How does shelter medicine differ than private veterinary practice, and are there any unique challenges?
Shelter medicine is a good deal more like herd management where you have to think about the greater good for the population of animals in the shelter. Age, prognosis, space and cost must factor into care. Aside from space, these factors have also gained importance in the private sector, now more then ever. However, a companion animal’s care is the responsibility of the individual owner. This is often a source of inspiration. At Nevins Farm, I have been consistently impressed with not just the level of veterinary medicine provided, but also with the work put in to every animal’s care by the staff. These animals do not have an owner to be their advocate; the staff fulfill that role. 5. What types of animals do you treat? At the shelter, pretty much anything that comes in the door and similarly at the veterinary practice where I work. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, rodents, lizards and occasionally snakes. 6. What is the best part of your work? It is a great work environment. I get to be wit
