Optimizing Non-Profit Medical Program Operations Profits to Increase Access to Veterinary Care for Low-Income Owners and Animals in Need

Animal sheltering is undergoing a massive shift in mission and role: the animal shelter is transforming from a destination for stray and surrendered animals to a community resource that helps keep pets in homes. This was already happening before COVID-19 hit, but the pandemic accelerated the process in ways not previously imagined.

Elizabeth Berliner has been part of a team creating an entry-level toolkit and collating resources for organizations. Now, as a Faculty Fellow in Engaged Scholarship, Berliner is researching and publishing a manual on different models of providing veterinary care to low-income pet owners. The materials will support nonprofits to implement successful and sustainable medical programs for under-served populations.

“There is a tremendous amount that still needs to be done in providing comprehensive, refined tools for programs.”—Elizabeth Berliner