There are more than 6.3 million shelter animals in the U.S., making shelter medicine an important area of care within the veterinary industry, but often a forgotten one. Shelter consultant Allyne Moon, RVT, LVT, CCFP, has shifted her career to focus on improving shelter medicine and shedding light on the needs of the animals, staff, and facilities. We talked with Allyne about the importance of shelter medicine, some of the biggest misconceptions, and her passion for working in shelters.
Allyne, tell us a little bit about your background and how you found your role in shelter consulting.
Well, I’ve been in veterinary medicine for 29 years, and I’ve worked in private practice, corporate practice, and surgical specialty. I just recently stopped working for the SCVMA, which is the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association and have now jumped full-time into consulting and RVT relief work.
My true veterinary passion is in shelter medicine because I can do everything that I’ve learned and been trained on for my patients without being limited by a client’s financial concerns. In shelters, the medical staff makes the decisions about the best treatment and care plans, and because we don’t have to consult with a pet owner, the patients get the very best that I can give them all the time. It’s a very challenging career, and it’s never the same day twice, but you can do so much good for the community and pets in general.
Your CCFP credentials are some we don’t see often. Can you tell us more about that certification?
I am a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional. I joke with people and say I’m “certifiably fatigued.” I’ve taken special extra training to be able to sit and listen to people and let them get what they need off their chest. I’m not a counselor, I’m not a professional, I’m not a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker. I did take extra training to sit and talk with people who are having a hard time, to be a soundboard for them to figure out solutions. It allows me to be a resource and shoulder to lean on for my professional coworkers and colleagues.
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Did you always know that shelter medicine was a career option for you?
Yeah, it’s always been a career option. I started in shelter medicine in 2007, and it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve progressed. We’re now doing high-quality, high-volume spays and neuters, and treating the patients in our care more like a real clinic would with x-rays and other care. There’s just so much more that we can do for these pets now than we used to do back in the early 2000s when it was common practice to hold them until they had to be euthanized. I’m so very grateful that we’re able to bring the “Compassion Saves” model to shelter medicine for our patients and help people who have no place else to turn to give their animals a second chance at life.
There are so many times when service men and women are being deployed, and they have no one who can take their pet, so we’re able to rehome them. It’s the same for those who lost their house due to a fire; we can take their pet in and treat them while they’re looking for a new home and then reunite that pet, or connect these people with programs to help them get back on their feet and keep their pets with them.
There are a lot of new shelter diversion programs to prevent pets from being put into the shelter in the first place. There are also programs focused on animal health that we’ve been able to work with; for example, LA County Public Health does parvo tracking. We can set up free or low-cost vaccine clinics in “veterinary deserts.” Currently, I work with one called Downtown Dog Rescue. There’s not a lot of veterinary care available for people in the community, and we can get their pets vaccinated and administer flea preventatives and other parasiticides.
The actual intake rate to the shelters for diseases like parvo has decreased dramatically over the last ten years now, and there’s an overall significant decrease in sick animals being brought to the shelter. So it’s fun taking these different organizations, communities, and government agencies and bringing them all together to help the people and their pets in Southern California.
You mentioned how far shelter veterinary care has progressed. What are the main misconceptions about veterinary shelters?
Oh, that all we do is euthanize the animals. That is by far the biggest obstacle that we’ve had to overcome and are still trying to overcome. A lot of people say this to general practice veterinarians, too, “You don’t care about the animals; you’re just in it for the money; all you do is kill animals here,” and it’s simply not the case. We’ve treated dogs that have been hit by cars with IV fluids and pain medication and have gotten them back to their owners. Even animals that have come in with horrible trauma. We can treat them and get them into a new home.
The misconception that shelter medicine is just the bottom of the barrel and that we don’t care and just want to kill things is the hardest thing we have to overcome because we do care very much. I feel a lot of times, my patients get better care at a shelter because I can do the cytology and skin scrapings and the medications, and I don’t have to go over an estimate with an owner who has cost concerns. I can just give it because they need it. I honestly think there are times when a patient in a shelter will get better care than in general practice because we don’t have to fight with somebody about paying a bill afterward.
