Item 02 2025-00733 City of Sacramento Animal Care Relocation and Interim Shelter Improvements — Budget and Audit Committee, March 25, 2025

City of Sacramento
Budget and Audit Committee Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-00733 3/25/2025 Consent Item 2.

City of Sacramento Animal Care Relocation and Interim Shelter Improvements File ID: 2025-00733
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Receive and file.

Contact: Phillip Zimmerman, Animal Care Services Manager, (916) 808-8333, [email protected], Community Development Department Presenter: Phillip Zimmerman, Animal Care Services Manager, (916) 808-8333, [email protected], Community Development Department Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Shelter Needs Assessment
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: Advisory bodies of the City are required to provide an annual report and workplan for review by the Personnel and Public Employees (P&PE) Committee as outlined in the City Council Rules of Procedure, Chapter 17. On January 7, 2025, the P&PE Committee directed staff to bring the Animal Wellbeing Commission’s recommendation regarding possible shelter relocation to the Budget and Audit Committee (Committee) due to the significant financial impact of a shelter relocation project.

Policy Considerations: This report is consistent with the Personnel and Public Employees Committee direction to inform Budget and Audit committee of the need assessment findings and future fiscal implications and needs.

Economic Impacts: None.

Environmental Considerations: This action is not a project subject to CEQA because it involves only organizational or administrative activities that will not result in direct changes to the physical environment. When facility improvements are proposed, environmental review will be conducted.

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File ID: 2025-00733 3/25/2025 Consent Item 2.

Sustainability: Not applicable.

Commission/Committee Action: Commission/Committee Action:

Personnel and Public Employees Committee: On January 7, 2025, Animal Care Services Manager and Animal Wellbeing Commission 2024 Chair presented the 2024 Annual report and 2025 Workplan for Animal Wellbeing. The committee received and approved with a motion directing staff to forward the report and workplan along with possible shelter locations to the Budget and Audit Committee and request a motion to move the report forward to City Council.

On January 15, 2025, the Animal Wellbeing Commission discussed, received, and filed the 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Workplan Review from City Staff that was presented on January 7, 2025, at the Personnel and Public Employees Committee meeting.

Rationale for Recommendation: Staff are bringing the Annual Report, including the Commission’s recommendations regarding shelter needs to the Budget and Audit Committee as requested recognizing that this recommendation would need to be reviewed in the context of the City’s budget process.

Financial Considerations: The City budget is in structural deficit and needs to close a $62.2 million funding gap to balance the FY2025/26 budget with deficits forecasted to grow in future Fiscal Years.

Capital projects must be evaluated in the context of long-term citywide facility needs as well as available resources. The City currently has approximately $1.4 billion in unfunded deferred maintenance and facility needs identified in the most recent 5-year Capital Improvement Program.

Where possible, smaller facility maintenance projects, including interim improvements, may be funded within existing budgeted resources and any new resources generated from grants and/or donations.

Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.

Background: The existing shelter facility, constructed in 1910 and expanded over the years, currently occupies 1.8 acres with a total area of approximately 29,280 square feet. Current shelter capacity is only sufficient for approximately half of the current demand, leading to persistent overcrowding and significant animal welfare concerns. The Shelter Needs Assessment was conducted in this context for long-term facility planning purposes and to identify interim improvements that may ameliorate existing conditions.

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Front Street Animal Shelter

Needs Assessment
September 17, 2024

18,
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 2 of 28

Acknowledgments
to the following individuals who contributed to the contents contained in this report

ANIMAL CARE SERVICES CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Leah C. Morris Chair
Kathleen Garcia Member
Paul Hefner Member & Volunteer

CITY OF SACRAMENTO FRONT STREET ANIMAL SHELTER STAFF
Phillip Zimmerman Animal Care Services Manager
Brittany Alcantar Veterinary Services Administrator
Jennifer Chikasawa Administrative Officer
Ashley Gilmore Registered Veterinarian Technician
Ryan Hinderman Communications and Customer Service Manager Leese Johnson Animal Care Technician
Jennifer Magana Volunteer Coordinator
Shannon Quinn Volunteer Coordinator
Lori Rhoades Dog Foster/Rescue Coordinator
Jody Somel Senior Animal Care Technician
Jessica Stapp Animal Care Technician
Lizz Thompson Shelter Operations Manager
Robin Tomlin Administrative Analyst
Jenna Topper Homeless Outreach Coordinator
Desiree Villegas Registered Veterinarian Technician
Kathryn Welch Registered Veterinarian Technician

CITY OF SACRAMENTO FRONT STREET ANIMAL SHELTER VOLUNTEERS James Houpt Friends of FSAS, Board President
Evelyn Dale Volunteer
Ann Navarro Volunteer
Vicki Peterson-Cercley Volunteer

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT OFFICE
Katie Valenzuela City Council District 4, Council Member Austin Busch-Estrada City Council District 1, Communications Coordinator Lela Estrada City Council District 4, Constituent Affairs Associate Kayla Lewandowski City Council District 3, Operations & Communication Director

SHELTER DESIGN TEAM
Bruce Playle Indigo – Hammond & Playle Architects, Principal Denae Wagner, DVM, MPVM UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program Candace Harrison Indigo – Hammond & Playle Architects, Project Architect Yuga Chaudhari Indigo – Hammond & Playle Architects, Project Designer

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 5 2 Process & Methodology ............................................................................................................. 5 A Scope of study ................................................................................................................... 5 B Animal Care Services Citizen Advisor Committee ............................................................. 6 C Stakeholder inclusion ........................................................................................................ 6 D Vision Statement ............................................................................................................... 6 E Goals and objectives .......................................................................................................... 6 F Shelter design best practices ............................................................................................. 7 3 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................................... 10 A Site size and context ........................................................................................................ 10 B Building size and condition .............................................................................................. 11 C Summary of existing deficiencies .................................................................................... 11 4 Facility needs assessment ........................................................................................................ 14 A Animal housing and capacity recommendations ............................................................ 14 B Diversity of housing types needed .................................................................................. 17 C Correlation between animal intake and human population of sacramento. ................. 17 D Geographic analysis (where are calls for service coming from) ..................................... 18 E Program Summary ........................................................................................................... 19 F Noise study conducted .................................................................................................... 20 5 Review of options for the future .............................................................................................. 21 A Renovate and expand existing shelter ............................................................................ 21 B Renovate existing shelter for animal control only, build a new adoption center on new site ................................................................................................................................... 24 C Renovate existing shelter, build a second, satellite shelter on new site ........................ 24 D Build a new shelter on new site, repurpose the existing site ......................................... 25 6 Hypothetical site option ........................................................................................................... 26 29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 4 of 28

7 Cost and timeline ...................................................................................................................... 28 A Renovating and expanding the existing animal shelter .................................................. 28 B Hypothetical new animal shelter on new site ................................................................. 28 8 Recommendations.................................................................................................................... 29 A Recommendations, new shelter ..................................................................................... 29 B Interim improvements .................................................................................................... 29 9 Appendices
• Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr. Denae Wagner, KSMP • Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area • Appendix C – Site Selection Criteria
• Appendix D – Noise Exposure Assessment and Sound Level Survey Report • Appendix E – The Association of Shelter Veterinarians' Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Established in 1910, for over 100 years the City of Sacramento Front Street address has been in use as an animal control site. In the early days of animal control, such facilities were termed "pounds", where stray animals were impounded. Since then, the site has been remodeled to focus on animal care and sheltering with various remodels and improvements including a major expansion in 1992-1993. In 2007 the Cattery building was remodeled with improved cat housing and efficient HVAC system. In 2012 Animal Care Surgery Center was built to improve the veterinary services provided by the Animal Care Services. In 2019 a modular building was built for the ACO to improve functionality of the shelter. However, all these modifications don’t meet the current intake of animals at the shelter and doesn’t meet the guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters.

It is determined to be infeasible for full remodel of the existing facility to provide recommended housing for animals, to deliver sheltering best practices, to meet shelter goals, and to deliver needed program space. The site is too small to allow for a building addition based on the recommended program area. The cost to repair deficiencies is too great.

As a result of these findings, the following recommendations are given.

Recommendations summary :
• Seek a new minimum seven net acre site.
• Build new +/- 50,000 sf building.
• Initiate fundraising campaign.
• Proceed with interim improvements of the existing facility, see Section 8. B for a full list and identified costs.

2 PROCESS & METHODOLOGY

A SCOPE OF STUDY
The scope of this study included a structured approach where first, site visit and facility inspection were conducted to identify any modifications made over the time and animal care issues. Public data on animal intake and adoption services was analyzed based on geographic patterns of animal intake, and areas of high demand for animal control services.

Second, future volume of animal intake and spay/neuter services based on the “The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters” were estimated to ensure effective future planning.

Third, the existing site’s capability to provide proper standard animal care was evaluated.

Interim improvements and next steps that the City of Sacramento should consider are outlined in the report.

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B ANIMAL CARE SERVICES CITIZEN ADVISOR COMMITTEE
On March 03, 2024, a facility tour was conducted with Animal Care Services Citizens Committee, Indigo Architects and Dr. Denae Wagner from Koret Shelter Medicine Program (KSMP). A thorough analysis of the existing site was conducted to identify current intake capacities, geographic patterns of animal intake, and areas with high demand for animal control services.

The second meeting was held on March 25, 2024. A summary analysis of the existing site, along with recommended programs based on the intake, was presented to the ACSCC by Indigo Architects and Dr. Wagner.

C STAKEHOLDER INCLUSION
Charette 1 – Defining the need, an interactive workshop was conducted on May 06, 2024, with staff, stakeholders, volunteers and city council in presence to gain valuable input from staff and stakeholders of existing site deficiencies, potential enhancements and visions for the future.

Charette 2 – Shaping the Future, was conducted on May 20, 2024, with staff, stakeholders, volunteers, and city council in presence. This interactive workshop was conducted to provide a feedback loop based on charette 1 to key participants envisioning the future of animal shelter. Participants delved deep into the analysis, insights and primary recommendations for the shelter.

D VISION STATEMENT
A community where care and resources are accessible for all animals.

E GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
i Healthy housing
To provide a safe, sanitary, and enriching environment for all animals in the shelter by ensuring that housing facilities meet or exceed the "Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters," thereby promoting the physical and mental well-being of every animal in our care. ii Adoption focus
To create an adoption-focused design for the animal shelter that optimizes the adoption process, enhances the visibility and appeal of adoptable animals, and fosters positive interactions between potential adopters and sheltered animals.
iii Functional flow
Implement a functional flow design for the animal shelter to optimize operations, improve efficiency in animal care, and enhance the overall experience for both sheltered animals, staff, and visitors. iv Economical facility
Interactive workshop
Facility tour
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Develop an economical facility design for the animal shelter that maximizes efficiency in operations, minimizes construction and maintenance costs, and ensures sustainability while meeting the needs of sheltered animals and staff.
v Shelter medicine best practices
Implement shelter medicine best practices in the design of the animal shelter to ensure optimal health, well-being, and disease prevention for sheltered animals, thereby improving outcomes and reducing the length of stay.

F SHELTER DESIGN BEST PRACTICES
Pathways, Species Separation and Adjacencies.
• Pathways, species separation, and adjacencies in animal shelters should be designed according to “The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters” to ensure animal welfare and operational efficiency.
• Pathways should facilitate smooth movement of animals, staff, and visitors, minimizing stress and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
• Species separation is essential, with distinct areas for different types of animals (e.g., dogs, cats, small mammals) to prevent interspecies stress and aggression. • Adjacencies should be carefully planned, placing related functions near each other, such as intake areas close to quarantine and medical treatment.
• Quiet areas for resting and recovery should be situated away from noisy, high -traffic areas to promote a calm environment.
• These design considerations ensure that the shelter operates smoothly while providing a safe, comfortable environment for all animals.

Animal Housing
• Animal housing should be designed to meet the highest standard of care, to provide enough housing to meet the current needs, and to ensure the well-being and comfort of animals. • Housing units should be designed with double compartments to provide animals with separate living and eliminate areas, which helps to maintain cleanliness and reduces stress. • Animal shelters that facilitate shorter lengths of stay involves efficient layout and streamlined processes that prioritize quick assessment, treatment, and adoption, ensuring animals spend minimal time in the shelter environment.

Dog Housing
• Adequate space is paramount; kennels should be at least 4 feet wide and 9 -12 feet long to allow animals room to move comfortably.
• Indoor/outdoor access is beneficial as it provides animals with fresh air and opportunities for exercise.
• Cages, particularly those for larger animals, should be spacious, ideally 6 feet long, and designed as double compartments to accommodate individual needs or temporary separation when necessary.

See figure “Back to Back Kennels”.

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Cat Housing
The following design considerations aim to enhance the physical and psychological well -being of shelter cats.
• Provide double compartment housing options to support cleanliness and comfort by separating sleeping and elimination areas.
• Group housing for cats, with a minimum of 18 square feet of floor space per cat, limits numbers to small groups of 4-6 cats to prevent overcrowding and reduce stress. Individual rooms, sized at 36 square feet or larger, accommodate bonded pairs comfortably, offering a quiet and private space for companionship.
• Indoor/outdoor access, such as a Catio attached to group or individual rooms, enriches the environment by allowing cats to experience fresh air and sunlight safely.

Facility Design
• Efficient animal shelters require careful attention to mechanical systems to ensure air quality without drafts, which can stress animals.
• Plumbing and drainage systems must be efficient to handle waste and ensure a clean water supply, crucial for hygiene and health.
• Noise mitigation strategies are essential to minimize stress levels among animals, while ventilation systems are critical for controlling air quality and preventing the spread of diseases. • Daylighting and well-designed lighting with occupancy controls and dimming options not only enhance the environment but also support the animals' natural rhythms. • Finally, using durable, easy-to-clean finishes helps maintain hygiene standards and ensures longevity of shelter facilities
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Staff & Volunteers
• Designing a facility to support animal care begins with ensuring adequate working space and support areas for staff to perform their duties efficiently. • Utilizing safe materials like non-slip flooring enhances safety for both animals and personnel. The facility should be easy to clean and operate, with low maintenance requirements, facilitating daily care routines and promoting hygiene standards.
• Creating a positive work environment is essential; a well-designed facility enables staff to perform their tasks effectively, contributing to the well-being of sheltered animals. • Minimizing animal handling during daily care reduces stress and supports their overall comfort. • Providing staff amenities such as break rooms, wellness rooms, quiet spaces, and locker rooms with showers promotes staff well-being and ensures they can work effectively throughout their shifts.

Visitors
• To encourage adoption, animal shelters should prioritize creating low barriers by simplifying adoption processes and fees, promoting a welcoming and positive image of animal care. • Clear wayfinding signage within the facility helps visitors navigate easily to view animals, both indoors and outdoors.
• Providing diverse housing spaces that allow potential adopters to view animals in different environments enhances their understanding of each animal's personality and needs. • Designing family-friendly spaces within the shelter encourages visits from families, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
• Accessibility considerations, such as ramps and wide pathways, ensure that the shelter is accessible to individuals with disabilities and elderly visitors.
• Overall, these efforts contribute to creating a supportive environment that encourages adoptions and facilitates positive interactions between animals and potential adopters.

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3 EXISTING CONDITIONS

A SITE SIZE AND CONTEXT
Front Street Animal Shelter (FSAS) was constructed in 1992 and is on a 1.8-acre site right beside the I-5 freeway and the I-80 freeway on the east. The automobile museum is across the street on the west side. There is a city- owned parking lot directly north of the museum. A PG&E Facility is on the north side of the animal shelter. The site is served by city sanitary sewer, water, and PG&E electrical services.

Aerial view of existing Front Street Animal Shelter site. 29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 11 of 28

B BUILDING SIZE AND CONDITION
The main shelter/admin building is 3,100 sf with
six outdoor covered kennel buildings
approximately 1,000 sf each, a 600-sf modular
building serving animal control offices, cattery
building of 2,800 sf, kitten/puppy building of
700 sf, intake building of 500 sf, and a surgery
center of 1,100 sf. On the site there are few
modular storage/shed for food storage. On site
there are outdoor scullery, freezer, and laundry
areas. Over the years various additions and
remodels have occurred to accommodate
changing needs.

The facility has 102 dog housing plus some
small amount of cage housing ~10 cages and
109 cat housing.

See programming section for a more detailed
breakdown of space use.

C SUMMARY OF EXISTING DEFICIENCIES
The major deficiencies of the existing facility identified by shelter staff, Indigo Architects and Dr. Wagner during the facility inspection include:

General Facility
• Many interior uses are being utilized
outdoors due to space constraints.
• The proximity to a freeway contributes
to noise disturbances,
affecting both animals and staff.
• Not enough veterinary services and
housing to serve the shelter population.
• Species separation is a challenge within
the shelter, impacting the management
of different types of animals.
• The pathways and flow through the site
are not optimized, leading to
inefficiencies.

Existing Site Plan
Surgery Center Outdoor Laundry
Surgery Center Outdoor Scullery
DR W

VEHICLE MAIN
GATE

FRONT STREET
SECURE

PARKING
PUBLIC

PARKING
FREE
5 FREEWAY
80 V STREET

LAUNDRY CAT/PUPP
BATH
TRUCK
WASH
(E)

BUILDING
BARN

V STREET
(E)
ACO
MOD
A: 600 sq ft
(E) SURGERY
CENTER
A: 1,152 sq ft
(E) CATTERY
A: 2,850 sq ft
(E) ADMIN BUILDING
A: 3,148 sq ft
(E) KENNEL

WORK BUILDING
A: 1,572 sq ft
(E) KENNEL S
A: 1,173 sq ft
(E) KENNEL M
A: 732 sq ft
(E) KENNEL A
A: 1,173 sq ft
(E)

KITTEN /
PUPPY
BLDG.

A: 768 sq ft
(E)

STORAGE
SHED
A: 50 sq ft
(E)

STORAGE
SHED
A: 105 sq ft
(E) MODULAR STORAGE/

LACTATION
A: 160 sq ft
(E) NIGHT
DROP

BUILDING
A: 544 sq ft
(E) STOR.

SHED
A: 120 sq ft
(E) STOR.

SHED
A: 120 sq ft
(E) CONTAINER FOR

FOOD STORAGE
A: 160 sq ft
(E) STOR.

SHED
A: 120 sq ft

LAUNDRY
A: 733 sq ft
(E) KENNEL Q
A: 1,212 sq ft
(E) SCULLERY
A: 308 sq ft
(E) FREEZER
A: 295 sq ft
(E) PLAY YARD
A: 1,164 sq ft
(E) DOG PARK
A: 2,256 sq ft
(E) DOG PARK
A: 2,819 sq ft

OUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 561 sq ft

OUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 415 sq ft

OUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 415 sq ft
(E) KENNEL I
A: 958 sq ftOUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 544 sq ft

OUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 256 sq ft

OUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 261 sq ft

OUTDOOR KENNELS
A: 546 sq ft

OVERALL EXISTING SITE PLAN

COLOR LEGEND

CONDITIONED BUILDING

DOG OUTDOOR COVERED AREA

DOG EXERCISE

MODULAR

OUTDOOR SUPPORT

STORAGE SHED

FREEWAY
5 Existing Site Plan
29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 12 of 28

• Poor wayfinding makes it difficult for
both visitors and staff, further
complicating operations within the
shelter.
• Needs better storage facility for the
shelter.

Pathways
• The current layout of the animal shelter necessitates frequent crossing of different species, which poses safety and health risks.
• Poor adjacencies within the facility impact operational efficiencies. • Elevated levels of stimulation from the movement of people and dogs through the kennel areas contribute to increased stress among the animals.
• Entry into the kennel areas is negative due to the noisy, scary environment, poor lighting, narrow pathways, and limited visibility.
• Support areas, which should be centralized for efficiency, are instead located on the edges and at opposite ends of the shelter.

Animal Housing
• Not enough kennels to properly house
dogs individually (multiple dogs in nearly
all kennels)
• Species separation is lacking throughout
facility.
o Though there is separation of
species in the areas where cats
and dogs are housed the barking
dog noise from the kennel area is
heard throughout most of these
animal housing areas as well as in
other areas of the shelter.
o Most species share common
pathways, some housing areas
are the pathway to other areas
of the facility increasing the
exposure between species.
o Cats experience high exposure to dogs in this facility. • Kennel doors opening inside increase the risk of dogs escaping or becoming aggressive when someone enters the kennel. This becomes inefficient to maneuver, clean or place items like food and water bowls and it is a safety hazard to staff and volunteers. The curb in front of the kennel door is a tripping hazard for staff and volunteers.
• Shelter needs more adequate isolation areas to effectively manage and contain infectious diseases and ensure the health and safety of all animals.
• Shelter needs more meet and greet areas both outdoors and indoors to facilitate comfortable and safe interactions between potential adopters and animals.

Food Storage Sheds Storage in Parking Lot
Kennel door opening inside Kennel sharing
Curb in front of kennel door Kennel door lock
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Staff & Volunteer
• The animal shelter faces a lack of appropriate type and amount of administrative space, failing to meet the needs of staff. • There is a need for more meeting space and amenities such as a break room, meeting rooms, wellness space, and outdoor quiet space. • Shelter lacks a dedicated volunteer room.
• Inadequate animal housing spaces force staff into co-housing situations or worse, negatively impacting visitor perception. • The facility deficiencies compromise the staff’s ability to properly care for the animals.
• All these issues contribute to staff retention challenges, increased burnout, and a higher risk of injury.

Visitor
• The Animal shelter experiences long wait times for adoptions, partly due to a lack of sufficient meet and greet areas.
• The aging facility contributes to a poor perception of animal care among visitors.
• Additionally, wayfinding within the shelter is difficult, and lack of variety of housing options serves as a barrier to animal adoption. • The kennels are noisy, narrow, and stressful for the animals, further complicating the adoption process.
• The absence of counseling rooms also hinders the ability to facilitate successful adoptions.

Workers Compensation
Data provided by the City was evaluated with respect to workers’ compensation claims. A pie chart was prepared illustrating distribution of worker’s compensation claims at the Front Street Shelter from January 1, 2019, to March 12, 2024. See Appendix A for detailed information.

Admin staff workplace
Reception lobby
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4 FACILITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT

A ANIMAL HOUSING AND CAPACITY RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Denae Wagner with the KSMP evaluated the intake statistics provided by FSAS. This provided a basis for the housing capacity recommendations which was then used as a base for developing the programmatic needs for the shelter. Current capacity needs were based on 2023 intake numbers and future needs were based on 2019 intake numbers since these are the highest numbers the shelter has seen .

Dog Housing – Current Needs
The current dog housing capacity need should be 240 housing with average length of stay (LOS) of 14 days based on live intake of 5389 annually (449/ month and around 14/day). The existing dog housing is 102 with average LOS is 10-13 days where 23% pups were co-housed for housing calculations. See following table for summary of housing. See Appendix A for more detailed housing calculations.

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Dog Housing – Future Needs
The future dog housing capacity need will be 272 housing with average length of stay (LOS) of 14 days based on 2019 intake of 5513 annually (459/ month and around 15/day). 2019 data had a lower percentage of puppies (also more conservative for calculating the future). See following table for summary of housing. See Appendix A for more detailed housing calculations.

Cat Housing – Current Needs
The current cat housing capacity need should be 140 housing units using a LOS of 10 days based on live intake of 4148 annually (382/month and 11 per day). The existing cat housing is 109 with average LOS is 10 days. See following table for summary of housing. See Appendix A for more detailed housing calculations. 29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 16 of 28

Cat Housing – Future Needs
The future cat housing capacity need will be 188 housing units using a LOS of 10 days based on 2019 intake of 4704 annually (392/month and 13 per day). Intakes are 62% kittens on average. See following table for summary of housing. See Appendix A for more detailed housing calculations.

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B DIVERSITY OF HOUSING TYPES NEEDED
See Appendix A for detailed information provided by Dr. Wagner from KSMP.

C CORRELATION BETWEEN ANIMAL INTAKE AND HUMAN POPULATION OF SACRAMENTO .

There has been concern that population growth may translate to a growth in shelter animal intake. However, there is no correlation between shelter intake and City of Sacramento human population growth. Please see Appendix A for further detail. Pandemic years 2020 and 2021 impacted shelter intakes greatly (reduced) and post pandemic 2022 and 2023 have yet to recover to pre -pandemic intake levels.

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D GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS (WHERE ARE CALLS FOR SERVICE COMING FROM) A review of service requests to the Front Street Animal Shelter indicates that, as anticipated, the majority of service request calls come from within the City of Sacramento. However, it is interesting to note that several calls for assistance come from surrounding communities such as Citrus Heights or Elk Grove .

Furthermore, calls were analyzed by the City Council District to understand which geographic areas appear most reliant on shelter for services or information. Over two years of call analysis, it appears residents of Districts 2, 4 and 5 turn to the shelter for support. This information may be helpful in any shelter relocation considerations. See figure below.

Source - Front Street Animal Shelter Source - Front Street Animal Shelter

SACRAMENTO
56%
(blank)
43%
MAY 15, 2019 TO APRIL 15, 2020

CITRUS HEIGHTS
COUNTY

ELK GROVE
FOLSOM
GALT
LINDA

RANCHO CORDOVA

RIO LINDA

SACRAMENTO
(blank)
City
Count of ref_no

SACRAMENTO
67%

UNINCORPORATED
1%
(blank)
32%
APRIL 15, 2020 TO MAY 15, 2024

CITRUS HEIGHTS
COUNTY

ELK GROVE
FOLSOM
GALT

HIGHLANDS

ISLETON

PLACER COUNTY

RANCHO CORDOVA

RIO LINDA

SACRAMENTO

UNINCORPORATED
(blank)
City
Count of Case Number
33%
1 4%
2 14%3
7%
4 9%
5 11%
6 9%
7 5%
8 8%
APRIL 15, 2020 TO MAY 15, 2024

CALLS BY DISTRICT
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
Council District
Count of Case Number
(blank)
44%
1 3%2
11%
3 6%
4 13%
5 7%
6 6%
7 4%
8 6%
MAY 15, 2019 TO APRIL 15, 2020

CALLS BY DISTRICT
(blank)
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
Council District
Count of CASE NUMBER
Source - Front Street Animal Shelter
Source - Front Street Animal Shelter
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E PROGRAM SUMMARY
The program includes housing capacity recommendations, existing spaces, program needs identified by FSAS as currently provided or missing and identifying future needs. Please see Appendix B for further detail and anlysis.

Existing
The existing shelter is 29,280 square feet with a site area of 1.8 acres. Since it's 100 years of service, the Front Street Animal Shelter location and facility no longer has enough housing for current animal intake and does not meet sheltering best practices.

Current & Future Need
Providing for all current and future needs with recommended building and site program areas meeting sheltering best practices requires a 50,000-sf facility with minimum 7-acre site. According to today's best practices, the goal of an animal shelter is to operate at 80% capacity or less. Meaning, 80% of all kennel/housing space is occupied, not 100%. An additional 20% is available for community needs such as extended legal holds, civic emergencies (wildfire, flood), or extreme animal control needs such as hording cases. 80% is the new definition of "full" in animal shelter best practices. See figure “Building Program Summary” and Appendix B for the detailed program area.
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F NOISE STUDY CONDUCTED
As FSAS is right beside the freeway and noise concerns were reported by the staff, Noise Exposure Assessment and Sound Level Survey was conducted by Diana Lutsik from Forensic Analytical Consulting Services.

