From North Carolina to Australia, shelter professionals are finding new ways to lead, communicate, and save lives through the University of Florida’s online Shelter Medicine programs. For Dr. Josh Fisher and Dr. Julie Hollifield, enrolling in the master’s program together has redefined what collaboration looks like inside a modern animal welfare organization.
Dr. Fisher, director of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control with a PhD in public health and healthcare administration, and Dr. Hollifield, the shelter’s medical director, realized that completing the program together would help them understand not only their individual roles, but how those roles intersected.
“It’s given me a deeper understanding of how the shelter medicine team works and thinks about things,” Dr. Fisher said. “When they bring me challenges or requests, it helps to make sure that we’re speaking the same language.”
For Dr. Hollifield, the benefit was mutual. “We have to walk side by side but not cross into each other’s territory,” she said. “With him taking these classes, I can come to him and say, ‘There are cats in carriers on the floor,’ and he’s just as horrified as I am, because now he knows what that means.”
Together, they’ve turned their coursework into operational change: building outbreak protocols, improving staff training, and expanding vaccination compliance across departments. Their partnership exemplifies the core purpose of UF’s online programs: to equip animal welfare professionals to lead collaboratively, strategically, and compassionately.
Bridging Medicine and Management
Dr. Hollifield says the program has helped her move beyond daily crises to see the bigger picture. “I’ve started using the word ‘operational’ a lot,” she said with a laugh. “Sometimes what’s best medically isn’t what’s best for the organization overall. I can step back now and make decisions that balance both.”
Dr. Fisher agrees that the program’s integrated approach has elevated their organization’s effectiveness. “We’re positioning ourselves to be proactive instead of reactive,” he said. “That’s something our field has struggled with for decades.”
They both encourage other shelter leaders to enroll, especially as pairs. “If a director and medical director go through this together, it creates a shared perspective,” said Dr. Fisher. “It builds long-term alignment that drives the entire organization forward.”
Dr. Hollifield adds, “These classes aren’t just for veterinarians. Volunteers, staff, and administrators can all benefit. The more people who understand these principles, the more unified a shelter can be.”
Reaching Learners Across the Globe
That unity extends far beyond U.S. borders. In Queensland, Australia, Dr. Tonya Stokes discovered the UF Shelter Medicine Program while seeking new ways to elevate her shelter’s standards of care. What began as a quest for continuing education soon became a career-defining experience.
“I had just started my first shelter-focused role and felt like there was so much more I needed to know,” she said. “Every single course I’ve taken has changed the way I operate. Even the ones I didn’t expect to be impactful have improved our animal operations.”
After completing her Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine, Dr. Stokes transitioned into the master’s program. The skills she gained in evidence-based decision-making, metrics, and leadership soon led to her appointment as Head of Animal Operations for Animal Welfare League Queensland.
“There’s no doubt that my post-graduate training with UF placed me in a position to be recruited for this role,” she said. “It’s opened doors professionally and made a difference for both our animals and our teams.”
Three Paths, One Purpose
UF’s online Shelter Medicine Program offers flexible, fully accredited options designed for working professionals worldwide. All programs are taught by leaders in the field and rooted in UF’s evidence-based, real-world approach to animal welfare.
Master of Science in Veterinary Medical Sciences with a Concentration in Shelter Medicine
The first fully online program of its kind, the 34-credit master’s degree combines academic rigor with practical training. Students learn to prevent and manage infectious diseases, address behavior and welfare challenges, apply ASV Guidelines, and communicate effectively with stakeholders, all while advancing their careers from anywhere in the world.
Graduate Certificate in Shelter Medicine
This five-course certificate offers veterinarians, veterinary students, technicians, and animal welfare professionals a structured path to deepen their understanding of shelter medicine. Courses explore physical and behavioral health, population management, and the shelter’s role in community well-being.
Graduate Certificate in Animal Shelter Leadership
For current and aspiring leaders, this five-course program covers fundraising, management, communications, and leadership strategies specific to animal welfare organizations. Students gain tools to manage staff, navigate policy, and sustain lifesaving operations in dynamic environments.
Building a Lifelong Network
Wherever they are in the world, UF Shelter Medicine students form a global community. “I’ve made lasting connections with my educators and peers that will continue beyond graduation,” said Dr. Stokes.
Dr. Hollifield echoed that sentiment. “Seeing how other shelters approach problems has been invaluable. You realize we’re all working toward the same goal: to give every animal the best chance possible.”
The University of Florida’s online Shelter Medicine programs are designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal welfare leaders, and shelter professionals seeking to make a measurable impact in their organizations and communities. Visit the Online Shelter Medicine Program to learn more.