UF Shelter Medicine Online

🐾 Join us at the Best Friends National Conference, July 11-13 in Orlando, FL! Explore 90+ sessions with experts in shelter medicine, advocacy, fundraising, and more. Register here: https://bestfriends.org/best-friends-national-conference

If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals and communities, UF's online Veterinary Shelter Medicine program is for you! 🐾The curriculum includes topical online courses, clinical clerkships, in-shelter externship experiences, and more. Apply by July 15th ➡️ https://bit.ly/3W3gv1u

Waving flags and tails this Independence Day! 🇺🇸✨ Happy 4th of July from UF Shelter Medicine!

How are you celebrating today?

Are you passionate about advancing your career in veterinary medicine? One of the most effective ways to gain management support for your professional development is by submitting a formal proposal to your supervisor. Here’s a guide to help you get started and make a compelling case: https://bit.ly/4aEXOW3

🐾 Meet Dr. Lisa Shriver, DVM: Dr. Shriver graduated from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She is very passionate about learning and sharing knowledge related to the ever-evolving fields of shelter medicine, veterinary forensics, field medicine and access to care for underserved populations.

She has been part of the University of Florida shelter medicine instructional team on and off since 2013. Recently Dr. Shriver was able to reconnect with the UF Shelter Medicine team to resume teaching and began working part-time with a shelter in Phoenix that works with rural rescue partners to extend life-saving capacity to homeless pets in these remote areas.

Check out her course, VME 6815: Animal Shelter Population Management by the Metrics.

UF graduate student Christa Nelson shares how the online Shelter Medicine graduate program and leadership and management courses helped her develop essential skills while serving as the director of operations at the Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston, Montana.

Read more about Christa's inspiring story and how the program empowered her to excel in her role: https://bit.ly/3RqmACw

Animal welfare professionals in any position experience many unique challenges working in shelter or rescue environments. That’s why the UF Veterinary Shelter Medicine Online Program is the perfect opportunity for all animal welfare professionals to gain critical knowledge in this growing field.

UF’s online Shelter Medicine program offers the opportunity to enroll in one course (up to 3 credits) as a non-degree seeking student. This gives professionals the chance to sharpen skills and focus on areas of interest specific to their line of work, without the demands of a full degree curriculum.

Learn more: http://bit.ly/2WgyjUR

Our first Animal Forensic Investigations Conference was so fun, we're doing it again! Join us on May 8-9, 2025 for Animal ForensiCon: Animal Forensic Investigations Conference!

A special thank you to the law enforcement, veterinarians, legal professionals, and other experts who joined us this year!🐾We love the knowledge shared and connections made to bring justice for animals. We hope to see you all at our next one!

We had a blast at the Animal Care Expo in Texas! It was great seeing some of the familiar smiling faces of our students and faculty!

Check out some shots from the expo!

Animal Care Expo brings together animal welfare professionals for educational workshops, learning labs, and networking opportunities.

Meet Dr. Erin Katribe, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine Practice) 🌟

Dr. Erin Katribe, a distinguished figure in shelter medicine, earned her DVM degree from Texas A&M University in 2009. With extensive experience in shelter medicine and high-quality spay/neuter procedures, she joined Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah, in 2017, eventually becoming the Medical Director.

In 2018, Dr. Katribe completed her master’s degree in shelter medicine from the University of Florida and achieved board certification in Shelter Medicine Practice through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2023. Dedicated to advancing the field, she has served on the board of directors for the Association of Shelter Veterinarians since 2019.

Currently based in Texas, Dr. Katribe oversees Best Friends' National Shelter Medicine program, focusing on strategic outreach to enhance lifesaving efforts in shelters nationwide. Her leadership and expertise continue to shape the landscape of shelter medicine.

Gifts totaling $7 million from anonymous donors will bolster UF’s veterinary forensic pathology program, advancing its mission to secure justice for victims of animal abuse.

This generous support will fuel the program's expansion, enabling the addition of new faculty, advanced equipment, and essential advocacy funds. From assisting law enforcement in unraveling complex crimes to offering expert testimony, UF's program stands as a beacon of hope for abused animals and beyond. With plans to extend their impact beyond Florida and host educational conferences, this investment highlights the critical role of veterinary forensics in addressing interconnected issues of animal and human welfare.

