Learn. Heal. Save.
Providing veterinary students and practitioners with the specialized knowledge and skills to enhance the medical and behavioral health of sheltered animals, increasing shelter lifesaving and promoting public health.
EduCation
Shelter Medicine Curriculum
Veterinary students at the University of Florida can choose from a variety of elective courses and clinical rotations, all included in their DVM tuition.
Maddie's Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine
Our 15-credit Certificate program exposes students to a cross‐section of opportunities in the field of shelter medicine.
Shelter Medicine Internship
A fully immersive program focusing on shelter best practices, community programs, disease diagnosis and outbreak management, disaster response for animals and so much more…
Continuing Education
Discover learning opportunities for veterinarians, veterinary students, shelter practitioners and staff.
Programs & Services
Disease Response in Animal Shelters
Get the help you need to prevent and succesfully manage disease outbreaks in your shelter.
Shelter Consultations
Faculty, advanced trainees, and staff are here to help shelters optimize life-saving programs.
Florida Shelter Emergency Response
Every year the University of Florida shelter emergency response team provides disaster assistance to shelters across the state.
COVID-19
Get information about PPE and sanitation alternatives for animal shelters, plus resources and webinars.
Community Cat Resources
Learn more about Operation Catnip and the Million Cat Challenge.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Discover resources that we’ve found particularly thought-provoking in exploring race in animal welfare.
Recent News
ALERT: Deadly rabbit disease reported in Florida
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2) has been reported in Florida for the first time.
Study: Surprising findings about heartworm in…
A new study found that, despite availability of preventives, 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 5 cats taken in as strays to Florida shelters have been infected…
UF shelter medicine interns saving the future for…
As the nation’s animal shelters face a shortage of veterinarians trained in shelter medicine, two interns in the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine…
