Lessons Learned as a Shelter Veterinary Behaviorist: The Evolution of Behavior in Shelters

Animal Shelters have been housing animals for over 100 years. Supporting the behavioral health of our canine and feline companions in the shelter environment is something that has been, is and will always be a challenge. In addition, many of us are overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals (especially big dogs) in our care. How do we do our best to help animals while also protecting public safety? During this session, you’ll learn about the evolution of behavior in animal shelters. What lessons can we learn from how we did things in the past? How do we live for today and support the animals in our care? And how can we work towards a better future? 

Presenter: Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB, CDBC, CCBC, Director of Outreach and Research @Maddie’s Fund

This lecture has been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval until 9/22/2024.

This lecture has also been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association.

keywords animal behavior, canine behavior, chronic stress in shelter dogs, stress in shelter dogs, shelter medicine, 2022 ASPCA Maddie's Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference, trauma in shelter dogs, dog aggression, aggressive behavior, public safely, history of animal sheltering, evolution of behavior in animal shelters, shelter pet behavior health