Dr. Jena Valdez serves as chief medical officer at the San Francisco SPCA, where she oversees innovative programs designed to deliver affordable, non-judgmental veterinary care. In pioneering the launch of the SF SPCA’s Community Veterinary Clinic, located within one of the city’s underserved neighborhoods, she continues to advocate for animals and pet owners to provide them with high-quality care within financial reach. Beyond her work in California, Dr. Valdez is also a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for improving access to veterinary care and increasing diversity in veterinary medicine. A graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Valdez has extensive experience in private practice, sheltering, and High-Quality, High-Volume Spay/Neuter, and has volunteered countless hours with numerous groups to help meet the needs of underserved communities throughout the mainland U.S. and Hawaii.
8:00 AM–9:15 AM
Shelter and Community Medicine Conversations: Convergence and Divergence of Practice, Place, and Purpose in Support of Accessible Veterinary Care (with Drs. Emily McCobb and Cynthia Karsten, DVM)
Shelter and community medicine have long shared a commitment to improving the wellbeing of animals and the people who care for them, yet the relationship between these two disciplines has not been defined. As the field of accessible veterinary care grows, shelters redefine their roles, and communities seek more integrated support systems, the boundaries between “shelter” and “community” medicine need to be better understood. Moreover, organizations need to consider which models of care best fit their mission.
This panel will explore the dynamic conversation unfolding across these fields: How do these disciplines complement each other? Where do their missions and methods diverge? And what innovations are shaping the shared future of animal welfare and veterinary accessibility? Through discussion with leaders in both areas, we will examine emerging service models, ethical considerations, workforce challenges, and opportunities for more collaborative, community-driven systems of care.
4:15 PM–5:30 PM
Are You Shelter/Community Medicine-Curious? What You Need to Know to Jump In! (with Jennifer Bennett DVM, MS, CAWA)
Shelter and community medicine veterinarians are needed across the state—but what does it really look like to jump into this work? This panel session brings together experienced shelter medicine and community clinic practitioners to share candid, real-world perspectives for the shelter-curious and community-minded. Centered on collaboration, this discussion highlights how general practitioners and shelter veterinarians together care for their community’s animals—patients who may not otherwise receive care or are at risk for entering the shelter because of inability to access care—and why working across practice settings is essential to expand access to care to keep animals in their homes. Panelists will explore how the goals of shelter and community medicine differ from private practice, the importance of a context-centered approach, and how to contribute effectively without becoming a barrier. Attendees will also hear lessons learned, common misconceptions, and practical guidance for learning resources and peer support. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m curious, but I don’t know where to start,” this panel is your on-ramp!
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