Grant to fund first shelter-medicine extension veterinarian position

DAVIS, CALIF. — A $420,750 grant over three years will fund a new position for an extension veterinarian in shelter medicine, believed a first for the United States.

PetSmart Charities awarded the grant to the University of California-Davis to fulfill "an urgent need for an academic position dedicated to extending medical knowledge to shelter professionals," the organization reports.

"There is a tremendous need for education, information and outreach in shelters across the United States," says Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of Pet-Smart Charities. "We are proud to fund this groundbreaking initiative that will pave the way for continued progress in the animal-welfare field and help save the lives of countless homeless pets."