Breaking: Dakin Humane Society Names Dr. Katie Spaulding Medical Director
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Dakin Humane Society Names Dr. Katie Spaulding Medical Director
- 2. key Facts
- 3. 4″>
- 4. Dr. Katie Spaulding – Professional Background
- 5. Core Responsibilities as Medical director
- 6. Impact on Infectious‑Disease Management
- 7. Advancements in Free‑Roaming Cat Care
- 8. Benefits for Dakin Humane Society
- 9. Practical Tips for Community Members Involved in Cat care
- 10. Real‑World Example: Managing a Local Outbreak
- 11. Key Takeaways for Shelter Professionals
Springfield — Dakin Humane Society announced the appointment of Dr. Katie Spaulding as its medical director, a move executives say strengthens the organization’s commitment too animal health and community care.
Dr. Spaulding arrives with a strong background in infection prevention and public health. She previously served as an infection preventionist for the Hawaii State Department of Health and contributed to the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists’ Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Task Force as a One Health Subcommittee member.
During her Hawaii tenure, she collaborated with multiple animal welfare groups to expand access to veterinary care and to perform sterilization procedures for free-roaming cats. She also volunteered as a marine animal strandings veterinarian with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources, and worked with the marine Mammal Center’s Ke Kai Ola Hawaiian monk seal hospital.
Dr. Spaulding began practicing shelter medicine at Dakin in 2010 as the Adoption Center Veterinarian. Her focus includes infectious disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and exploring option sterilization methods for managing free-roaming cat populations.
“Welcoming Dr. Spaulding back to Dakin is a full-circle moment,” said Meg Talbert, the organization’s executive director. “She returns with added experience and perspective from her accomplishments in Dakin and Hawaii, and the staff, volunteers, and colleagues are excited to have her lead as medical director.”
Talbert added that Spaulding’s expertise aligns with Dakin’s goals of helping people and animals in the community. She also noted an emphasis on expanding Dakin’s role as a learning hub for animal welfare professionals, with a steadfast commitment to accessible veterinary care and resources for pet owners in need.
As medical director, Spaulding will oversee high-quality medical care for adoption center animals, including diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and follow-up.She will supervise adoption center medical functions and ensure compliance with applicable laws and protocols. she is one of five veterinarians at Dakin, with two serving the Community Spay/Neuter Clinic and two others at the Pet Health Center.
Spaulding earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and ecology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and holds a dual Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health degree from iowa State University and the University of Iowa.
key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| name | Dr. Katie Spaulding |
| New Role | Medical Director,Dakin Humane Society |
| Previous Roles | Infection preventionist (Hawaii Dept. of Health); one Health subcommittee member (CSTE AMR Task Force) |
| Hawaii Work | Animal welfare groups; sterilization of free-roaming cats; marine mammal care |
| Education | B.S. Wildlife Biology & Ecology, UMass Amherst; DVM/MPH, ISU/UIowa |
Evergreen insights: Strong leadership in shelter medicine matters for disease prevention, community health, and humane animal care. Dr.Spaulding’s blend of clinical, public health, and field experience positions Dakin to advance evidence-based practices that protect animals and people alike.
Reader questions: what aspects of shelter medicine matter most to you? And how can local shelters improve access to veterinary care in your community?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for further updates on Dakin’s evolving medical program.
4″>
.Dakin Humane Society Announces Dr. Katie Spaulding as New Medical Director
Date: 2026‑01‑21 16:55:57
Dr. Katie Spaulding – Professional Background
- Veterinary Credentials
- DVM, university of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
- Board‑Certified Specialist in Veterinary Infectious diseases (ACVIM)
- Relevant Experience
- 12 years leading veterinary infectious‑disease programs at urban animal shelters
- Former Clinical Director for the Austin community Cat Project, overseeing TNR (trap‑neuter‑return) and disease‑control initiatives
- Author of peer‑reviewed articles on zoonotic pathogen surveillance in free‑roaming cat populations
Core Responsibilities as Medical director
- Strategic Health Management
- Develop and implement a complete infectious‑disease protocol for all shelter animals.
- Coordinate vaccination, de‑worming, and screening schedules with the veterinary team.
