The Atlanta Humane Society and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine are partnering to provide veterinary students experiential learning opportunities in a shelter medicine setting.

The agreement allows fourth-year UGA veterinary students an elective shelter medicine rotation at the AHS, during which the students may perform spays, neuters, other basic surgeries, and dental procedures, all under the supervision of the AHS veterinarian. The partnership, which represents the first formal agreement between the UGA CVM and the AHS, provides students with learning opportunities in a busy shelter environment. Shelter medicine was recently recognized as a veterinary specialty by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“We believe this agreement is a valuable addition to our students’ clinical practice curriculum. It will provide our students with a valuable experiential learning opportunity to develop their skills and confidence as they prepare to join the veterinary workforce,” said Dr. Spencer Johnston, head of the UGA CVM’s Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, who helped broker the agreement.

Up to two students will be assigned to each three-week rotation, during which they will also participate in shelter animal rounds, provide medical assessments as part of animal admissions, assist with AHS’ mobile spay/neuter program, participate in emergency animal rescues, and be involved in companion animal adoption promotions. The rotation is available to all UGA veterinary students who want to get additional experience in surgery or in a shelter medicine environment.

“This program will make these students better veterinarians, whether or not they pursue a career in shelter,” said Dr. Jennifer Morris, DVM and Director of Shelter Medicine at AHS. “Students will be exposed to issues, injuries and illnesses they may never see in a private practice or hospital environment. Homeless animals entering shelters have received little to no medical care and are often lacking in socialization.”

Originally posted online at

http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2016-03-19/atlanta-humane-society-uga-college-veterinary-medicine-announce-shelter