Shelter Medicine

Shelter Medicine professionals strive to provide optimal care for animals in their communities. Find a spectrum of topics essential for ensuring the well-being of shelter animals, from best practices in health care, disease prevention, and treatment to maintaining sanitation standards, this section equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to create a healthy and safe environment. Learn about professional development opportunities including in-person training and on-demand sessions featuring free continuing education credits.

a veterinary professional holds a small tan scruffy dog while his owner looks on smiling

Shelter Medicine Programs and Services

Enhance your expertise in shelter medicine with professional development, publications, and direct support from the ASPCA’s Shelter Medicine Services team.

shelter medical staff holds a tan and white kitten closely and gives a gentle kiss on its head

ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters

See how the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ (ASV) Guidelines can help your shelter.

Intake & Preventive Care

Preventive care and intake best practices are critical for animal health in shelters.

veterinary staff examine a large gray bunny on the exam table

Population Management in Animal Shelters

Population management is the process of intentionally and efficiently planning services for each animal in the shelter’s care. Learn best practices.

medical staff cradles a small black and white dog in a clinic setting

Prevention and Treatment of Common Animal Shelter Diseases

Learn about the various medical conditions and diseases that veterinarians or other staff may encounter while caring for pets in the shelter.

Recognizing & Responding to Infectious Diseases in Animal Shelters

Discover a wealth of resources to help you navigate infectious diseases in an animal shelter, including disease response, sanitation, and PPE.

a shelter worker stands on a stool to clean the window of a cat enclosure

Cleaning & Sanitation for Animal Shelters

Help keep your shelter population free of disease outbreaks with our cleaning and sanitation protocols, tips, and webinars.

gray dog with blue eyes looks through cage at camera with other kennels in background

Animal Shelter Facility Use and Design

Good facility design can help prevent disease transmission, allow for efficient workflow, and improve the overall welfare of both people and animals.

two sleepy gray pit type puppies relax in their foster home

Foster Animal Health Care

Learn valuable information to help support your animals in foster homes.

two gloved hands with scissors stitch up a surgery patient

Animal Shelter Surgery & Dentistry

Spay/neuter is just one type of surgery needed for shelter pets. Learn more about surgical and dentistry procedures from these great resources.