Ringworm, which is a highly contagious fungal infection, can be devastating for cats and dogs in shelters — but it doesn’t have to be. With proper protocols, it can be safely treated and cured.
In 2013, the SF SPCA created the SPORE Program (Shelters Preventing Outbreaks of Ringworm through Education) to teach other shelters how to better detect, treat, and manage ringworm. In collaboration with Maddie’s Fund, we have educated shelter workers from over 84 shelters in 23 states! The SPORE Program has helped thousands of shelter animals with ringworm have received a second chance.
Here at the SF SPCA, more than 300 animals receive ringworm treatment each year. Recently, an adorable kitten named Catkin became the 2,000th animal to graduate from our SPORE Program and move to the adoption floor!
“Catkin was living in a trailer in Fresno with 20 other cats who also had ringworm, and was understandably a bit undersocialized,” explained Laura Mullen, SF SPCA Shelter Medicine Outreach Programs Manager and SPORE Program Founder. “Most ringworm kittens need six to seven weeks of treatment. Catkin only needed five weeks because his overall health was good and he was about three months old when he arrived, and older kittens tend go through treatment faster. During his time with us, our SPORE volunteers and staff worked their magic — not only did Catkin recover from ringworm, he also blossomed into a sweet and loving cat who was ready for his forever home.”
Once adorable Catkin was available for adoption it only took him a few days before his new family spotted him and fell in love. Congrats to our 2,000th SPORE graduate!
Please make a gift today so we can continue to share this lifesaving program with other shelters and help give ringworm animals a second chance. Donate today!