This One's For the Pros

For years the ASPCA has shared resources and provided consultations with animal welfare professionals through our National Outreach programs. Now veterinarians, shelter staff, law enforcement officials and volunteers are invited to utilize ASPCAPro.org, a resource created by professionals who know what it takes for you to do your jobs well. By sharing tools, strategies and a wealth of practical information from the ASPCA’s nationally recognized programs, ASPCAPro.org aims to help professionals maximize their time and energy when tending to areas such as adoptions, spay/neuter surgeries, shelter medicine and fundraising.

“I’m extremely excited about this latest development, which will provide even greater collaboration between those communities whose efforts help save lives,” says Julie Morris, ASPCA Senior Vice President, National Outreach.

ASPCAPro.org features our signature adoption and outreach programs, as well as how-to information from ASPCA and other experts across the country; look for materials on anti-cruelty, animal poison control and disaster readiness as the site grows. Please visit us at aspcapro.org!

Chat About Your Dog's Health With ASPCA Vet -- TODAY!

We've mentioned it a few times, but it's worth repeating: October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month! Here to kick things off is Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President, Veterinary Outreach. Dr. Miller will join us for a live, online TODAY from noon to 2:00 P.M. EST, to answer your health questions about shelter dogs and your own pups. Here are a couple of examples:

I am interested in adopting a special needs dog—what do I need to be prepared for?

What are some less obvious signs that it’s time to take my dog to the vet?

How do small shelters with little money deal with a dog’s health problems?

Miller has been working with pooches at the “A” for almost 30 years and has recently co-edited the first textbook on shelter medicine, Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff. She’s currently working on a textbook devoted to the management of infectious diseases in shelters.

P.S. Please note, you'll need to log in to post your questions, so click here to sign up if you're not already a member of the ASPCA Community.

Free Online Education Program for Vets

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is offering free online continuing education programs. These highly interactive sessions offer up to six hours of approved CE and will be hosted by members of the ASPCA APCC veterinary staff. Topics will include a variety of clinical toxicology issues that are of current interest to veterinary practitioners. Learn More.

Toxicology Briefs for Vets and Vet Techs

Just Posted - Recent Veterinary Technician Toxicology Briefs

Ingestion of Club Drugs
With news of club drug use among college and high school students, it is not surprising that pets are being exposed to these drugs by accident and by human intent to “get the dog high.” Unfortunately,when the pet is brought to the veterinary office, the content of the substance involved is not always known, and it can be very difficult to take an accurate history. Knowing what to ask the owner and what signs to look for can help in identifying... Read more (PDF)

Antidepressant Drug Overdoses
In 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received more than 2,200 calls concerning accidental ingestion of antidepressant medications by pets. Most cases involved dogs, but cats, birds, and pot-bellied pigs were also exposed... Read more (PDF)