing amidst COVID-19, we are postponing this webcast until a future date. For those of you who have already registered, you will not have to re-register and will get an email when a new date is put on the calendar. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for understanding and above all, thank you for all you are doing for the animals in your care.

Imagining the Future of Animal Welfare

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Rebecca Guinn and Marc PeraltaFebruary 2020

Hear from some of the most influential voices in animal welfare as they imagine what the future holds for homeless pets.

Public Safety and Lifesaving ARE Compatible

Marc Peralta, Senior Director, National Mission Advancement, Best Friends Animal Society and Ed Jamison, Director, Dallas Animal ServicesApril 2020

Join Marc Peralta and Edward Jamison to hear about the increases and impact they have seen in public safety, when lifesaving takes priority.

New FeLV Guidelines: 5 Critical Takeaways for Your Shelter

Julie Levy, DVMApril 2020

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to tackle the next frontier in cat lifesaving!

Managing Big Dogs: The New Horizon

Ellen Jefferson, DVM and Sheila Segurson, DVMApril 2020

In this session you will gain a deeper understanding of lifesaving best practices and innovations to increase lifesaving for big dogs.

Our Most Vulnerable Creatures: Disease in Puppies and Kittens

Alexis Bardzinski, Casandra Mensing, Jordana Moerbe and Faith WrightApril 2020

Leave this session with the knowledge necessary to fight disease outbreak, without unnecessary deaths or culling of puppies and kittens.

Neonatal Kittens Q & A

Rosemarie Crawford and Casandra MensingApril 2020

Listen in with expert kitten lifesavers as they answer questions about neonatal kitten care, including disease treatment and prevention.

Contagious Disease is Not a Death Sentence: How Communities Overcame Outbreaks without Killing

Jennifer Wilcox, DVM and Nipuni Ratnayaka, DVMApril 2020

Leave this session with the knowledge necessary to fight disease outbreak, medically and operationally from veterinarians who have lived through it.

New AAFP FeLV/FIV Guidelines: 5 critical takeaways for your shelter

Julie Levy, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, DABVPJanuary 16, 2020

Confused about navigating FeLV and FIV in shelter cats? This free, pop-up webinar is designed to bring you au courant in less than 30 minutes.

Lifesaving Protocol for At Risk Dogs: Part 2

Kristen Hassen-Auerbach, Director of Animal Services Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson, Arizona & Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB, Director of Research, Maddie's FundOctober 24, 2019

Part 2: The Challenges of Saving Medium and Large Dogs in Shelters. This webcast is the second in a two-part series but can be viewed on its own and will be useful to shelter leadership at all levels, volunteers, advocates and anyone else who struggles to save big dogs' lives.

The Million Cat Challenge: Interventions and observations associated with survival of orphaned shelter kittens undergoing treatment for diarrhea

Jody Gookin, DVM and Sandra Strong, DVMOctober 2, 2019

In this free 30-minute webcast, Drs. Jody Gookin and Sandra Strong provide information for veterinarians and medical support staff on survival statistics and novel treatments for orphan kitten diarrhea.

Cat Aggression Toward New Cats

August 2019

Aggression between unfamiliar cats most frequently occurs when introducing new cats in a home, or if unfamiliar cats appear outside your home.

Appetite Issues in Cats

August 2019

Reasons for a poor or no appetite in cats include stress, illness, and even just a preference for a tastier food. Changes in how your cat is fed, such as location or type of food or food bowl, can affect how much your cat will eat. Changes in environment or people/pets in the environment can also cause a cat to eat less or stop eating. Appetite issues can also be caused by a medical condition. A poor appetite for longer than a couple of days can lead to serious health issues, even if the initial cause was not due to a medical problem.

Appetite Issues in Dogs

August 2019

Reasons for a poor or no appetite in dogs include stress, illness, and even just a preference for a tastier food. Changes in how your dog is fed, such as location or type of food or food bowl, can affect how much your dog will eat. Changes in environment or people/pets in the environment can also cause a dog to eat less or stop eating. Appetite issues can also be caused by a medical condition.

Pain Management on a Budget - Part 1 of 2

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityJuly 2019

Part 1 of 2. This two-part workshop will describe cost effective strategies for managing acute and chronic pain in a shelter or high quality/high volume environment. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Pain Management on a Budget - Part 2 of 2

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityJuly 2019

Part 2 of 2. This two-part workshop will describe cost effective strategies for managing acute and chronic pain in a shelter or high quality/high volume environment. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Practical Aspects of Dentistry in Shelter Pets

Sandra Manfra-Marretta, DVM, DACVS, DAVDC, Professor Emerita, Small Animal Surgery and Dentistry, University of Illinois College of Veterinary MedicineJuly 2019

This workshop will focus on the practical aspects of dentistry in shelter pets. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

The Basics on Basic Veterinary Care

Lori Bierbrier, DVMJuly 2019

This workshop uses the ASPCA Primary Pet Care program as a case study for how to incorporate affordable and accessible preventive and basic veterinary care into your organization. It was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Soft Tissue Surgery Tips & Tricks for the Shelter Vet

Galina Hayes, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVECC, Assistant Professor, Section of Small Animal Surgery, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineJuly 2019

The goal of this lecture is to discuss and to provide some helpful pointers on performing various non-spay/neuter procedures. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Putting Down the Scalpel: Learning to Lead as a Doctor & Manager

Katie Broaddus, DVM, CAWA, Chief Operations Officer, Austin Humane SocietyJuly 2019

This session will help veterinarians understand how they can leverage their scientific training and problem-solving skills to make an even bigger impact. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Physiology of Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Veterinary Patients

Michelle Albino, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), Senior Manager of Training, ASPCA Animal HospitalJuly 2019

This workshop will describe the physiology of fear, anxiety, and stress in perioperative patients. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Sedative Pharmacology

Michelle Albino, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), Senior Manager of Training, ASPCA Animal HospitalJuly 2019

This workshop will define the difference between sedatives, tranquilizers, and anxiolytics; describing in detail all medications available in veterinary medicine. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Leadership and Communication for Veterinary Nurses

Michelle Albino, LVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia), Senior Manager of Training, ASPCA Animal HospitalJuly 2019

This workshop describes leadership for nurses in the veterinary field. Explore ways to increase professional growth and get the most out of your veterinary career, including transitioning into management, how to successfully lead your team, and how to communicate effectively. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

In-Shelter Diagnostics - Minimize Errors and Maximize Patient Care

Elise Gingrich, DVM, MPH, MS, ACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Senior Director of Shelter Medicine Services, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews proper techniques and discusses common mistakes when performing in-shelter diagnostic tests. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Using Metrics to Care for Shelter Populations

Janet Scarlett, DVM, MPH, PhD, Professor Emerita of Epidemiology/ Founder of Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell UniversityJuly 2019

In this session, disease surveillance, and the assessment of the frequency of common diseases in shelters are discussed. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Radiographs

Erin Epperly, DVM, DACVR, Assistant Clinical Professor, Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineJuly 2019

A case-based, interactive session full of practical pointers to make your time in radiography more effective and efficient. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Ringworm for LVTs: Fight the Fungus

Melanie Benetato, VMD, MS, Adoption Center, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews current best practices in ringworm diagnosis, treatment and management in a shelter setting. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Veterinary Toxicology

Karyn Bischoff, DVM, MS, Assistant Professor, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineJuly 2019

This seminar gives a brief introduction to veterinary toxicology in small animals and includes case studies of interest to the Shelter Medicine Audience. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

How Are They Doing? Assessing Pain and Quality of Life in Shelter Animals

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA, Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts UniversityJuly 2019