Results of dosimetry monitoring indicate that average noise exposures for the FSAS employees are below the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA)8-hr Action Level of 85 decibels (dBA), the adjusted 10-hr Action Level of 83.4 dBA and Permissible Exposure Limit of 90 dBA. While not meeting Cal/OSHA levels that require mitigation, on any given day the noise can be disruptive to operations (for example, it's difficult to have adoption conversations) and can be observed as extremely stressful to the animals housed at the facility.

See Appendix D for Noise Exposure Assessment and Sound Level Survey Report.

BUILDING PROGRAM SUMMARY

SQUARE FEET ANALYSIS
Existing Net
(SF)
Current & Future
Net (SF)
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered (SF)
Public Spaces 859 3,400 4,590 168
Feline and Small Animal 1,338 5,103 6,889 257
Canine 7,051 12,086 16,247 13,152
Animal Support Spaces 894 1,684 2,240 0
Vet / Medical 2,133 5,552 7,495 0
Shelter Intake & Processing 582 2,348 3,134 1,200
Administration 3,353 6,479 8,744 252
Building Support & Misc. 90 328 436 0
Interior Totals 15,390 37,000 49,800 15,400
Building Efficiency Factor 74%
Exisiting gross area (for rough comparison) 29,280
-41.20%
Exterior Covered 22,516
Interior & Exterior Covered Totals 72,316
Exterior Uncovered 12,800

SITE PROGRAM SUMMARY

ACERAGE ANALYSIS
Building & Covered Exterior Area 72,316
Site Program Areas (incl. parking, exercise yards, landscaping, etc.) 141,037 Site Efficiency (Net-to-Gross) Factor of =70% 89,608
Total Site & Building Area (rounded) 302,961

6.9 Existing Site Area 1.8
29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 21 of 28

5 REVIEW OF OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Based on the above findings and housing recommendations provided by Dr. Wagner, the following 4 options were explored following the shelter medicine best practices.

A RENOVATE AND EXPAND EXISTING SHELTER
i Under the Freeway
To maximize site area, visitor, staff and ACO parking was relocated under the freeway. A secure staff entry and ACO entry is from North side. This significantly improves the pathways through the facility for staff, public and animals. A secure vehicle sally port on the north side with a new dog intake building.

Secured gate that separates the visitor and staff parking. This provides better vehicular circulation around the site. The ones marked in blue are the existing buildings and new three new kennel buildings, an adoption center, multi-purpose room, admin, vet, and cattery were explored on the site following the best practices for shelter.

Under the freeway site area is approximately one acre, which now brings the total site area to 2.8 acres.

This option is not able to meet the recommended 7-acre site area and does not meet the recommended animal housing. This option requires phasing and temporary relocation.

29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 22 of 28

ii Across the Street
Following the under the freeway parking from option A i., across the street parking lot site was explored.

Adoption center, admin and vet program spaces are placed on this site. This provides separation between the species.

The two sites are interconnected by a bridge, which would allow easy access for staff , animals, and avoid road crossings.

Across the street site is about one acre, which brings to the total site area of 3.8 acres.

While this option showed significant improvements with added site and building area, recommended site of 7 acre and building program areas are not met. This option also requires phasing and temporary relocation.

29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 23 of 28

iii Going up
Following the Option i and ii with parking under the freeway and across the street parking lot, adding two story structures were explored for adoption center and admin space.

While this option also showed significant improvements with added building area, recommended site of 7 acre and building program areas are still not met. This option a lso requires phasing and temporary relocation.

29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 24 of 28

B RENOVATE EXISTING SHELTER FOR ANIMAL CONTROL ONLY, BUILD A NEW ADOPTION

CENTER ON NEW SITE
The existing shelter would be renovated to
exclusively serve the needs of animal control,
enhancing its facilities to provide better care and
management for stray or lost animals.

Additionally, a new adoption center can be
constructed on a separate site, designed to create a
welcoming and supportive environment for
prospective pet owners and animals awaiting
adoption.

While this option shows significant improvements,
managing two sites seems to create inefficient
operations among the staff and veterinary services.

C RENOVATE EXISTING SHELTER, BUILD A SECOND, SATELLITE SHELTER ON NEW SITE The existing shelter would undergo renovations to
improve its current facilities, ensuring a better
environment for the animals and more efficient
operations. In addition to this, a second satellite shelter would be built on a new site. This satellite shelter will help alleviate overcrowding at the main shelter and provide
additional resources and space for animal care.

While this option as well shows significant improvements, managing two sites seems to create inefficient operations among the staff and veterinary services.

Source - Sacramento 2040 General Plan, August 2023
29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 25 of 28

D BUILD A NEW SHELTER ON NEW SITE, REPURPOSE THE EXISTING SITE Selecting a new site could include consideration of
where high-volume requests for assistance are
received, as noted previously in the geographic
analysis of service request calls.

Please see Appendix C for additional Site Selection
Criteria.

The new shelter would be designed to incorporate
shelter medicine best practices, stress-reduction
strategies, such as enrichment programs and
comfortable housing environments, to maintain the
physical and mental well-being of animals.

Having the recommended site area would help in
designating separate areas for different types of
animals, such as dogs, cats, and smaller pets, to
reduce stress and prevent cross-species disease
transmission.

Efficient staffing would be achieved through a
strategic layout and technology integration,
allowing staff to focus on direct animal care and
minimizing routine task workloads.

This option ensures that the new shelter is
designed to accommodate current needs of the FSAS
and have flexibility to expand in future to
accommodate future needs of the animal shelter.

Source – City of Sacramento, Map Gallery
29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 26 of 28

6 HYPOTHETICAL SITE OPTION
This option was developed to show what a facility could look like delivering all recommended and desired program spaces with room for future growth and expanded services while meeting all shelter medicine best practices. The plan shows a phased approach with a required site area of 7 acres minimum, and possible expansion to meet the future needs. See figure “Hypothetical Site Plan on 7 acres site”. Phasing would allow the project to proceed if the budget did not allow for the full built-out at the start.

Phase 1 would include all recommended current needs of animal housing, support space, admin space and vet services. Phase 2 would expand boarding functions, add a community classroom, additional admin space for future needs and expanded vet services. See figures “Hypothetical floor plan” and “Hypothetical floor plan with future expansion”.

The program should be revisited prior to any design work beginning on the new shelter.

Hypothetical site plan on 7 acres site
29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 27 of 28

Hypothetical floor plan
Hypothetical floor plan with future expansion
29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 28 of 28

7 COST AND TIMELINE

A RENOVATING AND EXPANDING THE EXISTING ANIMAL SHELTER
Renovating and expanding the existing animal shelter will cost around $30 - $50 million and requires 6 – 8 years of design and construction. This timeframe and budget are reflective of current economic conditions, including material costs, labor rates, and regulatory requirements.

B HYPOTHETICAL NEW ANIMAL SHELTER ON NEW SITE
A new animal shelter on a hypothetical site will cost around $40 - $60 million and requires 3 – 5 years of design and construction. This timeframe and budget are reflective of current economic conditions, including material costs, labor rates, and regulatory requirements.

The costs account for land acquisition, architectural design, construction, and to provide the shelter with state- of-the-art veterinary, animal care and housing equipment. The extended timeline ensures thorough planning and execution, allowing for detailed site selection, securing necessary permits, and creating a comprehensive design that optimizes operational efficiency and animal welfare.

29 Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP Page 29 of 28

8 RECOMMENDATIONS
It was agreed during charette that renovation on the current site is not an ideal solution for several reasons , main reason being, a renovated site would still have many limitations in terms of recommended site area and recommended current needs for animal housing and requires temporary relocation.

A RECOMMENDATIONS, NEW SHELTER
Our recommendations are as follows:
• Seek a new 7-acre site.
• Build new +/- 50,000 sf building.
• Initiate fundraising campaign.
• Proceed with interim recommendations, see above.

B INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS
While looking for a new site, based on the feedback received during the meetings and charrette, the following interim improvements were identified and are listed below by cost.

low-end high-end
1 Site Add bus stop for better commute $0 $30,000
2 Site Visual barrier entry exit walkway from intake to kennel area $1,000 $2,000
3 Site More signage for improved wayfinding $5,000 $10,000 4 Site Need a fence behind kennel I and Q $10,000 $15,000 5 Kennel S Shade covering $12,000 $20,000
6 Kennels Door/latches needs to be replaced. $15,000 $20,000 7 Site More outdoor meet and greet spaces for dogs with shade $20,000 $30,000
8 Mammal Improve mammal housing $30,000 $60,000
9 Kennels Fix the guillotine doors, repair with some replace $60,000 $120,000 10 Kennels Improve lighting $80,000 $100,000
11 Kennels Better ventilation $120,000 $150,000
12 Site Better food storage location, new modular $250,000 $350,000 13 Kennels Remove curbs, cover drains $350,000 $500,000 14 Dog Repurpose existing cat housing for puppy/small
dog housing. $400,000 $800,000
15 Dog Enclosed meet and greet for dogs $700,000 $1,000,000 16 Surgery Center Expand Surgery Center by 600 sf for uses below $720,000 $900,000 17 Surgery Center Separate washer and dryer incl incl
18 Surgery Center Relocation of X-Ray room incl incl
19 Surgery Center Expand veterinary services for more intake incl incl 20 Cat Relocate cat housing to temporary structures -
2,000 sf modular $800,000 $1,100,000
21 Parking Move parking under the freeway making room for modular buildings on existing parking $1,700,000 $2,400,000 $5,273,000 $7,607,000
$5,300,000 $7,700,000

INTERIM IMPROVEMENTS, LISTED IN ORDER OF COST
Total
Rounded Total
Expected cost range
DescriptionLocation
29 Front Street Housing Capacity Report
June 2024
D. Wagner, B. Stuntebeck
Facility Design Team

This report represents our recommendations for housing capacity. After engaging with your team to learn about your agency and your community, and reviewing your shelter data we have created this report to describe how many housing units are needed based on the currently available data, with refinement following discussion with your team.

Changes in shelter operations, agency programming, or community needs will impact these recommendations.

General Notes and Housing Guidelines
• Reviewed data 2019-2023 annual
o To calculate capacity needs we reviewed historical average and peak values. We used 2023 annual data for current needs and 2019 annual data for future needs as it represents intake data most unaffected by the pandemic. o If substantial changes in operations or management will be made that will affect intakes or outcomes in the future we recommend recalculating capacity needs given those parameters.
o The capacity calculations are based on the historical data you have provided.

Inaccuracies or missing information in the source data may impact the estimates we provide for housing capacity. As we share your data check that it accurately represents your organization.
• Housing capacity (number of housing units)
= number of intakes per day x target length of stay
o Live intakes are used to calculate shelter capacity needs. o Animals in foster are not included in the housing capacity calculations. o Housing needs for juvenile animals (puppies and kittens) 4 weeks to < 6 months old are calculated assuming co-housing an average of 2 juveniles per housing unit. o We calculate housing capacity to meet peak needs.
▪ Intakes in time periods of highest (peak) intake are accounted for in calculations of flow-through housing needs.
• Flow through housing is housing needed for adoption/hold, flex, quarantine/confiscate not including hoarding cases.

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

APPENDIX A - FRONT STREET CAPACITY REPORT BY DR DENAE WAGNER, KSMP • Additional housing is needed for isolation, medical care, and any special needs.
• Emergency and hoarding case housing (large intakes) is not designed into the facility as permanent housing and should be accounted for in multiple ways (partnerships with other organizations, use of fairground facilities, others etc.) as well as with use of temporary housing - pop-up cages and other short term housing that can be assembled for use (need storage for this as well as suitable location for use- ex: multipurpose room, garage space, staging area, etc.)
• Species separation
o Species separation should be a high priority throughout the animal’s shelter experience from transportation to the facility to outcome.
o Predator and prey species should not be housed together. o Pathways should minimize cross species exposure.
o Cats can be particularly sensitive to dog exposure. Cats should be housed as distant to dogs as possible with special attention to limiting dog barking noise, visual sight, and smell of dogs.
• Sheltering best practices average length of stay (aLOS) goals:
o Dogs: adult 10-14 days or less
o Cats: adult 10 days or less
o Juvenile dogs and cats 5-7 days or less
These average LOS goals are used to calculate your housing capacities. • Dog and cat housing capacity recommendations are based on adult animals being individually housed in housing units with a 📣double-compartment configuration📣. o Individual animals vary widely in the types/size of housing that will meet their physical and behavioral needs. We recommend having a variety of housing unit types and sizes to have flexibility in meeting animal and staff care needs. o Co-housing can occur- it should only be done when it’s a benefit to the individual animals and not to increase facility capacity. To help ensure appropriate capacity co- housed animals should each have a housing unit assigned such that when co-housed there is a housing unit empty.
o Dogs: with short lengths of stay (aLOS < 14 days) we generally recommend shelters have mostly double compartment kennel housing with some real-life type rooms (double compartment) and some small dog/puppy cage housing also double compartment.
▪ We recommend 5’ wide kennels (do not go below 4’ width). 5’ kennels provide dogs with adequate space and allow staff better ease and efficiency providing daily care needs.
▪ We recommend 10-12' long kennels (do not go below 9’ long). Each compartment can be equal in length or have one larger and one smaller.

Recommend the side with bed/food/water be at least 5’ in length. ▪ Provide some XL kennels – 6’ wide - to accommodate very large dogs, mom and pups, etc.
▪ Real life type rooms (predominately glass enclosed rooms) can provide spacious viewing type rooms, these housing units tend to provide a quieter environment Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
outside the unit – especially seen used in adoption areas where the public may visit but can also be valuable in back housing areas. These can be isolating for some dogs so proper selection of dogs for use is needed for a good fit. ▪ Cage housing for small dogs and puppies: we recommend cages that are 6’ long and 28” deep x 30” tall (with a transfer door or portal at the middle of the unit).

These should be side-to-side double compartment and can be double stacked.

We do not recommend front-to-back double compartment cage housing. Cage housing can be preferable to kennel housing for small dogs/pups as cage units can be set up in ways to better meet comfort needs and reduce disease risks of puppies/small dogs and when set up in a separate ward are often quieter.

o Cats: with short lengths of stay (aLOS <10 days) can primarily be cage housed (can be double stacked) with some individual room and group room housing. ▪ Double compartment cage housing is an economical, easy to clean, durable, and humane housing option for most cats who are expected to stay in the shelter for less than 10 days.
• Note that having 2 compartments vs. a spacious single compartment cage supports efficient task completion, better separation between main living area and bathroom area and safe, low-stress interactions between people and cats.

▪ Cage housing should provide at least 11 square feet of flooring space. • A double-compartment cage that is 5’ wide and 28” deep will provide

11.65 ft2 of floor space.
o Note: when retrofitting existing housing units (e.g., installing portals between 2 single compartment cat cages) 8 square feet is the minimum recommended floor space for cat housing units. This can be accomplished between two traditional 2x2 type cage housing units.
• When purchasing new cage housing units for cats select option that have at least 11 square feet of floor space.
• # square feet = width in inches x depth in inches ÷ 144 • Cages 24-30" high are recommended for double stacking. Don’t exceed 30” height or the bank will be too high for efficient and safe daily care by staff.
▪ Individual room or kennel run housing provides housing variety for cats that do not do well in either cage or group housing or have or are expected to have a longer length of stay in care.
• Double compartment kennel runs typically used for dogs can be a great housing option for cats (so long as there is no exposure to dogs during use).
• Recommended room size 36 square feet or greater – this can accommodate 1-2 adult cats.
• Provide outdoor space whenever possible in the form of a screened-in porch that has a person door and a cat door.

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

▪ Group housing
• Provide 18 square feet or more of floor space per cat housed. • Keep cat numbers per room small (ideally no more than 4 – 6 cats) even if you decide to make larger rooms, and practice all-in, all-out management.
o A room for up to 4 cats should be 72 square feet or greater. o All-in, all-out management: This means that no additional cats are added to a group until each individual of the previous group has been removed. This strategy helps limit infectious disease risks.
• Provide outdoor space whenever possible in the form of a screened-in porch that has a person door and a cat door.
• Outdoor access and Outdoor yards
o Having outdoor spaces to meet animal needs enhances the animal’s experience in the shelter environment and increases low-cost space for use. o Ensure that dogs have outdoor yards (variety of sizes) for exercise and play. o Including outdoor experiences for cat housing be it for individual or room housing can be beneficial.
o Outdoor yard features can peak public interest and participation in support of the shelter facility.
o Indoor exercise and play areas (multipurpose room can be used for this) are important for dealing with weather and climate needs.

• 2023 average length of stay (aLOS)
o Dogs: 10 days (6 days 2019)
o Puppies: 8 days (6 days 2019)
o Cats: 12 days (12 2019)
o Kittens: 11 days (5 days 2019)
See addendum at the end of the report for breakdown of dog LOS

• Current shelter housing capacity
o Dogs: ~102 housing units kennel totals plus some small amount of cage housing ~10 cages.
o Cats: 109 housing unit/spaces total
▪ Cat housing spaces 75 (flow through housing)
▪ CA recovery 19
▪ Ringworm TMT 6
▪ Cat isolation 9
o Small mammals: are housed in the cat condos area of cat adoption.

• High priority challenges of this facility
Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
o Not enough kennels to properly house dogs individually (multiple dogs in nearly all kennels)
o Not enough veterinary services – space and staffing to serve the shelter population nor community needs.
o Species separation is lacking throughout facility.
▪ Though there is separation of species in the areas where cats and dogs are housed the barking dog noise from the kennel area is heard throughout most of these animal housing areas as well as in other areas of the shelter. ▪ Most species share common pathways, some housing areas are the pathway to other areas of the facility increasing the exposure between species. ▪ Cats experience particularly high exposure to dogs in this facility. o Stressful environment impacts animal welfare and makes it hard to make well informed decisions.
o Not enough people spaces to provide services (current and needed). o Facility deficiencies in total negatively impact the chance for positive outcomes for animals as well as impairs staff ability to do the good work they desire to do. o Public service is impaired by the poor facility resulting in congestion and long waiting time for services (this impacts the chances of animals moving through this facility efficiently and safely to positive outcomes).

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Dog Data and Housing Capacity Calculations
Dog data:

Intakes by month,
all ages
Intake Condition (Multiple Items) Removed dead
Intake Type (Multiple Items)
Removed disposal, euthanasia request,
commclinic, foster
Animal Type DOG (Select dogs only)
Age Category (All)
Intake Subtype (Multiple Items) Removed FOUND RPT, LOST RPT, WEB

Count of Animal
ID# Column Labels
Row Labels 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1 550 488 284 277 480
2 471 374 213 270 425
3 484 276 223 362 509
4 395 82 238 366 369
5 419 148 291 365 428
6 393 205 242 370 435
7 538 209 356 372 483
8 511 211 264 371 453
9 415 215 297 419 408
10 440 256 359 404 426
11 410 230 281 380 478
12 487 217 345 433 495
Grand Total 5513 2911 3393 4389 5389

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

Intakes by Month
- Puppies
Intake Condition
(Multiple
Items) Removed dead
Intake Type
(Multiple
Items)
Removed disposal, euthanasia request,
commclinic, foster
Animal Type DOG (Select dogs only)
Age Category PUPPY (Select puppies only)
Intake Subtype
(Multiple
Items) Removed FOUND RPT, LOST RPT, WEB

Count of Animal
ID# Column Labels
Row Labels 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1 68 66 36 43 97
2 61 70 31 35 104
3 75 41 26 47 118
4 41 7 22 70 62
5 44 28 83 49 77
6 63 23 35 69 100
7 110 13 65 55 112
8 94 24 37 88 114
9 62 29 42 103 111
10 60 24 75 59 85
11 76 16 36 73 139
12 81 23 54 68 127
Grand Total 835 364 542 759 1246

RTO Rate for Strays - Dogs/Puppies Combined

Year Stray Intake RTO RTO Rate
2019 4409 1669 38%
2020 2278 960 42%
2021 2629 1157 44%
2022 3315 1207 36%
2023 4120 1525 37%

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

2023 Data, total live dog intakes: 5389
Adults 4143
Juvenile: 1246
(juveniles are co-housed for determining housing needs)

Ave. intake Housing needs (23% juveniles): 7 10 14 days 93 132 185 housing units
Peak combined intake: 509 dogs – March (391 adults and 118 juveniles, 23% juveniles) Peak intake housing needs: 7 10 14 days
105 150 210 housing units

Note: 23% juveniles for intakes are high, expect to see about 10% or less. If the % of puppies decrease (say due to increased access to s/n) with accompanied decrease in intakes numbers but if intakes numbers remain the same or increase – more housing will be needed due to higher percentage of dogs (adults) needing individual housing. If current intakes were 10% juvenile then the housing units needed at peak (14 ave LOS) would be 224 vs 210 that is provided above.

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Dog Housing Capacity Recommendations:

Dog Housing Needs Current:

DOG HOUSING CAPACITY 2023
Annual intake: 5389
23% pups – co-housed
Average Length of stay: 14 days
Housing type
Housing location Housing
spaces
Real life type
Room
Double
compartment
Kennels
Double compartment cage
housing for puppies/small dogs
F
L
O
W
Holding/Adoption 210 Housing variety
Flex
Quarantine/Confiscate

Isolation low risk
(respiratory)
22 Isolation high risk with anti-
room
8 Total housing units 240 Comments: Ave intake: 449/month, peak intake 509/month. 2023 intakes were on average 23 % pups which were co-housed for housing calculations.

Ave intake along with 10-day aLOS requires about 132 housing units. Peak intake with 10 day aLOS requires 150 housing units, with 14 day aLOS requires 210 housing units.

This housing does not include medical housing that may be needed. % Capacity in use: at Peak intake expect 100% capacity; at average intake 80% or less of housing to be occupied
Notes: Current kennel/housing space: ~102 primarily double compartment front to back kennels A kennel 16
Double
compartment
front to
back(dc)
M kennel 16 dc
S kennel 16 dc
I kennel 22 dc
Q kennel 32 dc

Additional housing: blue room 7 single cages, vet sac, 4 single cages

To make ~100 kennels work giving 2023 intakes and desire for 80% capacity to allow day to day operations to occur, aLOS would need to be around 5 days. Ave. LOS is currently 10-13 days.

The other option is to reduce intakes. Reducing intakes and LOS in the current facility would be beneficial due to inadequate housing capacity and poor kennel conditions at this facility.

Note: 163 dogs in care in mid-March kennel inventory

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Dog Housing Needs Future based on 2019 intakes –
last best data year due to covid pandemic:

DOG HOUSING CAPACITY for FUTURE: based on peak year intakes (2019) and a 14-day average length of stay (aLOS)
Annual intake: 5513
(2019)
15% pups – co-housed
Ave. LOS: 14 days
Housing Type
Housing type Housing
spaces
Real life type
Room
Double
compartment
Kennels
Double
compartment cage
housing for
puppies/small dogs
F
L
O
W
Holding/Adoption 240 Provide a variety of housing to meet dog housing needs.

Most should be kennel type housing with some real life and cage type housing to accommodate organization and animal needs.

Flex
Special care
Quarantine/Confiscate
Isolation low risk
(respiratory)
24 Isolation high risk 8
Total housing units 272 Comments: Ave. intakes were 15 dogs/day and peak intakes were 18 dogs/day.

In the years 2019-2023 aLOS has been 10 days or less. 2019 data had a lower percentage of puppies (also more
conservative for calculating for future). Calculating housing needs at an aLOS of 14 days will provide some flexibility for changes in intakes in the future. This housing does not include medical housing that may be needed – generally
expect this to be included in the clinic area.

