With animal shelters and rescues across the U.S. in need of Veterinarians of Record (VORs) to provide veterinary care to pets awaiting adoption—especially during a time of unprecedented shelter overcrowding(Opens a new window)—many can’t afford veterinarians on staff or have difficulty filling open roles due to the industry-wide shortage(Opens a new window) of veterinary professionals.
At our 2024 Pet Healthcare Industry Summit(Opens a new window), Mars Veterinary Health announced a grant to Shelters United to enable a free, online course that would train veterinarians on establishing a VOR relationship.
Today, Shelters United launched a first-of-its-kind VOR Training Program(Opens a new window) to help veterinarians and animal welfare organizations (AWOs) establish and maintain successful partnerships.
Visit vetofrecord.com(Opens a new window) to take the training, and read on for full details.
Shelters United Launches Free Training to Help Veterinarians Make a Difference in Their Communities
Funded through a grant from Mars Veterinary Health, the online course will facilitate successful partnerships between veterinarians and animal welfare organizations
Carmel, California (February 27, 2025) — Today, Shelters United launched a first of its kind Veterinarian of Record (VOR) Training Program to help veterinarians and animal welfare organizations (AWOs) establish and maintain successful partnerships.
“The Vet of Record Training Program provides an expanded and mutually beneficial model for veterinarians who want to help homeless pets awaiting adoption while building their practice with an evergreen source of new clients,” said Mal Schwartz, Shelters United founder and CEO. “Rescue staff and volunteers who take the training course will learn how to work with vets in a way that minimizes the conflicts that often arise from their different perspectives.”
Shelters United’s free VOR Program(Opens a new window) serves as a framework for veterinarians and AWOs looking to build profitable and impactful relationships. The VOR Program features a free interactive online training course, funded through a grant from Mars Veterinary Health(Opens a new window), which provides lessons and interactive experiences to teach veterinarians and AWOs how to work together and use the tools provided in the toolkit. RACE CE credit is available.
“As a family-owned, purpose-led company that’s committed to building a more sustainable future for veterinary medicine, Mars Veterinary Health is honored to help make the Shelters United VOR training program available as a free resource for the veterinary profession,” said Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, global chief medical officer at Mars Veterinary Health.
“I am very appreciative to Mars Veterinary Health for sponsoring the VOR Training Program and allowing the course to be free for any veterinarian or animal welfare professional,” said Schwartz.
Veterinarians and AWO professionals who access the free course can:
- Explore how to create successful AWO-veterinarian partnerships
- Review the components of a written legal agreement
- Earn one hour of RACE-approved continuing education credits
“We look forward to seeing how the training contributes to a mutually beneficial VOR model that increases access to care for shelter pets, improves relationships between veterinarians and animal rescues, and makes it easier for veterinarians to give back to their local communities through shelter work,” said Dr. McAllister.
The VOR Training Program is built on the foundation of the Shelters United VOR Toolkit, developed with funding from PetSmart Charities and in collaboration with experts from the University of Florida’s Shelter Medicine program. This comprehensive toolkit provides veterinary teams and shelter leaders with the knowledge and resources needed to support AWOs, improve pet healthcare, and strengthen community connections.
To learn more:
- Stop by the Shelters United booth (#4261) at Western Veterinary Conference March 2-5, 2025.
- Click here to watch a video summarizing the VOR Program(Opens a new window).
- Visit VetOfRecord.com(Opens a new window) to access the free VOR Program.