This workshop reviews signs of pain and suffering in dogs, cats and rabbits and identifies simple techniques for assessing pain in animals. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference./

Ringworm: the Role of Staff and Volunteers in Fighting the Fungus

Melanie Benetato, VMD, MS, Adoption Center, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop reviews current best practices in ringworm diagnosis, treatment and management in a shelter setting. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

They Can't be Available for Adoption Until When?! Neonatal Care in the Animal Shelter

Erin Henry, VMD, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell UniversityJuly 2019

This workshop discusses the developmental stages, care and pathway planning for neonatal kittens and puppies in the shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Beyond Just Kittens: Strategic & Creative Use of Foster Care

Erin Doyle, DVM, DABVP, Senior Director of Shelter Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this workshop, the presenter reviews the basics of maintaining an organized, proactive foster network and then delve into examples of how organizations are using foster care in thoughtful and creative ways. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Gentle Handling: Techniques to Reduce Stress & Save Time

Erin Doyle, DVM, DABVP, Senior Director of Shelter Medicine, ASPCAJuly 2019

Learn techniques for handling the animals in our care in a low-stress, gentle manner. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Capacity for Care & Population Management

Lena DeTar, DVM, DACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Clinical Assistant Professor of Shelter Medicine, Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineJuly 2019

In this workshop you will learn how to maximize your potential as a life-saving organization by understanding your limits and expanding your expectations. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Overview of ASPCA Field Investigations & Response and the Nuts and Bolts of Animals in Distress-Disasters

Dick Green, Senior Director of Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

This workshop provides a brief history of the ASPCA Field Investigations & Response Team (FIR) and discusses the history of animal rescue and how an emergency becomes a disaster. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Medical Issues in Emergency Sheltering

Elise Gingrich, DVM, MPH, MS, ACVPM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice), Senior Director of Shelter Medicine Services, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this workshop, Dr. Gingrich covers some of the more challenging medical issues unique to animals impacted by disaster. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Innovations in Emergency Animal Sheltering

Joe Hinkle, CAWA, Shelter Director, Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this session, the presenter discusses lessons learned and best practices from recent ASPCA emergency shelters with an emphasis on what your agency should be doing now to prepare for setting up and staffing an emergency shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

2018 Year of Disasters in Review

Dick Green, PhD, Senior Director of Field Investigations & Response, ASPCAJuly 2019

In this talk, Dr. Green provides key take-home lessons learned and best practices so that communities and animal welfare agencies will have more tools to enhance animal response capabilities and become more disaster resilient. This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's^® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

Diarrhea in Kittens and Puppies

June 2019

Persistent young kitten or puppy diarrhea is one of the most challenging problems that foster programs face.There can be multiple different causes and solutions to kitten or puppy diarrhea.During this class, foster caregivers will learn to understand how to recognize diarrhea, some common causes of diarrhea, when a kitten or puppy with diarrhea needs veterinary attention, and how to help prevent and address kittens or puppies with diarrhea.

Diarrhea in Cats and Dogs

June 2019

There are many causes and solutions to diarrhea in cats and dogs.In this class, we will not into detail on causes or prevention of diarrhea in cats and dogs, but rather focus on the "how-to's" of dealing with pets who have diarrhea.You will learn what to look for when examining a cat or dog who has diarrhea, recognize when veterinary attention is needed, and understand how to care for a cat or dog who has diarrhea.

The First 72 Hours: A Model Intake and Animal Flow Process for Disease Prevention

Faith Wright, Ellen Jefferson DVM, Jordana Moerbe, Paula Medrano and Amelia NusbaumMarch 2019

Join American Pets Alive! staff as they discuss an intake and animal flow process designed to help you prevent outbreaks and ensure live outcomes.

Bottle Baby 101 (Part 1 of 2)

Casandra Mensing, Neonatal Ward Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

This presentation will teach you how to start a volunteer-run bottle baby nursery and how to build it to become to be one of the most engaging and lifesaving programs in your community.

Cat Medical Care on a Shoestring Budget

Monica Frenden, Maddie's^® Director of Feline Lifesaving, American Pets Alive! and Dr. Alexis Bardzinski, Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

In this session, you will have the chance to learn how to save cats with medical conditions on a tight budget from national leading cat experts.

Distemper is Not a Death Sentence

Dr. Nipuni Ratnayaka, Dr. Ellen Jefferson and Jordana MoerbeMarch 2019

Join this session to learn about the process that Austin Pets Alive! developed to combat distemper without hoarding or culling them.

FeLV: What You Need to Know for Shelter Decision Making

Julie Levy, DVM, Monica Frenden and Natascha HammanMarch 2019

Come learn from shelter medicine expert, Dr. Levy, and leading cat advocates Monica Frenden and Natascha Hamman about the most current research and best practices for rehoming this vulnerable FeLV cat population.

Saving All the Cats: Live Outcome Options for All Healthy, Outdoor Cats

Adrienne Clark, Monica Frenden, Christi Metropole and Wendy BeaupreMarch 2019

Learn how to start a barn program from scratch, including selecting cats, finding quality homes, relocation procedures, and safe handling and sheltering practices.

Solutions for the Top Five Reasons Dogs are Dying in Shelters

Mike Kaviani, Director, Orange County Animal Care and Aaron Caldwell, Dog Behavior Co-Manager, Austin Pets Alive!March 2019

The presentation will provide you with practical and manageable solutions for the top five reasons dogs are dying and being killed in shelters today.

Analyzing Length of Stay: Make Your Animals Ready and Move Them Fast

Teresa Johnson, CEO/Executive Officer and Chief Lifesaving Officer, Kansas City Pet Project and Michele Figueroa, Operations Manager, Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2019

Time wasted means animal lives lost, leave this session with a plan to move animals through your shelter more quickly.

Contagious Diseases: Euthanasia is Not the Answer

Alexis Bardzinski, DVM Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive! and Jennifer Wilcox, DVM Director of Vet Services, Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2019

In this session, two veterinary experts will discuss how to handle disease outbreaks medically, handle the PR, and handle the operations that must continue.

Dog Medical Care on a Shoestring Budget

Alexis Bardzinski, Medical Director, Austin Pets Alive! and Jennifer Wilcox, DVM Director of Vet Services, Pima Animal Care CenterMarch 2019

How to spend the least amount of money as possible so that your medical resources can be spread among all those pets that need you.

The Surprising Science of Meetings: Key Learnings and Implications for Shelter Success and You as Someone Who May Lead Meetings

Steven G. Rogelberg, PhD, Chancellor's Professor, University of North Carolina at CharlotteThursday, March 28, 2019

This webcast delves into the research leading to an evidence-based path that will help you conduct a more productive meeting.

Million Cat Challenge: Fighting Fungus with Facts

Laura Mullen, Shelter Medicine Outreach Manager, SFSPCA San Francisco, CaliforniaWednesday, March 27, 2019

This webinar outlines research-based protocols that are in use at the San Francisco SPCA and examine how those same concepts apply to a variety of different shelters and rescues.

How to Check Foster Pets for Dehydration

March 2019

In this short class, you will learn how to assess for dehydration in foster pets

Dr. Michael Blackwell is on a mission is to improve access to veterinary care

March 19, 2019

HSUS Animal Care Expo in New Orleans, LA, will soon be upon us! One important topic of conversation will be access to veterinary care, and there will be two sessions with Dr. Michael Blackwell that will tackle this important topic. His mission is to improve access to veterinary care, especially for families with limited means.…

Million Cat Challenge: Outsourcing Neonatal Kitten Rearing for Life-Saving Success

Katie Ingram, Animal Services Manager, Placer County Animal Services, Auburn, CaliforniaWednesday, March 6, 2019

Learn how shelters are increasingly able to care for and save neonatal kittens.