This analysis should be repeated nearer to the time of a new building or remodel for better understanding of dog intake trends and housing needs. The impact of operations and
programs can be great and will affect the capacity need of a shelter facility.
% Capacity in use: at Peak intake, expect 100% capacity; at times of average intake goal is to have 80% or less of housing occupied

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Cat Data and Housing Capacity Calculations

Cat Data:

Intakes by Month
- Cats/Kittens
Combined
Intake Condition (Multiple Items) Removed dead
Intake Type (Multiple Items)
Removed disposal, euthanasia request,
commclinic, foster
Animal Type CAT (Select cats)
Age Category (Multiple Items) (Select both cats & kittens) Intake Subtype (Multiple Items) Removed FOUND RPT, LOST RPT, WEB

Count of Animal
ID# Column Labels
Row Labels 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1 157 126 77 65 101
2 172 110 62 91 115
3 268 119 165 228 256
4 360 139 368 305 423
5 775 260 510 518 508
6 565 228 339 424 594
7 458 294 229 348 485
8 536 196 373 342 408
9 521 208 215 269 414
10 474 203 217 319 449
11 254 131 115 213 234
12 164 69 101 151 161
Grand Total 4704 2083 2771 3273 4148

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

Intakes by Month
- Kittens
Intake Condition (Multiple Items) Removed dead
Intake Type (Multiple Items)
Removed disposal, euthanasia request,
commclinic, foster
Animal Type CAT (Select cats)
Age Category KITTEN (Select kittens only)
Intake Subtype (Multiple Items) Removed FOUND RPT, LOST RPT, WEB

Count of Animal
ID# Column Labels
Row Labels 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1 62 47 20 17 41
2 44 38 10 31 40
3 95 60 93 123 113
4 213 88 294 232 295
5 569 211 430 438 398
6 432 181 282 339 471
7 357 238 180 282 377
8 428 146 234 272 327
9 418 169 154 192 348
10 367 164 146 253 360
11 161 88 69 155 143
12 93 22 43 53 94
Grand Total 3239 1452 1955 2387 3007

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
% Juvenile by Month 2019 vs 2023

2019 %
Juvenile
2023 %
Juvenile Month
39% 41% 1
26% 35% 2
35% 44% 3
59% 70% 4
73% 78% 5
76% 79% 6
78% 78% 7
80% 80% 8
80% 84% 9
77% 80% 10
63% 61% 11
57% 58% 12

2023 Data, total live cat intakes: 4148 (juveniles are co-housed for determining housing needs) Adults 4148
Juvenile: 3007
Ave. intake Housing needs (66% juveniles): 7 10 days
50 72housing units
Peak combined intake: 594 cats and kittens – June (123 adults and 471 juveniles, 79% juveniles) Peak intake housing needs: 7 10 days
84 120 housing units

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Cat Housing Recommendations:

Cat Housing Needs Current:

CAT HOUSING CAPACITY Needs 2023
Annual intake: 4148
66% juvenile on ave.
79% juveniles at peak intake
Ave. LOS 10 days
Housing Type:

Housing type Housing
spaces
Double compartment cages Individual Room Group Room
F
L
O
W
Holding/Adoption 120 Housing Variety
Flex
Special care
Quarantine
High risk iso + anti-
room
8 Isolation low risk
(respiratory)
12 Total housing units 140 Comments: Ave. intake 382/month, peak intake 594/month. Ave. intake with a 10-day aLOS requires 84 housing spaces. Peak intake with 10-day aLOS requires 120 housing spaces. This housing does not include medical housing that may be needed. % Capacity in use: at Peak intake, expect 100% capacity; at times of average intake goal is to have 80% or less of housing occupied
Note: Cats current housing number ~
Cat housing spaces 75 Flow through
CA recovery 19
Ringworm treatment 6
Isolation 9
Total 109

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Cat Housing Needs Future:

CAT HOUSING CAPACITY FUTURE: based on 2019 intakes
Annual intake: 4704
(2019)
62% juveniles on ave
73% juveniles at peak intake times
Ave. LOS 10 days
Housing Type
Housing type Housing
spaces
Double compartment cages Individual Room Group Room

F
L
O
W
Holding/Adoption 164 Provide a variety of housing to meet animal and care needs. Most housing to be cage housing, some individual room and small amount of group housing. Both front and back of house to have a variety of housing to meet agreed upon needs Flex Special care
Quarantine
Isolation low risk
(respiratory)
16 TBD
Isolation High risk (ring
worm, others)
8 TBD
Total housing units 188 Comments: Ave. intake 392/month, peak intake 775/month. Intakes are 62% kittens on average, at peak intake kittens account for 73% of intakes. Ave. intake with a 10 day aLOS requires 130 housing spaces. Peak intake with 10 day aLOS requires 164 housing spaces. This housing does not include medical housing that may be needed- generally expect this to be included in the clinic area.
% Capacity in use: at Peak intake, expect 100% capacity; at times of average intake goal is to have 80% or less of housing occupied

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Addendum:

Dogs
Distribution of LOS in shelter

Days in shelter 2023
blank 60
0 713
1-10 2822
11-20 751
21-30 298
31-40 135
41-50 96
51-60 37
61-70 26
71-80 19
81-90 9
90+ 10

0’s (713) – 342 RTO, 254 Foster, ~80 EA, 21 adopt, 15 transfer, 4 died Blanks (60) – no outcome date

0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Days in shelter Dogs 2023 Front Street
Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Dog and Cat intake data 2024 Through March 18th

2024
INTAKE
DOGS

ADULT JUVENILE TOTAL
JANUARY 420 101 521
FEBRUARY 355 122 477
MARCH* 215 71 286

2024
INTAKE
CATS

ADULT JUVENILE TOTAL
JANUARY 72 48 120
FEBRUARY 86 52 138
MARCH* 69 32 101

*March 1 - March 18

Workman’s compensation data:

Workmans compensation claims Front street 1/1/2019-
3/12/24

Abrasion 4
Animal Bite 28
Contusion 6
COVID-19 1
Crushing 2
Heat Prostration 1
Laceration 5
Chemical Exposure 1
Severance 1
Sprain 7
Strain 21

Animal Bite 28
Strain 21
Sprain 7
Contusion 6
Laceration 5
Abrasion 4
Crushing 2
Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

Historical Shelter Intakes vs Sacramento Human Population Changes in shelter intakes with human population growth. No correlation noted. Pandemic years 2020 and 2021 impacted shelter intakes greatly (reduced) and post pandemic 2022 and 2023 have yet to recover to pre -pandemic intake levels.

sacramento
growth rate 2008-2022
~14 %

0 1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Historical Front Street Shelter Intake Data

DOGS CATS
420000
440000
460000
480000
500000
520000
540000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Sacramento population
Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program

INTAKE DOGS CATS sacroamento
population
2008 5235 6175 462712
2009 4893 6348 468051
2010 5319 6200 467246
2011 5470 5087 470788
2012 5590 3972 473430
2013 5619 3798 476645
2014 5604 4236 481284
2015 5402 5344 486741
2016 5572 5316 492284
2017 5940 4852 498386
2018 5734 4528 504185
2019 5439 4692 509748
2020 2902 2084 523416
2021 3388 2769 525041
2022 4373 3268 528001
2023 5244 4129

Appendix A – Front Street Capacity Report by Dr Denae Wagner City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Koret Shelter Medicine Program
Sacramento
Population

BUILDING PROGRAM SUMMARY

SITE PROGRAM SUMMARY

6.9 Existing Site Area 1.8
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP

APPENDIX B - PROGRAM AREA SUMMARY & DETAILED PROGRAM AREA Space Description
# Rooms
Existing
Recommended
Existing
Net (for rough
comparison)
Current &
Future
Net (SF)
Circulation
Multiplier
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered
(SF) Comments
Public Spaces
Vestibule 1 - - 8 x 12 = 0 96 1.35 130
Lobby 1 - - 16 x 20 = 171 320 1.35 432 incl. waiting area - separate cats & dogs Reception Desk - Adoption / Redemption 1 - - 4 x 16 = 25 64 1.35 86 Retail 0 - - 8 x 10 = 0 0 1.35 0
Donation Room 1 - - 8 x 12 = 15 96 1.35 130 Existing is corner in lobby.

Counseling Rooms 2 - - 9 x 10 = 0 180 1.35 243 not included Public Restrooms 2 - - 9 x 10 = 100 180 1.35 243
Janitorial 1 - - 8 x 8 = 0 64 1.35 86
Community Room 1 - - 30 x 60 = 548 1800 1.35 2430 60 people tables & chairs w/ diving wall Community Room covereed Patio 1 - - 12 x 14 = 168
Community Room - Kitchen 1 - - 8 x 20 = 0 160 1.35 216
Community Room Storage 2 - - 10 x 10 = 0 200 1.35 270
Volunteer Room 1 - - 15 x 16 = 0 240 1.35 324
Subtotal - Public Spaces: 859 3,400 4,590 168
Feline and Small Animal
Reptile / Small Mammals 1 8 x 9 = 0 72 1.35 97
Small Mammals / Exotics 2 8 x 9 = 0 144 1.35 194
Cat Holding / Adopt
Group Room 2 1 2 8 x 9 = 60 144 1.35 194
Catio 2 8 x 6 = 1 96
Individual Room 4 1 4 4.5 x 5 = 40 90 1.35 122
Catio 3 4.5 x 5 = 1 67.5
Dbl. Compartment Cages: 30"x60", stacked 2 high 7 48 106 10 x 25 = 162 1,750 1.35 2363 14-18 cats max each rm w/ sinks Cat Flex 8 2.5 x 5 = 152 100 1.35 135
Group Room 2 6 2 8 x 9 = 0 144 1.35 194 back of house
Catio 1 8 x 6 = 1 48
Individual Room 2 0 2 5 x 5 = 0 45 1.35 61 back of house Catio 2 5 x 5 = 1 45
Dbl. Compartment Cages: 30"x60", stacked 2 high 4 24 48 10 x 20 = 340 800 1.35 1080 sinks in each room. 8-12 cats each room Get Aquainted 3 - - 9 x 10 = 0 270 1.35 365
Cat Foster Housing / Flex Room 1 - - 6.0 x 8 = 0 48 1.35 65 Cat Prep/ Workroom 3 - - 12 x 14 = 205 504 1.35 680
Quarantine/ Confiscate 0 6 0 8 x 10 = 107 0 1.35 0
Isolation Cats - low risk 4 9 16 10 x 15 = 157 600 1.35 810 4 room of 4, sink in each room Isolation Ante-Room 1 8 x 9 = 0 72 1.35 97 Direct access into Iso High Risk Isolation High Risk (rinworm) 2 12 8 10 x 16 = 115 320 1.35 432 Int. access into ante-room & ext. access Subtotal - Feline & Small Animal: 107 188 1,338 5,103 6,889 257 Size
Housing
Units
Appendix B – Program Area Summary
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP 1
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
Space Description
# Rooms
Existing
Recommended
Existing
Net (for rough
comparison)
Current &
Future
Net (SF)
Circulation
Multiplier
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered
(SF) CommentsSize
Canine
Get Aquainted 4 - - 10 x 10 = 0 400 1.35 540
Real Life Room 6 - 6 8 x 8 = 0 384 1.35 518
Stray/Adopt Puppy / Small Dog - dbl. compartment cage3 - 14 12 x 18 = 0 648 1.35 875 1 room of 6, 2 room of 4 with sinks Stray/Adopt Kennels - standard 140 102 140 4.5 x 6 = 3,240 3780 2 7560 10 rooms of 14. Mix of std and lg. Sinks in room.

Outdoor Portion 106 - 4.5 x 8 = - 3816
Stray/Adopt Kennels - large 10 102 10 6.0 x 6 = 3,240 360 2 720 Outdoor Portion 106 - 6.0 x 8 = - 5088
Flex Kennels - standard 36 - 36 4.5 x 6 = 0 972 2 1944
4 rooms of 10 w/ sink. 1 room 4. 1 large kennel.

Sinks in room.

Outdoor Portion 36 - 4.5 x 8 = - 1296 1 1296
Stray/Adopt Kennels - large 4 - 4 6.0 x 6 = 0 144 2 288 4 rooms of 10 w/ sink. 1 room 4. 1 large kennel.

Sinks in room.

Outdoor Portion 36 - 6.0 x 8 = - 1728 1 1728
Flex - Small dog / puppy - dbl.compartment 2 - 12 10 x 18 = 0 360 1.35 486 2 room of 6 with sink, cages stacked 2 high Dog Quarantine/ Confiscate Kennels 18 2 18 4.5 x 6 = 183 486 2 972 1 room of 8, 1 room 10 - off view. 1 large kennel
ea pod. Sinks in room.

Outdoor Portion 18 - - 4.5 x 8 = 648
Isolation (low risk) - Kennels 16 2 18 4.5 x 6 = 123 432 2 864 .

Off view, 3 rooms of 5, 1 room of 6 with sinks in
rooms
Outdoor Portion 14 - - 4.5 x 8 = - 1 504
Isolation (low risk) small dog - double compartment 1 2 6 12 x 18 = 0 216 1.35 292 . 1 room with sink, cages stacked 2 high Isolation High Risk Ante-Room 1 - 8 x 9 = 0 72 1.35 97 Direct access into Iso High Risk Isolation (high risk) - Kennels 1 0 4 14 x 28 = 115 392 1.35 529 Int. access into ante-room & ext. access - 3
rooms of 6
Outdoor Portion 2 - - 4.5 x 8 = - 72
Isolation (high risk) small dog - double compartment 1 2 4 8 x 12 = 0 96 1.35 130 . 1 room with sink, cages stacked 2 high Dog Holding Workrooms 4 - - 8 x 10 = 150 320 1.35 432 dispersed through campus Subtotal - Canine: 212 272 7,051 12,086 16,247 13,152

Animal Support Spaces
Laundry w/ clean laundry storage - Dogs 1 - - 15 x 24 = 64 360 1.33 479 Laundry w/ clean laundry storage - Cats 1 - - 12 x 13 = 0 156 1.33 207 General Storage 2 - - 11 x 15 = 70 330 1.33 439
Food Storage 1 - - 14 x 25 = 160 350 1.33 466
Grooming - Dog 1 - - 10 x 14 = 94 140 1.33 186
Grooming - Cat 1 - - 8 x 12 = 58 96 1.33 128
Food Prep/Dish Washing Room 1 - - 14 x 18 = 448 252 1.33 335 Subtotal - Animal Support Space: 894 1,684 2,240 0
Appendix B – Program Area Summary
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP 2
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
Space Description
# Rooms
Existing
Recommended
Existing
Net (for rough
comparison)
Current &
Future
Net (SF)
Circulation
Multiplier
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered
(SF) CommentsSize
Vet / Medical
Public low-cost clinic
Vestibule 1 - - 7 x 8 = 0 56 1.35 76
Reception - low cost clinic 1 - - 9 x 18 = 0 162 1.35 219 Lobby / Waiting Waiting 1 - - 16 x 24 = 0 384 1.35 518 Separate dog and cat waiting area Public Restroom 1 - - 7 x 9 = 0 63 1.35 85
Cat Exam Room 1 - - 8 x 10 = 0 80 1.35 108 Near lobby
Dog Exam Room 1 - - 8 x 10 = 0 80 1.35 108 Near lobby
Flex Exam Room 1 - - 8 x 10 = 0 80 1.35 108 Near lobby
Low Cost Clinic - dog short term hold 1 - - 11 x 13 = 0 143 1.35 193 Near lobby. 3 kennels Low Cost Clinic - cat short term hold 1 - - 8 x 10 = 0 80 1.35 108 Near lobby.9 cages Low Cost Clinic - Medical Treatment 1 - - 12 x 34 = 0 408 1.35 551 Separate dog and cat tables with staff work table Check in - Staff work area 1 - - 8 x 12 = 0 96 1.35 130 Clinic Manager 1 - - 8 x 8 = 0 64 1.35 86 Near lobby
Euthansia 1 - - 10 x 7 = 294 70 1.35 95 Near lobby
Outdoor Comfort Garden 1 - - 14 x 25 = 350
Subtotal Public low-cost clinic: 294 1,766 2,384 350
Shelter Medicine Clinic Direct connection to shelter
Foster Staff Workroom / Storage 1 - - 18 x 10 = 35 180 1.35 243 Foster Exam 1 - - 9 x 10 = 35 90 1.35 122
Foster Ward 1 - - 7 x 9 = 35 63 1.35 85
Laundry / Freezer storage 1 - - 9 x 18 = 35 162 1.35 219 Staff Laundry 1 - - 2 x 6 = 35 12 1.35 16
Staff Break 1 - - 12 x 14 = 35 168 1.35 227
Medical Staff Meeting Room 1 - - 14 x 16 = 35 224 1.35 302 Staff Restroom 2 - - 7 x 9 = 35 126 1.35 170
Staff Wellness Room 1 - - 11 x 8 = 35 88 1.35 119
Shelter Medicine Treatment Area 1 - - 16 x 18 = 35 288 1.35 389 2 treatment tables, one wet, work desk and sink Shelter Medical Cats 1 - - 9 x 11 = 35 99 1.35 134
Shelter Medical Dogs 1 - - 10 x 11 = 35 110 1.35 149
Lab/Pharmacy 1 - - 2 x 6 = 0 12 1.35 16 locking cabinet in treatment area Medical Storage 1 - - 6 x 7 = 35 42 1.35 57
Janitorial 1 - - 4 x 6 = 0 24 1.35 32
Medical Staff Open Work Area - - 14 x 18 = 35 0 1.35 0 5 workstations Veterinarian (2 FTE + 3 future) 1 - - 12 x 12 = 181 144 1.35 194 1 large shared office Subtotal Shelter Medicine Clinic: 671 1,832 2,473 0
Appendix B – Program Area Summary
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP 3
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
Space Description
# Rooms
Existing
Recommended
Existing
Net (for rough
comparison)
Current &
Future
Net (SF)
Circulation
Multiplier
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered
(SF) CommentsSize
Surgery & Pre / Post Op Housing
Surgery Prep 1 - - 16 x 28 = 0 448 1.35 605
Surgery Room - 4 tables, 2 rooms 2 - - 13 x 16 = 230 416 1.35 562 Recovery Beach 2 - - 4 x 6 = 0 48 1.35 65
Dental 1 - - 14 x 12 = 0 168 1.35 227
Radiogragh (X-ray) 1 - - 9 x 10 = 155 90 1.35 122
Dog Pre / Post Op Housing - Kennels 1 18 6 11 x 32 = 155 352 1.35 475 3 double compartment Dog Pre / Post Op Housing - Cages 1 - 6 10 x 24 = 314 240 1.35 324 6 cages Cat Pre/Post Op 1 6 24 10 x 18 = 314 180 1.35 243
Medical Gas Closet 1 - - 3 x 4 = 0 12 1.35 16
Subtotal Surgery: 24 36 1,168 1,954 2,638 0
Total Vet Services: 2,133 5,552 7,495 350
Shelter Intake & Processing
Processing 1 - - 10 x 14 = 130 140 1.33 186
Pet Food Pantry Building 1 30 x 40 = 40 1200 1.33 1596 1,200 Near public entry Crate, Trap, Equipment Storage 1 - - 18 x 24 = 64 432 1.33 575 Cat Intake / Exam Room 2 - - 12 x 12 = 174 288 1.35 389 1 back of house, 1 front of house Dog Intake / Exam Room 2 - - 12 x 12 = 174 288 1.35 389 1 back of house, 1 front of house 582 2,348 3,134 1,200
Administration
Shelter Operations
Animal Care Services Manager 1 12 x 14 = 210 168 1.35 227 private office Program Specialist 1 12 x 12 = 156 144 1.35 194 private office Sr. Animal Care Technician 1 10 x 10 = 138 100 1.35 135 Animal Care Technician 16 2.5 x 5 = 200 200 1.35 270
Communications & Customer Service
Program Specialist 2 7 x 7 = 98 98 1.35 132 workstation for 2 people Customer Service Supervisor 2 7 x 7 = 98 98 1.35 132
Customer Service Representative 2 6 x 6 = 72 72 1.35 97 at front desk Public Information Coordinator 2 7 x 7 = 98 98 1.35 132 Administrative Analyst 2 6 x 6 = 72 72 1.35 97
Foster & Rescue
Animal Services Coordinator - Foster & Rescue Coordination4 7 x 7 = 150 196 1.35 265 workstation for 2 people Intern - Foster & Rescue 1 2 x 4 = 8 8 1.35 11
Volunteer Coordination / Adoption Outreach
Animal Services Coordinator - Volunteer 1 7 x 7 = 98 49 1.35 66 1 workstation for 2 people Animal Services Coordinator - Adoption Outreach1 7 x 7 = 49 49 1.35 66 Program Specialist - Volunteer Coordination and Offsite Adoption 1 7 x 7 = 49 49 1.35 66 Appendix B – Program Area Summary
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP 4
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
Space Description
# Rooms
Existing
Recommended
Existing
Net (for rough
comparison)
Current &
Future
Net (SF)
Circulation
Multiplier
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered
(SF) CommentsSize
Animal Services Coordinator - Foster & Rescue Coordination1 10 x 12 = 120 120 1.35 162 2 FTE, 1 shared office Intern Hoteling Station 2 2 x 4 = 8 16 1.35 22
Social Worker 2 2 x 4 = 0 16 1.35 22
Animal Control
Chief Animal Control Officer 1 12 x 12 = 120 144 1.35 194 private office Senior Animal Control Officer 2 10 x 12 = 200 240 1.35 324 private office Animal Control Officer 1 7 x 7 = 49 49 1.35 66
Animal Control Officer I 1 2 x 7 = 49 14 1.35 19 1 shared workstation Animal Control Officer II 1 2 x 7 = 60 14 1.35 19 1 shared workstation Animal Control Officer I/II 2 2 x 7 = 60 28 1.35 38 2 shared workstations Conference Room 1 14 x 16 = 0 224 1.35 302 8-10 people
ACO break area 1 12 x 14 = 0 168 1.35 227 adjacent to outdoor patio Secure Evidence Storage 1 10 x 6 = 0 60 1.35 81
Interview Room 1 10 x 10 = 0 100 1.35 135
Animal Care Homeless Response Team
Veterinarian 1 4 x 6 = 0 24 1.35 32 Open workarea with 4 workstations Registered Veterinarian Technician 1 4 x 6 = 0 24 1.35 32 Animal Services Coordinator 1 4 x 6 = 0 24 1.35 32
Animal Control Officer I 1 4 x 6 = 0 24 1.35 32
Vet Services
Administrative Analyst 1 - - 7 x 7 = 0 49 1.35 66 workdesk in treatment area Staff & Volunteer Training Room 1 30 x 40 0 1200 1.35 1620 40 people, tables and chairs Conference Room 1 12 x 26 = 170 312 1.35 421 12-15 people Conference Room 3 12 x 14 = 0 504 1.35 680 4-6 people
Staff Restrooms / Locker & Shower Rooms 2 20 x 28 = 612 1120 1.35 1512 M/W with: 2 showers, 3 stalls, 3 sinks. 24 lockers.

All Gender Restrooms / Locker & Shower 1 12 x 10 = 54 120 1.35 162 Staff Wellness Room 1 - - 11 x 8 = 35 88 1.35 119
Admin Staff Break Room 1 12 x 18 = 250 216 1.35 292 adjacent to outdoor patio Exterior Covered Patio 1 14 x 18 = 252
General Storage 1 6 x 6 = 70 36 1.33 48
Office Supply / Copy Room 1 8 x 8 = 0 64 1.35 86
File Storage 1 8 x 10 = 0 80 1.33 106
Subtotal: 3,353 6,479 8,744 252
Appendix B – Program Area Summary
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP 5
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
Space Description
# Rooms
Existing
Recommended
Existing
Net (for rough
comparison)
Current &
Future
Net (SF)
Circulation
Multiplier
Current &
Future
Gross (SF)
Current &
Future
Exterior
Covered
(SF) CommentsSize
Building Support & Misc.

Central Janitorial 1 8 x 8 = 40 64 1.33 85
Mechanical Room 0 14 x 14 = 30 0 1.33 0 Assumes rooftop Electrical Room 1 10 x 10 = 20 100 1.33 133
Data / Telecom Room 1 10 x 10 = 0 100 1.33 133
Central Cleaning Pump Room 1 8 x 8 = 0 64 1.33 85
Subtotal: 90 328 436 0
Interior Totals 15,390 37,000 1.35 49,800 15,400 rounded Building Efficiency Factor 74%
Exisiting gross area (for rough comparison) 29,280 6,240 Includes outdoor support areas -41.20% increase
Exterior Covered
Sallyport / Truck wash 1 40 x 66 = 0 1 2,640 2 bays, incl. stor. & outdoor crate wash Covered large equpiment storage (forklift, garbage list, misc.)1 40 x 50 0 1 2,000 Barn 1 38 x 34 = 320 1 1,292
Outdoor Staging Area with crate wash station1 40 x 20 = 0 1 800 Cooler 1 9 x 16 = 295 1 144
Feral Cats (outdoor pens) 3 8 x 10 = 0 1 240
Storage Shed 0 - x - = 635 1 0 new eliminates all storage sheds Storage Cargo Containers 0 - x - = 160 1 0 new eliminates all cargo containeers 7,116
Exterior Covered Totals 22,516
Interior & Exterior Covered Totals 72,316
Exterior Uncovered
Dog Exercise Areas 4 40 x 50 = 6,240 8,000 partial cover with shade cloth Dog Exercise Areas - large 1 60 x 80 = 0 4,800 partial cover with shade cloth. Can be divided into 2 or 3 smaller
12,800
Appendix B – Program Area Summary
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP 6
Appendix B – Program Area Summary & Detailed Program Area City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo I Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
Appendix C – Site Selection Criteria
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
Indigo | Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
APPENDIX C – SITE SELECTION CRITERIA
DRAFT
August 16, 2024

Following are attributes desirable for a site on which to locate a new Sacramento Animal Shelter. These criteria are proposed for use in identifying candidate sites in the City of Sacramento. It is not likely that any site will meet all criteria, and these criteria are not ranked in importance at this time.

1. Location & Accessibility
a. Location has good public identity, and is easily found by public visitors, important for facilitating animal adoption by the public. Examples: in town, near shopping, visible from freeway, etc. b. Location accessible by public transit is desired.
c. Location is served by nearby main streets and arterials, making access easy.

2. Environmental & Planning
a. Adjacent land uses are compatible with intended use as animal shelter. b. Any nearby residential uses are far enough away to avoid potential conflict or complaints, typically from barking dogs.
c. Ideally, use of the site as an animal shelter is a permitted use. d. Building permit for use as an animal shelter should require no rezoning or extensive planning approval process, special studies, EIR, etc.

3. Size & Configuration
a. Site should be 5 - 7 acres in size net usable area to fit building and site programming, this includes 25% future growth factor. Larger sites provide more future growth area. b. Site is sufficiently regular in shape allowing functional and efficient facility layout. c. Corner sites often provide best public visibility, also the possibility of separating service and public access by locating them on two separate sides of the site. d. Minimum primary street frontage of 200-300 feet also allows adequate separation of public and service access.

4. Acquisition & Cost
a. The site is already owned by the City of Sacramento, avoiding the need for acquisition. b. The site is owned by a single owner who is a willing seller at a reasonable, appraised price. c. The site is owned by another public agency with whom a swap is possible, helping to reduce or minimize acquisition cost.
d. Site is already served by adequate utilities: electric power, potable water, fire water, natural gas, storm drainage, sanitary sewer and cable/ fiber.
e. Site already has emergency vehicle access (EVA) for fire fighting vehicles without the need for roadway improvements or additional roadways to be built.

5. Survivability & Resilience
a. Animal shelter serves an important support role during public emergencies, e.g. fire, grid outage, other.
b. Site is not located in a 100-year FEMA flood zone.
c. Underground electric service is desirable as it indicates presence of redundant, looped primary feed from serving utility (note: sites with overhead electrical service will not have loop service). d. Site is not under flight path within 1 mile of an airport.

APPENDIX C - SITE SELECTION CRITERIA
Appendix C – Site Selection Criteria
City of Sacramento - Front Street Animal Shelter
INDIGO - Hammond + Playle Architects, LLP
www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services May 7, 2024Noise Exposure Assessment and Sound Level Survey ReportFront Street Animal Shelter2127 Front StreetSacramento, CA 95818Prepared for:Bruce PlayleIndigo Hammond & Playle Architects, LLP909 5thStreetDavis, CA 95616530-750-0756 | [email protected] Prepared By:Diana LutsikForensic Analytical Consulting Services7625 Sunrise Boulevard, Suite 104Citrus Heights, CA 95610916-726-1303 | [email protected] Project #PJ81345

APPENDIX D - NOISE EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT AND SOUND LEVEL SURVEY REPORT www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2 Scope of Work ............................................................................................................................. 2 Site and Process Characterization ......................................................................................... 3 Methodology ................................................................................................................................ 3 Findings ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Conclusions ................................................................................................................................. 4 Requirements and Recommendations .................................................................................. 5 Limitations .................................................................................................................................... 5 Appendix A: Noise Dosimetry Summary and Report Appendix B: Sound Level Survey Results Front Street Animal Shelter – Noise Exposure and Sound Level Survey (5/7/2024) www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services 1 of 5Executive Summary Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. (FACS) conducted an occupational noise exposure assessment and sound level survey for Indigo Hammond & Playle Architects, LLP at Front Street Animal Shelter located at 2127 Front Street in Sacramento, California. The assessment was conducted on April 19, 2024, and consisted of personal exposure monitoring of five (5) employees working in different buildings/areas of the facility and collection of sound level measurements at various locations across the facility and summarized based on the activity performed. FACS understood that the workload and activities completed during the assessment were representative of typical operations and a typical work shift. The noise exposure assessment and sound level survey aimed to characterize employee exposure profiles for noise, identify hazardous noise levels during a representative work shift, and to provide recommendations for personal protective equipment and further assessment or control, as necessary. Results of dosimetry monitoring indicated that average noise exposures for the Front Street Animal Shelter employees were below the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) 8-hr Action Level of 85 decibels (dBA), the adjusted 10-hr Action Level of 83.4 dBA and Permissible Exposure Limit of 90 dBA. The sound level measurements during the activities performed throughout the duration of the work shift ranged from 38.9 dBA to 98.9 dBA. The following areas within the facility exceeded an 85 dBA sound pressure level: Reception Quarantine Kennel (Q Building) Isolation Kennel (I Building) M Kennel (M Building) Stray Kennel (S Building) A Kennel (A Building) Based on the worker noise exposure monitoring results, the monitored employees are not required to be enrolled in a hearing conservation program. A more detailed discussion of assessment findings, conclusions, and recommendations is provided below.

