{"id":67724,"date":"2026-02-23T14:30:05","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T19:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spainuscc.org\/?post_type=news&p=67724"},"modified":"2026-02-23T14:30:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T19:30:05","slug":"imascono-health-supports-animal-welfare-in-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/spainuscc.org\/es\/news\/imascono-health-supports-animal-welfare-in-the-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"Imascono Health Supports Animal Welfare in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"

In the United States, caring for and adopting companion animals is a social priority driven both by the strong emotional bond between people and their pets and by the broader public health implications involved. One example of this community commitment is <\/span>Athens\u00a0Area\u00a0Humane\u00a0Society<\/span><\/b>, a\u00a0nonprofit\u00a0organization\u00a0based\u00a0in\u00a0<\/span>Athens, Georgia,<\/span> dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and rehoming abandoned and homeless animals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Since its founding in 1989, the organization has become a leading institution in the southeastern United States, caring for thousands of animals each year, facilitating adoptions, providing basic veterinary services, and offering educational programs that promote responsible coexistence between people and pets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Volunteer\u00a0Training: A\u00a0Critical\u00a0Component\u00a0in Animal\u00a0Shelters<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Behind every successful adoption is a team of dedicated individuals\u2014many of them volunteers without prior medical or veterinary training. These teams are responsible for following strict hygiene, health control, and biosecurity protocols. When not properly applied, these procedures can contribute to the spread of contagious diseases such as parvovirus and other infections common in high-turnover shelter environments.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ensuring that these protocols are implemented consistently, clearly, and effectively is essential not only for the health of the animals, but also for the safety of caregivers and the broader community interacting with the shelter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To\u00a0address\u00a0this\u00a0challenge,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Imascono\u00a0Health<\/span>,\u00a0the\u00a0specialized\u00a0health\u00a0division\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0technology\u00a0company\u00a0Imascono,\u00a0developed\u00a0the\u00a0project\u00a0<\/span>VR Training:\u00a0Infectious\u00a0Diseases\u00a0Prevention\u00a0in\u00a0Shelter<\/span><\/i>\u00a0for\u00a0Athens\u00a0Area\u00a0Humane\u00a0Society,\u00a0with\u00a0sponsorship\u00a0from\u00a0<\/span>Boehringer Ingelheim Animal\u00a0Health<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Boehringer Ingelheim is one of the world\u2019s leading companies in innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of animal diseases. With operations in more than 150 countries and a strong commitment to both animal and human well-being, the <\/span>company\u00a0supports\u00a0initiatives\u00a0that\u00a0strengthen\u00a0community\u00a0health\u00a0and preventive\u00a0education<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Immersive\u00a0Training\u00a0Through\u00a0Virtual\u00a0Reality<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The project consists of a Virtual Reality training experience specifically designed for volunteer onboarding in animal shelters. Through a practical and immersive simulation, users navigate a virtual environment that faithfully replicates the daily operations of a shelter. The experience focuses on hygiene routines, proper use of protective equipment, movement through sensitive areas, and decision-making in real-life scenarios.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This type of\u00a0<\/span>immersive training<\/span><\/a>\u00a0not only accelerates learning but also ensures that protocols are internalized more effectively,\u00a0building confidence and competence from day one.\u00a0As\u00a0<\/span>Leticia Arroyo<\/span><\/b>, Health Division Manager at\u00a0Imascono, explains:\u00a0<\/span>\u201cWith this VR training, volunteer onboarding becomes more impactful: they learn faster, internalize protocols sooner, and the entire experience becomes something unique and memorable.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The value of this initiative lies in several key factors:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n