You’ve worked in a lot of different areas of veterinary medicine. What’s the biggest difference in working with shelter animals compared to animals treated in a regular veterinary practice?
The biggest difference is that most animals we see in the shelter come from what we call “the uncared-for population.” So, many animals have never seen veterinary care in their life and are suddenly being put on a good vaccine prevention program. They’re getting parasiticides, they’re getting spayed and neutered, with good, high-quality medications. It’s high-quality care now. Back in the day, if you were going to a low-cost spay/neuter place, you were going to a place that didn’t give pain medications and couldn’t do IV fluids or subcutaneous fluids. The animals were not intubated (had a breathing tube placed); it was just knock them out, put them on anesthesia, and hold them if they moved. There was little in the way of multi-modal pain medication. It was the lowest of the low veterinary care.
That’s where compounded medications have really made a difference for us in the shelters, such as compounded ponazuril or compounded doxycycline. The compounded buprenorphine that lasts for three days has really been a game changer in terms of pain control and having top-rate surgeries come out of the shelter, that are on par with a general practice.
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And it’s because we’re able to take this uncared-for population and cut out the financial constraints that an owner may or may not have. We’re able to help these pets and then get them into a good home with a minimal adoption fee, and hopefully, you know, keep them there for life.
To stock the medicine you need on such a small budget, how do you find the right pharmacy partner to best support the types of cases your shelter sees?
In my experience, each shelter is a little bit different. Working for a municipal shelter, we had to create a contract where we’d have to establish a relationship with a compounder. We’d get a budget through a bid process. So, they would give us a total spend with a specific compounder, and we would order directly from them to stock the medications.
Working for the government is a little different than working for a clinic where I can pick whoever I want and make an agreement with them. The government has to contract out and go through a bid process and create specific purchase orders for a budgeted amount. And this all has to be approved by another government agency, whether it’s a city council or a budgeting office for whichever department that shelter happens to fall into. So, when I first started, we were under Health and Human Services, and then we got transferred to Parks and Rec. Those departments had very different budgets and ways to set up vendor accounts.
How did you first hear about Epicur and start working with them?
I actually met Sam Newton through the SCVMA, and they were kind enough to do a couple of continuing education webinars for us at the association. I like the products that Epicur offers, and the goal is always to use medicines that work better. It gives us more control over our patient care. And for a shelter environment, any medicine we can give once that lasts for an extended period of time is always going to be good because we never have enough time or people to treat the patients the way we want to. So, extended care treatments, where it’s like a one-and-done, is just a godsend for a shelter environment.
We’ve had times, especially through COVID-19, when there were supply issues, and the products have been on backorder everywhere. I can always rely on my compounders to get me something close that I can use.
For the veterinary staff in shelters, is there enough education about the differences between 503A and 503B in veterinary medicine?
There is definitely a knowledge gap, and there are certainly more ways we can close that knowledge gap through continuing education, working with other associations, or even vaccine events.
I truly appreciate Epicur’s willingness to collaborate with us and provide practitioners with the necessary knowledge for the proper use of a compounder. Given the unique legalities in the state of California, where distinct regulations apply, it’s invaluable that Epicur educates us on the state-specific compounding guidelines for 503B and the steps they take to ensure compliance with those rules.
Do you see a lot of turnover in your shelter staff?
Yes, we see quite a bit of turnover, and there are several reasons for it. One is politics. You’re always going to have people who will question what you do and not understand why you do it, even though you explain. There might be a rescue group or individuals who won’t adopt anything or help your shelter in other ways, but boy, will they make a stink when any animal gets euthanized. It could be an animal that’s dying of cancer, that hospice has refused, the rescue’s refused, nobody will take this animal, and we’re genuinely giving this patient a merciful way out.
