UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program

A little less than a year ago, we were proud, relieved and downright thrilled to see the publication of the Association of Shelter Veterinarian's Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. Our own Dr. Newbury served as the task force chair and both she and Dr. Hurley were co-authors. Now, we're thrilled again that a new foreword has been added representing an impressive group of voices: The National Federation of Humane Societies, The Society of Animal Welfare Administrators, The National Animal Control Association, The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and The Humane Society of the United States. In the foreword, they say:

"It is important to note that each of the organizations listed above and that have co-authored this Foreword embrace the spirit and intent of the Guidelines, both to raise the standard of animal care throughout our industry and to create a road map that will aid organizations with on-going self assessment and improvement. We strive for consistency and excellence in the programs and services provided to animals, and we believe that the Guidelines, with their focus on meeting the needs of each individual animalwithout losing sight of the needs of the population as a whole, assistance in helping prioritize necessary change, and applicability regardless of type and size of organization, will help every organization achieve these critically important goals."

After all the hours we spent struggling to create a document that was comprehensive, practical and broadly applicable, we couldn't have hoped for a better endorsement. Thanks to everyone who made it happen, and download your copy with the new foreword here!