Front Street Animal Shelter – Noise Exposure and Sound Level Survey (5/7/2024) www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services 2 of 5 Introduction Forensic Analytical Consulting Services, Inc. (FACS) was retained by Indigo Hammond & Playle Architects, LLP to conduct an occupational noise exposure assessment and a sound level survey at the Front Street Animal Shelter located at 2127 Front Street in Sacramento, California. The noise exposure assessment consisted of monitoring five (5) workers throughout their work shift while performing various activities at the facility. Sound level measurements were also recorded in various areas throughout the Front Street Animal Shelter facility where noise may be generated and are summarized in the appendices of this report. The noise exposure and sound level survey aimed to characterize employee exposure profiles for noise, identify hazardous noise levels during a representative work shift, and to provide recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) and further assessment or control, as necessary in accordance with Title 8 California Code of Regulations (CCR) §5095-5100. The noise exposure assessment and sound level survey were conducted on April 19, 2024, by Elijah Mula, Environmental Health Specialist II with FACS, under the supervision of Diana Lutsik, Project Manager with FACS. Technical oversight was provided by Sylvia Fontes and Michelle Rosales, Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs) from FACS. This report contains findings and recommendations from the assessment, as well as a description of methods used, and activities conducted during the exposure assessment process. The findings contained in this report are based solely on the results of sample analysis and on-site observations from the assessment date listed. Additional sites or exposures not discussed in this report are not represented. Scope of Work FACS conducted the following scope of work during this project: Site and process characterization. Monitoring of five (5) Front Street Animal Shelter employees during a shift for noise exposure in accordance with Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5095-5100. Conducting a sound level survey in and around the facility. Generating a written report highlighting findings and recommendations for engineering controls and personal protective equipment. Results for the noise exposure and calculated time-weighted average levels are presented in Table 1 of Appendix A. The results of the sound level survey are presented in Table 2 of Appendix B Front Street Animal Shelter – Noise Exposure and Sound Level Survey (5/7/2024) www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services 3 of 5 Site and Process Characterization Front Street Animal Shelter is a facility that works on the care of stray animals. The work being done is the intake of said animals and working to get them adopted by a family. The shelter employees’ work activities include feeding, washing, and ensuring the animals are secure. Other tasks include moving animals through processing, providing medical attention, and facilitating meeting time with families. The shelter’s primary animals at the facility are dogs and cats. On the day of the exposure assessment, FACS monitored five (5) employees working in various locations of the animal shelter facility. The employees work shift activities included cleaning, feeding, caring, administrative work, and other tasks to care for the animals. Methodology A calibrated personal noise dosimeter (Casella model CEL-350 dBadge2) was worn by five (5) employees. The dosimeter was clipped to the top-middle of the employee’s shoulder. These are battery-powered units that consist of a microphone and compact data logger. The unit measures sound levels in decibels using an A-weighted scale (dBA) at a frequency of approximately six times per second. The instrument then calculates and logs the one-minute average sound levels throughout the monitoring period. At the completion of the monitoring period, the instrument calculates the time-weighted average (TWA) sound level exposure, which is directly comparable to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 90 dBA and Action Level (AL) of 85 dBA. Dosimeters were set on the A-scale (slow response) and accumulated data using both the Cal/OSHA Hearing Conservation (monitor threshold set to 80 dBA, exchange rate of 5 dBA) and Permissible Exposure Limit (monitor threshold set to 90 dBA, exchange rate of 5 dBA) parameters. The threshold is the decibel level at which the dosimeter begins accumulating data, wherein the dosimeter calculates noise levels below the threshold as zero. Five (5) dosimeters were used to assess the employees’ full shift noise exposure for all employees monitored. The monitoring period was approximately eight (8) hours of the employee’s eight (10) hour work shift and included their lunch break (for two of the five employees monitored). Prior to fitting the dosimeter on the employee, the dosimeter was calibrated against a 114 dBA Casella CEL-120/2 acoustic calibrator. At the completion of the work shift, the data from each of the dosimeters was downloaded onto a personal computer and noise dosimetry reports were created. Dosimetry was supplemented during the work shift with area sound level measurements made in various locations where the monitored employees were working using a calibrated Casella CEL-63X Type 2 sound level meter (SLM). The sound level meter was also calibrated against a 114 dBA Casella CEL-120/2 acoustic calibrator. Findings Nosie Dosimetry The measured 8-hour TWA personal exposure level for the animal shelter employees ranged from 67.5 to 79.2 dBA (when compared to the Hearing Conservation criteria), and 62.3 to 77.2 dBA (when compared to the PEL Criteria), which were below both the Cal/OSHA 8-hr Action Level of 85 dBA, calculated 10-hour Action Level of 83.4 dBA and Cal/OSHA PEL of 90 dBA.

Front Street Animal Shelter – Noise Exposure and Sound Level Survey (5/7/2024) www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services 4 of 5 The monitored employees performed various routine work activities with the animals in the various buildings on the site. Hearing protection was not worn by the employees during the assessment. It is worth noting that the first hour and a half of employees’ exposure was not monitored due to FACS’ instructions to arrive onsite at 8 am. Reportedly, the first hour of the employees’ work shifts tends to be associated with high noise exposure from dog barking when they wake up the animals. Results of the noise dosimetry are summarized in Table 1 of Appendix A. Sound Level Measurement The sound level measurements during the activities performed throughout the duration of the work shift ranged from 38.9 dBA to 98.9 dBA. The following areas within the facility exceeded 85 dBA sound pressure level: Reception Quarantine Kennel (Q Building) Isolation Kennel (I Building) M Kennel (M Building) Stray Kennel (S Building) A Kennel (A Building) Results of the sound pressure level recorded in various locations of the facility during FACS’ assessment are provided in Table 2 of Appendix B. Conclusions Based on this assessment, the following conclusions were reached: 1. The calculated TWA results of the personal dosimetry collected during the assessed work tasks indicated that employee exposures to noise were below the regulatory exposure limits (Cal/OSHA PEL and Action Level). 2. Sound level measurements indicated that noise levels exceeded 85 dBA during the day in the following areas: a. Reception b. Quarantine Kennel (Q Building) c. Isolation Kennel (I Building) d. M Kennel (M Building) e. Stray Kennel (S Building) f. A Kennel (A Building) 3. Based on the worker noise exposure monitoring results, the monitored employees are not required to be enrolled in a hearing conservation program for the tasks monitored.

Front Street Animal Shelter – Noise Exposure and Sound Level Survey (5/7/2024) www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services 5 of 5Requirements and Recommendations Based on this assessment, the following recommendations are provided:1. Based on the results of the noise assessment, a formal hearing conservation program is not required. 2. Ensure that noise warning signs are posted at entrances to areas where noise levels are expected to exceed 85 dBA. a. Post at entrance to, or periphery of, noise-hazardous areas (85 dBA to 100 dBA) with appropriate CAUTION sign.3. Notify all affected employees of the monitoring results within 15 days of receiving this report either individually in writing or by posting the results in an appropriate location that is accessible to employees. Retain a copy of this report for 30 years. 4. Regulatory standards require the facility to keep a copy of this report for at least two years. However, it is recommended that the report be kept for at least fifteen years unless there is a change in production, process, equipment, or controls that results in a potential or anticipated change in exposures. If changes to production, process, equipment, or controls are implemented follow-up monitoring should be conducted.LimitationsThis investigation is limited to the conditions and practices observed and information made available to FACS. The methods, conclusions and recommendations provided are based on FACS’ judgment, expertise, and the standard of practice for professional service. They are subject to the limitations and variability inherent in the methodology employed. As with all environmental investigations, this investigation is limited to the defined scope and does not purport to set forth all hazards, nor indicate that other hazards do not exist. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices at (916) 260-2780 with any questions or concerns. Thank you for the opportunity to assist Indigo Hammond & Playle Architects in promoting a more healthfulenvironment. Respectfully, Reviewed by:FORENSIC ANALYTICAL FORENSIC ANALYTICAL Diana LutsikMichelle Rosales, MPH, CIHProject Manager Director of Environmental Health Services

www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services Appendix A Appendix A Noise Dosimetry Summary and Report Table 1: Personal Noise Dosimetry Summary Results Front Street Animal Shelter, April 19, 2024 Dosimeter Serial # Employee Name/Job TitleTotal Time Sampled (hrs:min) (Start / End Time)Calculated TWA HC Criteria(dBA) Calculated TWA PEL Criteria Max Sound Level(dBA) Peak Sound Level (dBZ) Quarantine Kennel (Q Building) 1590551 Daniel Cook / Animal Care Technician 7h:25min (0830 / 1112) (1209 / 1653) 73.7 68.3 111.7 143.5 Isolation Kennel (I Building) 3397714 Donald Gray / Animal Care Technician8h:11min (0840 / 1651) 79.2 77.2 111.2 140.0Cattery 2194181 Maurin Neves / Animal Care Technician7h:18min (0836 / 1114)(1210 / 1652)78.5 76.4 110.9 131.1Medical Building 3397821 Marco Kroon / Registered Veterinary Technician 8h:24min (0832 / 1657) 78 75.3 114.5 132.1 Administrative Building/Reception 2194263 Luke Mcelwee 7h:22 min (0828 / 1048) (1152 / 1654)67.5 62.3 101.8 128.3 Cal/OSHA Hearing Conservation Action Level 85 -- -- -- Cal/OSHA Hearing Conservation Adjusted 10-Hr Action Level 83.4 -- -- -- Cal/OSHA Permissible Noise Exposure– 8-hr TWA -- 90 -- -- Cal/OSHA Max/Peak Noise Exposure Limit -- -- 115 140 Notes:HC – Hearing Conservation; PEL – Permissible Exposure Limit; dBA = decibels, A scale, slow responseCalculated 8-hour TWA = noise exposure in dBA expressed as an 8-hour time-weighted average, assuming similar exposure for the non-monitored portions of the work shift. HC Criteria results were calculated using a 5-dB exchange rate, and 80dB threshold (OSHA Hearing Conservation parameter). PEL Criteria results were calculated using a 5-dB exchange rate, and 90dB threshold (OSHA PEL parameter). Max = the highest sound level reading within the monitoring period; Peak =the absolute highest noise level in dB over the monitoringSampling equipment consisted of calibrated Casella CEL-350 dBadge or Casella dBadge 2 personal noise dosimeters (Type 2, A-weighted, set at a 5-dB exchange rate per OSHA parameters), placed around the top-middle of employee’s shoulder.

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:44:12 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 1Serial Number 1590551Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 8:30:00 AMMeasurement Duration 02:41:57Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 11:11:57 AMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 00:05:12Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:23:55 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 81.7 dBLCeq 83.2 dBLAIeq 90.7 dBLApeak 135.6 dBLCpeak 137.2 dBLZpeak 137.3 dBLAFmax 118.2 dBLASmax 110.1 dBLCeq - LAeq 1.5 dBMotion Index 82.8%LAVG 75.2 dB 68.0 dBTWA 8Hrs 67.4 dB 60.2 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 75.2 dB 68.0 dBDose % 4.3% 1.6%Projected Dose % 12.9% 4.7%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 77.0 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 81.7 dBLepd 77.0 dBProjected Lepd 81.7 dBPa2Hrs 0.20Pa2Sec 576.1ISO Dose % 50.0%Projected ISO Dose % 148.2%ISO Exposure Points 50Projected ISO Exposure Points 148LAE 121.6 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
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CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:48:52 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 2Serial Number 1590551Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 12:09:28 PMMeasurement Duration 04:43:22Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 4:52:50 PMOverload YesOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 02:00:57Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:23:55 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 79.9 dBLCeq 81.1 dBLAIeq 88.7 dBLApeak 143.5 dBLCpeak 143.5 dBLZpeak 143.5 dBLAFmax 120.6 dBLASmax 111.7 dBLCeq - LAeq 1.2 dBMotion Index 59.8%LAVG 65.9 dB 64.9 dBTWA 8Hrs 62.1 dB 61.1 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 65.9 dB 64.9 dBDose % 2.1% 1.8%Projected Dose % 3.6% 3.1%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 77.6 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 79.9 dBLepd 77.6 dBProjected Lepd 79.9 dBPa2Hrs 0.20Pa2Sec 660.8ISO Dose % 57.4%Projected ISO Dose % 97.2%ISO Exposure Points 57Projected ISO Exposure Points 97LAE 122.2 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:48:52 AM Page 2 of 2

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:47:00 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 1Serial Number 3397714Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 8:39:54 AMMeasurement Duration 08:11:12Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 4:51:06 PMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 02:58:07Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:21:17 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 85.1 dBLCeq 86.6 dBLAIeq 92.2 dBLApeak 139.5 dBLCpeak 139.9 dBLZpeak 140.0 dBLAFmax 119.3 dBLASmax 111.2 dBLCeq - LAeq 1.6 dBMotion Index 68.2%LAVG 77.5 dB 75.5 dBTWA 8Hrs 77.7 dB 75.7 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 77.7 dB 75.7 dBDose % 18.1% 13.7%Projected Dose % 18.1% 13.7%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 85.2 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 85.2 dBLepd 85.2 dBProjected Lepd 85.2 dBPa2Hrs 1.00Pa2Sec 3771.1ISO Dose % 327.4%Projected ISO Dose % 327.4%ISO Exposure Points 327Projected ISO Exposure Points 327LAE 129.7 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:47:00 AM Page 2 of 2

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:46:03 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 1Serial Number 2194181Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 8:36:24 AMMeasurement Duration 02:37:46Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 11:14:10 AMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 00:56:42Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:22:25 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 69.2 dBLCeq 74.5 dBLAIeq 76.9 dBLApeak 112.2 dBLCpeak 113.6 dBLZpeak 115.4 dBLAFmax 98.2 dBLASmax 91.9 dBLCeq - LAeq 5.3 dBMotion Index 72.1%LAVG 49.7 dB 21.3 dBTWA 8Hrs 41.7 dB 13.2 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 49.7 dB 21.3 dBDose % 0.1% 0.0%Projected Dose % 0.4% 0.0%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 64.4 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 69.2 dBLepd 64.4 dBProjected Lepd 69.2 dBPa2Hrs 0.00Pa2Sec 31.8ISO Dose % 2.8%Projected ISO Dose % 8.4%ISO Exposure Points 3Projected ISO Exposure Points 8LAE 109.0 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:46:03 AM Page 2 of 2

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:49:25 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 2Serial Number 2194181Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 12:10:54 PMMeasurement Duration 04:41:25Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 4:52:19 PMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 00:44:11Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:22:25 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 87.5 dBLCeq 89.0 dBLAIeq 95.5 dBLApeak 129.0 dBLCpeak 130.8 dBLZpeak 131.1 dBLAFmax 117.0 dBLASmax 110.9 dBLCeq - LAeq 1.5 dBMotion Index 74.4%LAVG 79.0 dB 77.0 dBTWA 8Hrs 75.2 dB 73.1 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 79.0 dB 77.0 dBDose % 12.8% 9.7%Projected Dose % 21.9% 16.5%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 85.2 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 87.5 dBLepd 85.2 dBProjected Lepd 87.5 dBPa2Hrs 1.10Pa2Sec 3814.5ISO Dose % 331.1%Projected ISO Dose % 564.8%ISO Exposure Points 331Projected ISO Exposure Points 565LAE 129.8 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:49:25 AM Page 2 of 2

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:44:44 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 1Serial Number 3397821Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 8:32:46 AMMeasurement Duration 08:24:26Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 4:57:12 PMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 01:44:38Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:23:27 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 84.9 dBLCeq 85.4 dBLAIeq 93.3 dBLApeak 131.3 dBLCpeak 132.1 dBLZpeak 132.1 dBLAFmax 122.0 dBLASmax 114.5 dBLCeq - LAeq 0.5 dBMotion Index 68.4%LAVG 76.1 dB 73.4 dBTWA 8Hrs 76.5 dB 73.8 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 76.5 dB 73.8 dBDose % 15.3% 10.6%Projected Dose % 15.3% 10.6%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 85.1 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 85.1 dBLepd 85.1 dBProjected Lepd 85.1 dBPa2Hrs 1.00Pa2Sec 3738.5ISO Dose % 324.5%Projected ISO Dose % 324.5%ISO Exposure Points 325Projected ISO Exposure Points 325LAE 129.7 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:44:44 AM Page 2 of 2

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:42:58 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 1Serial Number 2194263Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 8:28:24 AMMeasurement Duration 02:19:43Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 10:48:07 AMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 01:44:51Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:24:31 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 74.0 dBLCeq 76.2 dBLAIeq 82.9 dBLApeak 129.5 dBLCpeak 128.1 dBLZpeak 128.3 dBLAFmax 107.3 dBLASmax 101.8 dBLCeq - LAeq 2.2 dBMotion Index 55.9%LAVG 63.2 dB 53.9 dBTWA 8Hrs 54.3 dB 45.0 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 63.2 dB 53.9 dBDose % 0.7% 0.2%Projected Dose % 2.4% 0.7%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 68.6 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 74.0 dBLepd 68.6 dBProjected Lepd 74.0 dBPa2Hrs 0.00Pa2Sec 83.9ISO Dose % 7.3%Projected ISO Dose % 25.0%ISO Exposure Points 7Projected ISO Exposure Points 25LAE 113.2 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:42:58 AM Page 2 of 2

CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:47:45 AM Page 1 of 2 SummaryResult Information OriginalRun No. 2Serial Number 2194263Run Start Date & Time 4/18/2024 11:52:05 AMMeasurement Duration 05:02:17Run End Date & Time 4/18/2024 4:54:22 PMOverload NoOverload (Duration) 00:00:00Under Range (Duration) 02:04:45Over 140 dB (Duration) 00:00:00Cal (before) Date 4/18/2024 8:24:31 AMCal (before) SPL 114.0 dBDosimeter Information OriginalDosimeter D1 D2LAeq 77.9 dBLCeq 79.6 dBLAIeq 85.3 dBLApeak 125.8 dBLCpeak 124.5 dBLZpeak 125.5 dBLAFmax 107.6 dBLASmax 101.8 dBLCeq - LAeq 1.7 dBMotion Index 8.3%LAVG 68.5 dB 62.9 dBTWA 8Hrs 65.1 dB 59.5 dBProjected TWA 8Hrs 68.5 dB 62.9 dBDose % 3.2% 1.5%Projected Dose % 5.1% 2.3%LAS Exceedance Duration 00:00:00 00:00:00LEX 8Hrs 75.8 dBProjected LEX 8Hrs 77.9 dBLepd 75.8 dBProjected Lepd 77.9 dBPa2Hrs 0.10Pa2Sec 442.5ISO Dose % 38.4%Projected ISO Dose % 61.0%ISO Exposure Points 38Projected ISO Exposure Points 61LAE 120.4 dBNote(s) Start Date & Time End Date & Time Note CasellaReport On dBadge2
Report Generated By dBadge2 - Casella - On 4/26/2024 At 9:47:45 AM Page 2 of 2

www.facs.com Forensic Analytical Consulting Services Appendix B Appendix B Sound Level Survey Results
1Allowable duration is calculated based on Cal/OSHA requirements for a 100% exposure dose. dBA: A-weighted decibels SPL: Sound pressure level 8 08 5 9 0 Table 2: Sound Pressure Level ResultsFront Street Animal Shelter April 19, 2024 Facility Area Sound Level (dBA) Allowable Duration (hours)Administrative building (Liz Office – no radio)38.99541.5Administrative building (Liz Office – with radio) 51.6 1640.6 Main office – administrative work (some talking) 39.8 - 58.4 639.1 Laundry area near freeway (no Caltran work) 71 – 74.5 68.6 Stary cat room (no cats/ambient sound) 50.9 1807.8Back side of A kennel (no Caltran work) 69.5 – 73.7 76.6 A kennel (minor barking/whining) 58.2 – 88.2 10.3 Outside Cattery near freeway (no Caltran) 68.4 – 70.2 124.5 Cattery throughout 44.1 – 53.0 1351.2M Kennel (minor barking) 58.1 – 85.7 14.5 Outside S Kennel (Exterior, some barking) 85.4 – 98.1 2.6 I Kennel exterior (2 dogs barking)87.8 – 98.9 2.3 I kennel interior (no barking, cleaning kennels) 68.1 – 72.7 88.0 Back side of I kennel (near freeway) 74.6 – 75.8 57.3 Exterior (between I and Q kennel, with barking) 89.7 – 95.9 3.5 Q kennel (barking outside) 62.6 – 79.2 35.8 Q kennel exterior (near freeway) 77.1 – 78.1 41.6 Outside Vet office (near freeway) 63.1 – 66.9 196.7 Vet office (no barking, some talking)58.9 – 68.7 153.3 Stray (S) Kennel, multiple dogs barking55.5 – 91.66.4Reception Building (one dog whining) 56.2 – 68.3 162.0 Reception Building (one dog barking) 90.0 – 95.7 3.6 Right PeopleRight PerspectiveRight Nowwww.facs.com
THE ASSOCIATION OF SHELTER VETERINARIANS’

GUIDELINES FOR STANDARDS OF CARE IN

ANIMAL SHELTERS
Second Edition - December 2022

APPENDIX E - THE ASSOCIATION OF SHELTER VETERINARIANS GUIDELINES FOR STANDARDS OF CARE IN

ANIMAL SHELTERS

Authors
Lena DeTar* DVM, MS, DACVPM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) Maddie’s Shelter Medicine
Program, Cornell University College of Veterinary
Medicine, Ithaca, NY
Erin Doyle* DVM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Boston, MA
Jeanette O’Quin* DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) The Ohio State University
College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus, OH
Chumkee Aziz DVM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) University of California-
Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Houston, TX
Elizabeth Berliner DVM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine; Canine & Feline Practice)
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, Ithaca, NY
Nancy Bradley-Siemens DVM, MNM, MS, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) Shelter and Community
Medicine, Midwestern University, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Glendale, AZ
Philip Bushby DVM, MS, DACVS
Shelter Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Staci Cannon DVM, MPH, DACVPM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) University of Georgia
College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA
Brian DiGangi DVM, MS, DABVP
(Canine & Feline Practice; Shelter Medicine Practice)
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine,
Gainesville, FL
Uri Donnett DVM, MS, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) Dane County Humane
Society, Madison, WI
Elizabeth Fuller DVM
Charleston Animal Society, Charleston, SC
Elise Gingrich DVM, MPH, MS, DACVPM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) American Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,
Fort Collins, CO
Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL
Stephanie Janeczko DVM, MS, DABVP
(Canine & Feline Practice; Shelter Medicine Practice),
CAWA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals, New Y ork, NY
Cristie Kamiya DVM, MBA, CAWA
Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA
Cynthia Karsten DVM, DABVP
(Shelter Medicine Practice) University of
California-Davis, Koret Shelter Medicine Program,
Sacramento, CA
Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Maddie’s Fund, Pleasanton, CA
Martha Smith-Blackmore DVM
Forensic Veterinary Investigations, LLC, Boston, MA
Miranda Spindel DVM, MS
Shelter Medicine Help, Fort Collins, CO
*Editors
Acknowledgements
The ASV would like to recognize and thank the authors of the first edition of the ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters for their time and dedication to creating and sharing this transformative document: Sandra Newbury, Mary Blinn, Philip Bushby, Cynthia Barker Cox, Julie Dinnage, Brenda Griffin, Kate Hurley, Natalie Isaza, Wes Jones, Lila Miller, Jeanette O’Quin, Gary Patronek, Martha Smith-Blackmore, Miranda Spindel.

We would like to acknowledge the following people for their assistance with the presentation of this document:
• Dr. Denae Wagner for drafting figures of dog and cat primary enclosure set-up • Katie Mihalenko for graphic design
• Gene Summerlin for legal consultation
• Abigail Appleton, PMP, CA W A, for technical support creating the checklist of key actionable statements • Open Academia for publishing services
i
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 About this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Ethical framework for animal welfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Sheltering today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

1. Management and Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.2. Management structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.3. Establishment of policies and protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.4. Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

1.5. Record keeping and animal identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2. Population Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.2. Determining capacity for care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.3. Operating within capacity for care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Admission planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Outcome planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Length of stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Pathway planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Population rounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.4. Monitoring population data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

3. Animal Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2. Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.3. Handling equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

3.4. Handling feral cats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

4. Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

4.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4.2. Primary enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Individual primary enclosure size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Primary enclosure set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Additional considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

4.3. Co-housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 ii
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Co-housing enclosure set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Selecting animals for co-housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Monitoring co-housed animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.4. Isolation housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.5. Surfaces and drainage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.6. Heating, ventilation, and air quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.7. Noise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.8. Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.9. Enrichment spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.10. Intake spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

4.11 Drop boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.12. Facility design and planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

5. Sanitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

5.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.2. Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.3. Sanitation practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Sanitizing primary enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Spot cleaning primary enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.4 Reducing pathogen spread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Personal protective equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Hand hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Equipment & supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5.5. Other shelter areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.6. Wildlife, rodent, & insect control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

6. Medical Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.2. Veterinary oversight and medical recordkeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

6.3. Medical assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6.4. Essential wellness and preventive care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Vaccination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Core vaccines in shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Noncore vaccines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Vaccine schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Parasites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Pregnant, nursing, and neonatal animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

6.5. Responding to health concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Pain management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 iii
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Emergency medical care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Responding to infectious disease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Outbreak reponse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

6.6. Population health surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6.7. Rehoming considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

7. Shelter Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

7.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

7.2. Spay-Neuter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Practices and protocols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Identifying altered animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

7.3. Other surgeries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

8. Forensics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.2. Laws and regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.3. Forensic investigation policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

8.4. The veterinary forensic evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Veterinary forensic examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

8.5. Managing evidence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

8.6. Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

9. Behavior and Mental Well-being . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

9.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

9.2. Stress and welfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

9.3. Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

9.4. Environmental management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Daily routine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

9.5. Enrichment and socialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Time out of enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Interactions with people and other animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Playgroups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Enrichment within enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Socialization of puppies and kittens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

9.6. Behavior assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

9.7. Responding to behavior or welfare concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..47 Animal training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Behavior modification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 iv
Contents
Behavior medication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Animals with long term stays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

9.8. Risk assessment of animals displaying aggressive behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

9.9. Rehoming considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

10. Euthanasia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

10.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

10.2. Euthanasia process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Euthanasia methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

10.3. Environment and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

10.4. Personnel considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

11. Animal Transport and Relocation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

11.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

11.2. Responsibilities for relocation programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

11.3. Responsibilities at the source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

11.4. Responsibilities during transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Primary enclosure and occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Special cases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Monitoring and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Aggregation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

11.5. Responsibilities at the destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

12. Disaster Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

12.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

12.2. Mitigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

12.3. Preparedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

12.4. Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

12.5. Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

13. Public Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

13.1. General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

13.2. Personal protective measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Hand hygiene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

13.3. Workplace hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Chemical hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Physical hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Biological hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

13.4. Human well-being . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 1Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022 . This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 Introduction
Purpose
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ (ASV)
Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters
[‘The Guidelines 1’] was originally published in 2010.

