Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida

06/17/2026

The vets at Best Friends Animal Society just released very helpful documents for mitigating New World Screwworm infestation in shelters and spay/neuter programs.

The guidance includes recommendations for administering systemic isoxazolines at the time of surgery to cats undergoing TNR in areas of active NWS activity (currently some regions in Texas and New Mexico). The fresh surgical wounds on free-roaming cats make them especially vulnerable to fly attacks, and since those cats are not handled following release, potentially fatal outcomes.

Read more: https://bestfriends.org/network/blog/screwworm-community-cats

06/08/2026

Did your wish list include more $$ for spay/neuter? Your dreams just came true with the 2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries.

Qualified proposals support:
- Critical shelter infrastructure
- Strengthening shelter essentials
- Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year
- Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
- Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

Grant amounts: $10,000-$500,000, depending on category.
Submission deadline: June 26, 2026, 8pm ET
Learn more and apply: https://www.aspcapro.org/2026-aspca-grants-shelters-and-spayneuter-clinics

The ASPCA is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of animals throughout the U.S. Get details and apply today.

06/08/2026

We're speaking at the Mountain Animal Welfare Summit in beautiful Missoula this week! Join us to learn about the role of TNR and RTF in building robust community safety nets and a Cat Superhighway providing the right outcome for every cat.

This gathering is grounded in practical experience, respectful partnership and evidence-based approaches. We focus on what actually works in rural and mixed-resource communities: building trust, expanding access to care, strengthening systems and supporting the people doing the work every day.

Dates: June 10-12, 2026
Register: https://myhswm.org/summit/

06/08/2026

We're speaking at the Mountain Animal Welfare Summit in beautiful Missoula this week! Join us to learn about saving neonatal kittens - the most vulnerable of all shelter animals.

The Summit brings together animal welfare professionals, Tribal leaders, veterinarians, advocates, policymakers and community partners from across Montana and beyond to tackle the real challenges, and real opportunities, facing animals and the people who care for them.

Dates: June 10-12, 2026
Register: https://myhswm.org/summit/

05/22/2026

Please join us in celebrating the Shelter Medicine Class of 2026! 🎉

On May 22, 2026, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine will graduate 20 students who earned not only their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees, but also the Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine, a specialized credential unique to UF.

Over the course of four demanding years, these students completed an intensive 15-credit curriculum that combined advanced coursework, clinical clerkships, externships, and hands-on shelter medicine experiences. Along the way, they developed practical skills in population medicine, access to care, high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter, shelter operations, disaster response, and community-centered veterinary care.

Their impact has already been felt far beyond the classroom. Throughout veterinary school, these future veterinarians supported shelters and community programs, performed countless surgeries and medical procedures, and dedicated themselves to improving the lives of vulnerable animals and the people who care for them.

As they begin the next chapter of their careers, they carry with them not only clinical knowledge, but a deep commitment to compassionate, accessible, and lifesaving veterinary medicine.

Please help us congratulate the Shelter Medicine Class of 2026! 🐾

05/21/2026

Join us in congratulating these three award-winning shelter medicine superstars! We can't wait to see what you do with your careers, Kelsey Andridge, June Wilkinson, and Allie Regalado!

For three graduating students in the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s Class of 2026, Shelter Medicine is more than a career path. It’s a way to expand access to care, strengthen communities, and improve the lives of animals and the people who love them. Each of these studen...

05/21/2026

Many of our students, instructors, and followers are deeply involved in seeking humane solutions to mitigate dog and cat overpopulation and the impact of free-roaming animals on the environment, public health, and animal welfare. We're impressed with this newly published systematic literature review on this topic.

Title: Comparative effectiveness of culling and birth control in free-roaming animal management: A systematic review
Authors: Anastassiya Perfilyeva, Olzhas Zhorayev, Kira Bespalova, Yuliya Perfilyeva
Citation: Preventive Veterinary Medicine. Volume 254, September 2026, 106916
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587726001352?via%3Dihub

After reviewing hundreds of papers, they concluded, "Culling has limited, context-dependent effectiveness, whereas birth control within integrated strategies more consistently achieves sustained outcomes across domains. Effectiveness depends on coverage, duration, and addressing drivers of population inflow, including abandonment and uncontrolled breeding."

05/20/2026

BINGO! Need to encourage staff morale at your shelter during the difficult days of summer? Try playing this bingo game created by one of the Team Leaders at Oakland County Animal Shelter (Tricia Preston, UF Animal Shelter Leadership Certificate student).

