How can a municipal shelter create a successful, lifesaving ringworm ward — run 100 percent by volunteers, no less? It’s easy, with a little innovation and a lot of determination. That’s exactly what Front Street Animal Shelter (FSAS) in Sacramento, CA, had when they applied for an Innovation Grant with us last year. Their goal… Learn More
“Ramp up your medical programs for seniors, folks – soon enough you’ll be seeing far more of those than adoption age kittens.” Those words were posted by Karina King, Director of Operations for the Dakin Humane Society, on a Million Cat Challenge discussion forum. For communities at the height of their kitten season, the thought… Learn More
It’s no secret underage and orphaned kittens are at high risk even in the best of circumstances. Fortunately, there is a growing body of experience and resources aimed at helping animal shelters, rescue groups and foster homes give these little ones the best possible chance at a healthy life in a new adoptive home. At… Learn More
A young litter of puppies and their lactating leading lady arrive at your shelter with some uninvited guests: fleas! What do you do now? Don’t fret; here are some useful tips from Chelsea Reinhard, DVM, MPH, Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Resident at Tufts University, to help protect your shelter’s dogs and cats. Treat early and monthly… Learn More
The Million Cat Challenge is a partnership of Maddie’s Fund®, the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida, and the ASPCA®, formed to help shelters save the lives of 1 million more cats. It is based on five key initiatives which bring forward those approaches that have… Learn More
The unprecedented animal lifesaving we see sweeping the country today came about hand in hand with the rise of shelter medicine. Richard Avanzino, the first president of Maddie’s Fund® and the man widely considered the “godfather of the no-kill movement,” reflected a decade ago on the role of the veterinarian in animal sheltering. Here is… Learn More
Orphaned kittens are fragile. Even under the best of circumstances they often don’t survive, and being orphaned is a major threat to their health. While many dedicated caregivers take it on themselves to bottle feed these babies, few know how to perform a basic exam that could mean the difference between life and death for… Learn More
Probiotics may help orphaned kittens suffering from diarrhea. But how do you get the probiotics into the kitten? Orphaned kittens frequently have digestive problems, including diarrhea. This can be caused by a number of factors including stress, infection and dietary change. Giving probiotics may help prevent or reduce the severity of diarrhea, but getting them… Learn More
The next generation of veterinarians wants to care for shelter pets. In a recent market analysis published by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), private practice held onto its traditional top spot for career interest among current veterinary students. Shelter medicine, however, clocked in at number two. This represents a profound change from attitudes toward… Learn More
Shelters often euthanize dogs who test positive with parvo, either because they don’t have the resources to provide the necessary medical care or they’re worried about spreading the disease to other dogs in the shelter. However, it is possible to start treating parvo puppies with a high success rate and on a shelter budget. In… Learn More