Join us for a kitten webinar series, hosted by Million Cat Challenge

February 28, 2019

Kitten season will be here before you know it, and the Million Cat Challenge (MCC) wants you to have your most successful season yet. Which is why they are hosting three kitten-focused webinars in March to help you prepare. Kittens are a shelter’s most vulnerable population, and MCC wants to help you save as many as…

Access to Veterinary Care: A National Family Crisis

Dr. Michael Blackwell and Dr. Susan KrebsbachThursday, February 21, 2019

The lack of access to care is the most significant animal welfare crisis affecting owned pets in the United States. Learn more about this important issue in this webcast.

Join us for an important webcast about veterinary care access 

January 31, 2019

Did you know that the lack of access to care is the most significant animal welfare crisis affecting owned pets in the United States? Millions of pets do not receive adequate veterinary care because the costs are simply beyond a family's ability to pay.   Learn more about this important and complex issue in our upcoming webcast, Access…

Maddie Talk: Cat Town, Oakland CA

January 17, 2019

Maddie’s Summer Scholar researches why neonatal kittens suckle on littermates

January 10, 2019

If you’re familiar with neonatal kitten litters, you know that suckling is a common issue, and even leads to serious health problems. So why does it happen and how can we prevent it? With the help of Maddie's® Summer Scholar program, Isabelle Walcher, a student the University of California, Davis, conducted research to find out.…

Why one veterinary student wants to figure out what a “normal” kitten heart looks like, #ThanksToMaddie

December 19, 2018

What does a “normal” kitten heart look like? In animal shelters, this is often hard to determine since there are no set guidelines or reference points. Therefore, if a kitten has a murmur or other abnormality, their lives are sometimes in jeopardy because of the lack of ability to perform advanced cardiac examinations. This is…

Lifesaving Webcast Series: Let Them Go Home - Increasing Adoptions

Monica FrendenThursday. December 13, 2018

How many more lives could you save if instead of keeping animals in the shelter until they are 100% ready, they went home with adopters now - to grow up, heal from injury, or recover from illness?

Lifesaving Webcast Series: Accelerate your Lifesaving: How to go from 50 to 90 (Percent Live Release Rate) Really Fast

Dr. Kim SandersThursday, December 6, 2018

Learn how to implement lifesaving programs that will take your facility from a save rate of 50% to over 90% in a very short period of time.

Accessible Veterinary Care: Service Learning Programs to Help Animals & People

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS DACVAA, Clinical Associate Professor, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University December 2018

This talk discusses the Tufts at Tech program and other aspects of Tufts Community Medicine that bring students from multiple training programs together to help community members access veterinary care and other services for pets.

Cleaning and Disinfection in the Shelter

Chumkee Aziz, DVM, Senior Director, ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative December 2018

This program takes participants through a review of the risk factors that contribute to infectious disease transmission and offers up-to-date information regarding the best practices in sanitation.

Disease Prevention in the Shelter

Lena DeTar, MS, DVM, DACVPM, DABVP, SMP Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine December 2018

This lecture explores how shelter management, housing, enrichment, intake protocols and population flow can boost the health of shelter populations, decrease length of stay and improve adoptions.

Feline Coronavirus and FIP: What's New?

Dr. Elizabeth Berliner and Dr. Gary WhittakerDecember 2018

This lecture focuses on updates and where we go from here in diagnosing and managing FIP.

General Canine Infectious Diseases

Erin Henry, VMD, Instructor of Shelter Medicine, Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program, Cornell University College of Veterinary MedicineDecember 2018

This interactive session will provide an overview of the most common infectious diseases found in shelter dogs and how you can help prevent their spread.

General Feline Infectious Diseases

Chumkee Aziz, DVM, Senior Director, ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative December 2018

This program provides an overview of common feline infectious diseases that remain persistent challenges for shelters.

The Role of Public Health in Animal Sheltering

Jeanette O'Quin, DVM, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine and Veterinary Public Health, Ohio State University College of Veterinary MedicineDecember 2018

This presentation discusses how sheltering practices in the U.S. are impacting public health internationally, in particular Ethiopia.

To Test or Not to Test: That is the Question

Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, MS, DABVP, Senior Director, Shelter Medicine, ASPCADecember 2018

This presentation discusses the indications for both individual animal and population level testing in the shelter environment.

Transports Make Me Nervous!

Holly Putnam, DVM, Director of Operations and Outreach, Shelter Outreach Services, Ithaca NYDecember 2018

This presentation discusses best practices of transport programs and other tips to help minimize risk, while maximizing lifesaving.

What's Next? Improving Welfare in Your Community with Limited Resources

Carolyn R. Brown and Jocelyn KesslerDecember 2018

This workshop helps you to identify the needs of your community and discover how to maximize your resources and incorporate affordable and accessible preventive and basic veterinary care into your organization.

Zoonotic Diseases: It Goes Both Ways, Part 1

Jeanette O'Quin, DVM, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine and Veterinary Public Health, Ohio State University College of Veterinary MedicineDecember 2018

This presentation discusses the prevention, recognition and management of a few zoonotic diseases that might walk into the shelter on four paws or two feet, including Rabies and Salmonella spp.

Zoonotic Diseases: It Goes Both Ways, Part 2

Jeanette O'Quin, DVM, MPH, Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine and Veterinary Public Health, Ohio State University College of Veterinary MedicineDecember 2018

This presentation builds on the first hour of discussion on the prevention, recognition and management on zoonotic diseases that come into the shelter via animals or people.

Fear Free Pet Brushing

November 2018

In this short video, learn the best way to brush your dog or cat that makes the process fun and easy for both you and your foster pet.

Fear Free Ear Cleaning

November 2018

In this short video, learn techniques for helping your foster pet learn that ear treatments don't have to be a frightening and unpleasant experience.

Fear Free Eye Treatment

November 2018

In this video, learn how to make these treatments more of a positive experience for your foster dog or cat and make the entire process less of a struggle for both you and your foster pet.

Fear Free Tooth Brushing

November 2018

In this video, learn how you can gain your foster pets approval of teeth brushing as well as turn a potential negative experience into a positive one.

#FeelGoodFriday: Patches gets patched up with a 3D-printed skull

November 2, 2018

Patches the Dachshund had 70 percent of her skull removed, but you'd never know it by looking at her. Four years ago, Patches had a bump on top of her head. Her owner, Danielle Dymeck kept an eye on it as it continued to grow. Turns out it was a life-threatening tumor. It was pressing…

Million Cat Challenge: Managed Intake and Restructuring the Budget

Mandy EvansThursday, September 27, 2018

In this Webcast, Mandy Evans will cover two topics: A panleukopenia outbreak, and how managed intake, housing changes and partnering with the community made all the difference.

Study: Nonprofit spay/neuter is good for people, pets and communities

September 18, 2018

No one wants to see pets born who will end up homeless or unwanted. But in areas where veterinary practices are already facing a tough economic landscape, the opening of nonprofit spay/neuter clinics can feel threatening. Are those fears realistic? A new study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests the…

Should you invite a string quartet to your spay/neuter clinic?

