Clinical Rotation in Shelter Medicine: Principles and Practice

2.0 credits · VM

This clinical rotation is based at the SPCA of Tompkins County with travel to nearby shelters. Students gain experience in the principles and practice of veterinary medicine within a functioning shelter, providing direct medical care to individual animals while applying population level concepts. Core skills include infectious disease diagnosis and management, protocol based wellness care, HQHVSN and dentistry, behavioral assessment and modification, low stress handling, and population and capacity planning. Case types vary with season and shelter intake. The schedule includes topic based online modules, in person clinical work, and daily rounds, and students give a live CE presentation. Although spay/neuter is included, this is not a spay/neuter intensive rotation; surgical caseload depends on shelter needs. Weekend duty is optional and as needed.