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

Shelter Dog Training & Adoption

Clinical Behavior Service for Pets

(NEW!) Shelter Cat Behavior, Welfare, & Adoption

The Latest Companion Animal News from VT

Article Item

One week in a foster home dramatically improves shelter dogs’ lives , article
A new study shows that a week away from the kennel may be one of the best stress-relievers a shelter dog can get — and pairing them with a familiar canine buddy when they return helps even more.
Article Item

Fetching fashion: Students help shelter dogs shine in runway show , article
The Struttin’ for PAWS adoption fashion show will be held May 8 on the Graduate Life Center lawn.
Article Item

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.
Video Item

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.
Video Item

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.
Article Item

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.