The Humane Sheltering Science Guide

Click on the image to read and download the guide.

Shelters are stressful environments that negatively impact health, behavior, and adoption opportunities. For example, many traditional practices — such as restricting visual access and limiting interaction — lead to frustration and misbehavior in dogs, increasing their time to be adopted.

The Humane Sheltering Science Guide presents research-backed recommendations for improving the welfare of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals, shortening length of stay, and increasing placement rates.

The Guide also highlights the financial and community benefits of humane sheltering. Killing animals is costly, while lifesaving programs — such as working with rescue groups, facilitating adoptions, and implementing community cat programs — reduce expenses and improve public perception. Case studies show these policies increase adoption rates, boost local economies, and attract new businesses.

Using the Guide, shelters can prioritize enrichment, behavioral support, and medical care to create a more humane and effective animal welfare system.

Did our guide help you?