INFORMATION ON ANIMAL SHELTERS
Mars Petcare and PEDIGREE Foundation New Shelter Information - December 18, 2024
Optimism for Shelters Amid Challenges
Despite the challenges, shelters have reason to remain optimistic. Our study reveals a significant gap between the high demand for pets and the limited supply within shelters. This suggests that shelters don’t need to meet all demand to successfully place their cats and dogs in loving homes.
Demand for pets is elastic, as any skilled marketer knows, and this is a critical insight for shelters. Broader data encourages the animal welfare industry to challenge assumptions about insufficient demand for shelter animals. Instead, shelters can focus on improving practices to better match pets with adopters.
Evidence shows shelters have ample room to improve their placement rates. Eliminating unnecessary barriers for adopters and enhancing customer service can make a big difference. Since the pandemic, shelters have faced stiff competition from online sellers who prioritize the customer experience. Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and PetSmart Charities highlights that many pet buyers initially attempted adoption but encountered obstacles. Removing these barriers could convert more would-be buyers into adopters.
For pets that are harder to adopt—such as big dogs and senior animals—data from Adopt a Pet’s Rehoming platform offers valuable lessons. This platform outperformed shelters in placing these pets, even though it took longer. Supporting families in rehoming their pets, instead of surrendering them, could be a better approach for shelters. Foster programs could also help ease the strain on overfilled shelters by reducing the length of stay for these harder-to-place animals.
Finally, shelters can address their intake numbers by strengthening community programs. By providing resources that help families keep their pets, shelters can reduce “supply” and focus on the pets most in need. With thoughtful strategies and an openness to change, shelters can meet the challenges ahead while continuing to find homes for the animals in their care.
Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ (ASV) Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters was originally published in 2010. This second edition keeps the intent and format of the original document, while incorporating important updates based on the growing body of animal sheltering science and recommendations rooted in practical experience.
This document is intended to guide all personnel, including administrative, medical, behavior, and animal care staff; volunteers; foster caregivers; sole operators; and those filling any other role that supports animal well-being.
The document touches on the following topics:
- Management and record keeping.
- Population management.
- Animal handling.
- Facilities.
- Sanitation.
- Medical health.
- Shelter surgery.
- Forensics.
- Behavior and mental well-being.
- Euthanasia.
- Animal transport and relocation programs.
- Disaster response.
- Public health.
Outdoor Exercise Pens at Animal Shelters
Outdoor exercise areas at animal shelters are subject to specific regulations designed to protect the dogs, employees, and the broader community from exposure to disease. These regulations are critical to maintaining a safe environment. Just as a kennel must be disinfected after it becomes vacant, an exercise pen must also be thoroughly disinfected before another animal is allowed access.
Many dogs enter shelters carrying parasites, such as worms, which require prompt deworming. Some of these worms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans. Adhering to regulations and proper practices helps prevent outbreaks of serious diseases like parvovirus and other zoonotic diseases, such as ringworm, leptospirosis, and giardia, which can be found in animal shelters.
Please take note of Regulation 1.5 regarding the drainage of surface water, along with the corresponding slide from the NJDOH about proper drainage. Does your shelter have the appropriate drainage systems in place? Are the surfaces properly maintained?
The next time you visit your local animal shelter, ask questions about their practices and educate them on the importance of compliance with these regulations. If you find they are not compliant, consider writing to the shelter and city council. By raising awareness and ensuring proper procedures are followed, we can help protect the health of the animals, the staff, and the community.
2023 Animal Shelter Information
HIGHLIGHTS
The number of animals entering shelters through community intakes in 2023 remained roughly the same as 2022 at 6.5 million, with intakes nearly evenly split between dogs and cats.
Even though total community intakes remained flat in 2023, 4% fewer animals (-67,000) were transferred between organizations compared to 2022.
While 2.2 million dogs were adopted in 2023, dog adoptions are still 5% lower than in 2019 (-108,000 dogs adopted).
Cats are experiencing a more hopeful trend: 2.6 million cats were adopted in 2023, 14% more (+319,000 cats) than 2019
While non-live outcomes are on the rise for both cats and dogs, the number of dogs euthanized (359,000 dogs) surpassed the number of cats euthanized (330,000 cats). Shelter euthanasia represents 9% of total intakes.
In 2023, 6,550,000 dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues nationwide. (up 0.2%)
3.2 MILLION DOGS COMMUNITY INTAKES ENTERED SHELTERS & RESCUES IN 2023
2.9 MILLION DOGS 2.2 million adopted 625,000 returned to owner 561,000 transferred between organizations 37,000 died in care 359,000 euthanized in shelters had a live outcome in 2023.
Information - Animal Shelters
In New Jersey, as in many parts of the country, animal shelters face a dire situation marked by chronic overcrowding and strained resources. The issue is exacerbated by a lack of attention and support from legislators, leaving shelters to fend for themselves amidst growing populations of homeless animals. This neglect contributes to a heartbreaking reality where many dogs and cats are euthanized due to space constraints and the sheer volume of incoming animals.
Overcrowding in shelters not only compromises the well-being of the animals housed there but also strains the ability of shelters to provide adequate care and attention. Limited resources mean fewer opportunities for medical treatment, socialization, and adoption outreach, perpetuating a cycle where animals remain in shelters longer or face euthanasia as a last resort.
To address these challenges, public support is crucial. Individuals can make a tangible difference by volunteering their time, donating supplies, or advocating for increased funding and legislative action to improve shelter conditions. Ensuring that shelters comply with regulations such as NJAC 8:23A and NJSA 4:19-15.16 through regular inspections is vital to holding them accountable and ensuring animal welfare standards are met.
The plight of animals in New Jersey's shelters underscores the urgent need for community involvement and legislative reform. By raising awareness, supporting shelters financially and through volunteer efforts, and demanding better oversight and resources from legislators, we can collectively reduce euthanasia rates and provide a brighter future for our state's homeless pets. The animals in these shelters depend on our advocacy and action to ensure they receive the care and compassion they deserve.
EVERY SHELTER IN NJ MUST BE LICENSED BY JUNE 30TH. TO GET A SHELTER LICENSE THEY MUST HAVE 2 INSPECTIONS
1. FIRE AND
2. HEALTH INSPECTION.
