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Shelter Surgery
Shelter Surgery is a surgical training of DVM students at the OSU College of Veterinary
Medicine. This rotation is three weeks, during which each student performs approximately
27 surgeries on shelter animals. Shelter Surgery at OSU CVM is a “win–win” for the
shelters and our veterinary students. The students apply the surgical techniques they
have learned, while the shelters have the spays and neuters performed with no professional
fees so their pets may find forever homes more expediently. In addition, these experiences
are invaluable to our students and to the quality of care they provide to animals.
The OSU CVM currently provides veterinary surgery care for more than 35 shelters in
Oklahoma. Animals from these shelters (primarily dog and cats) are transported to
the Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital for surgery. Under the guidance of experienced
clinical faculty, veterinary students evaluate each animal, anesthetize it, perform
surgery, provide pain medication and allow the animal to recover comfortably in a
low-stress environment. Animals are then returned to their respective shelters ready
for adoption.
To learn more about the Shelter Surgery program and why it matters for students and the community, visit Shelter Surgery: Why the Program Matters.
Impact
The Students
Students gain valuable surgical and clinical care experience during this rotation. Students perform more than 1000 spays and neuters, as well as other life-saving surgeries per semester. Beginning in Fall of 2019, the Shelter Surgery rotation will be a required course for fourth year veterinary students.
The Community
The Shelter Surgery program at the OSU CVM serves the local community and state of Oklahoma by reducing the number of unwanted pets through spay/neuter. This and other care provided to these animals also increase their adoptability in the shelter system.
Questions
If you are questions regarding the Shelter Surgery program, please contact the OSU Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital at 405-744-7000.
Funding
The Shelter Surgery program is funded by gifts from generous donors and partially funded by PetSmart Charities.
Giving
To learn more about giving to the Shelter Surgery program, contact Ashley Hesser, assistant director of development at the OSU Foundation at 405-385-0715 or ahesser@osugiving.com.