While animal sheltering has evolved substantially in the last decade, this second edition shares the same funda - mental goals. To provide:
• a set of common standards for the care and welfare
of companion animals in shelters based on scientific
evidence and expert consensus
• guidance that helps animal welfare organizations re - duce overcrowding, stress, disease, and improve safety
• a tool for animal welfare organizations and commu -
nities to assess and improve their shelters
• references for creating regulations and statutes
around sheltering, and benchmarks for organiza -
tional change
• guidance for animal housing in existing facilities and priorities for the design of new construction
• a living document that responds to developments
in shelter medicine and animal care research and
practice
Both documents share the guiding principle that meeting each animal’s physical and emotional needs is the funda - mental obligation of a shelter regardless of the mission of the organization or the challenges involved in meeting those needs.

About this document
This second edition keeps the intent and format of the origi- nal document, while incorporating important updates based on the growing body of animal sheltering science and rec- ommendations rooted in practical experience. To undertake this revision, the Board of Directors of the ASV formed a task force of 19 shelter veterinarians from a pool of nomi- nees and original authors. Task force members were selected from those active within the ASV community to provide
diversity and breadth in their areas of expertise, geograph- ical locations, and current or previous roles in a variety of shelter types. Task force members completed literature reviews and consulted subject matter experts to inform their contributions. Funding to support the research, develop - ment, and publication of this document was provided by
the ASV . No commercial or industry funding was used.

This consensus document, which represents the collective input and agreement of all task force members, took 3 years to create. This second edition was approved unanimously by the ASV Board of Directors in December 2022.

Audience
The Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, Second Edition, is written for organizations of any size or type who provide temporary housing for companion
animals. The term shelter used here includes foster-based rescues, nonprofit humane societies and SPCAs, munic -
ipal animal services facilities, and hybrid organizations.

The Guidelines are also applicable to any organization
that routinely cares for populations of companion ani - mals, including companion animal sanctuaries, cat cafés, vet clinics, pet stores, dog breeding operations, research facilities (including universities), and service, military, or sporting dog organizations. This document was written
for organizations working in every community, including those with significant numbers of homeless pets, those
with the capacity to take in animals from other locations, and those whose pet population challenges vary by spe - cies, time of year, and other circumstances.

The term personnel is used in this document to include
all paid and volunteer team members caring for animals
in shelters and foster-based organizations. This document is intended to guide all personnel, including administra - tive, medical, behavior, and animal care staff; volunteers; foster caregivers; sole operators; and those filling any other role that supports animal well-being.

Scope
Although many practice recommendations and examples
are included, these Guidelines are not a detailed manual for shelter operations. As with the previous document, the aim is to provide guiding standards of care to meet ani - mals’ needs, while allowing shelters to determine exactly how those standards are met in their own operating pro - tocols, based on their mission or mandate, resources, chal- lenges, and community needs.

In this document, we have deliberately limited our focus to the care of cats and dogs who make up the majority of animals admitted to shelters in the United States every year. When caring for other species, similar operational principles can be applied to meet the unique needs of
those animals.

The ASV recognizes the importance of activities sup -
porting pet retention and access to veterinary care, and that shelters are playing a large role in providing those ser- vices.2 Informed community engagement is critical in sup- porting the health of animals in their communities, with impacts on shelter intake and human health. 3 Although
these services are addressed where they intersect with
shelter admission and outcome policies and decisions,
this document does not focus specifically on how shelters support owned animals or community pet welfare.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.20222 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Format
These Guidelines have been divided into 13 sections; 11 have been updated from the original document and two are new.

The document is intended to be read in its entirety because concepts build upon one another. A glossary is included as Appendix A; a checklist of key actionable statements is available on the ASV website. Lists of helpful resources are also included in appendices for ease of access. As an evidence-based document, the many references included
direct the reader to the science and research behind specific recommendations.

As with the original document, the key actionable state- ments use an unacceptable, must, should, or ideal format:
• Unacceptable indicates practices that need to be
avoided or prevented without exception
• Must indicates practices for which adherence is neces- sary to ensure humane care
• Should indicates practices that are strongly rec -
ommended, and compliance is expected in most
circumstances
• Ideal indicates practices that are implemented when
resources allow
The ASV recognizes that each organization is uniquely
situated and faces challenges that may impact their ability to implement the practices recommended. The ranked for- mat of statements allows organizations to set priorities for improving their operations and facilities. This is not a legal document; shelters should be aware that state and local laws and regulations may supersede the recommendations
made here.

Ethical framework for animal welfare
The ethical principles for animal welfare used in the orig- inal Guidelines document were the Five Freedoms: the
freedom from hunger and thirst; the freedom from dis -
comfort; the freedom from pain, injury, or disease; the freedom to express normal behavior; and the freedom
from fear and distress.1,4
While these principles are valuable for defining essen - tial elements of animal welfare, their focus is on avoiding negative experiences. Positive experiences and welfare are also essential to promote a life worth living.5 For example, shelters do more than ensure animals do not go hungry;
they regularly provide species- and life stage-specific food that nourishes, provides interest, and satisfies without overfilling. Food can be even more enriching when pro - vided in a context of social contact and animal training.

The Five Domains model, derived from the Five
Freedoms, illustrates how better or worse nutrition, envi- ronment, physical health, and behavioral opportunities
combine to inform an animal’s mental state, which, in
turn, informs their overall welfare.6 This model does two new things. First, it gives a spectrum for each domain, for example, allowing not just the absence of pain but includ- ing the feelings of comfort and fitness (Table 1).

Second, this model illustrates that positive welfare
states can still occur even when one or more important
needs are not completely satisfied. For example, a stray cat with a healing pelvic fracture on cage rest (restricted agency, pain) may still have an overall positive wel -
fare state when appropriately treated and housed in an
enriched foster home. Negative mental states are also
possible even if only one need is unmet. For example, a well-fed and physically healthy dog confined long-term
to a kennel (restricted agency) may have profound mental distress and overall negative welfare.

When nutritional, environmental, physical, and emo -
tional needs are increasingly satisfied, animals have
increasingly positive mental states and demonstrate this Table 1. The Five Domains that contribute to an animal’s welfare status

1. Nutrition 2. Environment 3. Health 4. Opportunity 5. Mental state Positive experiences Enough food and water
Fresh clean water
Balanced, variety of food
Comfortable
T emperate
Routine
Clean
Interest/variety
Physical health
Good function
Good body condition
Restful sleep
Choice of environment
Choice of interaction
Behavioral variety
(play, hunt, forage,
engage, rest)
Novelty
Satisfied
Engaged
Comfortable
Affectionate
Playful
Confident
Calm
Encouraged
Negative experiences Restricted water
Restricted food
Poor quality
Monotonous
T oo cold or hot
T oo dark or bright
T oo loud or quiet
Unpredictable
Malodorous
Soiled
Monotonous
Uncomfortable
Body dysfunction or
impairment
Disease
Pain
Poor fitness
Barren cage
Confined space
Separation from people
or species
Restraint
Unavoidable sensory
inputs
Fearful or anxious
Frustrated
Bored, lonely
Exhausted
Ill, painful
Uncomfortable
Hungry, thirsty
Adapted from Mellor6
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 3 Introduction
through physical manifestations of good health and
behavior (Figure 1).

In this document, we set out to help shelters achieve
positive welfare in each of these Five Domains within
the necessary constraints of animal and human safety
and infectious disease control. In addition to following the Guidelines in this document, we hope that shel -
ters will examine existing practices in light of the Five Domains framework and identify new ways to tip the
balance toward positive well-being for the animals in
their care.

Sheltering today
This document was created during a period of social
upheaval, with a global pandemic, climate events, and racial inequity protests impacting communities around the world.

Both the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly frequent
damaging weather events have accentuated the critical role that shelters play in keeping animals safe and preserving the human–animal bond. The willingness of communities
to help shelters was also highlighted during the pandemic, when entire organizations pivoted to foster care and pur- sued creative alternatives to intake. Inviting members of the community to be a part of the safety-net has created opportunities for new programs and bigger impacts.

At the same time, the animal welfare industry has
been reflecting on how sheltering and animal con -
trol practices contribute to systemic inequities in their communities, including the ways that shelters admit,
transport, and adopt out animals. This reflection has
emphasized the need for accessible, non-punitive ser -
vices for pet owners in our communities, the benefits
of culturally sensitive community engagement, and the
need to work toward representing the diversity of our
communities in our personnel and profession (ASV’s
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). 7
Staffing and work environment challenges, during the
pandemic and beyond, have reiterated the need for
shelters to be healthy, supportive, and inclusive places to work and volunteer (ASV’s Well-being of Shelter
Veterinarians and Staff). 8
Confronting these challenges together has created a
stronger, more interconnected animal welfare commu -
nity. The ASV offers this document as a tool to help shel- ters connect to expert guidance and measure themselves
against a common standard, to help personnel find com - passion satisfaction, to solidify the shelter’s role in sup - porting their community, and to elevate the welfare of
animals in their care.

References

1. Newbury S, Blinn MK, Bushby PA, et al. Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians; 2010:1–67.

2. Shelter Animals Count. Community Services Data Matrix. 2021:1–10. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://shelterani-
malscount-cms-production.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sac_ communityservicesdatamatrix_202101_c1ddc2b4b6.pdf
Figure 1. The Five Domains of animal welfare in action
© ASV 2022
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.20224 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters

3. Clinical and Translational Science Awards Consortium Community Engagement Key Function Committee Task Force
on the Principles of Community Engagement. Prinicples of Community Engagement. 2nd ed. Silberberg M, Cook J, Drescher C, McCloskey DJ, Weaver S, Ziegahn L, eds. National Insitutes of Health and Human Services; 2011.

4. Elischer M. The Five Freedoms: A History Lesson in Animal Care and Welfare. Michigan State University Extension; 2019.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/
an_animal_welfare_history_lesson_on_the_five_freedoms

5. Mellor DJ. Animal emotions, behaviour and the promotion of positive welfare states. N Z Vet J. 2012;60(1):1–8. doi: http://dx. doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2011.619047.

6. Mellor DJ. Updating animalwelfare thinking: moving beyond the “five freedoms” towards “A lifeworth living.” Animals. 2016;6(3):21. doi: 10.3390/ani6030021

7. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. ASV’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 2020.

8. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Position Statement:

Well-being of Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. 2022.
5 Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

1. Management and Record Keeping

1.1 General
A well-run sheltering organization of any size is built on a foundation of planning, training, and oversight. This foundation is an essential part of implementing the guide- lines presented in this document. Shelters must have a
clearly defined mission or mandate, adequate personnel, up-to-date policies and protocols, a system for training and supervising personnel, and management practices
aligned with these guidelines.

The shelter’s mission or mandate should reflect the
needs of the community it serves. Tools that aid shelters in defining their purpose include community needs assess- ments and strategic planning. A community needs assess- ment reveals what services are already being provided in the community and where needs are unmet. Programs and
collaborations have the biggest impact when they reflect principles of community engagement, including respect
for each other’s values and cultures. 1 The community’s needs should be regularly reviewed, and strategies and
goals updated accordingly.

Strategic planning is an organizational process used to define the shelter’s essential programs and goals, and then purposefully allocate resources (e.g. shelter space, person- nel, and finances) toward achieving these goals. This plan- ning positively impacts an organization’s ability to achieve its stated objectives. 2 Strategic plans are most effective when reviewed regularly, often quarterly, to ensure prog- ress is being made and goals are still relevant.

Animal shelter administration requires the balance of
a complex set of considerations, including a focus on col- laboration and the establishment of best practices. When developing organizational level policies and protocols, administrators are encouraged to consult industry-specific professional organizations for guidance and to learn from the experience of others in the field. 3–5 Because animal health and welfare is woven into every facet of shelter operations, veterinarians should be integrally involved with development and implementation of the shelter’s
organizational policies and protocols.

1.2 Management structure
Shelters must have a clearly defined organizational struc- ture that outlines accountability, responsibility, and au - thority for management decisions. This organizational
structure must be communicated to all staff and volun - teers. Organizational charts are visual tools that enable all personnel to understand roles and responsibilities, supporting clear communication across departments.

This blueprint of the organization can be used by new
team members learning about the organization, by those
in leadership planning for growth and transition, and by external partners establishing a collaborative relationship with the organization. Lines of authority, responsibility, and supervision should be in writing, reviewed periodi - cally, and updated when roles change.

Decision-making must take into account resource
allocation as well as population and individual animal
health and welfare. Decisions involving the allocation
of resources, whether at the organizational, population, or individual animal level, are best made by person -
nel aware of organizational priorities and the shelter’s capacity for care.

Authority and responsibility for tasks and decision-making must be given only to those who have the appropriate
knowledge, training, and when applicable, credentials. For example, resource-based decisions (e.g. to treat or to euthanize an individual animal) may be made by shelter personnel, but medical treatment decisions (e.g. which drug to treat with) need to involve a veterinarian.

The practice of veterinary medicine and surgery is
restricted to those with a valid license. In the United States, veterinary practice is defined by state or territo - rial practice acts. These acts generally cover the diagno - sis and treatment of medical conditions, prescription of pharmaceuticals, surgery, and the tasks that other per - sonnel (e.g. technicians, assistants, veterinary students, and others) may perform under direct or indirect veteri - nary supervision. 6 Several states and the A VMA Model
Veterinary Practice Act have sections specific to popula - tion medicine and the provision of veterinary oversight through standard written protocols and timely visits to the premises where animals are housed.7,8
Some medical procedures (e.g. microchipping and
alternative therapies) may be restricted to veterinarians in some states and not in others. 9 Shelters can maximize capacity for medical services by using veterinary techni - cians and other veterinary professionals to the extent of their capabilities. Providing veterinary care via telemedi - cine extends veterinary bandwidth and can improve ani - mal welfare.10
A formal relationship with a veterinarian must be in
place to ensure oversight of medical and surgical care in the shelter. Many shelters employ one or more veterinari- ans, others may use local veterinary clinics, and some use paid or unpaid contract veterinarians. A shelter’s veter - inarian must have knowledge about their particular pop - ulation and should have training or experience in shelter medicine. The shelter’s veterinarian should be consulted on all policies and protocols related to the maintenance of medical and behavioral animal health (see Medical Health).

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.20226 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Furthermore, veterinarians may be uniquely suited to pro- vide training and continuing education, communicate with external stakeholders, and engage in organizational policy and protocol development in shelters.

1.3 Establishment of policies and protocols
Organizational policies are a framework of high-level
decisions that ensure operations remain consistent with the shelter’s mission and priorities. Shelter policies help ensure that animal needs do not overwhelm the re -
sources available to meet those needs, since operating be- yond an organization’s capacity for care is unacceptable (see Population Management ). Important policies for
sheltering organizations include intake, treatable condi - tions, euthanasia, adoption, transport, and community
animal services.

Shelter protocols are critical tools that ensure consis - tent daily operations in keeping with organizational pol - icies. Protocols must be developed and documented in
sufficient detail to achieve and maintain the standards described in this document and should be reviewed and
updated regularly. All personnel must have access to
up-to-date protocols. How shelters provide this access
will vary by organization and may include digital or paper documents. Shelter management must routinely monitor
and ensure compliance with protocols. Appendix B pro-
vides a comprehensive list of protocols recommended in
these Guidelines.

Shelters are obligated to comply with all local, state, and national regulations, which need to be reviewed reg - ularly. In some cases, existing regulations may represent outdated practice or lower standards of care and can
restrict or even conflict with current best practices. When implementation of these Guidelines does not align with
government regulations or policies, shelters are encour - aged to support endeavors for legislative change.

1.4 Training
Effective training of personnel (i.e. paid and unpaid staff and volunteers) is necessary to ensure safe and humane
animal care and the safety of people. 11 Personnel train - ing should incorporate all relevant aspects of working in the organization. In addition to operating protocols for daily tasks, effective training programs include broader topics that help staff to perform their duties well, such as communication techniques; data management; animal
husbandry; staff well-being; and diversity, equity, and in- clusion (Appendix B).

Onboarding is an important part of introducing new
personnel to any organization. Shelters must provide
training for each shelter task, and personnel must demon- strate skills and knowledge before proficiency is assumed.

For example, new animal care staff could complete vir - tual training materials on sanitation and work with a
senior staff member prior to being assigned to sanitize enclosures.

Documentation of training should be maintained and
reviewed regularly as a part of professional develop -
ment and performance reviews. Ongoing feedback about
performance, both in-the-moment and through formal
reviews, is an important element of professional growth for personnel at all levels. When licensing or certification is required to perform specialized duties, as in veterinary care or euthanasia, personnel performing these tasks
must be credentialed. 12,13 Continuing education must be provided for all personnel in order to improve skills and maintain credentials. Investing in training requires time and resources but is key to program success.

To ensure employee, volunteer, and public safety,
shelters must provide all personnel the information and training needed to recognize and protect themselves
against common zoonotic conditions (see Public Health).

In addition, shelter personnel having any form of con - tact with animals should have proper training in basic
animal handling skills, animal body language, and bite
prevention strategies. This training reduces risk for staff and volunteers and provides a more humane experience
for animals.

1.5 Record keeping and animal identification
Shelter animal identification and maintenance of animal records are essential for shelter operations. Shelters must adhere to the elements of record-keeping defined within regulatory requirements.

Given the wide availability of technology, digital sys - tems should be used for record keeping, preferably soft - ware systems designed for animal shelters. With proper
utilization, shelter software or spreadsheet programs
allow organizations to better manage resources, sched - ules, and shelter processes. The software system used
by a shelter should be able to generate basic population level reports as well as individual animal records. Popu - lation-level data inform management strategies (see Pop- ulation Management) and allow regular assessment and
reporting of organizational goals and activities.14
No matter the system used, each animal must have a
unique identifier and individual record. This identifier (e.g. name and number) is established at or prior to admis- sion and ensures consistency and accuracy in care and
record keeping for that animal. Shelter software programs typically generate a ‘kennel card’ based on animal infor - mation entered into the system, which can be displayed on or near the animal’s primary enclosure for easy reference by personnel and the public.

Because animals may move within and between areas,
shelters must have an organized system by which ani -
mal identification information can be quickly and easily matched to animals in enclosures and their shelter records.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 7 Management and Record Keepting
Since identification may be challenging when animals are outside of their enclosures, co-housed with similar ani - mals, or in foster homes, a means of identification should be physically affixed (e.g. collar and tag) or permanently inserted (microchip), when it is safe to do so.

Shelter records should capture all pertinent medical
and behavioral information (Table 1.1.) Records must
be maintained for animals in foster care and other off- site housing locations just as they are for shelter-housed animals.

References

1. Clinical and Translational Science Awards Consortium Com - munity Engagement Key Function Committee Task Force on
the Principles of Community Engagement. Prinicples of Com - munity Engagement . In: Silberberg M, Cook J, Drescher C, McCloskey DJ, Weaver S, Ziegahn L, eds. 2nd ed. National Insi- tutes of Health and Human Services; 2011, pages 1–188.

2. George B, Walker RM, Monster J. Does Strategic Planning Im- prove Organizational Performance? A Meta-Analysis. Public Adm Rev. 2019;79(6):810–819. doi: 10.1111/PUAR.13104

3. Association of Animal Welfare Administrators. Resources.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://theaawa.org/page/Resources.

4. National Animal Care and Control Association. Home: Na - tional Animal Care & Control Association. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. www.naca.com

5. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Association of Shelter Vet- erinaians: Home. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. www.sheltervet.org

6. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Position Statement: Vet - erinary Supervision in Animal Shelters . 2021;1. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.sheltervet.org/assets/docs/position-state- ments/VeterinarySupervision in Animal Shelters PS 2021.pdf.

7. American Veterinary Medical Association, A VMA. A VMA Pol- icy: Model Veterinary Practice Act. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2021.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.avma.org/sites/default/ files/2021-01/model-veterinary-practice-act.pdf.

8. American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Veteri- nary Medicine and Veterinary Technology Practice Act Model (PAM). 2019. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.aavsb.org/ board-services/member-board-resources/practice-act-model/.

9. American Veterinary Medical Association. Policy: Complemen- tary, Alternative, and Integrative Veterinary Medicine , Shaum - burg IL, 2022.

10. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. ASV Telemedicine Position Statement. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.sheltervet.org/ assets/docs/position-statements/Telemedicine PS 2021.pdf.

11. National Research Council (U.S.). Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Insti - tute for Laboratory Animal Research (U.S.). Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. National Academies Press; 2011, Washington DC.

12. American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Licensing Boards for Veterinary Medicine, Shaumburg IL.

13. American Veterinary Medical Association. State Laws Gov - erning Euthanasia . 2022. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https:// www.avma.org/advocacy/state-and-local-advocacy/
state-laws-governing-euthanasia.

14. Shelter Animals Count. Basic Data Matrix . Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/wp-content/up- loads/2022/02/BasicDataMatrix_SAC.pdf.

Table 1.1. Essential elements of an animal shelter record Animal information Unique identifier (number/name)
Intake type (source)
Date of intake
Species
Age/age category (estimate or known)
Sex
Spay-neuter status
Physical description
Weight
Identification Photograph of the animal
Microchip scan results
Identifying markings (tattoos, tags, scars, etc.)
History Medical conditions and services received
Behavioral events and experiences
People and animals lived with
Home environment
In-shelter care activities Medical findings, treatments, and procedures Behavioral findings, plans, and treatments
Housing locations by time
Outcome information Outcome type
Date of outcome
8Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022 Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

2. Population Management

2.1 General
Shelters must practice active population management,
which is the process of intentionally and efficiently plan - ning services for each animal in the shelter’s care. Individual animals are managed in consideration of the shelter’s abil- ity to care for that animal and their entire population in a manner consistent with the guidelines outlined in this document. Population management includes pre-intake
planning, protocols for care and services, ongoing daily evaluation, outcome planning, and response to changing
conditions of the shelter and the animal.1
Every organization has limits to its ability to provide care. Limits include financial and physical resources, per- sonnel hours and skills, housing and operations space,
and the opportunity for live outcomes. These limitations define the number and type of animals for which an orga- nization can provide humane care, also known as the
organization’s capacity for care. The concept of capacity for care is not unique to animal sheltering and is recog - nized in veterinary hospitals, other animal care fields, human healthcare, hospitality, and other industries.2,3 Operating beyond an organization’s capacity for care
is an unacceptable practice. When shelter populations tax the organization’s ability to provide care for their animals, living conditions worsen, and population health and well- being are compromised.4,5 Delays in recognizing problems and providing services negatively impact animal welfare and prolong the length of stay (LOS) for animals in shelters.

Alternatively, working to maintain the population within the shelter’s capacity for care has been linked to decreased LOS, decreased disease and euthanasia rates, and increased live outcomes.6,7 Policies and protocols must be in place to ensure an organization operates within its capacity for care.

2.2 Determining capacity for care
The most visible factor in determining the shelter’s capac- ity for care is housing capacity, or the number of available humane housing units. Housing units include in-shelter
enclosures as well as foster homes and off-site housing.

Housing capacity calculations must be based on the ability to promote each animal’s positive welfare. Housing units that are too small or otherwise inappropriate cannot be included (see Facilities). The number of humane housing units available may exceed an organization’s capacity for care, since the organization’s capacity is also determined by shelter personnel, resources, and available outcomes.

The time and skills of shelter personnel is another crit- ical component of a shelter’s capacity for care. Trained personnel must be scheduled to meet daily animal care
needs and efficiently and effectively accomplish each crit- ical task. A standard estimate such as 15 minutes per ani- mal per day 8 may roughly calculate the time needed for cleaning and feeding in some facilities, but it does not account for variations in housing designs and sanitation protocols, the time needed for training personnel, and the provision of enrichment and additional care. 9 Personnel time needed for essential care tasks such as sanitation, feeding, and enrichment is best estimated using direct
observation to calculate the average time per task. These estimates, when multiplied by the number of animals in
care, can guide staffing levels and schedules. Direct obser- vation is also useful for estimating the time needed for personnel to complete other critical tasks, such as intake, rounds, assessments, and outcome processes.

Animals with medical and behavioral challenges may
need more care time per day and may also require services from personnel with advanced skills or credentials. When these services are provided by external partners, a shelter’s capacity for care will also be affected by the capacity of these partners. Services such as surgery, veterinary visits, or transport should be scheduled in anticipation of an
animal’s eligibility for that service. Proactive scheduling can maximize the use of external partner capacity.

Foster programs must have sufficient personnel to pro-
vide support to caregivers and animals. Foster support
includes tasks such as maintaining a foster caregiver data- base, communicating with foster caregivers, scheduling
appointments, and facilitating outcomes. Medical, sur - gical, and behavioral services for foster animals must be provided in a manner that promotes animal welfare and
minimizes LOS.

Shelter resources, including finances and material
goods, are another critical factor in determining an orga- nization’s capacity for care. If a shelter cannot afford or otherwise procure supplies or necessary services for the animals in their facility, animal welfare will be compro - mised. There is no standard estimate for calculating cost of care per animal but using historical organizational
information and comparing budgets with similar organi - zations can help shelters manage their available resources.

Shelters should engage with one another to leverage
resources and maximize each organization’s strengths.

Thoughtful partnerships avoid redundancy and increase
the community’s capacity to help animals. For example,
a small organization with limited medical resources can partner with a larger organization with a full-service hos- pital, or a brick-and-mortar organization can partner
with a foster-based organization to house animals with
kennel-induced stress. In addition to partnering with
other animal welfare organizations, collaborating with
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 9 Population Management
human service professionals, such as social workers, hous- ing advocates, and home care providers, can support pet retention and prevent relinquishment.

2.3 Operating within capacity for care
Shelters experience a high demand for their services.

Working within their capacity for care maximizes each
shelter’s impact through thoughtful planning and efficient decision-making. An organization’s policies for admis - sions and outcomes should be based on their mandate,
mission, and the needs of their community. When orga -
nizations find that they are frequently near or over their capacity for care, strategic planning can be a valuable pro- cess to address how a shelter’s capacity for care and their community’s needs can better align (see Management and
Record Keeping).

2.3.1 Admission planning
When appropriate, admission policies should prioritize
retention over shelter intake. Helping pets stay with their owner or caregiver preserves the human–animal bond,
eliminates the stress of shelter admission, and addresses discriminatory admissions practices. 10 Owners may be
able to keep their pet if given access to services, supplies, or information.11
Decisions about intake must consider whether admis -
sion is the best option for the animal or their situation.

Gathering and providing information prior to admission
can support intake diversion. For example, finders can
be provided information about neonatal kitten care, so
that they can rear kittens in their home until they are old enough to be adopted.

Admission must be balanced with the ability to pro -
vide appropriate outcomes, minimize LOS, and ensure
the shelter remains within its capacity for care. Population management begins prior to admission: an animal must
only be admitted if the shelter can provide the care they require. For welfare or safety reasons, some animals may need to be admitted so that euthanasia can be provided.