August 7, 2018

Cats, it turns out, really like classical music. And when veterinarians played Samuel Barber’s “Adagio for Strings (Opus 11)” while cats were being spayed, the feline patients were less stressed out than when listening to other types of music, or no music at all. In what might be unwelcome news for rock fans, the cats…

How to clean and disinfect pet foster homes

July 17, 2018

Your foster caregivers provide a warm and safe place for their foster pets, but do they know how to properly clean and disinfect their homes? This is especially important when there is a sick foster in the house. Everything from how to clean, why, when and supplies needed are discussed in this 17-minute Flash Class,…

The Shelter's Role in Disaster Response

Dr. Elise GingrichJune 21, 2018

Last year saw communities across the country devastated by hurricanes, wildfires, and mudslides. That leaves a simple question for every animal organization: Do you have a disaster plan?

If the answer is no, or if you do but you're not sure it's up to date, please join us and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) for The Shelter's Role in Disaster Response with Dr. Elise Gingrich, Supervising Veterinarian at Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins, CO.

Foster care saves lives when strep zoo hits animal shelter

June 19, 2018

Streptococcus zooepidemicus, known more commonly as strep zoo, is one of the most fearful respiratory diseases that can strike a shelter dog. How did the dogs at the Pima Animal Care Center in Tucson, AZ, escape it? Thanks to the swift response of the shelter medicine team and loving foster homes! “This is a truly…

Fighting Fungus: Treat, Foster And Adopt Cats And Kittens With Ringworm

Kristen HansenMarch 2018

Tens of thousands of cats are euthanized each year solely because they have been diagnosed with ringworm. This workshop provides you with information on how to identify, house, and treat cats infected with ringworm.

Hurricane Harvey- Dealing with Distemper in the Midst of a Crisis

Ellen Jefferson, DVM and Carley Faughn, PhDMarch 2018

Contagious disease is always a threat to a shelter or rescue group but in the midst of a crisis, when you have make-shift housing and many hands in the pot, it can spread like wildfire.

Study: How shelters can save more senior cats and dogs

March 27, 2018

Do you want to get more senior dogs and cats adopted? A new study reports that, to accomplish that goal, animal shelters and rescue organizations need to provide health care to pets already in the shelter, as well as veterinary support to help keep older pets in the homes they already have — whether it’s permanently,…

Canine Parvovirus and Community Outreach

PASPCAMarch 2018

Canine parvovirus is life threatening, highly contagious and takes a lot of care. ICU-level treatment can be out of reach for financially-challenged dog owners. This video shows dog owners to show them how to medically care for their parvo-afflicted dogs at home, while providing support and office visits at their outpatient care center.

DNA test for ringworm can clear cats for adoption more quickly

March 6, 2018

A rapid DNA test lets animal shelters know with certainty that a cat or kitten is negative for ringworm, allowing those kitties to head straight out to the adoption floor or into foster care without concern that they might be contagious. The test considered the “gold standard” for diagnosing ringworm (Microsporum canis dermatophytosis) in cats is…

The Optimal Time for Spay/Neuter: An Analysis of Critical Spay/Neuter Literature

Philip Bushby, DVM, MS, DACVSFebruary 22, 2018

How can veterinarians and animal shelters understand the pros and cons of spay/neuter and determine the most appropriate age to perform these surgeries in male and female dogs and cats?

Involved in animal transport? These 5 tips will keep pets happy and healthy while on the move

February 6, 2018

Whether your animal organization does large-scale transport in or out of your area, or moves one animal at a time for out-of-state adoptions, keeping those pets from getting sick, experiencing stress, or spreading disease into the receiving shelter or community is critical. Transport of animals from areas with limited adoption opportunities to those where there…

Cleaning and Disinfection in Foster Homes

January 2018

During this short class your will learn ways to prevent the spread of disease if a pet in your home is already sick.

Study: Can a human drug help community cats experience less stress during TNR?

December 12, 2017

Can you imagine how terrifying it must feel for cats who are trapped for sterilization and returned to their outdoor habitat, especially when the cat is not socialized to humans? And you probably don’t need to imagine how much stress pet cats can experience when taken to the veterinarian — if you’ve ever owned a…

Behavioral Pharmacology in Shelter Settings

Dr. Sara L. BennettNovember 14, 2017

Learn about common behavioral concerns and diagnoses in sheltered pets and what medications might be most appropriate for their conditions.

New canine vaccination guidelines for pets, shelter dogs

October 31, 2017

When should you vaccinate your dog, and for what? How can shelters use vaccines to protect against outbreaks? And what about titer testing? The latest recommendations from a panel of veterinary experts, including a number of shelter medicine leaders, has the answers! The newest guidelines for canine vaccination have been published by the American Animal…

URI in Shelter Cats: It's Snot Inevitable!

Dr. Ann Enright and Dr. Cynthia KarstenOctober 2017

Recent research shows that upper respiratory infections in cats need not be as frequent as we once thought.

How one municipal animal shelter is saving cats with ringworm, and you can, too!

October 5, 2017

How can a municipal shelter create a successful, lifesaving ringworm ward — run 100 percent by volunteers, no less? It’s easy, with a little innovation and a lot of determination. That's exactly what Front Street Animal Shelter (FSAS) in Sacramento, CA, had when they applied for an Innovation Grant with us last year. Their goal…

Updates on Heartworm Disease Management for Animal Shelters

Brian DiGangi, DVM, MS, DABVPAugust 24, 2017

In this presentation, Dr. Brian DiGangi will help attendees understand current practices and challenges to standard heartworm management guidelines in the shelter setting.

Senior cats may soon outnumber kittens in animal shelters

August 22, 2017

“Ramp up your medical programs for seniors, folks – soon enough you’ll be seeing far more of those than adoption age kittens.” Those words were posted by Karina King, Director of Operations for the Dakin Humane Society, on a Million Cat Challenge discussion forum. For communities at the height of their kitten season, the thought…

The great big, amazing, underage kitten-raising bible for shelters, rescue groups and foster homes

August 15, 2017

It’s no secret underage and orphaned kittens are at high risk even in the best of circumstances. Fortunately, there is a growing body of experience and resources aimed at helping animal shelters, rescue groups and foster homes give these little ones the best possible chance at a healthy life in a new adoptive home. At…

How to help treat and prevent unwanted fleas at your shelter

August 10, 2017

A young litter of puppies and their lactating leading lady arrive at your shelter with some uninvited guests: fleas! What do you do now? Don't fret; here are some useful tips from Chelsea Reinhard, DVM, MPH, Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Resident at Tufts University, to help protect your shelter's dogs and cats. Treat early and monthly…

Managing a Feline Panleukopenia Outbreak in a Shelter

Dr. Amanda DykstraAugust 10, 2017

Is your shelter's veterinary team ready to manage a feline panleukopenia outbreak? Learn how it's done in this presentation!

Parasitology: Common Intestinal Parasites of Cats and Dogs in Shelters

Araceli Lucio-ForsterJanuary 2018

This presentation reviews common intestinal parasites of cats and dogs, their life cycles and transmission, diagnostic tests that can be done in a shelter setting and practical treatments for animals in shelters.

Parasitology: Common Blood-borne Parasites of Cats and Dogs in Shelters

Araceli Lucio-ForsterJanuary 2018

This presentation reviews common blood-borne parasites of cats and dogs that may be of importance in a shelter setting.

Orthopedic Surgery and Care in the Shelter

Ursula Krotscheck, DVM, DACVSJanuary 2018

Shelters commonly encounter dogs and cats with orthopedic injuries. These cases may be challenging to manage, particularly when treatment options may be restricted by limited resources.

Cardiology in the Shelter

Darcy Adin, DVM, DACVIMJanuary 2018

Learn about anesthetic considerations for dogs and cats with suspected cardiac issues.

