“Start Smart” - Understanding & Preparing for a Veterinarian of Record Relationship

Thursday, October 29, 2026 · 10–11 AM Pacific

What can shelters do to expand access to care in the midst of a vet shortage? And how can veterinarians help? Veterinarian of Record Relationships (VORRs) can provide shelters the ability to obtain and use medications and apply authorized medical protocols to expand veterinary services across organizations without regular veterinarian access. Join Dr. Jenn Bennett and her guests Julie Bank, Bruce Wagman, Dr. Sarah Mantovani and Mal Schwartz for this three-part series of webinars on the operational and legal whats, whys and hows of establishing and maintaining Veterinarian of Record Relationships (VORRs).

In “Start Smart” - Understanding & Preparing for a Veterinarian of Record Relationship (Oct. 29, 10am-11am), you’ll get an introduction to what a Veterinarian of Record Relationship is, why it matters, and how to tell if you (and your practice or organization) are ready to enter one. You’ll leave with a clear picture of the roles involved and a plan for step one: finding or evaluating a partner.

“Set Standards” – Foundations of the Veterinarian of Record Relationship (Nov. 19, 10am-11:30am), is all about how to move the partnership from a concept to a concrete plan. We’ll discuss the legal and regulatory basics, review options for shelter-veterinarian written agreements for services and fee structures, and how to assess shelter needs and training systems that will support the relationship long-term.

In “Stay Strong” – Sustaining a Successful Veterinarian of Record Relationship (Dec. 10, 10am-11:30am), you’ll learn how to put the partnership into action. You’ll learn how to launch a VORR well, navigate the friction points that commonly arise, and grow the relationship's impact over time. We’ll conclude by reviewing the return-on-investment for shelters and veterinarians engaged in VORRs.

Can't make it live? Register to receive the recording and resources after the event, accessible through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Shelter Learniverse, #ThanksToMaddie!

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