When admission is deemed the best solution for an
animal, situation, and shelter, appropriate intake sched - uling ensures that the shelter has the capacity to care for this animal and the animals already in care. 12,13 Intake by appointment is recommended even for shelters with high
intake demand and open admissions policies and can be
used to control the flow of animals into the shelter.11,13,14 Organizations that are impacted by unpredicted intakes
(e.g. disasters and large-scale investigations) must have a plan to flex their operations to increase their capacity for care. Compromising the welfare of animals and person -
nel is not an acceptable strategy for meeting the increased care demands of unpredicted intakes. Increasing a shel - ter’s capacity requires more than identifying additional humane housing units; all aspects of care need to flex to match, including increased animal care personnel and
hours, medical and behavioral care services and providers, resources to supply and fund the response, and a range of available outcomes.15

2.3.2 Outcome planning
Every attempt must be made to locate a lost animal’s owner, including careful screening for identification and micro - chips, in the field and at the time of intake. Field agents and admissions personnel require ready access to lost pet data and social media in order to cross-check identifying features of animals being picked-up or brought in. Lost pets are usually found close to home and may be returned to their owner without shelter admission.16,17 Reunification of pets can be an opportunity to provide owners with ser- vices or information promoting identification (microchip- ping and ID tags), spay-neuter, training, or fence-building programs. Shelters can also support community members
working to reunite animals with their owners directly.

In addition to prioritizing pet retention and reunifica - tion, shelters should remove barriers to local outcomes.

Removing barriers can include:
• accessible and convenient open hours
• adoption and reclaim services in languages spoken
by the community
• affordable adoption and reclaim fees
• adoption and outreach events that reach the entire
community
• inclusive adoption policies
Imposing strict policies or requirements on adopters (e.g. employment status, landlord checks, home visits, and vet- erinary references) is discriminatory, prolongs LOS in the shelter, and prevents future adoptions. 18 Strategies that support pet retention, reunification, and local adoption acknowledge the community’s ability and desire to pro - vide care for their pets.

Relocation of animals for adoption can be a valuable
strategy for live outcomes while working to address pop - ulation challenges and remove barriers to local outcomes (see Animal Relocation and Transport ). Destination
shelters need to critically consider their capacity for care before making the decision to take in transported animals.

These programs are not a replacement for partnership
building within the local community.

2.3.3 Length of stay
The number of animals a shelter has in its care on any
given day is a product of the number of animals it
admits and the length of time they stay in the shelter’s care (i.e. LOS).

Average Daily Population =
Average Daily Admissions × Average Length of Stay
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202210 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters If two shelters take in the same number of animals each year, the shelter with the shorter average LOS will have fewer animals in care each day (Table 2.1).

Caring for fewer animals at a time allows shelters to
provide better welfare and creates the capacity to provide care for animals who require longer stays. 1 Or, when it is within the shelter’s capacity and mission to do so, short - ening average LOS can allow the shelter to take in more animals or expand other services.

Table 2.1. Example of the relationship between length of stay and shelter population
Average
admissions
per day
Average length
of stay (days)
Average daily
population
(animals)
Admissions per
year (animals)
10 7 70 3,650
10 14 140 3,650
10 21 210 3,650

2.3.4 Pathway planning
LOS can be minimized through effective pathway plan -
ning. Pathway planning is a proactive process that antic - ipates the services and care an animal will require to
achieve an appropriate outcome.12 A pathway is selected in consideration of available housing, personnel, resources, and the likelihood of achieving the outcome while main - taining good welfare. Planning ahead prevents needless
delays that add days to a shelter stay.

Policies that detail which medical and behavioral con - ditions a shelter can treat help personnel make swift, mea- sured decisions when an animal’s needs may be beyond
their ability to provide care. Although legal holding peri- ods and time in medical or foster care may extend the time in care, efficient planning of services can also decrease LOS for these animals.

For shelters with both an on-site and foster popula -
tion, determining whether to pursue foster placement
for an animal is a key part of pathway decision-making.

Medical or behavioral care that can reasonably occur
outside of the shelter, either in foster care or after adop - tion, should be identified to minimize time in the shelter environment. Regardless of whether animals are on site
or in foster care, decision-making and animal movement
must optimize LOS.

2.3.5 Population rounds
To ensure that each animal has a clear plan and that all needs and critical points of service are promptly met, the entire shelter population, including animals housed in
foster or off-site, must be regularly assessed by knowl - edgeable personnel with decision-making ability and
authority. The personnel involved in this assessment,
often called population or ‘daily’ rounds, will vary based on the shelter population and organizational structure.

Population rounds work best when participants include
a small group of people who represent relevant depart - ments or teams, including intake, medical, behavior,
management, daily care, and outcome personnel (indi -
viduals may represent multiple areas). Participants col - lectively provide and consider all aspects of each animal’s pathway, needs, and next steps.

The population rounds team answers the following for
each animal:
• How are you doing?
• What is your pathway?
▪ Are there updates or concerns that change this
pathway?
• What are your next steps?
The outcome of population rounds is a task list for each participant or team. Any needs identified during popu - lation rounds that could compromise welfare or extend
the shelter stay must be addressed promptly. Although
population rounds are recommended daily for most shel-
ters, it is more important that population rounds occur frequently enough that animal care, including for those in foster, is not delayed.

Additionally, all animals physically in the shelter must be monitored daily to identify housing, care, or service needs. Monitoring these needs helps a shelter determine whether they are within or over their capacity for care. A shelter animal inventory, including all animals in foster care, should be taken and reconciled daily. This ensures that no animals are missing, data collection is accurate, and population levels are within capacity for care. This inventory can be taken during population rounds or daily monitoring.1

2.4 Monitoring population data
Keeping track of shelter metrics and population statistics over time is a key component of successful population
management. Population level statistics are available as reports from shelter software programs or can be gener - ated manually using commonly available spreadsheet pro- grams. At a minimum, shelters must track monthly intake and outcome type for each species by age group.19
Data collection should include information about
health and behavior status at intake and outcome.

Tracking this information allows shelters to understand the effects of shelter care on animal health and well-be - ing. For example, discovering a trend where animals that are healthy at the time of intake subsequently become ill warrants investigation into the shelter’s population man- agement practices.20
LOS data, broken down by age category, species, sta -
tus, and location, should be regularly analyzed to identify Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 11 Population Management
bottlenecks, mismatched resources, and capacity for care concerns.1,9 Population level data should be reviewed and analyzed regularly to ensure that operations align with the organization’s goals, purpose, and policies.9 For example, when an organization’s mandate is to admit stray, injured, or at-risk animals, redirecting healthy community cats to return-to-field services creates capacity to care for the ani- mals that the organization is required to serve.21
Because local capacity to support animal welfare is max- imized when organizations collaborate, population level metrics are ideally monitored as a community through
transparent sharing of data. Sharing data can help com - munities strategically leverage resources, increase efficiency, and maximize impact for community animals and people.

Organizations can share their data directly or participate in national data sharing databases such as Shelter Animals Count.22 Although useful for tracking shelter goals year over year, outcome-based metrics do not account for quality of life or animals still in the shelter’s care. Live release rates or save rates must be evaluated in the context of animal welfare and cannot be used alone as a measure of success.9 Aversion to euthanasia is not an excuse for crowding and poor welfare.

References

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3. Alalmai A, Arun A, Alalmai AA, Gunaseelan D. Operational Need and Importance of Capacity Management into Hotel
Industry – A Review. Int J Adv Sci Technol . 2020;29(7):122– 130. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/350616399.

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5. Hurley KF , Kraus S, Sykes JE. 17: Prevention and Managment of Infection in Canine Populations. In: Sykes JE, ed. Greene’s Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat . 5 th ed. Amsterdam:

Elsevier; 2022:197–203.

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Health, Adoption and Death in Three Animal Shelters. Vet J. 2017;227:15–22. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.08.003

7. Janke N, Berke O, Flockhart T, Bateman S, Coe JB. Risk Factors Affecting Length of Stay of Cats in an Animal Shelter : A Case Study at the Guelph Humane Society, 2011–2016. Prev Vet Med. 2017;148(October):44–48. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2017.10.007

8. National Animal Care and Control Association. Determining Kennel Staffing Needs . 2020. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https:// www.nacanet.org/determining-kennel-staffing-needs .

9. Scarlett JM, Greenberg MJ, Hoshizaki T. Every Nose
Counts: Using Metrics in Animal Shelters . 1 st ed. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2017. Ithaca NY .

10. Ly LH, Gordon E, Protopopova A. Inequitable Flow of Animals In and Out of Shelters: Comparison of Community- Level Vulnerability for Owner-Surrendered and Subsequently Adopted Animals. Front Vet Sci. 2021;8:784389. doi: 10.3389/ fvets.2021.784389

11. Hobson SJ, Bateman S, Coe JB, Oblak M, Veit L. The Impact of Deferred Intake as Part of Capacity for Care (C4C) on Shelter Cat Outcomes. J Appl Anim Welf Sci . 2021;00(00):1–12. doi:

10.1080/10888705.2021.1894148

12. Hurley K, Miller L. In: Miller L, Janeczko S, Hurley K, eds. Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters . 2 nd ed. Hoboken, Chapter 1 Introduction to Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters 1–12, NJ: Wiley Blackwell; 2021.

13. Hurley KF . The Evolving Role of Triage and Appointment- Based Admission to Improve Service, Care and Outcomes in Animal Shelters. Front Vet Sci . 2022;9:809340. doi: 10.3389/ fvets.2022.809340

14. National Animal Control Association. Guideline on Appointment- Based Pet Intake into Shelters. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www. nacanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/NACA-Guideline-on- Appointment-Based-Pet-Intake-into-Shelters.pdf.

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Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters . 2 nd ed.

Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell; 2021:13–45.

16. Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search and Identification Methods that Owners Use to Find a Lost Dog. JAVMA. 2007;230(2):211–216.

17. Lord LK, Wittum TE, Ferketich AK, Funk JA, Rajala-Schultz PJ. Search and Identification Methods that Owners Use to Find a Lost Cat. JAVMA. 2007;230(2):217–220.

18. University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine Shelter Medicine Program. Support for Open Adoptions .

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.uwsheltermedicine.com/ library/resources/support-for-open-adoptions.

19. Shelter Animals Count. Basic Data Matrix . Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/wp-content/ uploads/2022/02/BasicDataMatrix_SAC.pdf.

20. Scarlett J. Data Surveillance. In: Miller L, Janeczko S, Hurley K, eds. Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters . 2nd ed.

Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Blackwell; 2021:46–58.

21. National Animal Care & Control Association. Animal Control Intake of Free-Roaming Cats . Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https:// www.nacanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Animal-Control- Intake-of-Free-Roaming-Cats.pdf.

22. Shelter Animals Count. Shelter Animals Count: Home.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/ 12Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

3. Animal Handling

3.1 General
Safe and humane handling is an essential part of support- ing animal well-being. When fear and stress are minimized, animals are calmer and more willing to interact, resulting in safer and more successful interactions. Handling must be humane and appropriate for the individual animal and situation. Humane handling requires
• on-going observation and assessment of behavior with
adjustments to the animal’s handling plan as needed
• appropriate choice and management of environment
• sufficient number of trained personnel
• suitable equipment readily available and in good
working condition
Considering how animals perceive their environment
and making adjustments to minimize potential stressors
can reduce or prevent negative emotional responses. These adjustments might include a slow introduction, providing a hiding option during handling (e.g. with a towel), cov - ering a table surface to improve traction, keeping voices low, and the use of gentle but consistent touch to reduce unpredictability.1,2 To create a positive emotional response to human handling, shelter personnel should offer high- value treats or food when handling animals or perform - ing procedures. Treats and toys can engage, distract, and reward animals before, during, and immediately after
handling.3,4 When needed, medication should be used
to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress and enhance safety during handling5–9 (see Behavior).

3.2 Restraint
Resistance to handling is almost always the result of fear or anxiety. Improper or forceful use of restraint tech - niques and equipment can escalate a high stress situation, increasing the likelihood of animal or human injury. 10 Gentle handling with minimal restraint can improve
safety and compliance during care tasks for most ani -
mals. The minimal amount of physical restraint needed to accomplish necessary animal care without injury to peo - ple or animals must be used.11,12
Forceful restraint methods must not be used, except
in extraordinary circumstances. Extraordinary circum -
stances include situations in which a human or animal
is in immediate danger, and other low-stress handling
options, sedation, or delays are not possible. Forceful restraint methods include scruffing cats12 or pinning dogs to the ground. For example, a short period of forceful
restraint may be required for an animal that needs to
be captured and removed from an unsafe environment.

Techniques that rely on dominance theory, such as alpha rolls, are inhumane.5,11,13
Alternatives to forceful restraint include distraction with food or toys, positive reinforcement, use of towels, block- ing visual stimuli, sedation, and proper use of humane
handling equipment (Table 3.1). Selecting a quiet environ- ment, preparing all necessary materials in advance, and involving a person the animal has a bond with can help
minimize fear, anxiety, and stress and reduce the restraint required.14,15 If repeated handling is required, training the animal to allow common tasks or to cooperate with han - dling equipment such as the use of a muzzle is a valuable strategy. Use of sedatives or behavior medications can be the most humane and effective option for frightened, frac- tious, or feral animals for the delivery of necessary care.1 Handling must minimize the risk of escape. Attention
to security of enclosures and carriers, building and vehicle exit points, and minimizing fearful stimuli that trigger flight behavior are important during daily care and when moving animals inside and outside the facility. Being recaptured after escape is profoundly stressful for many animals and creates additional risk of injury to the animal and person- nel.4 Delaying handling to allow the animal to calm down can minimize stress and reduce the risk of escape.

3.3 Handling equipment
Using humane handling equipment minimizes animal
stress during necessary procedures and daily care, pre - vents escape, and promotes animal and human safety.

For example, rather than carrying a cat in their arms,
Table 3.1. Humane handling equipment by species
Equipment Dogs Cats
Live trap ü ü
Trap divider ü ü
Transport carrier and cat den ü ü
T owel/blanket ü ü
Rolling transport kennel ü o
Capture net (e.g. floor net and cat nabber) o o
Squeeze cage ü ü
Purpose designed protective gloves ü ü
Flexible snare o x
Muzzle ü o
Press gate/panel/cage shield ü ü
Vision blocking device (e.g. calming cap and e-collar) ü o Syringe pole ü ü
Control pole (catch or rabies pole) o x
Legend: ü=recommended; o=situational use; x=inappropriate Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 13 Animal Handling
personnel can transport cats through the shelter in car - riers. A variety of humane equipment that facilitates ani - mal handling with minimal or no hands-on contact must
be available (Table 3.1). Handling equipment also has the potential to increase fear or injury if used in a forceful manner or not maintained in good working order.

Control poles (i.e. catch poles or rabies poles) are
designed to keep a dog’s head at a safe distance from a han- dler. They are not meant to lift, push, or pull a dog and are not appropriate for routine use. Control poles must only be used when alternatives for handling dogs are insufficient to protect human safety. To prevent the need for daily removal of dogs that are not deemed safe to walk on a leash, double compartment housing is recommended.

Because control poles can cause significant injury and
even death, it is unacceptable to use control poles on cats or small dogs. Any restraint method, including control poles, cat tongs, or slip-leads, that causes significant compression of the neck or thorax can cause substantial or life-threat - ening injury and profound emotional trauma in cats.4,12,16 Animals for whom handling equipment is necessary
for long-term safe handling should receive positive rein - forcement training to minimize fear, anxiety, and distress during its use.11
Aggressive behavior between dogs can occur unexpect-
edly for a variety of reasons, and humans can be severely injured when trying to intervene. Animal shelters must
have written protocols and readily accessible equipment for breaking up dog fights to prevent human and animal
injury. Equipment may include air horns, whistles, cit - ronella spray, blankets, break sticks, panels, and water hoses17,18 (see Behavior).

3.4 Handling feral cats
Specific handling procedures are necessary for feral cats, including the use of live traps, cat dens, squeeze cages, trap dividers, purposely designed cage nets, and multi-com - partment enclosures.16,19–21 This equipment permits per - sonnel to safely sedate or anesthetize extremely fearful cats with injectable medication, to provide food and sani- tation, to transfer cats from one enclosure to another, and to release outside, all without hands-on handling.

References

1. Moffat K. Addressing Canine and Feline Aggression in the Veterinary Clinic. Vet Clin North Am – Small Anim Pract . 2008;38(5):983–1003. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.04.007

2. Griffin B. Fear Free Shelters. 2022. https://fearfreeshelters.com/.

3. Herron ME, Shreyer T. The Pet-Friendly Veterinary Practice: A Guide for Practitioners. Vet Clin North Am – Small Anim Pract. 2014;44(3):451–481. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2014.01.010

4. Janeczko S. Feline Intake and Assessment. In: Weiss E, Mohan-Gibbons H, Zawistowski S, eds. Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff . Ames, IA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:191–217.

5. Hammerle M, Horst C, Levine E, et al. 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2015;51(4):205–221. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6527

6. Stevens BJ, Frantz EM, Orlando JM, et al. Efficacy of a Single Dose of Trazodone Hydrochloride Given to Cats Prior to Veterinary Visits to Reduce Signs of Transport- and Examination-Related Anxiety. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2016;249(2):202–207. doi: 10.2460/ javma.249.2.202

7. van Haaften KA, Eichstadt Forsythe LR, Stelow EA, et al.

Effects of a Single Preappointment Dose of Gabapentin on Signs of Stress in Cats during Transportation and Veterinary Examination. J Am Vet Med Assoc . 2017;251(10):1175–1181. doi: 10.2460/javma.251.10.1175

8. Pankratz KE, Ferris KK, Griffith EH, Sherman BL. Use of Single-Dose Oral Gabapentin to Attenuate Fear Responses in Cage-Trap Confined Community Cats: A Double-
Blind, Placebo-Controlled Field Trial. J Feline Med Surg . 2018;20(6):535–543. doi: 10.1177/1098612X17719399

9. Erickson A, Harbin K, Macpherson J, Rundle K, Overall KL.

A Review of Pre-Appointment Medications to Reduce Fear
and Anxiety in Dogs and Cats at Veterinary Visits. Can Vet J. 2021;62(09):952–960.

10. Herron ME, Shofer FS, Reisner IR. Survey of the Use and Outcome of Confrontational and Non-Confrontational Training Methods in Client-Owned Dogs Showing Undesired Behaviors.

Appl Anim Behav Sci . 2009;117(1–2):47–54. doi: 10.1016/j. applanim.2008.12.011

11. Yin S. Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats. Cattledog Publishing; 2009. Davis CA.

12. Rodan I, Dowgray N, Carney HC, et al. 2022 AAFP / ISFM Cat Friendly Veterinary Interaction Guidelines: Approach and Handling Techniques. J Feline Med Surg. 2022;24(11):1093–1132.

13. American Veterinary Society on Animal Behavior. Position Statement on the Use of Dominance Theory . 2008:1–4.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://avsab.ftlbcdn.net/wp-content/ uploads/2019/01/Dominance_Position_Statement-download.pdf.

14. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statement on Positive Veterinary Care: What Is a Positive Veterinary Experience? 2016. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https:// avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Positive-Veterinary- Care-Position-Statement-download.pdf.

15. Taylor S, Denis KS, Collins S, et al. 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines. J Feline Med Surger. 2022;24(11):1133–1163.

16. Levy JK, Wilford CL. Management of Stray and Feral Community Cats. In: Miller L, Zawistowski SL, eds. Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff. 2nd ed. Ames, IA; 2013:669–688.

17. Mullinax L, Sie K, Velez M. Inter-Dog Playgroup Guidelines.

Shelter Playgroup Alliance.2019:4–65.

18. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Position Statement:

Playgroups for Shelter Dogs . 2019. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Punishment_ Position_Statement-download_-_10-6-.

19. Slater M. Behavioral ecology of free-roaming/community cats.

In: Weiss E, Mohan-Gibbons H, Zawistowski S, eds. Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff. 1st ed. Ames, IA:

Wiley Blacklwell; 2015:102–128.

20. Griffin B. Care and Control of Community Cats. In: Little S, ed.

The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management. 1st ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:1290–1309. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken NJ.

21. Griffin B. Care and Control of Community Cats. In: Little S, ed.

The Cat. 2011.
14Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

4. Facilities

4.1 General
The facility plays a critical role in the care provided to ani- mals who are admitted into animal shelters. While com - munity-centered sheltering practices and foster programs are reducing the demand for in-shelter care in some areas, providing housing for animals remains an essential part of sheltering operations. Thoughtful planning and use of the shelter building and grounds are important parts of supporting the physical and emotional health of shelter populations while meeting the organization’s mission and goals.1 The shelter facility must include sufficient space to allow for the execution of essential shelter operations and programs as required by mission or mandate.

The quality and set-up of animal housing impacts every
aspect of their experience within the facility and plays a piv- otal role in managing disease.2 Poor housing is one of the greatest shortcomings observed in shelters and has a substan- tially negative impact on both health and well-being. Both the quantity and design of housing must be appropriate for the species, the number of animals receiving care, and the expected length of stay. Facility design and use must provide for proper separation of animals by species, predator/prey status, health status, and behavior. Housing in foster care should meet or exceed the guidelines for in-shelter housing.

4.2 Primary enclosures
A primary enclosure is an area of confinement such as
a cage, kennel, or housing unit where an animal spends
the majority of their time. Shelters must have a variety of housing units available to meet the individual needs of animals, including physical, behavioral, and medical needs. These needs will vary based on species, life stage, individual animal personality, prior socialization, and past experience.1 Appropriate primary enclosures provide complexity and allow choice within the environment to
help support positive welfare3 (see Behavior).

The primary enclosure must be structurally sound and
maintained in safe, working condition to prevent injury and escape. There can be no sharp edges, gaps, or other defects that could cause injury or trap a limb or other body part. Primary enclosures with wire-mesh bottoms
or slatted floors are unacceptable because they can cause pain, discomfort, and injury. Enclosure sides that are
entirely wire or chain-link increase the risk of disease transmission, animal stress, and injury. Solid barriers are recommended where animal contact can occur.

The use of cages or crates intended for short-term, tem- porary confinement or travel is also unacceptable as primary enclosures. These include airline crates, transport carriers, live traps, and wire crates. It is unacceptable to stack or arrange enclosures in a manner that increases animal stress and discomfort, compromises ventilation, or allows for waste material contamination between housing units.

4.2.1 Individual primary enclosure size
Animals must be able to make normal postural adjustments within their primary enclosure, including standing and walk- ing several steps, sitting normally, laying down at full body length, and holding the tail completely erect. 1,3–6 Primary enclosure size significantly impacts overall health and well-being. Larger enclosures generally provide animals more choice, permit additional enrichment, and make it possible to safely interact with people and other animals for socializa- tion or cohousing. In cats, sufficiently sized housing reduces stress and respiratory disease incidence.7,8 Individual adult cat housing that is less than 8 ft2 (0.75 m2) of floor space is unac- ceptable.8 Ideally, individual cat housing provides 11 ft2 (1.0 m2) or more of floor space.7 For dogs, the minimum recom- mended kennel dimensions differ widely based on body size.9 The primary enclosure must allow animals to sit, sleep, and eat away from areas of their enclosures where they
defecate and urinate.8 Housing with two or more appro - priately sized compartments provides this separation and gives animals more choice and control over their environ- ment and interactions. It also facilitates spot cleaning, reduces fomite transmission, and increases personnel
safety3,5 (see Sanitation ). Because of all these benefits, multi-compartment enclosures should be provided for the majority of animals housed in the shelter.

Multi-compartment housing is particularly import -
ant for newly admitted, fractious, quarantined, sick, and juvenile animals. Enriched room-sized primary enclosures (i.e. real-life rooms) may also benefit from separate elimi- nation areas. Single compartment housing may be neces - sary for animals with specific medical conditions, which increases the importance of enhanced in-kennel enrich - ment and supervised out of kennel time (see Behavior).

Cats prefer spending time on raised surfaces and high
structures rather than being on the floor. 10,11 Cat housing units should be elevated off the floor. Housing cats at human eye level reduces stress, facilitates positive inter - actions with personnel and visitors, and improves ease
of monitoring. 5,6,12 Cat cages should face away from each other or be spaced more than 4 ft (1.2 m) apart to pre - vent droplet transmission of respiratory pathogens while sneezing, coughing, or vocalizing.13–15
Primary enclosures with indoor–outdoor access are ideal for most animals, especially when held long term. Some
shelters in temperate climates may have primary enclosures that are fully outdoors. Enclosures that include outdoor Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 15 Facilities
space must protect animals from adverse weather; provide choice for thermoregulation; protect from predators; and prevent escape, theft, or harassment. It is recommended that all enclosed outdoor spaces have double-door entry points to keep animals safe and reduce the risk of escape.

4.2.2 Primary enclosure set-up
In addition to the size and structural layout, the set-up of the enclosure and care items provided are important in
meeting the welfare needs of shelter animals ( Figures 4.1 & 4.2).1 The enclosure needs to be large enough to accom- modate the necessary set-up without impeding the ani -
mal’s ability to move or stretch.

All dogs should be given the opportunity to hide within their enclosure, especially young, small, fearful, and anxious animals. Options for canine hiding areas include a covered crate within the enclosure or a visual barrier over part of the kennel front.

A soft resting place that elevates animals off of the floor should be made available for all animals to ensure comfort, keep animals dry, and support thermoregulation.

All cats must be given the opportunity to hide within
their enclosure. A hiding place provides the choice to be seen or not seen and a place to feel safe and protected.11,16 Options for feline hiding places include feral cat dens, perches covered with towels, cardboard boxes, and partial coverings over enclosure doors. Cats with hiding places spend less time trying to hide and are more likely to
approach adopters.17,18
To ensure that cats can display natural behaviors, feline primary enclosures must allow scratching, climbing, and perching. Cats must have a litter box large enough to
comfortably accommodate their entire body and allow for proper posturing.19,20 Litter boxes that are too small impact welfare and potentially lead to house soiling behavior.20

4.2.3 Additional considerations
Appropriately sized, enriched primary enclosures are crit- ical for all animals regardless of their length of stay in the shelter. Housing that provides animals with additional space, enrichment, and choice within their enclosure must be provided for animals remaining in the shelter long-
term (i.e. more than 2 weeks). Foster care, while beneficial for many animals, can be particularly valuable when ani- mals require a longer length of stay, such as protracted legal holds or long-term medical care.

Animals for whom handling poses an acute welfare
or safety risk need to be housed in enclosures that allow humane, touch-free daily care (i.e. multi-compartment).

It is unacceptable to house animals in an enclosure that would require the use of forceful animal handling equip - ment for daily cleaning and care (see Animal Handling ).

1. Open Bars
• Interaction
• Ventilation

2. Partial Visual Barrier
• Retreat space
• Interaction choice

3. F ood and water

4. Bed or Crate Den
• Soft resting place
• Retreat space

5. Toys

6. Floor slope toward drain
• Faster drying
• Durable cleanable
materials

7. Guillotine door
• Ease of daily care
• Staff safety latch
outside
• Retreat space
• Open except during
cleaning
© ASV 2022
Figure 4.1. Canine primary enclosure set-up
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202216 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Except for a brief, emergency situation, it is unac -
ceptable to house animals in facility spaces not
intended for animal housing (e.g. bathrooms and
hallways). Shelters may have multiuse spaces such as
offices set up for animal housing; these planned spaces differ from unplanned practices such as placing tem -
porary kennels in areas unequipped for sanitation or
delivery of care.

Tethering is an unacceptable method of confinement
for any animal. 21 Tethering can cause significant stress and frustration and is best avoided even when used
briefly during the cleaning of primary enclosures. Multi- compartment enclosures, thoughtful timing of walks and
playgroups, or the use of securely enclosed exercise areas are good alternatives to tethering.