Dermatology in the Shelter: Recognition and Management of Common Conditions

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, DABVP and Lena DeTar, DVM, DACVPMJanuary 2018

Learn about skin conditions that are some of the most common ailments of animals entering shelters in this quiz-show, case based presentation.

Infectious Disease Outbreak Management

Lena DeTar, DVM, DACVPMJanuary 2018

Learn how to define an outbreak, what common types of diseases cause outbreaks in shelters, the shelter's ideal response to an outbreak, and more!

Maddie's Clinic Apprenticeships at Austin Pets Alive!

July 2017

In this presentation, learn how Austin Pets Alive! operates their medical clinics, and how you can set up a similar clinic in your organization.

Kitten season and canine flu: How to keep the summertime blues away from your animal shelter

June 6, 2017

Summertime, and the shelter is crowded. That means it’s the season to prevent disease by helping keep pets from entering the shelter at all! Right now, there’s a confirmed outbreak of the highly contagious H3N2 strain of canine influenza virus (CIV) in Florida, Georgia and six other states, which is combining with kitten season to…

Shelter Medicine for Veterinary Support Staff at Charleston Animal Society

April 2017

Kennel cough can kill pet store puppies

April 25, 2017

Add to the list of reasons to give to your family and friends on why they shouldn’t buy a pet store puppy: They can be particularly likely to develop severe or even fatal pneumonia if they contract kennel cough. Kennel cough is not a specific disease, but rather a complex of respiratory diseases affecting dogs,…

Study: Animal shelter managers may not understand what shelter veterinarians can do

April 11, 2017

When you think of a veterinarian working in an animal shelter, what do you imagine they do there? For many shelter managers who participated in a recent study, that answer is “perform spay/neuter surgery.” However, shelter veterinarians and shelter medicine can play a much larger role in an animal shelter, providing expertise on disease prevention…

Feline Influenza Outbreak in New York City

Dr. Sandra NewburyMarch 2017

When Avian Influenza H7N2 infected cats in a New York City animal shelter, it was the first outbreak of its kind, and the first documented case of cat-to-cat transmission. Learn about the response and the outcome for the cats that were infected.

Treating Upper Respiratory Disease in Shelter and Rescue Cats

Dr. Mary MarcotteApril 2017

Upper respiratory disease in shelters and rescues is a major medical problem seen in cats. Learn easy, simple ways to prevent and treat URI in cats.

Shelter medicine changes everything for influenza cats in New York City – and beyond

March 21, 2017

When hundreds of cats in the New York City Animal Care and Control shelters tested positive for avian influenza last year, everyone involved set their only goal — saving the cats’ lives. That was a goal they reached, thanks to shelter medicine and the power of collaboration. “The NYACC did not want to euthanize a…

Starting a Parvo Program

February 2017

Learn about Austin Pets Alive! Parvo ICU Program and how they treat between 300-500 parvo positive dogs yearly with a survival rate of 85-90%.

Shelter Hospital Program at PSPCA

February 2017

In this short presentation, learn how the PSCPA runs their Shelter Hospital Program and a little about what makes it a success.

When a kitten dies of FIP, what should shelters do about the rest of the litter?

January 31, 2017

Animal shelters dread it: the death of a single kitten in a litter from feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). How much risk are the littermates at of becoming ill? Should they be kept in isolation from other cats, and if so, for how long? Should they be adopted out? If so, when? And what do you…

Treating feline herpes: Getting it right

December 27, 2016

Feline herpesvirus is probably one of the most common causes of feline respiratory disease. How can animal shelters and rescue groups best treat it? In a recent study published in the August 2016 issue of American Journal of Veterinary Research, authors looked at the anti-viral drug famciclovir. Because of unique characteristics of the drug itself,…

Saving Parvo Positive Puppies

Dr. Alexis Bardzinski and Jordana MoerbeFebruary 2017

Learn about APA!'s parvo treatment protocols, testing, decontamination, and volunteer participation.

San Francisco SPCA Ringworm Program (SPORE)

October 2016

Managing ringworm in homeless pet populations is easier than you think, if you're equipped with a plan and the right tools.

Study: What’s on a shelter cat’s mind can can prevent disease

September 20, 2016

Why do shelter cats so frequently get sick or suffer behaviorally? Because they’re essentially being held in a form of captivity, usually one originally designed for an entirely different species, the dog. There are many medical and housing interventions that can reduce the stress of captivity for cats, and they are indeed associated with a…

Outpatient Parvo Program

October 2016

Private treatment is out of the financial reach of the very dog owners most likely to have parvo-stricken dogs, find out what you can do to address this issue in your community.

What if there were no low-cost spay/neuter clinics?

September 6, 2016

What would happen if low-cost spay/neuter programs weren’t available? In a study published in the Sept. 1, 2016, issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, researchers sought to identify the characteristics of people who used a reduced-cost spay/neuter program. They conducted 1,188 anonymous surveys and 99 telephone interviews with cat owners who…

The History of High Quality, High Volume Spay Neuter (HQHVSN)

Phil Busby, DVM, MS, ACVSSeptember 2016

Learn the history of HQHVSN, where it started, and how this area has grown over the years.

New spay-neuter guidelines: Grounded in science, practical in application

August 8, 2016

APEX, N.C. — Whether they are performing spay and neuter procedures in a private practice, spay-neuter clinic, mobile clinic or veterinary school, veterinarians can now reference newly updated and expanded professional guidelines that encompass all aspects of the spay-neuter process. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians' 2016 Veterinary Medical Care Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs were recently…

Infectious Disease Control in a High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter (HQHVSN) Setting

Holly Putnam, DVMSeptember 2016

Hear about the most common infectious disease agents encountered in High Quality High Volume S/N clinics.

Safe and Efficient Anesthesia for High Quality, High Volume Spay Neuter

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAASeptember 2016

Learn about monitoring, trouble shooting and avoiding common anesthesia complications.

HQHVSN Anesthesia: Updates from the Revised ASV Guidelines, Protocols and Patient Monitoring

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAASeptember 2016

Hear specifics about updates in the Anesthesia Section of the revised ASV guidelines.

Work Smarter Not Harder: Designing Shelter Intake Protocols to Optimize Animal Health

Kathy Makolinski, DVMSeptember 2016

Working smarter through the implementation of well-designed intake protocols will enable your shelter to provide optimal care for all animals.

Waste Anesthetic Gases (WAGs) That isn't Fido's Gas You Are Smelling

Karen Basher, LVT, VTS-AnesthesiaSeptember 2016

Waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) are anesthetic vapors that escape the patient and/or the anesthetic system, and can cause heath issues to personnel that are in constant contact. 

Cleaning is FUN: Sanitation and Disinfection in the Animal Shelter

Lisa Rodriguez, DVM September 2016

Learn how to provide more comprehensive approaches to protecting your animals from disease agents while minimizing stress caused by cleaning procedures.

Getting the Most out of Your Clinical Pathology Samples

Ashleigh Newman, VMD, DACVPSeptember 2016

In order to get the most diagnostic value out of your clinical pathology samples, proper sample collection and preparation is crucial.

Ringworm in the Shelter: Problem Solving Management Challenges for Shelter Medical Staff

Allison Clarke, DVM September 2016

Learning to apply principles of ringworm management in your organizations and facilities can be a real challenge.

Overview of Spay/Neuter Literature

Margaret R. Slater, DVM, PhDSeptember 2016

Hear an overview of the evidence regarding both the risk and benefits of sterilization surgery and their implications for recommendations regarding the procedure.

What's Trending in High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter?

Michelle Amtower, DVMSeptember 2016

Join us as we take a tour of the current trends in high quality, high volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) and share some tricks of the trade.

