Haven Veterinary Services

Avian flu should be one of the suspected causes for cats with outdoor access that experience sudden neurological symptoms or sudden death. Although cat-to-cat spread has been documented, the current risk to people appears to be low (for now).

#wormsandgerms #H5N1

H5N1 Influenza: Peacock Exemption, More Sick Cats It’s nice to finally be able to talk about H5N1 influenza without discussing ostriches, but unfortunately, we still have things to talk about. 1)

Dr. Scott Weese's new blog post highlights how cats can be infected not only via raw diets and raw milk, but also through hunting and eating wild birds.

www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2025/12/arti...

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H5N1 Influenza: Peacock Exemption, More Sick Cats It’s nice to finally be able to talk about H5N1 influenza without discussing ostriches, but unfortunately, we still have things to talk about. 1)

New H5N1 update:

There have been more deaths in cats related to H5N1 infections. These newer cases were potentially linked to contact with infected birds. (continue)

The authors suggested that starting behaviour modification programs as soon as possible may be the best option to improve the quality of life for newly admitted undersocialised dogs.

- Behaviour modification programs significantly reduced fear in dogs over time.
- Those that began rehabilitation earlier recovered from stress and fear more quickly.
- Delaying these behaviour programs led to slower progress and persistent fear responses.

The impact of delaying behavior rehabilitation onset on fear and outcome measures in dogs in a shelter setting Undersocialized domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) often experience moderate to severe fear in response to everyday stimuli, and their welfare may…

A new study from the ASPCA examines how timing of behaviour rehabilitation affects recovery from fear and stress in 43 undersocialised shelter dogs, suggesting that earlier behaviour support leads to better welfare outcomes. Here are the main findings:

Today, we honour the people and animals who have served, including those who gave their lives.

We remember the cost of war and the value of peace.

We are closed today in observance of Remembrance Day, and will re-open on November 12th.

Shelter policies and design also have social and environmental impacts in our communities and shared world. Today is a great day to think about how we can make the best decisions possible to support human and nonhuman animals and healthy lands!

Today is One Health Day, a reminder that the health of people, animals, and the environment are connected. This is especially important in shelters, where the environment makes a huge difference to animals and caregivers.

Hosted by the always-amazing Dr. Azalia Boyd, who also shares her personal experiences and expert input and advice on this topic, this episode is a must-see!

In this episode, he blends his own story and those of colleagues with insights from published studies on accent discrimination to help us learn what we can do to reduce bias and improve communication and access to care.

YouTube video by Critters and Cultures Accent Bias in Vet Medicine—Breaking Barriers - S2 Ep 3 with Dr. Wesley Cheung

Do you want to know how accent bias can affect animal welfare? You will not want to miss this incredible Critters and Cultures podcast episode featuring our very own Dr. Wesley Cheung!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVwx...

Part 2: Tips from the new Association for Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters!

What do you think of these new Guidelines? Tell us in comments!

Part 1: Tips from the new Association for Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters!

What do you think of these new Guidelines? Tell us in comments!

And if you look very closely, you might notice that one of our veterinarians co-authored this document... and catch a glimpse of one of another of our team members along with photo examples of good housing from some incredible facilities in BC!

Rabbits have complex and unique needs, and often stay longer than any other companion animal in shelter systems in North America. This resource outlines how shelters can provide housing that lets rabbits do rabbit things!

The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters

ICYMI! Last month, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians released new Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters.

Stay tuned for some highlights from this document! 🐰🐇

#adoptarabbit #rabbitadoption #shelterrabbits #rabbitwelfare #ShelterMedicine #bunnyrescue #rabbitcare

We commit to continued learning and action, including to combat growing denialism in our own communities.

We will spend this day in reflection, listening to and supporting Survivors. All of our socials will be muted, and the only content we will share will be reposts to amplify Indigenous voices.

Tomorrow, we are closed to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

On this day, we remember the children who never came home and honour residential school Survivors and their families.

Please join us in welcoming Kathryn Melnyk to the Haven team!
She brings dedication and a deep love for shelter medicine and we are thrilled to have Kathryn on board as we expand to better support the organizations we serve! More about Kathryn below...

Evaluation of local anesthetic blockade in cats undergoing castration in a high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter setting: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial - PubMed ObjectivesThe objective of this prospective study was to compare the nociceptive blunting and analgesic efficacy of two different local anesthetic solutions (lidocaine and a mixture of lidocaine plus ...

NEW SHELTER ARTICLE: New research shows that local anesthetic blocks in male shelter cats reduced nociception (Lower HR spikes, fewer GA depth issues) without added complications, when compared to placebo group. A simple step to increase comfort for surgeons and cats!

Thank you to Dr. Doris Leung for this amazing illustration capturing us in our natural habitat....surrounded by our cats!
Fun fact: The background is inspired by the cover of a ringworm culture logbook 📕

Publications | Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association In 2024, Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA) Board Members Melody Martínez, CVT, Mari Sato Quicksall, DVM CVA, and Sohaila Jafarian, DVM,

We are THRILLED to share that the first-ever series on DEI in veterinary medicine is now FREE for everyone to read, including a 2-part publication by Dr. Gordon "Beginning with the End in Mind: Creating a Practice that Centers Equity".

Ringworm - To plate or PCR? Written By Dr. Wesley Cheung, DVM Ringworm remains a challenging condition to manage in shelter dogs and cats, due to its long incubation period, risk of re-infection, limitations in diagnostic test…

Thank you to Canadian Animal Shelter And Community Medicine Association for sharing Dr Cheung's blog post summarising our recent publication on ringworm diagnostics! Read the full article:

We are excited to provide services at this upcoming clinic! Please help spread the word.

@pawsforhope.bsky.social

Koret Shelter Medicine Program

NEW SHELTER ARTICLE: UC Davis' Koret Shelter Medicine Program just released new evidence-based recommendations on early-age spay/neuter in shelter kittens.

Part 2: There is no one-size-fits-all way to manage outbreaks. The approach varies depending on so many factors, and so a collaborative method is often recommended! We can help figure out what is necessary vs "nice to have" for a particular situation.

Part 1: Over the past 2 weeks, 5 shelters/rescues in 3 provinces have reached out for help with outbreaks.

Summer is a busy time for shelters, and with that comes a higher risk of infectious disease!

Here are some tips we put together:

We are thrilled that the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has released a long-awaited update to the Code of Practice for the Care of Domestic Cats! Updated requirements and recommendations are a game-changer!

"Pride began as a protest. It grew out of people standing together when no one else would." - Vancouver Pride Society

It's Pride week here in Vancouver! We bring queer joy and an intersectional lens to our work. It's who we are!

Happy Pride!

#VancouverPride2025 #vanpride #pride2025