VME 6939: Topics in International Shelter Medicine

VME 6939

Topics in International Shelter Medicine

Introduces and familiarizes students to the unique challenges of practicing shelter medicine in international, resource-limited environments. 

Intro video for VME 6939. Play Video

Course Content

The rapid expansion of veterinary outreach programs into international environments has given rise to complex dilemmas on how to shelter and provide adequate veterinary care to animals in need, often with minimal resource investment. Traditionally, the focus of most shelter medicine training has been on the health of animals in brick and mortar shelters.  This course is designed to address the unique challenges shelters face internationally, in addition to providing practical recommendations, protocols, and helpful tips for delivering high quality medical care under challenging circumstances. This course will provide students with a background on dog population management and rabies control programs around the globe, recommendations for operating both shelters and field spay/neuter clinics in limited-resourced environments, methods of programmatic monitoring and evaluation, and humane handling and capture techniques for free-roaming animals. Special topics covered include international adoptions and transport, the dog and cat meat trade, and cultural factors affecting euthanasia. Shelter medicine programs in both Europe and Asia will also be discussed.

Enrollment Information

  • For Current Syllabus and Course Instructor, please reference the Course Tracker
  • Course Number: VME 6939 all sections
  • Semester Credit Hours: 3
  • Term: Fall