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.
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
Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge
Dedicated to helping communities build programs to keep families and their pets together, improve outcomes for all shelter pets, and assure that pets who already have families will receive the care they need.
Shelter Consultations
Faculty, advanced trainees, and staff are here to help shelters optimize life-saving programs.
Disease Response in Animal Shelters
Get the help you need to prevent and succesfully manage disease outbreaks in your shelter.
Florida Shelter Emergency Response
Every year the University of Florida shelter emergency response team provides disaster assistance to shelters across the state.
Community Cat Resources
Learn more about Operation Catnip and the Million Cat Challenge.
Community Resources
Local animal shelter news, shelter tips, help for lost pets to find their way home, and how to keep pets safe during the holidays.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Discover resources that we’ve found particularly thought-provoking in exploring race in animal welfare.
COVID-19
Get information about PPE and sanitation alternatives for animal shelters, plus resources and webinars.
Recent News
Decrease in spay-neuter surgeries during pandemic…
Progress made over decades to control overpopulation of dogs and cats through high-volume spay-neuter surgeries is at risk.
People Want to Help Lost Pets Get Back Home…
Our experts share key insights from the new world of lost pet reunification and some statistics about lost and found pets that may surprise you.
Florida Animal Shelters Struggle to Maintain…
Shelter admissions of free-roaming animals and former pets surged across Florida in 2021.