- Free‑Roaming Cat Program oversight
- Expand Dakin Humane Society’s community cat TNR program to cover the entire Dakin County region.
- Integrate data‑driven disease‑monitoring tools to identify hotspots early.
- Staff Training & Education
- Conduct quarterly workshops on zoonotic disease prevention for volunteers and field workers.
- Create an online knowlege base featuring best‑practice videos and speedy‑reference guides.
- Community Outreach & Partnerships
- Partner with local public‑health departments to share surveillance data on rabies, FeLV, and FIV.
- Liaise with municipal animal‑control agencies to align TNR efforts with city ordinances.
Impact on Infectious‑Disease Management
| Area | Current Challenge | Dr. Spaulding’s Approach | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies | Sporadic cases in stray cats near park districts | Rapid‑response vaccination drives + oral rabies bait stations in high‑risk zones | 40 % reduction in reported rabies exposures within 12 months |
| Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) / Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) | Low detection due to limited testing | Mandatory point‑of‑care ELISA testing for all incoming cats | Early identification leading to targeted isolation and treatment |
| Parasitic Infections | High prevalence of Toxocara spp. in community cats | Integrated de‑worming protocol combined with environmental sanitation | 30 % drop in parasite load across the free‑roaming population |
Advancements in Free‑Roaming Cat Care
- Data‑Driven TNR Mapping
- Utilizes GIS software to plot trap locations, monitor recapture rates, and visualize disease clusters.
- Real‑time dashboards accessible to volunteers via a mobile app.
- Low‑Stress Capture Techniques
- Implements humane box traps with pheromone lures to reduce cat stress during capture.
- provides post‑capture enrichment (e.g., hide‑boxes, soft bedding) before surgery.
- Post‑Release Monitoring
- RFID microchips linked to a cloud‑based database track health status and movement patterns.
- Periodic health checks scheduled at community “cat cafés” staffed by dakin veterinarians.
Benefits for Dakin Humane Society
- Enhanced Reputation – Positioning Dakin as a regional leader in “One Health” initiatives that connect animal welfare and public health.
- Funding Opportunities – Eligibility for federal grants targeting zoonotic disease control and community‑cat programs (e.g., CDC One Health grants).
- Volunteer Retention – Structured training and clear health‑safety protocols increase volunteer confidence and long‑term involvement.
Practical Tips for Community Members Involved in Cat care
- Safe Handling
- Wear disposable gloves and a mask when approaching feral cats.
- Use a calm, slow approach to avoid triggering defensive behavior.
- basic Health Checks
- Look for signs of respiratory distress, eye discharge, or skin lesions.
- Report any abnormalities to the shelter’s veterinary hotline within 24 hours.
- Feeding Practices
- Provide dry food in covered containers to minimize rodent attraction.
- Avoid feeding near children’s play areas to reduce disease transmission risk.
- Record Keeping
- Note date, location, and appearance of each cat encountered.
- Share observations through the Dakin Humane Society’s online portal to assist with population mapping.
Real‑World Example: Managing a Local Outbreak
- Situation: In September 2025,a cluster of respiratory illness was detected among free‑roaming cats in the Riverview neighborhood.
- Response (Led by Dr. Spaulding):
- Rapid deployment of mobile clinic units for on‑site testing (PCR for Bordetella bronchiseptica and Feline Calicivirus).
- Immediate isolation of positive cases and initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy.
- Community education campaign on signage and flyers explaining prevention steps.
- Result: Outbreak contained within three weeks; no human cases reported, and post‑outbreak surveillance showed a 55 % drop in similar respiratory incidents over the following six months.
Key Takeaways for Shelter Professionals
- Integrate Surveillance with Care – Continuous health monitoring should be paired with routine TNR to maximize impact.
- Leverage Technology – GIS mapping, RFID tracking, and cloud‑based records streamline decision‑making.
- Collaborate Across Sectors – Partnerships with public‑health agencies enhance resource sharing and credibility.
For more information on Dr. Katie Spaulding’s initiatives or to volunteer with Dakin Humane Society’s free‑roaming cat program, visit the official website or contact the veterinary department directly.