Emergency and Critical Care in the Shelter and Spay/Neuter Clinic

Gretchen Schoeffler, DVM, DACVECCSeptember 2016

This presentation covers the identification, treatment, management and common emergency scenarios in shelters and spay/neuter clinics.

Emergency Protocols and Triage in the Shelter - Veterinary Technician Track

Gretchen Schoeffler, DVM, DACVECCSeptember 2016

This session discusses the development of protocols for emergency care of shelter animals and focuses on the triage and initial stabilization of the more common types of cases likely to be seen in the shelter setting.

How long do dogs with canine influenza have to be isolated?

July 26, 2016

Animal shelters have been among the places hardest-hit with infections of the H3N2 canine influenza virus since it made its first U.S. appearance in dogs from a Chicago animal shelter. Understanding how to prevent the spread of this respiratory disease is critical to protecting dogs in shelters and the community. One key to preventing transmission…

Taking the Teeth Out of Canine Distemper Virus

Dr. Sandra NewburyJuly 2016

Learn how to prevent distemper outbreaks in an animal shelter, how to recognize the disease in its earliest stages, and what to do in response to an outbreak.

New best practice guidelines for spay/neuter programs from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians

July 12, 2016

High-volume spay/neuter programs come in all shapes and sizes, from standalone clinics, to MASH-style operations, to mobile vans, to in-shelter surgical suites, and more. A task force of experts from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) has just released their 2016 guidelines to best practices to ensure excellent animal care in high-volume spay/neuter programs —…

Rabies vaccination issues in TNR/RTF programs

May 31, 2016

A guest post from Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida professor and Million Cat Challenge co-founder Dr. Julie Levy on rabies vaccination issues in TNR and return-to-field programs. How does your shelter respond to the concern about rabies vaccination and duration of immunity/booster vaccine requirements in your TNR/RTF programs? Here is some…

Stress Reduction: Happy and Healthy Shelter Cats on a Fast Track to Adoption

Dr. Brenda GriffinMay 2016

Stress can trigger physical, emotional and behavioral problems for cats in animal shelters. What can be done to help overcome stress and its negative outcomes?

Maddie Talks: Aha Moments - Inspirational Speakers Getting it Done

May 2016

What you may not know about heartworm in dogs and cats

April 13, 2016

It’s Heartworm Awareness Month. Do you know as much as you think you do about heartworm disease in dogs and cats? Feline Heartworm Infection: The big surprise! Yes, we said cats. While only 5 percent of cats are on heartworm preventive, the American Heartworm Society reports rates of diagnosed heartworm infections in cats are on the…

What animal shelters need to know about the new canine influenza

April 5, 2016

There’s a new cause of canine respiratory disease in town, and it’s something animal shelters need to sit up and take notice of. As if the original canine influenza, first identified in 2004 and dubbed H3N8, wasn’t bad enough, the new virus — N3N2 — presents special challenges both to owned pets and to dogs…

Cats can get canine influenza – should cat owners be afraid?

April 1, 2016

Yesterday’s news out of the University of Wisconsin that cats can become ill with the canine influenza virus has some cat owners worried. While there’s still far more unknown than known about this risk, there’s no evidence that anyone needs to panic about their pet cats. UW experts report that the four cats known to…

New canine influenza virus can infect, sicken cats

March 31, 2016

Disturbing news was just released by the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine indicating cats as well as dogs can become ill from a new strain of canine influenza virus (CIV), H3N2: [Dr. Sandra] Newbury, in collaboration with Virology Section Head at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Kathy Toohey-Kurth,…

Outpatient Parvo Treatment for Dogs

Dr. Jeffrey StupineMarch 2016

Learn about the feasibility of treating symptomatic parvovirus dogs in a twice-daily outpatient setting while minimizing the risk of infection to other dogs in a shelter environment.

Toys and TLC in animal shelters: Looking beyond adoption rates

March 15, 2016

What if playing and interacting with shelter pets didn’t help them get adopted more easily? Would that be a reason to stop? Absolutely not, and here’s why. A number of studies in recent years have looked at the impact of toys, play, grooming and human interaction on pets in shelters. Some have shown those interventions…

Can good science debunk the hype about outdoor cats and toxoplasmosis?

March 1, 2016

A flurry of media articles broke out last year, associating cat ownership and exposure to human mental health problems including schizophrenia, and attributed it to cats as carriers of toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic protozoan. Was the hype justified? No, writes Best Friends Animal Society’s Peter Wolf on Vox Felina, citing an article about a paper…

Managing fractures in shelter pets without shortchanging them – or your budget

February 16, 2016

Most private veterinary practices rely on surgery when it comes to certain kinds of broken bones. But when surgery isn't in the cards – or the budget – for your animal shelter, managing those fractures can often be done humanely and effectively without it. That was the message from board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Matthew D.…

Shelter medicine course opens its webinars to all, #ThanksToMaddie!

February 3, 2016

The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine’s Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Course invites all shelter veterinarians, shelter professionals, vet students, and community members to join them for their series of free webinars this semester: This lecture series not only discusses concepts key to sheltering but also helps veterinary students, shelter professionals and volunteers, and members…

New veterinary vaccine guidelines encourage titer testing in animal shelters

January 19, 2016

Few areas of veterinary medicine have seen greater change than research and recommendations around immunity to disease and vaccination. New guidelines from the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) provide important context and recommendations for both veterinarians and animal shelters in how to put that new understanding to work…

How long do FIV-infected cats live?

December 15, 2015

You may know Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) isn’t a death sentence for cats. But did you know exactly how it impacts the length of time they live? Would it surprise you to know it doesn’t? At the 2015 NAVC Veterinary Conference, Annette L. Litster, BVSc, PhD, FANZCVSc (Feline Medicine), MMedSci (Clinical Epidemiology), former Director of…

Getting the Most Out of Shelter Medicine

Dr. Cristie Kamiya and Carol NovelloDecember 2015

Shelter veterinarians are a powerful source of experience, knowledge, training and insight that can guide animal shelters to improvements in every area of animal care. This webcast will take a comprehensive look at the benefits of giving a veterinarian a policy-making role in shelter operations.

What shelters and rescue groups need to know before examining a neonatal puppy or kitten

December 8, 2015

When it comes to doing a physical exam on a newborn puppy or kitten, does your shelter or rescue group’s care team know what to look for? At the 2015 NAVC veterinary conference, Elizabeth Thomovsky, DVM, MS, DACVECC, of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University, spoke on “What to Expect in a Neonatal…

Where would animal shelters be without veterinary technicians?

October 14, 2015

They’re the all-too-often unsung heroes of veterinary medicine, but we’re going to sing about them here. We’re talking about veterinary technicians, with a special chorus of gratitude for those who go into shelter medicine practice. Veterinary technicians assist in surgery, assess vitals, draw blood, comfort frightened patients, explain procedures to clients and do everything registered…

Shelters and rescue groups: Is it time to take the fear out of FeLV?

October 6, 2015

Animal organizations have done a pretty good job of destigmatizing FIV-positive cats, and adopters have begun welcoming them into their families in larger numbers than could have been imagined 20 years ago. But cats who test positive for feline leukemia (FeLV) don’t fare as well in the hands of adoption groups. Is it time to…

TLC from humans staves off respiratory infections in shelter cats

September 23, 2015

Cats who receive positive attention from human caretakers while in animal shelters exhibit fewer signs of stress and a lower incidence of upper respiratory disease than cats who don’t. These results, reported in the October 2015 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine, are consistent with the authors’ earlier study on petting shelter cats,…

Anesthesia for the Senior Patient: Guess What? Age is a Disease

Emily McCobb, DVM, MS, DACVAA October 2015

Learn about the physiology of aging and how the pharmacology of anesthetic agents is changed in the aging patient.

