Lesson 1Urgent care and stabilisation: protocols for thin/respiratory animals, fluid therapy basics, wound care, pain assessment and analgesia indicationsLearn quick checks for skinny or breathing-troubled animals, safe oxygen help, basic fluid giving, cleaning and wrapping wounds, and pain checks to decide on pain relief under vet guidance for shelter emergencies.
Primary survey and triage categories at intakeRecognizing respiratory distress and cyanosisSafe oxygen delivery and positioning techniquesFluid therapy indications and monitoring basicsWound cleaning, bandaging, and pain scoringLesson 2Initial physical exam checklist for dogs, cats, and small mammals (temperature, hydration, body condition, respiratory/GI signs)Get a clear checklist for first exams on dogs, cats, and small animals, checking vitals, water levels in body, weight condition, and breathing or stomach issues, to spot problems early and alert vets quickly.
Safe handling for dogs, cats, small mammalsMeasuring temperature, pulse, and respirationAssessing hydration and body condition scoreScreening for respiratory and GI abnormalitiesDocumenting exam findings and concernsLesson 3Medical recordkeeping and ID: microchipping, temporary ID banding, intake forms, photographing and documenting clinical findingsMaster making full, clear medical notes at intake, giving unique IDs, microchipping, temporary bands, and taking photos of animals and health issues to aid tracking, care, and legal matters in busy shelters.
Standardized intake medical history formsAssigning shelter IDs and collar bandingMicrochip scanning and new chip placementPhotographing animals and key lesionsStoring and backing up digital recordsLesson 4Parasite control at intake: deworming regimens by age and species, flea/tick treatment, ectoparasite inspectionFollow steps for parasite checks at intake like stool tests, deworming suited to age and type, flea and tick treatments, and close checks for outer parasites, noting all treatments and side effects.
Common internal and external parasites seenFecal sample collection and test optionsAge and species based deworming protocolsFlea and tick product selection and safetyRecording treatments and follow‑up dosesLesson 5Criteria for medical clearance for adoption: treatment milestones, neuter timing, follow-up medical commitments for adoptersUnderstand adoption health clearance rules, like finishing treatments, spay or neuter timing, and telling adopters about ongoing care needs and check-ups to ensure smooth transitions.
Minimum health standards for adoptionTracking treatment milestones and outcomesDetermining safe spay or neuter timingCommunicating chronic care needs to adoptersPost‑adoption medical follow‑up planningLesson 6Vaccination protocols at intake: core vaccines, timing, modified live vs killed, vaccine reactions and documentationKnow key vaccines for dogs and cats at intake, best times by age and health, live vs killed types, spotting reactions, and recording everything for legal and health tracking.
Core vaccines for dogs and cats at intakeTiming by age, pregnancy, and health statusModified live versus killed vaccine selectionRecognizing and responding to vaccine reactionsRecording vaccines and lot numbers in recordsLesson 7Medication management for chronic cases (e.g., heart meds): owner surrender triage, medication reconciliation, continuity of care planningHandle animals surrendered with long-term illnesses by checking meds, matching lists, and planning ongoing care with vets to keep them safe and on track.
Interviewing owners about chronic conditionsCollecting and verifying prior prescriptionsMedication reconciliation and interaction checksCoordinating refills and dosing schedulesFlagging special monitoring needs in recordsLesson 8Isolation, quarantine, and cohorting: facility flow, length of isolation, PPE and sanitation between cohortsSet up isolation, quarantine, and group plans with good movement flow, cage setups, protective gear, and cleaning between groups to stop disease spread while caring well for animals and staff.
Designing clean and dirty traffic flow pathsCriteria for isolation versus quarantine useCohorting by species, age, and risk factorsPPE selection, donning, and doffing stepsCleaning and disinfection between cohortsLesson 9Infectious disease screening at intake: core pathogens, when to test (FeLV/FIV, parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, respiratory panels)Spot common infections like FeLV, FIV, parvo, distemper, and coughs at intake, know who and when to test, collect samples right, and record results accurately.
Core canine and feline infectious risksFeLV and FIV testing indications and timingParvovirus and distemper test selectionRespiratory panels and kennel cough testingRecording and communicating test results
