Shelter Medicine Programs and Services

a veterinary professional holds a small tan scruffy dog while his owner looks on smiling

Whether you're interested in pursuing board certification paths, exploring veterinary publications, or getting news and support from the ASPCA’s Shelter Medicine Services team, you'll find a wealth of information here. Enhance your understanding and expertise through journals, training, and consults to elevate your impact on animals.

In this section

Shelter Medicine at the ASPCA

The ASPCA’s Shelter Medicine Services (SMS) team works to improve the health and welfare of animals by strengthening shelter medicine programs and expanding access to veterinary care.

Shelter Medicine Board Certification

Get information on your options for obtaining board certification in the field of animal shelter medicine.

Support for Shelter Medicine Professionals

Explore resources and expertise available to those interested in or practicing shelter medicine.

two medical staff examine a small gray cat in the clinic

ASPCA Vet Training

Shelter Medicine Practitioner Pathway Community for ABVP Board Certification

Learn how the Practitioner Pathway Community can help support your goal of board certification in Shelter Medicine Practice.

dr stephanie janeczko stands in front of an audience at the shelter medicine conference

Examples from the Field

Shelter Medicine Services News and Highlights

Find all the latest news from the ASPCA Shelter Medicine Services team.

Job Aid Downloads

Download the Kitten Bottle Feeding Guide and Kitten Weight & Age Chart

Check out these quick tools to help staff and volunteers with feeding bottle-fed kittens.

pair of hands breaking apart a bit of food to hide a pill inside

How-Tos

Medicating Picky Eaters

Learn tricks to get even the finickiest eaters to successfully take the medications that will help them the most.

Webinar

Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Zoomies: An Introduction to Shelter Medicine 

This webinar will share best practices for the standard of care in shelters and available resources and tools for shelter medicine.

Watch the Webinar

tan and black small furry dog having her face trimmed during grooming

Research

Insights and Resources on Improved Access to Grooming for Overall Animal Health

New research suggests education and access to grooming supplies can reduce negative pet health consequences of insufficient grooming care by identifying the communities' needs.