Dr. Cindy Karsten, KSMP Outreach Veterinarian This step is repeated in shelter and clinic vaccination protocols everywhere, and I’m betting it’s in yours: After drawing up a vaccine and before administration, change the needle to minimize the pinch. But new research suggests1 animals can’t tell the difference.  In a double-blinded crossover trial, 75 dogs received both rabies and DHPP vaccines. Each dog got … Continue reading “I’ve Been Changing Needles for Years. Here’s Why I’m Reconsidering.”

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) has released the first-ever Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters, setting a new standard for rabbit welfare.  An epic undertaking over three years in the making, the guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of the available scientific research and the combined experience of nearly two dozen … Continue reading “New Guidelines Provide a Blueprint for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters”

Join Team KSMP and the Shelter Learniverse as we celebrate the first graduates of the Shelter Care Specialist Certification Program! Launched in summer 2024, this first-of-its-kind professional development program for frontline animal shelter staff is designed to elevate skills and credentials and equip teams to provide expert care at a time when shelters and communities face increasing … Continue reading “First Animal Shelter Professionals Achieve Shelter Care Specialist Certification”

Davis, CA – Jennifer Bennett DVM, MS, Director of Shelter Medicine Access to Care at the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program recently earned her Certified Animal Welfare Administrator credential through The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, an independent agency whose mission is to help develop strong leaders and promote standards of practice in the … Continue reading “Dr. Jennifer Bennett Receives Prestigious Certified Animal Welfare Administrator Credential”

Nearly 120 of you responded to our recent survey—thank you! Your feedback is helping shape the future of KSMP content and programming so we can better support your shelter medicine practice and access-to-care efforts across the state. We carefully reviewed all the data and your thoughtful comments; we’ve used both as the building blocks for … Continue reading “And the survey says…”

“Hold big dreams for the changes you want to make. Find the story and the purpose in the work you do. But realize that small and often easy habits, practices, tactics and experiments are how you’ll keep moving forward.” — Michael Bungay Stanier It’s a daily challenge, trying to balance our individual and organizational capacities … Continue reading “Small Steps, Powerful Care: Reminders for Difficult Times”

At a time when 97% of pet guardians consider pets family but barriers to accessing veterinary care continue to rise, building partnerships and understanding between veterinarians in private clinics and shelters has never been more critical.   “We are all one profession, and the pet population is fluid…Animals move between shelters, rescues, private practices, and emergency … Continue reading “Strengthening the Pet Care Ecosystem: Dr. Jenn Bennett Shares Shelter Medicine Perspective in SCVMA’s Pulse Magazine”

Take a deep breath: Do you recognize signs of air quality problems in your shelter?  Poor air quality plays a role in upper respiratory infections in dogs and cats, lowering respiratory tract defenses and leading to more severe infections and longer recovery times. Luckily, there are simple steps we can take to make a difference.  … Continue reading “Three Steps to Healthier Air and Animals”

Dr. Kate Hurley, DVM, MPVM, a pioneer in shelter veterinary medicine, is the 2025 winner of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Animal Welfare Award, the association announced today. The AVMA Animal Welfare Award is presented annually to an AVMA member veterinarian in recognition of their achievement in advancing the welfare of animals via leadership, public service, … Continue reading “Dr. Kate Hurley receives 2025 AVMA Animal Welfare Award”