A second aspect is the work we do – it’s hard to see animal abuse cases, hoarder cases, or victims of a house fire whose family may have perished come in. It’s also hard to see animals that are so aggressive that they’ve killed people, and now they have to be put down because they never got the right training. You see a lot of hard things in shelter medicine that, quite frankly, no reasonable person is going to be untouched by. It’s hard to deal with, and there are very few resources for help and support.
We had several programs at the shelter – peer support groups, a social worker from the city we could see – but eventually, because we became so short-staffed, they took those programs away due to shelter leadership’s opinion we were using too much time to deal with our own trauma. Leadership with no medical education or training decided that Animal Control Officers and Medical Staff needed to spend more time dealing with the overwhelming numbers of animals coming in.
Pay is another issue. Governments are sometimes the last to recognize that you can’t pay a credentialed registered veterinary technician $17 an hour. We are highly educated people responsible for getting pets healthy and adopted or supported until they find their owners. It took a long time for the city I worked for to recognize that you must start paying a more reasonable wage.
Can you tell us more about the challenges shelters face regarding funding and resources?
Well, in the shelter, my budget for the year was $50,000. And we would have an intake of anywhere between 8,000 to 15,000 animals every year. All those animals have to get vaccines, deworming, and some type of topical parasiticide, and that ate up most of the budget. I worked hard to find distributors who would donate their un-sellable products (the box may be damaged, but the product was safe to use), find vendors at conferences that would donate samples and supplies to avoid shipping them back to the warehouse and ask the Shelter Friends Association to fund needed supplies.
Shelters are often very last on the list to receive funding. Anything in addition to that $50,000 is next to impossible to get. So we have to try and find ways to get more money. We often get really creative and see if Amazon carries anything that we need. Getting people to donate to our friend’s association or to our charity fund that goes into covering the spay/neuter costs can be a challenge. Even if you do have a large donor, the city makes it difficult because there is a lot of red tape you have to go through to utilize the money.
Shelter medicine obviously has its challenges, but it also must be rewarding. Could you share a success story of where you improved the outcome of a shelter animal?
Oh, absolutely! The thing we always see in the shelter is ear infections in dogs. Most of the time, we clean them out, and we apply an Otipac, which covers both yeast and bacteria; it’s a one-and-done. And now the dog with ears you could smell from a block away is an adoptable animal. This happens so often, and it’s really a simple thing to do, but now that pet no longer has a horrible ear infection, they feel better, and then get adopted to a new home.
Another story is we had one pet that came in that had this horrible wound where he was missing the first layer of the skin on top of his paw. And, of course, this is very painful. So, we were able to use the long-lasting buprenorphine injection to keep him comfortable enough that we were able to change the bandage and gently clean away any of the infectious buildup every day. The wound was able to shrink very quickly, and he was able to find a new home. And in the end, he only had a tiny little scar because we were able to keep him comfortable, and it helped him heal quickly.
We love happy stories! What do you love most about shelters?
The very best thing about shelters is that as an RVT, I get to use all of my skills, all of my training, everything available to me to help the animals in need. Every day, I get to go to work and know that I can do the very best I can to help the patients in my care. And to me, that is the best thing about shelter medicine for an RVT.
Thanks for sharing these insights, Allyne!
