As the first shelter medicine program in the world, we’ve united with animal shelter veterinarians and staff, government leaders, organizations, and universities to improve animal and human well-being and share the expertise of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine with communities across the country. This has led to protocol and policy change, transforming the landscape for animal well-being and opening the doors to new live outcome possibilities for animals and shelters. For over twenty years, we’ve been committed to confronting crisis with collaboration. Together, we can meet this moment and expand access to care in shelters and communities.
Support for Shelter Vets & Teams
We'll partner with you to assess organizational and medical challenges and spotlight solutions. Learn more about outreach, training, resources, and grants.
Peer-peer support, expert coaching, and resource-sharing are waiting to take your shelter from "wish list" to "up and running"– and we've saved a seat for you. Veterinary student interested in animal sheltering? There's a community just for you, too!
Whether you’re modernizing your facility to meet changing community needs and increase environmental sustainability or leveling up housing and health with portals, our design experts can help.
While the ability to access vet care is growing more difficult for all, in animal shelters across the country the inability to provide medical attention to the animals who need it has already reached crisis levels. At the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, the Koret Shelter Medicine Student Training Rotation is empowering students to be one part of the solution.
In one of the most popular rotations offered, fourth-year veterinary students receive hands-on experience with High-Quality, High-Volume Spay and Neuter (HQHVSN) while helping expand access to care in Northern California communities and reducing the number of unaltered, free-roaming cats. This rotation not only gives students an opportunity to work directly with animals in service of shelters and communities, but also illuminates the animal welfare ecosystem and invites students to imagine how we might close gaps to ensure appropriate care for all.
