Thinking about adopting a pet? You need to hear this first. In this insightful episode of Irreplaceable Tails, hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT sit down with Dr. Jennifer Hawkins (aka Dr. Hawk) — UC Davis grad, Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), and President of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Together, they unpack the real work behind successful adoptions, from shelter surprises to medical must-knows.

What you'll learn:

– Why your new shelter pet might be faking good behavior (at first)

– The truth about kennel cough, Giardia, and upper respiratory illness

– What “quarantine” actually looks like post-adoption

– Why training isn’t optional—and why it trains you, not just your pet

– Myths about shelter pets, spay/neuter timing, and “kill vs no-kill”

– The truth about Huskies, Frenchies, Dalmatians & the influence of social media

– Pet insurance: smart investment or waste of money?

– Tips for introducing your new pet to resident pets and kids

– Dr. Hawk’s shelter story that changed her mind about Abyssinians forever

Who should listen:

– New or potential pet adopters

– Families with kids considering shelter animals

– Veterinary professionals and rescue advocates

– Anyone curious about what shelter medicine really involves

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Meet Dr. Hawk

01:40 – Most common shelter illnesses

04:00 – What to know before you adopt

07:10 – Training expectations for shelter pets

10:00 – Dr. Hawk’s unexpected love for Abyssinians

12:00 – Why so many purebreds end up in shelters

15:30 – Bringing a new pet home: key dos and don’ts

17:00 – Quarantine guidelines + parasite risks

22:00 – Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle

24:00 – Spay/neuter timing and myths

29:00 – Pet insurance and the cost of waiting too long

Stay Connected:

• Like this if you’ve adopted a pet or plan to
• Comment with your shelter pet’s story
• Subscribe for more unfiltered truth from the front lines of vet med Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

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Ep. 13

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