The course will cover the fundamental concepts of shelter medicine, including the importance of the 5 Freedoms, proper training of volunteers and the creation, following and revision of standard operating procedures. The course discusses a number of very important concepts that will help to maintain the physical and mental well-being of the animals within a shelter’s environment including: sanitation procedures and cleaning rotations, enrichment, daily rounds, an appropriate length of stay and a shelter’s capacity for care, community outreach, trap-neuter release programs, and public education. At the successful completion of this course the student will have an introductory understanding of animal shelter environments.