4.3 Cohousing
Cohousing, or keeping more than one animal in an enclo- sure, can improve animal welfare in some circumstances
by facilitating social contact with other animals of the same species. 22–29 However, cohousing also known as
group housing, is not suitable for every situation. Mental and physical benefits of cohousing need to be carefully weighed against risks to health and safety. If shelters are cohousing animals, they need to prioritize animal
well-being and keep population levels within their capacity for care.

4.3.1 Cohousing enclosure set-up
The size and set-up of enclosures used for cohousing
require special considerations. The size of a primary
enclosure for cohousing must allow each animal to express a variety of normal behaviors and maintain distance from roommates when they choose to do so. Meeting these
needs often requires more space per animal than required for individual enclosures, particularly when unfamiliar animals are cohoused. The optimal space requirements for cohousing vary based on species, as well as size, activity level, and behavior.27 A minimum of 18 ft2 (1.7 m2) of floor space per adult cat should be provided for cohousing.4
Quality and complexity of cohousing environments
is essential to support the welfare of all animals living in the enclosure. 26,30,31 Appropriate resources (e.g. food, water, bedding, litter boxes, and toys) must be provided to minimize competition or resource guarding and ensure access by all cohoused animals. Functional space can
be maximized by spacing resources out throughout the
enclosure. For cohoused cats, a variety of elevated resting perches and hiding places must be provided to increase
complexity and choice within the living space. 22,32–36 The ability to choose resting places, social interactions, elimination spaces, and toys contributes to behavioral
stability within groups.

Cohousing areas may require enhanced measures
to prevent escape. Double door entry at the enclosure’s Figure 4.2. Feline primary enclosure set-up

1. Open Bars
• Interaction
• Ventilation

2. F ood and water

3. Draped Towel
• Hiding place
• Interaction choice

4. Raised Bed
• Soft resting place
• Retreat space

5. Toys

6. Quiet latches and
hinges

7. Portal
• Ease of daily care
• Separation of
spaces
• Open except
during cleaning

8. Litter box
• Full size
• No shelf above

9. Partial Cage Cover
• Retreat space
• Interaction choice

10. Scratching Material
© ASV 2022
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 17 Facilities
entrance can provide additional protection when entering or exiting. When housed in a retrofitted area, cats may be able to dislodge ceiling panels or duct covers unless care is taken to secure them.37

4.3.2 Selecting animals for cohousing
Random cohousing of animals in shelters is an unac -
ceptable practice.25 Cohousing requires careful selection of animals by trained personnel to balance the benefits and risks for individual animals and the group. Unrelated or unfamiliar animals must not be cohoused until health and behavior are assessed.27
When cohoused, animals need to be intentionally
matched for age, sex, health, and behavioral compat -
ibility. Monitoring after introduction is essential to
recognize signs of stress or negative interactions (e.g. guarding food or other resources) that may necessitate
separation. Given their increased welfare needs, ani -
mals predicted to have longer lengths of stay may ben - efit most from cohousing, particularly when foster care is not available.

Regardless of the size of the enclosure, no more than
six adult cats should be cohoused in a primary enclosure.5 When cohousing is indicated, pairs are preferred for dogs to maximize safety and biosecurity, and no more than
two to four adult dogs should be cohoused in a primary
enclosure.3 Larger groups of any species are challenging to monitor and increase the risk of conflict and infectious disease transmission. It is preferable to cohouse the mini- mum number of adult animals together needed to achieve
a social benefit.

Housing young puppies and kittens with their mother
and littermates is important for physical and emo -
tional development, as well as the establishment of spe - cies-specific behaviors. Because of their susceptibility to infectious disease, puppies and kittens under 20 weeks
of age must not be cohoused with unfamiliar animals
except when the benefits outweigh the risks for all ani - mals involved. 38 For example, after a careful medical
and behavioral assessment, a single orphaned kitten or
puppy may be paired with another orphan or a surrogate
mother (see Behavior).

Introducing new animals can result in stress for individ- uals and the group. Dogs should be introduced outside of their primary enclosures in pairs or groups to determine compatibility prior to cohousing.3,27 In addition, turnover within groups must be minimized to reduce stress and
social conflicts as well as the risk of infectious disease exposure and transmission.22,39,40
The use of smaller enclosures with fewer animals, rather than large rooms with large groups of animals, minimizes the need for frequent introductions, group reorganiza - tion, and allows for more effective monitoring.41,42 Smaller cohousing spaces facilitate an ‘all-in/all-out’ approach, where all animals leave before more are added. This strat- egy allows enclosures to be completely sanitized before a new group of animals moves in and eliminates the risks
associated with new introductions.

4.3.3 Monitoring cohoused animals
Individual animals and group dynamics must be moni -
tored to recognize signs of stress and social conflicts in cohousing enclosures.24,43 Monitoring, especially after a new animal is introduced into a group and during feeding time, is critical to ensure that all animals are benefitting.

In addition to daily monitoring for resource guarding and other signs of social conflict, regular physical examina - tions including measurement of body weight can ensure
that cohoused animals are not suffering due to unrecog - nized social conflicts.

Not all animals are well suited to cohousing. Individual enriched housing must be provided for animals who are
fearful or behave aggressively toward other animals, are stressed by the presence of other animals, require individ- ual monitoring, or are ill and require treatment that can - not be provided in cohousing.22,41 Cohousing animals who fight with one another is unacceptable.

4.4 Isolation housing
Shelters must have a means of isolating infectious ani - mals from the general population to prevent the spread of infectious disease. Isolation housing must meet the med - ical and behavioral needs of ill animals, including being of sufficient size with appropriate set-up. Different species must not be housed within the same isolation room.1
Separate isolation areas must be provided for animals
with different highly contagious diseases to prevent coin- fections with multiple pathogens. For example, dogs with parvovirus infection need to be separated from those with infectious respiratory disease. This separation is more readily accomplished in flexible-use rooms with a smaller number of enclosures. Animals that already have coinfec- tions (e.g. ringworm and upper respiratory infection) will need veterinary input to determine the most appropriate isolation housing.

To avoid exposure of healthy animals to sick animals,
isolation rooms must be designed so that they do not
open directly into another animal housing area. A cor - ridor or vestibule can be used to access isolation rooms and also serve as a space to put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE). Isolation rooms should have access to a sink for handwashing and be set up with space for treatments, examinations, and storage for dedicated supplies.

Isolation rooms must be clearly labeled to indicate
current use and necessary precautions. Human and ani -
mal traffic through isolation spaces should be limited 1 (see Medical Health). Limiting foot traffic reduces the risk Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202218 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters of spreading infection to others outside of isolation and reduces stress for ill animals during recovery. Ideally, iso- lation rooms are designed with windows to allow obser - vation of animals from a corridor without needing to
repeatedly enter the room.1
When no isolation options exist, makeshift separa -
tion can be accomplished by housing contagious dogs
at least 25 ft (7.6 m) from unaffected dog enclosures and covering enclosure doors. 44 Contagious ill cats may be separated from others in their individual enclosures in a general ward if they can be cared for without fomite
transmission to other cats. These options will not be as effective at reducing transmission as isolation.

4.5 Surfaces and drainage
Primary enclosures and all animal areas must be able
to be fully sanitized and withstand repeated cleanings.

Nonporous surfaces are important in cages and kennels,
as well as high traffic areas such as walkways or play
rooms. A sealed, impermeable surface, such as resinous
epoxy or resinous urethane, is recommended for shel -
ter flooring and should be considered for new facilities.

Linoleum or tiles may be acceptable flooring in low-risk areas. However, these materials are less durable, more chal- lenging to sanitize due to seams and grout lines, and may harbor infectious pathogens in areas that are damaged
or worn. Regardless of flooring type, points where walls meet floors should be sealed to prevent water intrusion and the accumulation of organic matter and pathogens.

Drainage systems must be designed to prevent standing
water and cross-contamination of waste between hous -
ing units. Many design options exist. To aid in this effort, floors should be gently sloped to enable waste and water to run into the drains, particularly in animal housing
areas. Drain covers must be designed to prevent injury or escape and should be easily removable for routine clean - ing. Similarly, outdoor primary enclosures or portions of primary enclosures that are outdoors must have nonpo -
rous, durable floors that allow for sanitation and proper drainage.

4.6 Heating, ventilation, and air quality
It is essential that housing areas allow each animal to comfortably maintain normal body temperature. 9,45 To
ensure humane and comfortable conditions, environmen-
tal temperature must be maintained between 64°F (18°C)
and 80°F (26.6°C.) 38,45 Breed, body condition, medical health, haircoat, facial conformation, and age impact an animal’s ability to regulate their body temperature.

Animals must be monitored individually to ensure the
environmental temperature is comfortable, and necessary measures must be taken if an animal appears too cold or too hot. If an animal cannot be kept comfortable with
adjustments to the thermostat and airflow, additional
measures need to be taken. These might include provi -
sion of additional bedding if too cold, providing frozen treats or ice if too hot, or relocating the animal. The relative humidity should be maintained between 30 and
70%.47–49
Proper ventilation removes heat, dampness, odor, air -
borne microbes, and pollutant gasses such as ammonia
and carbon dioxide while allowing for the introduction of fresh, oxygenated air. Fresh air is essential for the well-be- ing of shelter animals and personnel, as well as for lim - iting the spread of infectious disease. 50 Ventilation must be maintained at a high enough rate to ensure adequate
air quality in all areas of the shelter including in the pri - mary enclosure. Ventilation rates may need to be adjusted seasonally, especially if air movement occurs primarily through active heating or cooling.

Ventilation must not compromise recommended ambi-
ent temperatures. 38 The standard recommendation for
ventilation of animal facilities is between 10 and 20 room air exchanges per hour with fresh air. 38,51–53 Ventilation requirements vary depending on population density and
presence of pollutants in the air. A facility may require a higher ventilation rate when it is at full capacity com - pared to when it is relatively empty, as animals themselves are a major source of heat, humidity, and carbon diox - ide. All ventilation systems must be regularly maintained based on manufacturer recommendations. Carbon diox -
ide monitors may be useful in monitoring the success of ventilation equipment and use.

To improve ventilation, barred enclosure doors are
recommended over plexiglass doors or fully enclosed
units. When housing units are fully enclosed, they
require individual-unit mechanical ventilation. Barred
doors improve air flow and also allow for adopter inter - action and behavior training.

Because canine respiratory pathogens can be easily
transmitted through the air, air from isolation areas
should be exhausted outside and not recirculated.

Separate air exchanges for feline isolation areas are a lower priority since cats do not readily transmit patho - gens through the air.14,15
Air purification technologies, such as ultraviolet ger - micidal irradiation (UVGI), may act as an adjunct to a
traditional HV AC system to improve indoor air quality.

However, ultraviolet irradiation must not be relied on as the sole method for ensuring good air quality or infec - tious disease prevention. 54–62 Although attention to ven - tilation and air quality is important, it will not overcome the harmful effects of inadequate housing, poor sanita - tion, or lax population management.

4.7 Noise control
Noise must be minimized in animal housing areas. Cat
and dog hearing is sensitive, and noise levels that are Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 19 Facilities
uncomfortable for humans are likely to be very uncomfort- able for animals (see Behavior). Noise and vibration-pro- ducing equipment and mechanical systems should be
located as far away from animal housing as possible.63
Even reasonable volumes may be stressful for shelter
animals, particularly if sounds are sudden or unpredict - able such as the slamming of cage doors or tossing of
metal bowls.64,65 Prevention and mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of noise should be implemented in
facility design, added to existing facilities, and incorpo - rated into shelter operations. These strategies can include arrangement of cages; material selection for cages, doors, and latches; and decisions about where to house individual animals.

Barking can be a significant source of shelter noise.

Appropriate facility design, environmental management,
enrichment strategies, and behavior modification can
dramatically reduce noise levels related to barking. 66–68 Because the causes and solutions to barking are multifac- torial, preventing visual contact between dogs should not be used as a sole strategy to reduce barking.69,70

4.8 Lighting
Lighting should promote a safe working environment
and effective observation of animals and the enclosure.

Facilities should be designed to offer as much natural
light as possible. Exposure to sunlight in a manner that maintains daily circadian rhythms improves health and
well-being for animals and for shelter personnel. 71 When natural lighting is not available and artificial light is used, it should approximate natural light in duration and inten- sity to support circadian rhythms. 72 If it is necessary to keep lights on after dark for safety or by regulation, a fixture that emits red-orange light is preferred. Because of the way dog and cat eyes function, a red light creates a darker space for animals at night, allowing them to sleep more normally.71

4.9 Enrichment spaces
Dedicated indoor or outdoor enrichment, exercise, and
training spaces allow shelters to safely provide opportu - nities that improve welfare for animals. These spaces need to be clearly marked, prevent escape, provide protection from the elements, and limit exposure to disease and par- asites. All enclosed outdoor spaces should have double
door entry points to keep animals safe and reduce the risk of escape.

4.10 Intake spaces
Designed appropriately, shelter lobbies provide a wel - coming environment for clients and help reduce animal
stress. Shelter admission areas should be separated from adoptions and other client-facing areas. 51 If a different space is not available, placing a divider within the lobby or scheduling intake appointments outside of adop -
tion hours can functionally separate admissions from
adoptions.

Animal well-being during the admission process is
supported by creating separate species areas within the lobby and intake examination space. 6,8,51,71 To allow for safe and efficient processes, animal intake should occur in a designated quiet space away from the main pattern
of foot traffic.73 Cages and kennels in intake areas should only hold animals until their initial intake assessment has been completed. 6,8 Intake rooms should have ele -
vated surfaces to place animals in carriers off of floor level.8,10,74

4.11 Drop boxes
The use of ‘drop boxes’ where live animals are placed in unmonitored receptacles for later intake is unacceptable.

This practice can result in safety risks for humans and animals, animal suffering, infectious disease exposure, or death. Alternatives for community animals requiring after hours emergency care include posting on-call phone num- bers for animal services, creating drop-off arrangements with police departments, or creating care agreements with local veterinary emergency clinics.

4.12 Facility design and planning
Well-designed shelter facilities support the well-being of animals and personnel and allow smooth and efficient
operations. In order to meet the changing needs of the
community and services offered by the shelter, flexibility in operational and spatial use should be incorporated into designs for remodeling and new facilities. Areas that can be readily adapted for multiple purposes over time can
reduce the need for future renovations. When designing
a new facility or undertaking a significant renovation, shelters should consult with a shelter veterinarian and an architect experienced in shelter design.

Shelters must avoid large warehouse type rooms when
designing housing. Instead, multiple smaller rooms with fewer primary enclosures per area are strongly preferred.75 Small wards reduce noise, limit disease exposure and
transmission, provide flexibility in meeting individual animal needs, and permit close monitoring of individual animals.

When remodeling or planning a new facility, the move-
ment of animals, people, and supplies should be incorpo- rated into the design. For example, placing housing for difficult to handle dogs close to the facility entry point will improve personnel and animal safety. Animal shelter design should provide an environment that also serves the needs of personnel and clients. Areas for training, work breaks, meetings, and private discussions support person- nel well-being, client–staff interactions, and client–animal interactions.

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23Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 Disinfection, typically by the application of a chemical product to a clean surface for a specific time period, is the process of killing most of the remaining pathogens. 9 Sanitation refers to the combination of cleaning and dis - infection. Cleaning and disinfection are separate steps, even when using a detergent-disinfectant combination
product that is labeled for both purposes.2
Sterilization is the destruction of all pathogens (e.g. viruses, bacteria, and fungi), including spores, and is gen- erally reserved for surgical instruments and other equip - ment necessary for sterile procedures. 9 True sterilization of cage and kennel surfaces does not occur.

5.3 Sanitation practices
Shelters must have a sanitation plan for all locations
in which animals are present, including enclosures,
common-use areas, foster homes, and outdoor spaces.

Sanitation protocols are used to describe which areas to sanitize, which products to use, and how to use them.4
Sanitation protocols should be based on pathogens,
routes, and risk of transmission. Sanitation protocols
must include steps for removal of organic matter, clean - ing, and disinfection. 4 Ideally, sanitation protocols will be developed in consultation with a veterinarian experi - enced in shelter medicine.4 Those making decisions about sanitation protocols need to be familiar with the active ingredients of common disinfectants, target pathogens,
and potential routes of transmission. An increasing num- ber of resources provide guidelines tailored to the shelter environment.6,10,11
Sanitation products must be diluted and used accord -
ing to label instructions or published recommendations.

Solutions that are too weak may be ineffective, and those that are too strong may be harmful to animals and peo - ple.4,9 Some disinfectants such as quaternary ammonium
products and bleach can be harmful when animals con -
tact or ingest them, even at recommended dilutions, so
removing the residue is an essential step.3,4
Disinfectants used in animal areas must be effective
against non-enveloped viruses, such as parvovirus, pan - leukopenia, and calicivirus. Several studies have found that quaternary ammonium-based products, which are
commonly used in shelters and veterinary clinics, do
not eliminate non-enveloped viruses in spite of label
claims.12–15 Other products, such as accelerated hydro - gen peroxide, potassium peroxymonosulfate, and bleach
products, are effective against non-enveloped pathogens and dermatophytes at the appropriate concentration and
contact time.2,12–15
Adequate sanitation cannot be accomplished by
using water alone, by spraying and quickly wiping off a

5. Sanitation

5.1 General
Maintaining a sanitary environment is an integral part
of supporting health and welfare and minimizing the risk of infectious disease. Whether or not infectious disease occurs is dependent on the interaction of several factors:
the animal (e.g. species, age, and immunity), the pathogen (e.g. infectious dose and ability to survive outside of the body), and the environment (e.g. temperature, housing,
and amount of pathogens present), and how each of these factors are managed1 (Fig. 5.1).

Through cleaning and the proper use of disinfectants,
the number of pathogens in the environment is reduced,
decreasing the likelihood of spread. 2 A clean shelter
increases the comfort level of the animals and personnel, and presents a positive image of the shelter to the pub - lic.3,4 Protocols for proper sanitation are essential for any sheltering program.

5.2 Definitions
Cleaning is defined as the manual removal of urine, fecal matter, food waste, hair, bodily fluids, and other debris from the environment. 2,4,5 Oils and grime found on sur - faces, especially soiled, porous, or rough surfaces, can inter- fere with the ability to kill pathogens 6 (see Appendix E).

Detergents and degreasers break down oil and grime with soap-like action and can remove up to 90% of environ -
mental pathogens.3,7
8 –9
© ASV 2022
Figure. 5.1. Factors impacting disease transmission in the shelter.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202224 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters disinfectant, or by using a disinfectant with no detergent properties (i.e. bleach) without cleaning first.2,4 Alternative methods of disinfection such as ultraviolet light, steam, freezing, and air filtration systems must not be relied on as the sole means of sanitation in shelters.9,16–24
Sufficient personnel must be assigned to complete san-
itation tasks promptly each day so that animals spend
most of their time in sanitary conditions. Industry guide - lines recommend a minimum of 9 min per animal per
day for routine cleaning of enclosures. 25 The actual time needed to accomplish daily sanitation will vary based on population, housing size and type, specific products and protocols, and facility use. Calculating how long proper sanitation typically takes per housing unit can provide better estimates of sanitation staffing needs in individual shelters (see Population Management).

Sanitation should proceed in an order that minimizes
both the risk of pathogen transmission from infected ani- mals and the exposure of vulnerable animals. In general, the recommended order of cleaning and care, from first
to last, is:
• healthy puppies and kittens
• healthy adult animals
• unhealthy animals3
This order of cleaning may be customized to include spe- cific animals or subpopulations (e.g. different infectious diseases and immune-compromised animals) based on the
specific needs of the shelter, population, and protocols.5,26 Sanitation practices should be observed regularly to
ensure consistency with written protocols. Observation of sanitation practices provides an opportunity to identify and correct deviations from the protocols. 3 It is import - ant to ensure that contact times are observed, supplies are readily available, and equipment is adequate for the job.

Pathogen risks in a shelter can change over time, and
shelters may need to alter sanitation protocols when dis - ease rates increase or a more difficult to kill pathogen is identified. During an outbreak, protocols should be
reviewed and practices observed to ensure efficacy against suspected pathogens.11,27 Pathogens can be spread inadver- tently when protocols are improper or practices are not in line with protocols. Common mistakes include incorrect
choice of disinfectant, under or over-dilution, not observ- ing contact times, etc.28,29

5.3.1 Sanitizing primary enclosures
Sanitizing primary enclosures is critical to ensure health and comfort. Enclosures must be completely sanitized
before being occupied by a different animal. 4 This pro - cess, also known as deep cleaning, is important even if an animal has only occupied a primary enclosure for a short period of time, the enclosure is not visibly soiled, or the animal appears healthy. Animals are capable of shedding pathogens without showing signs of illness.30 Sanitation is indicated when enclosures are heavily soiled, an infectious disease is diagnosed and on a regular schedule based on use. Table 5.1 shows basic steps and indications for sanita- tion of primary enclosures.

Sanitation methods significantly impact animal health
and welfare. Splattering or soaking animals when spray - ing water, cleaning, or disinfection products can cause significant distress. It is unacceptable to spray primary enclosures while animals are inside them. 3,4,31 Animals need to be removed from nearby housing compartments
when overspray is likely.

Adequate drainage is essential for animal housing
areas regularly hosed or sprayed with cleaning fluids. 32,33 Drainage systems or operational practices (e.g. squee - gee and towel drying) must prevent the accumulation of
standing water. Dry surfaces are required before animal use because they promote animal comfort and drying aids in the inactivation of pathogens.

Ideally, mopping is avoided in animal housing areas.

Mops may harbor pathogens, allowing them to be depos-
ited in other locations. 4 However, mopping may be nec - essary when sanitizing animal enclosures and ward
hallways that do not have drains. When mopping cannot
be avoided, personnel must ensure that both cleaning and disinfection of the floor surface occur. Mop heads require disposal or sanitation and drying between uses, including between cleaning and disinfection products and between
housing areas.

5.3.2 Spot cleaning primary enclosures
When an animal will remain in their enclosure and it
has not been heavily soiled, complete sanitation of the enclosure may not be necessary or supportive of animal
health.3,4,34,35 Daily cleaning is essential, even in cage-free or home environments, but can often be accomplished
using a spot cleaning method.

During spot cleaning, an animal may remain in their
enclosure or be given out-of-kennel enrichment. Multi-
compartment enclosures facilitate spot-cleaning by
allowing personnel to clean in the other compartment to avoid animal contact. Spot cleaning should be conducted at least daily when an animal will remain in the same
enclosure. Soiled bedding, old food, urine, and feces are removed, the area tidied, and food and water resupplied (Table 5.1).

Spot cleaning is typically less stressful for animals as it requires less animal handling and does not remove famil- iar scents. 36 Spot cleaning is particularly important for shy or under-socialized animals, and animals with mild
diseases worsened by stress (e.g. feline infectious respira - tory disease).

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 25 Sanitation

5.4 Reducing pathogen spread
Fomites are objects that may be contaminated with
pathogens and contribute to transmission of disease.

Hands, work clothing, medical equipment, food bowls,
litter boxes, toys, and cleaning and handling equipment may serve as fomites.4 Care to avoid the spread of disease through fomites is important during sanitation and when interacting with animals in the shelter.

5.4.1 Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a physical bar - rier that reduces the spread of disease when used prop - erly. PPE should be selected based on specific pathogens and exposure risks within each population (see Public
Health). As the health of the population varies, the
type of protective equipment needed may also vary.

Appropriate PPE should be used in each area and dis -
posed of or sanitized before proceeding to care for other animals37 (Appendix C).

PPE may need to be changed between individual
enclosures or areas based on disease risk because con - taminated PPE can contribute to pathogen spread.

Protective garments must be changed between handling
each animal when there is a high risk for disease trans - mission.38 Staff training, adequate supplies, and facility set-up (e.g. location of trash receptacles) allow for proper use and removal of PPE. Personnel should wash hands
after removing PPE.

5.4.2 Hand hygiene
Hand sanitation is a key part of preventing disease trans- mission.37,39 Hand hygiene stations should be available in or near every area where contact with animals occurs. 40 Ideally, hand hygiene stations are sinks that allow wash - ing with soap and water, and drying with single use tow - els. At a minimum, hand hygiene stations provide hand
sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 41 Because hand san - itizers are ineffective against some of the most concern - ing pathogens in shelters (e.g. parvovirus, calicivirus, and ringworm), hand sanitizers should not be relied on as the sole means of hand hygiene.41,42
Proper handwashing technique includes wetting hands
with clean, running water; applying and scrubbing with
soap for at least 20 seconds; rinsing with clean water; and drying thoroughly with a fresh towel or forced air.43 Proper hand sanitizer techniques include applying 1–2 pumps of gel product to one hand and then rubbing hands together until all surfaces are covered and dry (approximately
20 seconds). Hand sanitizer should only be used on hands that are visibly clean.41
Sanitation protocols must address hand hygiene for
shelter staff, volunteers, and visitors. 3,4,37 Although all people can move pathogens around, shelter personnel are significantly more likely to do this while they complete daily care tasks compared to shelter visitors.44

5.4.3 Equipment and supplies
All items that come into contact with animals should
be sanitized on a regular basis, whenever visibly soiled, and when in direct contact with bodily fluids. In the case of disease outbreaks or when proper sanitation of sup - plies is not possible between animals, the use of dispos - able items may be warranted. It is essential to note that gloves, clothes, and shoes can serve as fomites, under - scoring the importance of the proper use and replace -
ment of PPE.

Separate cleaning supplies must be designated for each
shelter area or be sanitized prior to use in each area.

Some supplies need to be changed or sanitized between
enclosures, such as rags or towels. Other supplies, such as mop heads and squeegees, can be changed between areas,
unless there is a high risk of disease transmission.

Transport cages and traps, as well as vehicle com -
partments used for animal transport, must be sanitized
before being occupied by a different animal. 45 Mobile
equipment such as rolling trash cans, shopping carts, and food or treatment carts should be assigned to one area or be sanitized between areas. 45,46 Sanitation of these items includes wheels and outside contact surfaces. Objects
with scratched, damaged, and porous surfaces are diffi - cult or impossible to completely disinfect and should be used with caution or discarded between animals. 47 These Table 5.1. Basic steps for cleaning primary enclosures
Sanitizing Spot cleaning
Remove animal (or move to different compartment) Keep animal in enclosure (or give out of kennel enrichment) Remove all items Remove bowls, wet or soiled items
Remove all organic material Remove all organic material Apply detergent solution and physically scrub all surfaces Clean soiled areas with detergent and single-use towel as needed Rinse all surfaces and then remove standing water Wipe surfaces to remove detergent Apply disinfectant solution for appropriate contact time Replace care items Rinse all surfaces as indicated and then remove standing water Reset enclosure
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202226 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters objects include plastic litter pans, airline carriers, and plastic or unglazed ceramic water bowls.

