Companion Animal Extension at Virginia Tech

Paws for patience, please. These pages are under construction.

Illustration of a gray horse, calico cat, and lab mix on a white background.

Programs

Animal Sheltering

Owned Pets & Horses

Shelter Dog Training & Adoption

The Latest Companion Animal News from VT

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Man’s best friend could be the spotted lanternfly’s worst enemy , article
Virginia Tech researchers found that everyday dog-handler teams can effectively detect spotted lanternfly egg masses, offering a community-driven tool to fight invasive agricultural pests.
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Students develop program to help shelter dogs , video
A group students in the College of Agriculture and Life Science's School of Animal Sciences are working on an independent study to improve the lives of shelter dogs through enrichment and training programs.
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Virginia Tech forms unique partnership with Roanoke Valley SPCA , video
The collaboration will provide hands-on learning for students as well as research opportunities for faculty. Virginia Tech's School of Animal Sciences newest faculty member Megan Arant will provide a dual role for teaching and also improving the shelter experience.
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Pairing shelter dogs has ‘pawsitive’ results , article
A Virginia Tech-led study of shelter dogs revealed that dogs housed with a well-matched companion less stressed and adopted faster than dogs housed alone.
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Paws for a cause: Virginia Tech students, professors lead dog adoption efforts and research , article
In collaboration with the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection in Roanoke, students and researchers help dogs find forever homes.
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Virginia Tech researcher explores hybrid fostering of shelter dogs for improved canine welfare , article
A researcher in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is collaborating with PetSmart Charities to help improve animal welfare of dogs in need of adoption.