Lesson 1Urgent care and stabilisation: protocols for thin/respiratory animals, fluid therapy basics, wound care, pain assessment and analgesia indicationsCovers quick checks for thin or breathing-troubled animals, safe oxygen help, basic fluid treatment, wound cleaning and wrapping, plus structured pain checks to guide timely pain relief under vet guidance in busy shelter settings.
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)Offers a clear intake exam list for dogs, cats, and small mammals, checking vital signs, water levels in body, condition, and main system issues, helping agents spot problems fast and alert vets promptly.
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 findingsTeaches making full, clear medical records at intake, giving and checking unique IDs, microchipping, temp ID bands, and snapping photos of animals and health issues to aid ID, care, and legal matters.
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 inspectionDetails parasite steps at intake like stool checks, age- and type-suited deworming, flea and tick stops, and thorough outer parasite looks, while noting treatments and bad reactions 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 adoptersSets out health clearance rules for adoption, covering illness fixes or control, key treatments done, spay/neuter timing, and sharing ongoing health needs and follow-up duties 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 documentationExplains main intake jabs for dogs and cats, best timing by age and health, live vs killed jab types, spotting jab reactions, and proper recording 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 planningShows how to sort owner-surrendered animals with long-term illnesses, check current meds, match med lists, and plan ongoing care with vets to keep things safe, on track, and clear for follow-up.
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 cohortsExplains setting up isolation, quarantine, and group plans, including movement flow, cage spots, protective gear, and cleaning between groups to curb disease while keeping care kind and 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)Covers common intake bugs like FeLV, FIV, parvo, distemper, and breathing illnesses, when and which to test, right sample taking, and reading/recording 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