Parvovirus Updates: Recognition, Testing, and Management in the Shelter

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, DABVPOctober 2015

Hear about newer diagnostic and management protocols, with an eye to practicality and life-saving in a shelter environment.

When it's More Than URI: Pneumonia in the Shelter

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, DABVPOctober 2015

Learn how to recognize and diagnose pneumonia, the underlying pathogenesis and pathology, and the treatment options.

There is Way Too Much Toxocara in Dogs and Cats

Dwight D. Bowman, MS, PhD, DACVM October 2015

Review the life cycle, transmission, diagnosis and treatment of this common parasitic infection!

The Importance of a Physical Examination for Incoming Shelter Animals

Kathleen Makolinski, DVM October 2015

See the fundamentals of a physical examination of cats and dogs, which allows staff members to determine how to best care for animals during their shelter stay.

Sniffles and Snots: Prevention and Management of Feline Upper Respiratory Disease in the Animal Shelter

Jodi Boyd, DVM October 2015

Learn best practices in preventing upper respiratory disease, with new approaches for managing and monitoring cats in shelter environments which put the LVT at the center of animal health management.

Dermatology in the Shelter Setting: Diagnostic Evaluation

William Miller, VMD, DAVC October 2015

Want to find out about in-shelter diagnostic testing in dermatology?

Dermatology in the Shelter Setting: Disease Management

William Miller, VMD, DAVCOctober 2015

Recognize and treat the problematic contagious disorders that can be in the shelter animal population.

Diarrhea in a Shelter Setting: Do You Have a Firm Handle on it?

Holly Putnam, DVM October 2015

Learn about the latest updates on diarrhea in a shelter setting, from nutritional to viral causes, and diagnostics to treatment plans.

What to Do About Ear Problems in Shelter and Foster Home Dogs

Karen Moriello, DVM, DACVDJune 2015

Itching, pain and infection in the ears can be a major hindrance to finding a home for a shelter or fostered dog. That's because the suffering these symptoms cause can affect a dog's personality, as well as raise concern in potential adopters about the difficulty of treating ear problems. Resolving the condition, however, can be difficult for shelters and rescue groups, too. What can they do to help these dogs?

Removing Barriers to Adoption: How Evidence, Innovation and Compassion Grow Pet Adoptions

Cynthia D. Delany and Kelly LeeMay 2015

Because people in animal welfare often see terrible things befall pets, and because of genuine concern for the animals, we've sometimes gone overboard in terms of regulating, requiring, constraining, screening and even getting in the way of successful adoptions.

Medical Treatment for Dogs on a Shoestring Budget

Alexis Bardzinski, DVM, and Jordana EstradaFebruary 2015

Since Austin Pets Alive! takes almost any animal from the open intake city shelter, regardless of medical issue, we see many diseases in dogs.  We will talk through the worst one, Distemper, as well as others like broken bones, mange, upper respiratory infections, orthopedic issues and much more.

Rescuing Dogs from the Euthanasia List

Palmer NeuhausFebruary 2015

Fifty percent of the dogs in Austin, Texas were dying in 2008 when Austin Pets Alive! began saving lives. The rescue team had merely one- to two-hours to go through the euthanasia list, choose animals and save them before their time was up. Learn how the rescue team evaluated and chose dogs.

Saving All the Little Dogs: Small Dog Behavior Issues

Faith Wright and Deaven WilsonFebruary 2015

Do you know how many small breed dogs are euthanized in your community shelter?  In Austin, Texas in 2008, it was many more than would have been expected (roughly 500).   Do you know that nearly ALL of them can be saved and although many are marked "aggressive", they rarely are?

Saving Parvo Positive Pups

Katie Kresek and Alexis Bardzinksi, DVMFebruary 2015

Parvovirus is a major killer of dogs and puppies in shelters.  Austin Pets Alive! built the first parvo ward that actively takes parvo-positive dogs from the community and other shelters for treatment and then placement.

Medical Treatment for Cats on a Shoestring Budget

Ellen Jefferson, DVM, and Jordana MoerbeFebruary 2015

Austin Pets Alive! Medical Clinic treats thousands of cats a year, many who are straight off of the euthanasia list because of medical conditions such as feline leukemia, FIV, renal disease, hepatic lipidosis, skin problems, viral diseases, and trauma. They save them all and this session is about how they do it.

Creating and Growing a Successful Cat Foster Program

Ashley FerryFebruary 2015

Fosters often mean the difference between life and death for cats in the shelter. They are essential in addressing overcrowding issues, shelter behavior problems and providing personalized care for medical conditions.

Rescuing Cats from the Euthanasia List

Frances Flower, PhDFebruary 2015

Learn how to create a sustainable rescue program that relies solely on volunteers to assess cats on the euthanasia list and save the most lives it can that are out of other options for a live outcome. 

How to Create a Successful Barn Cat Program

Monica FrendenFebruary 2015

Often overlooked for rescue, feral and fractious cats can be saved through a progressive Barn Placement Program and given a new lease on life as working cats. Learn how to start a barn program from scratch.

How to Start and Grow a Large Bottle Baby Program in Your Community, Part 1

Casandra MensingFebruary 2015

In this is a two-part presentation, you’ll learn how to start and build a bottle baby nursery, plus how to create a foster network for neonates. In Part 1, Casandra Mensing will share her experience running APA!’s Nursery, from its meager beginnings to the groundbreaking phenomenon that it is today.

How to Start and Grow a Large Bottle Baby Program Part 2

Rachel Sherinian February 2015

In this is a two-part presentation, you’ll learn how to start and build a bottle baby nursery, plus how to create a foster network for neonates. In Part 2, Rachel Sherinian will focus In finding, training, and retaining specialized foster families for kittens, whether you have a nursery or not. 

Cat Adoptions 2.0 High Volume Cat Adoptions

Monica FrendenFebruary 2015

Too many cats, not enough adopters? Supersize your cat adoption program! In this Level 2 seminar, you'll learn how to manage a population of hundreds of cats in varying stages of your organization.

An Overview of Feline Heartworm Disease

Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, MS, DAVBP (Canine/Feline)December 2014

We all know that cats are unique. Different from our canine companions in many ways, their physiologic response to heartworm infection is one more thing to add to the list. They’re not just small dogs – and our disease management protocols must be altered to take their unique responses into account. Understanding the disease prevalence, life cycle, clinical signs and prognosis will guide us in the development of rational management protocols for shelter pets.

FIV-positive and FIV-negative cats: A love story

November 18, 2014

Can FIV+ and FIV- kitties find true love together? You bet!

Shelter Medicine Changes Everything

October 2014

In this short documentary film, Maddie's Fund takes a look at how shelter medicine arrived at this moment in time, the role Maddie's Fund played in that journey, and what the future holds for shelters, shelter veterinarians, and the animals whose lives are in their care.

Are we over-reacting to the risk of FIV transmission?

April 22, 2014

Shelters and rescue groups frequently have special adoption requirements for cats who test positive for FIV. Some won’t adopt them out to homes with FIV-negative cats, or at all. But a recent study suggests the risks of transmission to other household cats are negligible. In a study published in The Veterinary Journal, researchers looked at…

A Protocoled Response to Dog and Cat Diarrhea in a Shelter Setting

Ellen Jefferson, DVM, Executive Director, Austin Pets Alive!April 2014

Every life is precious, but that doesn't mean the concept of "herd health" shouldn't be a guiding principle of the shelter veterinarian. Dr. Ellen Jefferson, whose data-driven approach has helped make Austin, TX, the largest no-kill community in the nation, shows how blanket protocols and procedures give most shelter dogs and cats the best chance to avoid, or recover quickly from diarrhea.

