Dakin Humane Society appoints Dr. Katie Spaulding as medical director

Dr. Katie Spaulding has been named medical director of Dakin Humane Society. She previously worked as an infection preventionist in Hawaii and began her veterinary career at Dakin in 2010.

Dr. Katie Spaulding has been named medical director of Dakin Humane Society. She returns to the organization where she began her veterinary career in 2010 and brings experience from public health and animal welfare roles in Hawaii. Her background includes work as an Infection Preventionist for the Hawaii State Department of Health and volunteer service as a marine animal veterinarian with NOAA. She has professional interests in infectious disease prevention, antimicrobial resistance, and alternative sterilization methods for free‑roaming cats. Known details: - Dr. Spaulding will oversee delivery of medical care for adoption center animals, including diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and adherence to medical protocols. - Dakin currently employs five veterinarians, and Dr. Spaulding will lead the adoption center's medical functions. - She previously worked with animal welfare organizations in Hawaii on veterinary care and sterilization programs for free‑roaming cats. - She served as an Infection Preventionist with the Hawaii State Department of Health and volunteered with NOAA at the Marine Mammal Center's Hawaiian Monk Seal hospital. - Executive Director Meg Talbert described her return as a full‑circle moment and said Spaulding's expertise aligns with Dakin's goals of helping people and animals in the community. Summary: Dakin expects Dr. Spaulding's leadership to support accessible veterinary care and the development of community pet care resources. Undetermined at this time.