Congratulations to Dr. Stern and his team for their unwavering dedication to animal justice! 🐾

Over $7 million in private gifts to bolster veterinary forensic pathology program - UF Health GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Many of the animals examined by Adam Stern, D.V.M., a professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in the…

The UF Veterinary Shelter Medicine online program teaches best practices and broadens your career opportunities in this rapidly growing field where there is a high demand for well-trained professionals to address the health and welfare issues unique to animal shelters.
Apply by July 15 for Fall 2024 admission:
https://onlinesheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/apply/masters-degree/

The Animal Forensic Investigations Conference, hosted by the University of Florida's Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory is taking place from May 20–22 at the Hilton University Conference Center in Gainesville. This event is dedicated to advancing our understanding and practices in combating animal cruelty.

Under the guidance of Dr. Adam Stern, a distinguished figure in forensic pathology, this conference is tailored to professionals and students alike. From veterinarians and law enforcement officers to attorneys and animal advocates, all are invited to join us in deepening our knowledge and skills in this vital field.
You can expect:
🔍 In-depth sessions
🔍Expert insights
🔍Networking opportunities

Read more and register:

Investigate UF’s Upcoming Animal Forensic Investigations Conference in May » Veterinary Forensic Sciences Online Graduate Programs » College of Veterinary Medicine » University of Florida With animal cruelty cases demanding rigorous evidence collection to bring perpetrators to justice, the field of veterinary forensic sciences has a critical role in the legal system. To give law enforcement agencies, veterinary professionals, and other animal advocates access to the latest investigat...

🐾 Course Spotlight: VME 6800
Welfare and Wellness for Pets and People is an online course designed to improve the lives of those working with animals. This course will help individuals to identify the need to take care of themselves and their colleagues with the same effort that they use to take care of pets.

This six-module course will enable students to identify quality of life for pets and people by comparing to recognized professional standards of care, and propose humane and responsible interventions to threats toward welfare and wellness. In addition, students will have the opportunity to practice techniques and activities designed to promote these concepts for self, pets, and local communities. Promoting the recognition and support of effective communication skills is also an important objective of this course.

Attention Students! 🐾 Here's what you need to know about our local shelter requirement:

It's essential to establish a relationship with a shelter to obtain data. Building this connection not only enhances your coursework but also gets you involved in the community, expands your network, and provides a valuable experience—especially beneficial for those eyeing veterinary school.

Courses that require shelter access include VME 6810, VME 6811, VME 6812, VME 6815, VME 6816, and VME 6817.

Need tips on reaching out? Here's how:

1️⃣ Use Petfinder's shelter locator to find a nearby shelter.
2️⃣ Let them know about your interest in using their data for your online shelter medicine courses.
3️⃣ Brush up on shelter data collection best practices with resources like ASPCApro's guide on How to Collect Animal Data and Shelter Animals Count.

Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Amy Marder, DVM, CAAB
🐾Dr. Marder, a veterinarian and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, through the Animal Behavior Society, is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she attended a veterinary medical and surgical internship at a private practice in Southern California and then completed her first residency in clinical veterinary behavior at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Marder has written two books and edited another for pet owners on general pet care. She was also the author of Prevention Magazine’s “Your Healthy Pet” column and has been a frequent contributor to veterinary textbooks and journals.

Dr. Marder is also an adjunct assistant professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, is a frequent lecturer at veterinary and behavior meetings, and teaches students regularly.

Check out her podcast interview: https://onlinesheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2020/10/12/dr-amy-marder-featured-on-what-makes-you-click-podcast/

Dr. Phil Bushby delivered an engaging presentation, emphasizing the transformative role of High-Quality High-Volume Spay-Neuter (HQHVSN) programs in shelter medicine education.

The presentation highlighted the critical need to bridge the gap in veterinary care access and prepared students for interdisciplinary challenges, while also providing educational opportunities through platforms like Shelter Medicine Grand Rounds. Dr. Bushby's commitment to improving animal welfare is inspiring to all of us!
Read more about it using the link below.

Empowering Students: HQHVSN’s Impact on Shelter Medicine Education » Shelter Medicine Distance Education » College of Veterinary Medicine » University of Florida Dr. Phil Bushby recently delivered an engaging presentation during a grand rounds session offered by the Online Graduate Program in Shelter Medicine, focusing on the importance of access to care in veterinary medicine. Drawing from his paper, “High-quality, high-volume spay-neuter: Access to care ...

