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
October is Adopt a Dog Month, and the ASPCA’s…
This October will mark the first Adopt a Dog Month of the COVID era.
Now more than ever, animal welfare workers need…
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the problem of compassion fatigue in the helping professions, including animal welfare.
COVID-19: How shelters can open safely for staff…
While many shelters and clinics never completely closed during the strictest phases of COVID precautions, they’re all facing the challenge of…
