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.
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, condition, and main signs, so you spot issues and alert vets right away.
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, temp bands, and snapping photos of animals and health issues for ID, care, and legal purposes.
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 to fight parasites on arrival, with stool checks, deworming by age and type, flea and tick treatments, and close checks, while noting treatments and any bad reactions.
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 adoptersKnow when animals are fit for adoption, after illnesses are managed, key treatments done, spay/neuter timed right, and clear ongoing care info shared with new owners.
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 documentationUnderstand main vaccines for dogs and cats on intake, best times by age and health, live vs killed types, spotting reactions, and proper recording for 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 given up with ongoing illnesses, check their meds, match lists, and plan 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 flow, cage spots, protective gear, and cleaning to stop diseases 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 sickness risks like FeLV, FIV, parvo, distemper, and coughs on intake, know who and when to test, collect samples right, and record results.
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
