On May 24th, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine will celebrate the graduation of 22 students who not only earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees but also achieved the prestigious Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine, a credential exclusive to UF.
These dedicated students have gone above and beyond by completing a rigorous series of electives, clerkships, and externships throughout all four years of veterinary school. The 15-credit certificate is an internationally recognized credential of outstanding achievement and day-one readiness for animal welfare practice. Armed with these skills, they are day-one ready to enter practice in shelters, spay/neuter clinics, animal cruelty and disaster response organizations, or to weave these services into private practices where they become a vital part of their community’s safety net for pets and families.
Many have already made a significant impact, performing hundreds or even thousands of surgeries for animals in need. Throughout their studies, these students have been active volunteers in the local animal welfare community. As new veterinarians, they are poised to bring their passion and expertise to shelters and rescue groups across the country and around the world, advocating for the well-being of animals everywhere their careers may lead.
Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2024 Shelter Medicine graduates on our Facebook page!
The Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine, a flagship program of the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida, attracts top pre-veterinary students from across the country to apply for admission to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine. Learn more about this opportunity at https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/education/on-campus-certificate/