The Shelter Medicine Graduate Certificate is a way to gain credentials and learn about the growing field of shelter medicine.

There are two options for Graduate Certificates in the online Shelter Medicine program. Each track consists of 5 fully online courses that can be completed in as little as 1 year.

Click the link to learn more! http://bit.ly/31eQYnG

From MLB to NHL, animal advocacy is winning it all!

Major League Sports Teams That Support Pet Adoption From the MLB to the NHL, animal advocacy is the most exciting thing happening in American sports.

Our very own Sara R. Almcrantz, graduating this semester, along with Dr. Emily J. Walz, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, and Terry G. Spencer, DVM, Med, authored a paper focusing on the crucial relationship between shelter administrators and veterinarians!

Titled "Veterinarian of Record Relationships for Animal Shelters," this paper explores VoRRs, essential agreements for shelters to access wholesale medical supplies while ensuring proper veterinary care.

https://onlinesheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2024/03/14/student-and-faculty-author-paper-on-understanding-veterinarian-of-record-relationships-in-animal-shelters/

FOX 35 is airing a three-part exclusive series on researchers at the University of Florida’s Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory using some of the latest tools to find breakthroughs in animal cruelty investigations. Watch part two for a look at the forensic techniques used in animal cruelty cases.

Inside the Lab Part 2: How DNA researchers are helping crack animal cruelty cases Researchers at the University of Florida’s Veterinary Forensic Sciences Laboratory use some of the latest tools to find breakthroughs in animal cruelty investigations.

Course Spotlight VME 6819 Principles of Leadership in Animal Shelters: Dramatic advances have occurred in the world of animal sheltering and shelter medicine in recent years, and effective leadership is crucial to navigate this change in order to build a healthy organizational culture and fulfill its mission.

Check out more details on this course: http://bit.ly/32E4Skj

This new app aims to connect shelters and pet parents with providers, promoting continuity of care and enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. What are your thoughts on this?

Pet/Vet Startup Unveils Innovative Platform Petszel LLC, led by Co-founder and CEO Matt Russell, is excited to announce the recent launch of its groundbreaking platform dedicated to revolutionizing the post-adoption experience for shelters and pet parents. Petszel's primary focus is to enhance the preparation of new pet parents for their care...

Check out these all-stars keeping everyone safe at the Super Bowl! 🐾🌟

This is Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week. Have you seen chained dogs in your neighborhood and wondered what to do? Here are some common questions about chaining and tethering, including how you can help:

Chaining and tethering dogs FAQ Have you seen chained dogs in your neighborhood and wondered what to do? Here are some common questions about chaining and tethering, including how you can help:

🐾 Course Spotlight 🐾
Problem-Oriented Approach to Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare is a course intended for shelter medical and behavior staff, that will focus on using a problem-oriented approach to identification, diagnosis, and treatment of behavior problems in shelter dogs and cats.

Important concepts related to shelter animal behavior and welfare are explored including: behavior and welfare assessment, behavior modification and management, psychopharmacology, and behavior and welfare plan development for sheltered pets. This course builds upon the concepts taught in VME 6813 Behavioral Health for Shelter Dogs and Cats. 3-credit course.

http://bit.ly/2uFIgD6

Exciting News in Shelter Medicine! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce that our Online Graduate Program in Shelter Medicine has received approval from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) to provide Continuing Education (CE) hours for veterinarians and veterinary technicians!

Read more about scholarships and how to apply.

The Online Graduate Program in Shelter Medicine Adds RACE-Approved Continuing Education Hours » Shelter Medicine Distance Education » College of Veterinary Medicine » University of Florida The Online Graduate Program in Shelter Medicine has recently been approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) to provide continuing education (CE) hours that can be used for license renewal by veterinarians and veterinary technicians. The Registry of Approved Continuing E...

In 2010 the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) published the first Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters which quicly became the gold standard in how to care for animals shelters and foster homes alike and in December 2022 the revised "Guidelines" were introduced. The Guidelines is understandably a comprehensive and lengthy document, yet many who can get value from it don't have the time to read it in it entirety.

The ASV Shelter Guidelines Re-Boot Camp is a half day seminar geared to all workers in a foster based rescue or shelter to help make incorporating the Guidelines attainable for more organizations.

Join experts in a review of the new Association of Shelter Veterinarians Shelter Guidelines and the major changes made. May 16th from 12-4 PM EST! https://whova.com/portal/registration/asgs_202303/