Sheila (D'Arpino) Segurson, DVM, DACVB

As the world’s first veterinarian who completed a post-graduate residency in Behavior with a focus on shelter animals, Dr. Sheila (D’Arpino) Segurson is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists with over 20 years of experience helping animal welfare organizations to improve welfare and outcomes for pets with behavioral concerns or challenges.

Dr. Segurson’s interest in shelter behavior began in 1987 when she volunteered in the behavior department at the San Francisco SPCA. Over the years, Dr. Segurson developed a diverse skillset via experiences as a volunteer, student, dog trainer, foster caregiver, veterinarian, shelter veterinary behaviorist, consultant, teacher and leader. Dr. Segurson utilizes that background to help shelters maximize lifesaving and make appropriate outcome decisions for the pets in their care and people in their community.

Dr. Segurson has contributed to several online courses and textbooks. She was the first author of University of Florida’s Shelter Animal Behavior and Welfare course (online), contributed to IAABC’s Animal Behavior Counsulting course, contributed to the Fear Free Shelter Course, and contributed shelter behavior chapters to Blackwell’s Five-minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline and BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine, Second edition.

Dr. Segurson has expertise in shelter behavior programs, including program structure and development, admissions, enrichment, behavioral evaluations, decision-making,  behavior modification, foster care, adoption and pet retention programs for dogs and cats.