Animal Advocacy and Animal Sheltering in the Midlands of South Carolina

M.S. in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) Externship Experience
May-August 2020
Animal Advocacy and Animal Sheltering in the Midlands of South Carolina
Casey Boyer

My summer externship took place in Columbia, South Carolina at Pawmetto Lifeline, a non-profit animal rescue organization. I spent 6 weeks completely remote and 4 weeks in-person. The three focuses of my externship were addressing puppy mills in South Carolina, a nuisance cat ordinance in Lexington County, and conducting a survey of shelters across South Carolina on their protocol changes in the pandemic. Additionally, my in-person work consisted of experience in the spay/neuter clinic, visiting local municipal shelters to pick up dogs for intake, and volunteering at a kitten adoption event.

I applied the material I learned about in Research Methods, Communicating Policy Positions, and other MAPP classes to address each of my externship focuses, including testifying in front of local county council. Overall, my experience in the MAPP program has given me the tools to be a successful animal advocate in my future career as a veterinarian.

See Externship Experience presentation here: