Shelter Medicine

It is estimated that there are over 5 million homeless animals in the United States. While the veterinary profession continues to evolve in advanced specialty disciplines, animal shelters in every community lack resources for basic veterinary care. The world within an animal shelter is rich in opportunity for veterinary education integrated with improving the lives of animals. Shelter medicine is a unique area of veterinary practice that is just beginning to be recognized by veterinary schools as an area of growing interest and need for curricular development and advanced training of veterinarians. Colorado State University is proud to be one of the nation's first veterinary schools to combine student and post-graduate training with work in this life-saving field.
The curriculum for Professional Veterinary Medical students includes elective rotations at local shelters. Students develop practical skills by providing medical care, and develop surgical and anesthesia skills by spaying and neutering humane society animals. In addition, several post-graduate opportunities exist. Two one-year fellowship programs sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition allow interns to spend six months at the Denver Dumb Friends League and six months at the Veterinary Medical Center. A three year shelter medicine residency program was established in 2005 to support and promote advanced training, research, and cultivation of opportunities between humane organizations and academic institutions.

For more information:

http://www.sheltervet.org

http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu