Kate Hurley | Bringing Shelter Medicine Out of the Dark
Kate Hurley | Bringing Shelter Medicine Out of the Dark
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In this episode of the Top Dog Podcast, Dr. Kate Hurley, Founding Director of the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, shares how she helped transform shelter medicine into a recognized veterinary field — changing outcomes for millions of animals along the way.
Starting as an animal control officer before becoming a veterinarian, Kate witnessed firsthand how shelters often lacked the medical knowledge, resources, and systems needed to properly care for animals.
“It felt like we were in the dark.”
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is the importance of bringing science, data, and innovation into animal shelters. From disease prevention to capacity for care, Kate explains how evidence-based approaches have dramatically improved lifesaving outcomes over the years.
“Take this flashlight and shine it over here.”
Kate also discusses how shelters must balance resources carefully — ensuring they are not overcrowded while still maximizing lifesaving opportunities for animals.
“There’s some right amount of animals to have in a shelter.”
Her work has helped pioneer major advancements in shelter medicine, including disease control protocols, community cat programs, and new ways of thinking about shelter operations and population management.
“Don’t assume there isn’t a solution.”
Today, Kate continues pushing innovation forward by exploring how AI and predictive modeling could help shelters better understand capacity for care and improve decision-making nationwide.
At its core, this episode is about curiosity, persistence, and creating systems that support both animals and the people working tirelessly to care for them.
“The shelter staff shouldn’t feel like they’re in the dark.”
This message is especially important for Dooberteers, fosters, shelter staff, and volunteers. Every improvement in knowledge, collaboration, and support creates better outcomes for animals everywhere.
If you’re passionate about helping animals, join the Doobert community where volunteers, fosters, transporters, and organizations work together to save lives every day. Visit Doobert.com to get involved.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Top Dog Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.
Do you know any Top Dogs we should interview? We’re always looking for amazing people in animal welfare to feature on the podcast. Send us an email at tdp@doobert.com.