The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) is the professional organization for shelter veterinarians, consisting of over 2,000 members and 23 student chapters from around the globe. The ASV’s Mission is to advance and support the practice of shelter medicine in order to improve community animal health and well-being. In 2010, the ASV created the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, and in December 2022 they released
an updated version of the Guidelines. These Guidelines are the base upon which Maryland shelters
are required to create their own Standards of Care document, but the information is relevant for more than just those that are required to have them in place!
The ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance in Asheville, NC (formerly known as
Humane Alliance) hosts HQHVSN wet labs, training, and externship opportunities at their campus in North Carolina, in addition to providing virtual training/consulting options, and open access to resources, such as
the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance Library. There,
find sample job descriptions, inventory sheets, pre-op guidance and post-op handouts, everything you need to get your spay/neuter clinic on track. You can also download their Tips & Tools for an Efficient Spay/Neuter Clinic handbook, all for free!
United Spay Alliance launched their HQHVSN wet lab pilot program for veterinarians and staff in 2022, and may be able to provide this training at your clinic, or at a partner clinic! Click here for more information.
Humane World for Animals' (formerly known as
The Humane Society of the United States)
HumanePro site offers many free webinars, how-to manuals, and other resources
on the topic of spay/neuter. Their resources are research-based and designed to help you identify the best strategy for your community.
The Professional Animal Workers of Maryland, or PAWS, was established in the 1970's to encourage and assist in the professional development of organizations and individuals engaged in animal control, animal welfare, and the animal sheltering fields in Maryland. The goals of PAWS are to provide education, training, legislative information, and mutual fellowship for its membership. If you are interested in learning more about PAWS, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, or AAWA (formerly known as the Society for Animal Welfare Administrators, or SAWA), provides free resources as well as members-only resources in all facets of animal welfare and sheltering. In 1970, directors of humane organizations throughout the country met at various regional meetings, legislative hearings, and national conferences to discuss shared concerns. Those in attendance talked about holding periodic gatherings, where concerns and ideas could be openly shared and discussed. As a result, the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators (SAWA) was formally organized on April 25, 1970. The name was changed from the Society of Animal Welfare Administrators to The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement in 2018, to reflect a more inclusive, professional direction, including an openness to new ideas and methodologies for delivering services to the people, animals, and communities we serve.
National Animal Care & Control Association, or NACA, was formed in 1978 to provide resources, standardized training, and support for animal care and control professionals across the United States. Throughout the organization's history, NACA has been a leader in providing guidance for its members as the role of animal shelters and animal care and control staff has evolved.
