School of Health & Science Postgraduate New course

Certificate in Canine and Feline Shelter Medicine

Not what you're looking for?
Search to find a different course

Course menu

Course Overview

This certificate will cover the principles of shelter medicine for canine and feline populations within animal shelter facilities/frameworks. Core principles include herd health management, biosecurity, infrastructure design, infectious disease control, multi-disciplinary teamwork and behavioural management. The aim is to implement these evidence-based principles to improve animal outcomes and community (veterinary and public) engagement. 

Understanding the Industry

Students will graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes to pursue, extend or advanced veterinary nursing or research roles in shelter medicine.

Career Opportunities

This course was identified as being of high relevance to many veterinary nurses in practice and will enhance skills and knowledge in the areas of canine and feline shelter medicine. It will also be of value to veterinary nurses who wish to specialise in this area or move to a more senior role within the practice.

Course Delivery and Modules

This module is co-delivered with the full-time BSc (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing programme, so the timetables are interdependent. The programme will be delivered on the DkIT campus approximately one day per week. There are 3 hours of lectures each week.

  • Canine and Feline Shelter Medicine

Professional Accreditations

  • Postgraduate Certificate
  • CVE points

Education Progression

Eligible to apply to the B.Sc. (Hons) in Advanced Veterinary Nursing.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of a BSc in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent) which is registerable with the Veterinary Council of Ireland. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirement may be considered for entry using the Institute's Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) procedures. Learn more about RPL at DkIT.

Ask us a Question

If you have a question about the Certificate in Canine and Feline Shelter Medicine please ask it below and we will get back to you.

Dr Jade Pollock

Lecturer Grade

Disclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).