Lesson 1Urgent care and stabilisation: protocols for thin/respiratory animals, fluid therapy basics, wound care, pain assessment and analgesia indicationsThis lesson covers fast checks for skinny or breathing-troubled animals, safe oxygen help, basic fluid treatment, cleaning and wrapping wounds, and step-by-step pain checks to ensure timely pain relief under vet guidance in the shelter.
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 quick and pass to 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 findingsLearn to make full, clear medical notes at intake, give and check unique IDs, fit microchips, use temp bands, and snap photos of animals and health signs for ID, care tracking, 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 inspectionStep-by-step parasite checks at intake: stool tests, deworming suited to age and type, flea and tick treatments, close inspections, plus noting all meds and side effects in records.
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 adoptersClear rules for when animals are fit for adoption: illness sorted or managed, key treatments done, spay/neuter timing, and explaining ongoing health needs and check-ups to 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 documentationCore vaccines for dogs and cats at intake, best times by age and health, live vs killed types, spotting reactions, and proper record-keeping 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 owner-surrendered animals with long-term illnesses: check meds, match lists, plan ongoing care with vets to keep things safe, on track, and with clear next steps.
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: manage movement, cage spots, gear use, cleaning between groups to stop disease while caring well for animals and keeping staff safe.
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)Key infections at intake like FeLV, FIV, parvo, distemper, coughs: know who and when to test, right sample collection, results reading, and recording.
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