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Easing Pet Anxiety and Empowering Owners
Imagine a dog trembling at the sound of thunder or a cat hiding for hours after a trip to the vet. These aren’t just quirks, they’re signs of anxiety, a condition that affects countless pets and often leaves their owners feeling helpless. Whether it’s separation stress, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments, anxiety can disrupt a pet’s well-being and strain the bond between animal and human. Advancing the standard of care for animals doesn’t just happen in veterinary practices; informed ownership leads to better care all around. By getting to the root of pet anxiety and educating on effective responses, veterinary professionals can empower and ease pet owners and their pets alike. Getting to the root of a pet’s anxiety Anxiety manifests in humans through rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, feeling weak, restlessness, nervousness, paranoia, and more. Animals are no different. Pets experience anxiety from the anticipation of a fear-inducing stimulus. It can be situational or related to specific triggers such as being left alone, a visit to the vet, or fireworks during holidays. The most common forms of pet anxiety are: Separation Anxiety – when pets get nervous or uncomfortable when they are alone or separated from their family. Fear-Related Anxiety – stems from several factors, including early life experiences, environmental influences, or even genetics. Examples of triggers are loud noises, specific situations, and unfamiliar people/animals. Age-Related Anxiety – often associated with older dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), where memory, learning, perception, and awareness can decline and lead to confusion/anxiety. Helping pet owners understand the root of their pets’ anxiety can also help them understand the symptoms can show in many different forms, including but not limited to: Destructive Behavior Restlessness Hiding Loss of Appetite Clinginess Excessive Vocalization Urination or Defecation Aggression Empowering pet owners through education Pet anxiety doesn’t just affect the animal; it deeply impacts the owner’s emotional well-being and confidence in caregiving. When owners understand the signs of anxiety and the science behind it, they’re better equipped to respond with empathy and effectiveness. Education can foster trust between veterinarians and pet parents, creating a collaborative approach to care. It also helps demystify behaviors that might otherwise be misinterpreted as disobedience. For example, a dog chewing holes in the carpet when left alone can be sign of separation anxiety rather than the pet acting out. As a veterinary professional, you play a vital role in this learning process. By offering clear explanations, personalized guidance, and evidence-based resources, you empower owners to take proactive steps. This includes recognizing early warning signs, implementing calming strategies, and knowing when to seek medical support. When pet parents feel empowered, they become active participants in their pet’s healing journey, reducing stress for everyone involved—and most likely making visits to your practice much simpler in many cases! How pet owners can ease pet anxiety Managing pet anxiety requires a blend of behavioral techniques, environmental adjustments, and sometimes medical intervention. Here are some proven strategies to share with your clients: Create a Safe Space: Designate a quiet, cozy area where their pet can retreat during stressful moments. Familiar blankets, toys, and scents can help soothe them. Desensitization and Counterconditioning: Gradually expose pets to anxiety triggers in a controlled way with professional guidance from a certified behaviorist or trainer, pairing the experience with positive reinforcement. Routine and Predictability: Pets thrive on consistency. Regular feeding, walking, and play schedules can reduce uncertainty and stress. In severe cases, you may recommend anti-anxiety medications based on the short-term or long-term needs of a pet. For example, short-term medications can help pets relax when they come to your practice for a visit, making their appointment as stress-free as possible Common pet anxiety medications include: Fluoxetine – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) often used for long-term anxiety management. Trazodone – frequently prescribed for situational anxiety, such as vet visits or travel. Clomipramine – a tricyclic antidepressant used for separation anxiety. Gabapentin – often used in both dogs and cats to reduce fear and anxiety, particularly during veterinary visits. Benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam) – short-acting medications used for acute stress events or predictable triggers such as fireworks or thunderstorms. Buspirone – sometimes prescribed, particularly in cats, for generalized anxiety. These medications help regulate mood and reduce fear responses, but they work best when paired with behavior modification techniques. It’s important to talk through all the symptoms and options with your clients to determine the right medication and dosage for each pet’s unique needs. Office-Use Medications for Your Practice & Patients Our team knows that quality and consistency are non-negotiable when it comes to pet health. That’s why we proudly manufacture gabapentin, fluoxetine, and other essential medications to FDA standards, ensuring safety and efficacy in every dose. Learn more about our veterinary medication portfolio! View our Products Stokes Pharmacy also compounds many of these other drugs for individual patient prescriptions! Pet anxiety is more than a behavioral issue. It’s a health concern that can affect the entire household. For veterinary professionals, recognizing the signs of anxiety is just the beginning. The real impact comes from guiding pet owners with clarity, empathy, and evidence-based solutions. Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to transform fear into comfort and confusion into clarity. Through thoughtful education, personalized care plans, and access to trusted medications, you empower owners to become confident caregivers. We believe that every pet deserves peace of mind and every owner deserves the tools to provide it. From manufacturing high-quality medications to supporting wellness education, we offer a variety of resources that your practice can share so you and your clients can make compassionate care a reality, together. Get more tips and resources to share with pet owners Resource Library
Meet Marylu Ernsting: Championing Equine Health with Passion and Purpose
Epicur’s newest Equine Key Account Specialist is Marylu Ernsting, and she brings a rich background in the equine industry with her to the team! Get to know her more below as she shares her thoughts on ethical representation as a sales rep, the innovative injectable omeprazole our team released, and how she stays busy when she isn’t working. We’re excited to have you join us today, Marylu! Tell us a bit about your role at Epicur and the region you cover. I cover what I like to call the “Midwest corridor”—everything from Wisconsin down to Florida. It’s a big territory, but I love it. I live in Kentucky, which is perfect because it’s right in the heart of horse country. I’m an Equine Key Account Specialist. My role is all about connecting with veterinarians, understanding their needs, and helping them find solutions that make their jobs easier and their patients healthier. What’s your background? How did you get into this field? I’ve been involved in equine care and management for over 20 years. It’s kind of a funny story. I didn’t grow up in an equine family, but I’ve always loved horses and bought my first horse at 15. I realized early on that if I wanted to keep up my “horse habit,” I needed a career that could support it. That led me to work at a boarding facility, where I met a trainer and an exercise rider for racing quarter horses. I started galloping and ponying racehorses, then moved into hunter-jumper work, and eventually ran my own boarding facility. I even became a 4-H leader for 10 years, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve had a lot of different roles in the equine space though. I was a vet tech for an equine reproduction vet where I was very hands on. I did everything from bookkeeping to holding horses for the farrier. I was also an inside sales rep for nine years. COVID displaced me from equine for a little while. I ended up taking a job that gave me the opportunity to work with zoo accounts, which was new for me, and it was so fun but I’m super glad to be back in equine. You’ve held so many different roles! Would you say any of them were your favorite? Honestly, being a 4-H leader was one of my absolute favorite things I’ve ever done. I didn’t have kids of my own, but I ended up with 35 of everyone else’s! We had the largest equine-only 4-H club in Florida at the time. Some kids wanted to show, others just wanted to trail ride or learn about horses. I got to learn right alongside them. I didn’t get to be in 4-H when I was a child, I got to do it as an adult, which was even better. It was a really fun time in life, and now with social media I’ve been able to connect with all my 4H kids as adults. It’s cool to keep in touch and watch them grow and have their own families. One of them actually tried to be a 4H leader, and she reached out me to say, “I don’t know how you did this!” which was funny. It was such a special time. With every job I’ve had though, truthfully, I have found that it’s just been my next journey. I love everything about all the roles I’ve ever had. I don’t have a job for one or two years. I have jobs for seven years, nine years, 10 years. So, I’m extremely excited to see where my next journey is with Epicur for sure. What excites you most about being part of the Epicur team? Honestly, it’s the innovation and the integrity. I’ve always prided myself on representing products I believe in—and as a horse owner, I trust what Epicur is doing. They’re bringing science-backed, data-driven medications to market, like the injectable omeprazole. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s modernizing equine medicine. Plus, the team is just incredible. Everyone is genuinely committed to making a difference in animal health. Speaking of omeprazole, how do you explain the benefits of Epicur’s injectable version to veterinarians? Great question. I usually start with discovery—asking vets how many ulcer cases they see, whether they’re scoping, and what their treatment protocols are. One of the biggest surprises for me was how many aren’t scoping and are treating based on symptoms alone. That’s where education comes in. I’ve learned from endoscopy reps that 95% of horses scoped have ulcers, and 75% of those are glandular. Most traditional treatments aren’t proven for glandular ulcers, but Epicur’s injectable omeprazole is. It’s faster, more effective, and ultimately more economical for clients. Plus, it works for squamous ulcers too! What’s your perspective on how GFI 256 and 503B manufacturing impacts equine vets? There’s a lot of confusion out there. Many vets don’t fully understand GFI #256, USP, or the nuances of compounding. I try to simplify it for them and connect the dots. 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