Many thanks to Dr. Jeff Fortna, one of our online graduate course instructors, for sharing this summer treat. There are three bingo boards: one for intake/adoption/front desk, one for vet staff, and one for kennel staff. The first group of individuals to BINGO wins for the week.

05/06/2026

Exciting - this highly popular training will be right here in Gainesville this August. Florida ACOs - check it out! National Animal Care & Control Association's ACO III Advanced Training Program August 17-19, 2026.

Course Description:
Now in its third year, the NACA ACO III Advanced Training Program delivers in-depth instruction in animal crime forensics and advanced investigative techniques. The curriculum emphasizes evidence recognition, documentation, and case development while reinforcing professional, compassionate animal control practices that support both people and pets.

Cost: $550 (excludes food, lodging, travel, or transportation)
Register: https://nacanet.memberclicks.net/aco3-8-17-2026 #/

Instructor Led (3 days at University of Florida). Over the course of a three-day in-person training, participants will engage in a comprehensive exploration of various forensic techniques and practices relevant to animal control officers.

Day 1 begins with sessions on animal crime scene processing, followed by forensic photography, including hands-on exercises to enhance practical skills. The day concludes with discussions on live animal evidence and veterinary forensic pathology.

Day 2 The investigation of clandestine grave sites, and DNA analysis, with multiple hands-on exercises to solidify understanding.

Day 3 is dedicated to mock crime scene processing, where participants apply their learned skills in real-life scenarios, culminating in group presentations that demonstrate their analytical and forensic capabilities.

🚨 ACO III is back! 🚨
Join us August 17–19 for NACA’s advanced, hands-on training built for experienced officers ready to level up their investigative skills.

This is one you don’t want to miss...secure your spot now.
👉 Details + registration on our website https://nacatraining.org/naca-aco3/

05/06/2026

Florida shelter leaders . . . this conference is for you!

Join the Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations for a mini conference open to executive and leadership staff from private shelters, municipal shelters, and rescue organizations in Florida.

Located in Lakeland, Florida at the Springhill Suites by Marriott, conference attendees will enjoy a cocktail hour, breakfast and lunch, sponsor exhibits and presentations from Florida experts and leaders in animal welfare. Presentations will be concise and digestible (45 to 60 minutes) while offering resources and takeaways.

TICKETS:
Get Your Online Ticket NOW: https://faawo.involve.me/event-sign-up-form

Each attendee must have a ticket. Tickets include:
Cocktail Hour (sodas and appetizers included, cash bar), Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Continental Breakfast on Thursday June 4, 2026
Access to all conference sessions on Thursday, June 4, 2026
Boxed lunch on Thursday, June 4, 2026

Attendees from non-member organizations receive a 1-year membership to FAAWO

FAAWO Member Organizations: FREE
Non-Member Organizations: FREE (this does not include hotel room for overnight guests. See below for link to book your room.)

VENUE & LODGING:
Reservations are first-come, first-served at the conference venue Springhill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
Special room rate $165 for 1 to 6 guests
Free parking
Amenities include a pool, gym, and close to downtown
Book your group rate for FAAWO Annual Conference 2026

Location:
Springhill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
511 W Lime St.
Lakeland, FL 33815

Speakers & Topics:

The Future of Animal Welfare in Florida: 2026-2030 – Gina Botticello, Community Partnerships & Programs Manager, Pasco County Animal Services

The Way Home: Reconnecting Pets and Their People – Bryan Lloyd, Operations Manager, Animal Control Division, Port St. Lucie Police Department

The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of Animal Welfare Policy – Kate McFall, Florida Senior State Director, Humane World for Animals, Jennifer Hobgood, Senior Director, Access to Care Policy, ASPCA Government Relations, Diana Ferguson, Rutledge Ecenia

Overview of Disaster/Blue Sky Areas/Grants/Emergency Transportation – Laura Littlebear, Vice President, Field Operations, Greater Good Charities, FAAWO Advisory Committee

Building a Shelter Culture that Attracts Talent – Spencer Conover, Chief Operating Officer, National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA)

Disaster Readiness for Animal Welfare: Making the Right Decisions Before It’s Too Late – Clint Ganus, Senior Manager, Disaster Response, ASPCA; Keegan Spera, Data Specialist, UF Shelter Medicine Program and Independent Consultant