Give Your Shelter a (Clean) Break from Parvo

Sandra Newbury, DVMDecember 2013

Protect the animals in your shelter from infectious diseases like canine parvovirus without closing your doors entirely. In this video snippet, Dr. Newbury explains the concept of a "clean break."

A Shelter-Based Approach to Canine Parvovirus Treatment

Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine/Feline)December 2013

There have been many advances in treatment options since the emergence of canine parvovirus (CPV) in the 1970s, and many sheltering organizations have started to embrace various CPV treatment options in their efforts to save more lives. Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, MS, DABVP, guides you through treatment for shelter dogs with CPV, including how to make use of limited resources without compromising patient welfare and a simple algorithm to help shelters make the best treatment decisions.

An Historical Timeline of Canine Parvovirus

December 2013

Dr. Laurie J. Larson, a veterinarian and scientist working with Dr. Schultz at the Maddie's® Laboratory for Diagnosis and Prevention of Shelter Diseases, collaborated with Maddie's Fund^® to create an infographic outlining the history of canine parvovirus, from its emergence in the 1970s to the present.

Canine Parvovirus Treatment Resource Assessment Algorithm

Brian A. DiGangi, DVM, DABVPDecember 2013

The first step in creating a CPV treatment protocol that is right for your organization is to figure out what resources are available for CPV patient care. The goal of this assessment is to determine which patients can be successfully treated without jeopardizing the health and welfare of those patients or that of the other animals in the shelter.

Big Problem, Big Solutions: Mega Spay/Neuter Clinics

Kelly Farrell, DVMOctober 2013

This workshop is designed to familiarize attendees with the inner workings of a Mega Spay/Neuter Clinic that performs 25,000+ surgeries annually.

The ABCs of Treating Shelter Pet Diarrhea

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, MAJanuary 2013

Dr. Elizabeth Berliner outlines the basics of treating shelter pet diarrhea.

Don't Run from Diarrhea: Easy Steps for the Prevention and Management of Diarrhea in Shelter Dogs and Cats

January 2013

Diarrhea is common in shelter cats and dogs, whether caused by stress, diet change, parasites or pathogens. While there are serious illnesses associated with diarrhea, in most cases, it's easily treatable and often at a very small cost. Dr. Barbara Hanek, Dr. Heather Budgin, and Dr. Elizabeth Berliner share their experience with beating diarrhea and their tips on how your organization can do the same.

The Role of Nutrition and Diet in Shelter Dog and Cat Diarrhea

January 2013

The prevalence of nutritional-caused diarrhea in shelter dogs and cats.

Treating Canine Distemper Virus

Dr. Ellen Jefferson, DVMAugust 2012

In an effort to save all the injured and sick animals at the city shelter, Austin Pets Alive (APA) developed a program for parvovirus treatment and a protocol for distemper treatment.

Treating Canine Parvovirus

Ellen Jefferson, DVMAugust 2012

As part of their overall effort to save all the injured and ill animals at the city shelter, Austin Pets Alive (APA) developed a program for parvovirus treatment and a protocol for distemper treatment.

Don’t Be a Fomite! Principles of Disease Transmission in Shelters

Erin Henry, VMDJuly 2012

Animal shelters can be a breeding ground for infectious diseases. Dr. Erin Henry shares common methods by which diseases are spread through a shelter.

How Clean is

Natalie Lowry, DVMJuly 2012

Effective cleaning and disinfection practices that can result in an improvement in infectious disease control and an increase in lifesaving.

Lifesaving Intake Protocols and Preventive Health Care Strategies

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, MAJuly 2012

Intake procedures and ongoing activities designed to protect shelter animal health and wellness.

Metrics as a Tool for Disease Management

Janet M. Scarlett, DVM, MPH, PhDJuly 2012

Metrics are essential to monitoring population health and evaluating the effectiveness of changes in protocols and management strategies.

Metrics as a Tool for Managing Infectious Disease in the Shelter

Janet M. Scarlett, DVM, MPH, PhDJuly 2012

Population management involves the integration of disease recording as it occurs, and the calculation and monitoring of key disease metrics over time.

Panleukopenia and Parvovirus: Updates, Diagnostic Testing and Management of Outbreaks

Elizabeth Berliner, DVM, MAJuly 2012

Dr. Berliner shares relevant updates on panleukopenia and parvovirus, a description of diagnostic tests that are available, and recommendations regarding management of such diseases in the shelter environment.

Zoonoses

Andrew Newmark, DVM July 2012

Dr. Newmark discusses zoonotic diseases that are commonly seen in animal shelters as well as strategies for their prevention and control.

Do-It-Yourself Shelter Assessments: Learning to Use Maddie's Animal Shelter Infection Control Tool

Claudia J. Baldwin, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Kiley Maddux, LVTNovember 2011

Imagine a team of skilled shelter veterinarians from all over the country evaluating your shelter from top to bottom - for free. Picture them giving you a list of hands-on, practical steps customized for your facility - steps you can take to prevent disease outbreaks and behavior problems, conserve resources, streamline workload, and, most importantly, save animal lives.

Being an Antibiotic Watchdog

Cate McManus, VMD, MPH, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Preventative MedicineOctober 2011

Antibiotic use in the animal shelter is practically unavoidable, however the use of antibiotics must carefully be weighed. Listen to Dr. Cate McManus, VMD, MPH, DACVPM, and third year Maddie's Shelter Medicine Resident at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, share challenges, risks, and guidelines for antibiotic use in animal shelters.

Anesthetic Management in Animal Shelters – Keeping Them Alive

Sheilah Robertson, BVMS (Hons), PhD, MRCVS, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists, Diplomate European College of Veterinary Anesthesia & AnalgesiaOctober 2011

Dr. Sheilah Robertson gives a fantastic presentation on Anesthetic Management in Animal Shelters at the 2011 University of Florida's Maddie's Shelter Medicine Conference. Dr. Robertson talks about historical and current data related to anesthetic mortality, which patients are more at risk, certain drugs or techniques implicated, and what we can do to decrease risks.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Protozoal Infections in Shelters

Laura Andersen, DVMOctober 2011

Protozoal infections in shelters are not always easy to deal with. Learn from Dr. Laura Andersen, third year Maddie's Shelter Medicine Resident at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, as she shares her latest research findings and ways shelters can use this information to diagnose, treat and manage protozoal infections in animal shelters and rescues.

Pain Management in Animal Shelters – How Do We Know They Hurt?

Sheilah Robertson, BVMS (Hons), PhD, MRCVS, Diplomate ACVAA, ECVAA DiplomateOctober 2011

Animals undergoing anesthesia and surgery do go through pain and there is a lot that can be done to help minimize their pain, stress and discomfort.

Streptococcus zooepidemicus - An Emerging Pathogen in Shelters

Cynda Crawford, DVM, PhDOctober 2011

An emerging disease is causing deadly concern to homeless dogs in animal shelters. Listen to Dr. Cynda Crawford, Clinical Assistant Professor in Maddie's Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, present at the UF Maddie's Shelter Medicine Conference 2011 on Streptococcus zooepidemicus. Although this is an uncommon bacteria found in dogs, this is a real concern for dogs in shelters. You will learn what the organism is, the clinical presentation of infected dogs, how to diagnosis it and how to treat and manage this disease in an outbreak.