In the past, animals infected with ringworm were considered untreatable in a shelter setting and were frequently euthanized due to its highly contagious nature. While many shelters are still not equipped to contain and treat such a contagious disease, DCHS has been able to meet these needs since starting the first ringworm treatment program ever developed worldwide in 2003.
The F.I.T. program began inside a pink 1960's-era trailer with Karen Moriello, DVM, DACVD, Sandra Newbury, DVM, and a hard-working group of volunteers with additional support from Mounds Pet Food Warehouse, DVM Parmeceuticals and a collaboration with the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. Since that time, the F.I.T. program has expanded in order to help sick cats at DCHS, as well as assisting other shelters and rescues unable to provide this care themselves.
In 2010, through a generous matching grant from Maddie's Fund® and donor support, a permanent structure was built to house the F.I.T. program. Maddie's Felines in Treatment Center is a 2000-square foot facility that serves as a quarantine zone completely isolated from the available animal population. There is space for storage of supplies and equipment, as well as facility-specific HVAC, hot water, and electrical systems.
The F.I.T. Center is designed as a separate operating facility with two treatment sections: general treatment for cats with ringworm and URI (upper Respiratory Infection) treatment for our ringworm cats who have colds.
