We want to see a world where every animal—regardless of circumstance—has access to compassionate, expert veterinary care. That’s what we’ve been working toward every day since 2001.
From Healing to Thriving: How Shelter Medicine Advances Animal Health
Shelter Medicine doesn’t only treat sick dogs or heal injured cats; it protects and strengthens health and well-being so animals can thrive. It focuses on the interconnected conditions in shelters and communities that shape animals’ physical and mental well-being, just as public health recognizes the conditions in which people live—like access to transportation, safe housing, and jobs that pay a living wage—shape our overall wellness.
Shelter medicine evolves with the goals of animal welfare, from control to care and community support, and recognizes that many communities of color, low-income, and rural communities have been denied access to resources that are essential for good health, such as vaccines, spay/neuter, and other vital veterinary services. By prioritizing equitable, evidence-based policies and practices and matching care to context, shelter medicine creates environments that promote well-being for animals and the people who care for them.
Our Mission
We make shelter medicine happen for every animal who needs it by bridging the gap between veterinary research and real-world shelter practices.
How Do We Make It Happen?
Our Guiding Principles shape how we work, who we work with, and why it matters:
Capacity for Care Is at the Heart of Our Work
We know that humane care and lifesaving go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other. To achieve sustainable solutions that center animal and human well-being, shelters must be places where animals are free from hunger and thirst, constant fear or exposure to disease, and unnecessary removal from their homes and communities. Compassionate volunteers and staff cannot thrive in systems that perpetuate animal suffering. Providing humane care reaffirms the value of animals’ lives and supports the well-being, inherent dignity and worth of all people involved with sheltering systems.
We Serve as a Bridge Between Research and Practice
We turn veterinary science into game-changing tools and spotlight practical experience in the field to guide research. We believe that every single person working with a shelter should have access to the very best science behind their work. We make our resources open and accessible—shared through webinars, newsletters, and beyond—so that help is always within reach, anytime and anywhere it’s needed.
We Believe Shelter Medicine Is for Everyone
We know big change often begins with a small shift. We partner with shelters of all sizes and philosophies, trusting that even when we don’t yet agree on every tactic, we almost always share a common goal. We support incremental change, harm reduction, and meeting organizations where they are. We, too, are on a journey.
We Make Room for Joy and Fun
Laughter, creativity, and connection keep us going. We celebrate, sing, write limericks, and send cakes—because joy is a strategy for sustainability.
We meet organizations where they are, supporting incremental change, harm reduction, and practical progress. We translate science into useful tools, and share what we learn freely through webinars, newsletters, and peer learning. At the heart of it all is Capacity for Care. Operating within a shelter’s capacity allows both humane care and life-saving outcomes to coexist—because every animal deserves a chance to thrive, not just survive.
Preparing the Next Generation
KSMP equips veterinary students with the skills to make a lasting impact. Through training in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) and culturally responsive care, we prepare future veterinarians to address the access-to-care crisis that puts animals, shelters, and families at risk.