All bedding and other textiles used at the shelter must be discarded or laundered and thoroughly dried when visi- bly soiled and before reuse with a different animal.45 Items that are heavily soiled may need to be laundered separately from other textiles.29,48,49 Organic debris (e.g. feces) should be removed from items before laundering. 37 Items that
cannot be readily disinfected, such as leather gloves and muzzles, may contribute to disease spread when used with animals who appear ill and/or during a disease outbreak.45 Routine cleaning or laundering of bedding could fail to remove non-enveloped viruses and dermatophytes; in
these situations, discarding the items in question or using pathogen-specific laundry protocols is recommended.29,49 Automatic watering devices and water bottles should
not be used if the watering valve cannot be sanitized before being used by another animal. 50,51 Food and water bowls must be sanitized in a different location or at a differ - ent time than litter pans or items soiled by feces, to pre - vent cross contamination. 4,52 Dishwashers have excellent mechanical washing action and attain high temperatures
which destroy the majority of pathogens but may not
destroy non-enveloped viruses such as parvoviruses.26,53 The best way to inactivate these viruses is through the applica- tion of a disinfectant to the dishes following the dishwasher cycle. When a dishwasher is not available, disinfectant can be applied following thorough washing and rinsing by
hand.52 Basins used to sanitize food and water bowls and litter pans should be thoroughly sanitized between uses.3

5.5 Other shelter areas
Foot traffic plays a role in fomite transmission through - out the shelter and grounds; dedicated boots that can
be sanitized or disposable shoe covers should be used
in potentially contaminated or protected areas, such as isolation and surgery.4,54,55 Footbaths must not be relied on for infectious disease control in the shelter. 4,56,57 This is because achieving adequate contact time is impracti - cal, and the accumulation of organic debris within the
bath inactivates many disinfectants. Poorly maintained
footbaths create environments that encourage pathogen
growth and contribute to disease spread. It is unaccept - able for animals to walk through footbaths.3
Animal waste and bodily fluids must be removed from
indoor common spaces as soon as possible. 5,58 After
removal, the area needs to be sanitized properly. Feces must be removed from outdoor areas between animals or
groups.59 To reduce parasite egg accumulation in the envi- ronment, daily removal of feces is acceptable, although immediate removal is preferred.

Outdoor areas around the shelter must be kept clean,
recognizing it is impossible to disinfect gravel, dirt, and grass surfaces.29 Surface covers (e.g. pea gravel, mulch, and rubber chips) can be replaced or recovered regularly to reduce contaminant load. To manage this risk, many
shelters designate certain outdoor areas for use by specific animals. This allows closure of an area when needed while still preserving other areas for continued use. Access to areas that cannot be sanitized should be restricted to adult animals who have been vaccinated, dewormed, and appear
healthy, or animals for whom the benefits of such access outweigh the risks of disease exposure or transmission.60,61 Standing water should not be allowed to accumulate in
or around the shelter because mosquitos breed and many
pathogens thrive in wet environments. 62,63 Well drained substrates and exposure to sunlight aid in the destruction of pathogens; however, some pathogens survive even in
environmental extremes.

5.6 Wildlife, rodent, and insect control
Rodents and insects may harbor pathogens that can
spread to shelter animals through direct ingestion, con - tamination of pet food, or contamination of the environ- ment. Areas of food storage are particularly vulnerable to infestation. All food must be protected from wildlife, rodents, and insects. 64,65 Properly storing food bags in sealed bins, promptly cleaning spills or waste, and reseal- ing and refrigerating opened food containers (animal or human) can help mitigate infestations. Rodent and insect control solutions must be safe, humane, and effective. 66 Integrated pest management plans are recommended and
utilize a variety of environmental measures to reduce the need for pesticides, rodenticides, and insecticides.67
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29 Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 Tracking disease rates and outcomes for medical
cases provides important measures of shelter population health.8 Key indicators of healthcare program deficien - cies include the decline of animal health and welfare after intake, sick or injured animals held without prompt treat- ment, wide-scale disease outbreaks, animals dying or being euthanized as a result of shelter-acquired disease or injury, and chronically high rates of disease. Prevention of disease in shelters through proactive planning of animal pathways (see Population Management) and preventive healthcare
supports better animal health and welfare, saves resources, and improves the well-being of shelter personnel.9

6.2 Veterinary oversight and medical recordkeeping
A formal relationship with a veterinarian must be in place to ensure oversight of medical and surgical care in the shelter. Personnel providing medical care must have the skills and equipment to administer prescribed treatments safely and effectively.

Evidence-based protocols are essential for providing a
consistent approach to addressing the health of individual animals and populations entering shelters. 10 All medical practices and protocols must be developed in consultation with the shelter’s veterinarian (see Management and Record Keeping). Ensuring compliance with healthcare plans and protocols, on a population or individual level, is part of veterinary oversight. In addition to providing details of diagnosis and treatment, shelter medical protocols include instructions for animal housing, sanitation, decision-mak- ing, and communication.11 When a medical concern falls
outside of standard protocols or does not respond to treat- ment as expected, a veterinarian must be consulted.

Medications and treatments must only be administered
by prescription or in accordance with written protocols provided by a veterinarian. 12 Medication should only be prescribed when there exists a reasonable presumptive
diagnosis, the ability to administer as directed, and a plan to monitor the course of disease, so that success or fail - ure can be determined. 13 Giving medications when not
needed, such as prescribing antibiotics to prevent viral infections, can cause harmful side-effects and promote
antibiotic resistance.

When drugs are used or dispensed, it must be done in
accordance with federal and state regulations. 14 These regulations may limit use or dispensing of off-label and compounded drugs. When dispensed or when required
by state regulations for in-shelter use, prescription drug labels include:
• name of the prescribing veterinarian
• clinic or shelter name, phone number, and address

6. Medical Health

6.1 General
Comprehensive shelter medical programs are the
foundation of humane sheltering. The World Health
Organization describes health as a state of complete phys- ical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity. 1 Health care for animals in shelters is a necessity and must include attention to overall well-being.2,3
Shelter medical care must begin at or before intake
and continue throughout the shelter stay.4–6 Animals may arrive at shelters already experiencing health challenges, while others may develop issues during their stay. When a shelter admits an animal, they become responsible for providing all of the medical and wellness care that the animal needs, or promptly finding an outcome that meets those needs. When medical treatment is necessary, it must be provided in a timely fashion.

Shelters must provide species-appropriate preventive
health care; this includes implementing protocols that
strengthen resistance to disease and minimize exposure
to pathogens, such as vaccination, parasite control, good nutrition, and appropriate handling and housing location.7 Shelters can experience severe disease outbreaks without proactive management, monitoring, and communication.

Individual animal health must be addressed within the
balance of decisions and practices that support overall population health. Population health is impacted when
spread of disease is likely, when long lengths of stay place the shelter over its capacity for care, and when treatment costs reduce the shelter’s resources to provide care for other animals (see Population Management).

A shelter’s capacity to provide medical care for individ- ual animals is impacted by:
• the availability of resources to safely and humanely
provide treatment and maintain welfare during the
treatment period
• the duration of care
• the number of animals needing treatment
• likelihood and consequences of disease transmission
• the likelihood of recovery
• and the animal’s potential for a live outcome
Prompt identification and communication of health con - ditions, and the development of protocols for conditions that are routinely treated or managed by the shelter pro - vide transparency and support timely decision-making.

Shelters should have a protocol for making decisions
about which animals and conditions to treat, and which
animals and conditions they cannot treat.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202230 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters • patient identification and species
• date dispensed and expiration date
• drug name, form, and amount
• directions for use
• cautionary statements15
Accurate medical records are an essential part of an ani - mal’s shelter record. A medical history must be requested for all animals presented to the shelter and added to the medical record. Shelters must document all medical care rendered to each animal in the medical record. 16 Medical records include accurate identifying information; signal - ment (age, sex, species, and reproductive status); and a dated list of physical exam findings, vaccinations, diagnos- tic test results, procedures, and treatments (including med- ications with dose and route of administration). A record of the animal’s medical care must be provided in hardcopy or electronic form when the animal leaves the shelter’s care.

6.3 Medical assessment
Collecting information about animal health before admis- sion allows the shelter to offer medical services that can prevent intake, such as spay-neuter, outpatient care, or referral to other accessible programs.17 When intake to the shelter is necessary, each animal’s individual health status must be evaluated, documented, and monitored beginning
at intake.

Each animal must receive at least a cursory health
assessment by trained personnel at intake to check for
signs of infectious disease or problems that require
emergency medical care. 5,18 The intake assessment must include confirmation of the animal’s estimated age, sex, physical description, and the presence of any identifica - tion and microchips. Administration of core vaccinations (Table 6.1) and parasite prevention is typically paired with this intake assessment.

A comprehensive physical examination by a veterinar-
ian or trained personnel should also be performed. Ideally, this physical exam is performed within 24 hours of intake.

Timely initial assessment and examination allow prompt
treatment of medical conditions, establish a health base - line for each animal, and allow recognition of changes in health during the animal’s time in care. Screening tests can be a part of this assessment, including FeLV and FIV test- ing and management in animal shelter’s policy19 (see ASV Position Statement).20 Findings from any assessments and examinations are documented in the individual animal’s
medical record and used to inform housing and flow-
through planning.

Animals with signs of infectious disease at intake
should be isolated until determined to be low-risk to the population. Separating potentially infectious sick animals reduces the risk of fomite transmission by personnel and prevents spread through shared environments.

Quarantining healthy animals at intake is not generally recommended. Quarantines are appropriate only for ani-
mals with a history of direct, high-risk infectious disease exposure. Unnecessary holds increase length of stay and are detrimental to animal health and organizational goals (see Population Management).

Some animals are more susceptible and require greater
protection from possible disease exposure. Heightened
precautions to prevent disease transmission should be
taken when handling more susceptible animals, such as
juveniles, older animals, and those with underlying con - ditions. Precautions typically include placement in foster care, limiting the number of people in contact, using per- sonal protective equipment (PPE), and providing care for the most vulnerable first (Appendix C).

Trained personnel must visually observe the health
and well-being of every animal at least once every
24 hours. 16 Ideally, daily monitoring observations take place before cleaning, so that food intake and condition of the enclosure, including feces, urine, or vomit, can be noted. Medical staff are essential members of the shelter’s comprehensive care team; a medical staff member should
attend population rounds with representatives from other departments (see Population Management).

Animals staying in the shelter long-term require regu - lar medical assessment. At minimum, an examination by
trained personnel, including weighing and body condition score, should be repeated on a monthly basis. A compre - hensive exam should be performed at least every 6 months while in shelter care, including animals in foster. More frequent examinations are necessary for animals with
chronic conditions and when new concerns are observed.

6.4 Essential wellness and preventive care
Prevention and early detection of health concerns in the shelter is critical to supporting physical and emotional well-being. Vaccination, parasite control, proper nutri - tion, and addressing specific care needs for individual ani- mals improves the health of individuals and populations, while saving the shelter time and resources. For example, grooming and bathing are essential components of ani -
mal care and must be provided when necessary for animal health or comfort.11

6.4.1 Vaccination
A timely vaccination program is fundamental to prevent- ing severe disease outbreaks in animal shelters.21,22 Shelters must have a written vaccination protocol developed
under the supervision of the shelter’s veterinarian (see Management and Record Keeping). Shelter vaccine proto-
cols differ from protocols used in private practice because shelter animals are subject to an increased risk of infectious disease.11,23 Risk factors include stressors, exposure to other animals, age, previous preventive care, and pathogen levels Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 31 Medical Health
in the environment.11,24–27 Key differences in protocols com- pared to those recommended in private practice include an earlier and longer age range for juveniles, a shorter time span between vaccines, and different core and noncore
products.11,23
Shelters must properly handle and store vaccines
according to manufacturer guidelines. Proper handling
includes refrigeration along the supply chain and within the shelter, preventing freezing, reconstitution according to manufacturer instructions, and discarding modified live vaccines reconstituted more than 1 hour prior to use.4,25,27–29 Proper technique for vaccine administration is important for efficacy and safety. This includes use of the dose and route indicated by the manufacturer, a sterile syringe and a fresh needle, and gentle handling. 4,28–30 The location for specific vaccine injections should follow administration site guidelines.28,30 Recording the serial and batch number information in the medical record is required for rabies vaccines and is recommended for all vaccines in case of adverse reactions, recalls, or vaccine failures.

Shelters must have protocols for recognizing, manag -
ing, and reporting adverse vaccine reactions, and required treatments must be accessible.25,31 This includes protocols for accidental subcutaneous administration of intranasal vaccines, which can lead to significant infection or allergic reactions.4 Management of vaccine reactions might include alerting the veterinarian, close monitoring, administration of medications, or referral to an emergency clinic, depend- ing on the situation and severity of the reaction.27 Vaccine reactions need to be reported to the manufacturer.32

6.4.2 Core vaccines in shelters
A core vaccine is one given to all eligible animals and is with- held only in extraordinary circumstances.27 For all core vac- cines except rabies, shelters should use modified live virus or recombinant vaccines (MLV) rather than killed products because they provide a faster immune response. 33–35 This includes vaccines for puppies, kittens, animals with FeLV or FIV , and pregnant and nursing animals.30,36 Cerebellar hypoplasia is a theoretical complication of MLV panleu - kopenia vaccination of pregnant cats; however, the risk of abortion, maternal, and kitten death due to panleukopenia generally outweighs this concern in shelters.37,38
MLV vaccines create effective, long-lasting immunity
to distemper-, parvo-, adeno-, and panleukopenia viruses in dogs and cats with competent immune systems within
days of initial vaccination and may provide partial protec- tion sooner.33,39,40 MLV vaccines also decrease symptoms and duration of herpes-, calici-, and parainfluenza virus and Bordetella infections.25,34,35,41,42
Dogs
A subcutaneous MLV vaccine for canine distemper-,
adeno-, parvo-, and parainfluenza viruses (DAPP) is core for shelter puppies and dogs.21 An intranasal vaccine con- taining both Bordetella and parainfluenza virus (Bord/
PI), with or without adenovirus, is also core for shelter puppies and dogs.21 The intranasal route is important to maximize efficacy and activate respiratory immune cells, which can provide additional protection against other
infectious respiratory diseases.43,44
Cats
A subcutaneous MLV vaccine for feline viral rhinotra -
cheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia viruses (FVRCP) is core for shelter cats and kittens. Feline intranasal vacci - nation for herpes and calicivirus has a similar efficacy to the injectable, but there is questionable reliability of intra- nasal vaccination against panleukopenia virus. 23,39 Using both subcutaneous and intranasal vaccines together is
safe but has not been shown to increase immunity over
either product alone. The intranasal vaccine may provide protection against herpes and calicivirus to young kittens through reduced maternal antibody interference.23
Rabies
Eligible dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies before leaving shelter care.11 Rabies vaccines must be admin- istered following state and local guidelines and the most recent Compendium for Animal Rabies Prevention and
Control.45–48 Specific regulations for how rabies vaccination is to be documented and who can administer the vaccine
vary by state. Puppies and kittens that are too young for rabies vaccination may be adopted or transported with the recommendation that new caretakers provide vaccination
when old enough. Rabies vaccination of animals under
Table 6.1. Vaccination schedule for animals housed in shelter facilities Core vaccines Route Species Starting age Frequency <20 weeks Frequency adults MLV DAPP SQ Dog 4 weeks Intake, every 2 weeks Intake, suggested booster in 2–4 weeks MLV FVRCP SQ Cat 4 weeks Intake, every 2 weeks Intake, suggested booster in 2–4 weeks MLV Bord/PI IN Dog 3 weeks Once at intake Once at intake Rabies SQ Dog and cat 12 weeks Once Once
MLV, modified live virus; DAPP , distemper-, adeno-, parvo-, and parainfluenza; FVRCP , feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia; Bord/PI, Bordetella and parainfluenza virus; SQ, subcutaneous; IN, intranasal.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202232 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters 12 weeks of age, although considered off-label, appears safe and may be of value in some situations (e.g. return- to-field).49 Feral cats should receive all core vaccines at the time of spay-neuter, regardless of age.50
After the initial series (see Table 6.1), vaccination pro - tocols for animals housed long-term in shelters are best guided by the shelter’s veterinarian.

6.4.3 Noncore vaccines
Noncore vaccines (e.g. Canine influenza, Leptospira,
Lyme; Feline Bordetella, Chlamydia, leukemia virus, etc.) may be useful when prescribed by a veterinarian for spe - cific animals, subpopulations, or in the face of diagnosed outbreaks. When deciding whether to use noncore vac -
cines, it is important to consider the onset of immunity and the number of boosters, as many of these vaccina -
tions may not be fully effective for 10–14 days after the final dose.23

6.4.4 Vaccine schedules
Adult animals must be vaccinated with core vaccines at or before intake (Table 6.1). Revaccination 2–4 weeks later is suggested for those still in shelter care, especially when disease risk is high. Animals housed in shelters should be vaccinated with core vaccines even if ill or pregnant, as the individual and population risks of not vaccinating out - weigh the small risk of vaccination. 25,30,38 Vaccinating an animal with all core products on the same day or during a surgical procedure does not decrease immune responsive- ness to those vaccines or significantly increase the chance of adverse reactions.29,36,51–53
Puppies and kittens housed in shelter facilities must
begin core vaccinations at or before intake starting at 4 weeks old and must be revaccinated every 2 weeks until
20 weeks old.4,25,28 Shelter personnel and veterinarians can use dentition, behavior, body weight, and available history to estimate age when date of birth is unknown. 54 In juve- nile shelter-housed animals, frequent vaccination is crit - ical to ensure that animals develop their own protective antibodies as soon as possible after antibodies provided by their mother wane. 28,55 When no longer housed in the shelter facility (i.e. in foster or adopted), juvenile vaccine schedules may be adjusted.

The risk of puppies and kittens contracting and spread- ing infections such as parvo, distemper, and panleukope- nia can be greatly reduced by housing litters in individual foster homes until they are old enough for spay-neuter
and adoption. Puppies and kittens housed in foster care must begin core vaccinations at or before intake starting at 4 weeks old and must be revaccinated at the veterinar - ian’s discretion every 2–4 weeks until 20 weeks old. 4,25,28 Assessment of infectious disease risk in the foster home will determine whether a shorter or longer interval is
appropriate.

It is not recommended to delay placement outcomes (e.g. adoption and transport) to allow response to vaccination or to receive a booster. The safer alternative is to secure an outcome with the recommendation that new caretakers
continue a veterinary-directed vaccination protocol that reflects the animal’s new lifestyle and disease risks.

6.4.5 Parasites
Parasites, both internal and external, are one of the most common health concerns seen in shelter dogs and cats. 56 Some animal parasites can also impact human health
(e.g. roundworms, hookworms, mites, ticks, and fleas).

Animals should receive anti-parasite treatments at or
before intake and throughout their shelter stay.

An effective parasite control program, including med -
ications and environmental control, should be designed
with the supervision of a veterinarian. Considerations
include the impact of the parasite on individual animals, the shelter population, and human health. Because risks vary geographically, it is important to identify the para - sites of concern in the shelter and in the community the animal comes from, including those received through relo- cation programs. Effective protocols tailor treatments to the species and life stage of their animals, including age, pregnancy, and lactation.57–61 For example, treatment for coccidia may be considered for juvenile animals at intake to reduce disease severity and environmental contamination.

All dogs and cats must be treated for roundworms and
hookworms at intake, starting at 2 weeks of age, because these organisms can cause harm to people, especially chil- dren.62 Parasite treatment also reduces contamination of the shelter environment where animals and humans may
be exposed. Since most parasite eggs or cysts are shed in high numbers through feces and are difficult or impossi - ble to kill, feces should be promptly removed from animal housing and exercise areas.63,64 Good sanitation practices, especially mechanical cleaning of soiled areas, reduce the potential for spread.56
Regardless of geographic location, all shelters should
have policies regarding testing, prevention, and manage - ment of heartworm disease. 65–69 This policy may specify in-shelter prevention, treatment and management proto - cols, or may describe a plan for referral of adopters to local veterinarians for testing or care.

6.4.6 Nutrition
Shelters should seek veterinary input when developing a feeding protocol for their animal population. Food that is consistent with the nutritional needs, health status, and species of the individual animal must be provided at least daily. Food must be fresh, palatable, free from contam - ination, and not shared between enclosures. Feeding a
consistent diet can support animal health and streamline feeding protocols. Fresh, clean water must be available to Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 33 Medical Health
animals unless there is a medical reason for water to be withheld for a prescribed period of time.

The amount and frequency of feeding vary depend -
ing on life stage, species, size, activity level, health status of the animal, and the particular diet chosen. Ideally, healthy adult dogs are fed twice daily, and cats are fed multiple small meals or allowed to forage through -
out the day. When managing starved animals or those
with unique nutritional needs, veterinary input must
be sought. Healthy puppies and kittens as well as lac - tating and pregnant animals must be fed small amounts
frequently or have food available through the day (i.e. free-choice).

Food intake must be monitored daily. Loss of appetite
or inability to eat are health concerns that require medical attention. Since animals have highly variable metabolic requirements, each animal should be fed to meet indi -
vidual needs and prevent excessive gain or loss of body weight.54,70 Body condition and hydration status of ani - mals must be monitored. When animals are cohoused,
matching animals with similar nutritional needs or having a process for feeding separately is important. Cohoused animals should be monitored during feeding times, so that appetite and conflicts around food may be addressed.

Food and water dishes must be safe, sufficient in num-
ber, and of adequate size. For litters and cohoused adults, providing at least one food dish per animal is recom -
mended. Distributing dishes throughout the enclosure
can help prevent guarding behavior (see Facilities).

Supplies of food must be stored in a manner to pre -
vent spoilage or contamination, including refrigeration for perishable foods. Food waste creates a health hazard through spoilage and attraction of pests.

6.4.7 Pregnant, nursing, and neonatal animals
Shelters should have a protocol for the care of pregnant, nursing, and neonatal animals.71 This includes whether or not an animal will be spayed or allowed to go to term (see Surgery). Shelters housing pregnant, nursing, or neonatal animals must ensure that additional disease prevention, nutrition, and stress reduction measures are taken, to pro- tect these vulnerable populations. Housing pregnant and nursing animals in foster care provides significant medi - cal and behavioral benefits, including minimizing risk of infectious disease transmission and facilitating more con- sistent monitoring. Pregnant and neonatal animals may
require urgent interventions, so protocols for accessing emergency care, additional training, and resources are
needed to support these populations.

6.5 Responding to health concerns
Any animal observed to be experiencing pain, suffering, or distress; rapidly deteriorating health; life-threatening problems; or suspected zoonotic medical conditions must be promptly assessed and managed. 16 Communication is
a key part of facilitating care. Protocols for documenting and reporting health concerns are essential.

Protocols for common diseases and health conditions,
which specify diagnostics, medical care, and management (e.g. housing, PPE, and outcomes) are an integral part of any shelter health program. Infectious disease protocols must include measures both to minimize transmission
and to ensure appropriate care of the infected animals.

The response to each disease will look different for every organization, due to the variety of pathogens encountered, modes of transmission, and types of facilities. The shelter veterinarian should be consulted on all policies and proto- cols related to the maintenance of medical and behavioral animal health (see Management and Record Keeping).

6.5.1 Pain management
Animals with acute or chronically painful medical con - ditions are often cared for by shelters. Pain must be
recognized and treated to alleviate suffering. Treatment of pain can include providing euthanasia. Unrelieved
pain is a significant welfare concern and can result in chronic physical manifestations, such as weight loss,
muscle breakdown, increased blood pressure, and pro -
longed recovery from illness or injury, as well as mental and emotional distress.72 Failure to provide treatment for pain is unacceptable.

Recognizing and alleviating pain in a wide variety of
species can be complex and difficult.73 Individual animals react differently to painful stimuli and may show a variety of clinical and behavioral signs.2 Observation of behavior and knowledge of the causes of pain are the most accurate ways of assessing pain in animals; if a procedure, injury, or condition is known to be painful in humans, it can be assumed to be painful in animals. Several published scales are available to assess pain in animals.74 When an animal is suspected to be painful, it is the responsibility of shel - ter staff to follow veterinary protocols and request veter - inary assessment.

Protocols for the treatment of painful conditions
should be created by a veterinarian. Pain control pro - vided must be of an appropriate strength and duration
to preempt or relieve pain. When pain can be anticipated, as with surgical procedures, pain control should be pro - vided before the painful event. The use of controlled
drugs must be supervised by a veterinarian as required by regulatory statutes.

Non-pharmacological approaches to pain (e.g. the
presence of littermates, a quiet environment, massage,
physical therapy, heat, and deep bedding) can supplement pharmacologic interventions to help increase comfort and alleviate anxiety.

Animals must be reassessed frequently to determine
the efficacy of pain relief provided. When the pain relief Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202234 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters provided is inadequate, emergency medical care must
be provided.

6.5.2 Emergency medical care
An emergency medical plan must be in place to provide
appropriate and timely veterinary care for any animal
who is injured, in distress, or showing signs of signifi - cant illness.16 The emergency medical plan must indicate how staff will recognize and report medical conditions
requiring emergency care. The emergency medical plan
should specify whether emergency services are provided
on site or through an outside veterinary clinic. Animals housed outside the shelter facility (e.g. in foster or off- site adoption centers) are subject to the same guidance.

Foster care providers should be given clear instructions about how and when to access emergency and after-
hours care.

If the emergency medical plan cannot be implemented
or fails to relieve suffering, the animal should be eutha - nized.16 Many shelters care for animals they do not legally own, such as those impounded as strays, held as evidence in legal cases, or boarded for owners requiring temporary assistance. Agreements between the shelter and relevant parties can clarify emergency medical care expectations.

The comfort and welfare of the animal is the shelter’s
highest concern. The legal status of the animal must not prevent treatment to relieve suffering. This includes pro - viding euthanasia if suffering cannot be alleviated.

6.5.3 Responding to infectious disease
Shelters must have a means of isolating contagious animals.

Animals with a suspected infectious disease must be isolated until diagnosis by a veterinarian or treatment determines them to be a low risk to the general population. Isolation may be accomplished onsite or through placement in an
appropriate facility, such as a veterinary clinic or foster home, after considering risk to animals already in those facil- ities. When isolation efforts are inadequate to prevent disease transmission to the population, informed adoption, transfer to a partner, or euthanasia of the infected animal needs to be considered. Allowing animals with severe infectious disease to remain in the general population is unacceptable.

The treatment and response plan for animals with mild
to moderate or uncomplicated infections is based on cir - cumstance and clinical signs and often follows a standard protocol. When the number of cases increases above typi- cal for the shelter, when signs are severe or not responding to treatment as expected, and when a zoonotic condition is suspected, diagnosis or identification of specific patho - gens should be sought. Individual animals, or a represen- tative sample in an outbreak, can be tested to achieve a likely diagnosis. When an animal dies from unexplained
causes, a necropsy should be performed. 21 If gross nec - ropsy is inconclusive, additional testing may be indicated.

6.5.4 Outbreak response
An outbreak is the occurrence of more than the usual
number of animals affected by a disease or syndrome, or an increase in the severity of cases. Outbreaks can involve one animal or many animals; high levels of disease may
represent an ongoing outbreak or gaps in management
and preventive care practices.

During an outbreak, a risk assessment to identify poten- tially exposed animals must be performed based on the con- firmed or suspected pathogen. Physical separation must be established between sick, exposed, at-risk, and unexposed animals or groups of animals. Implementation of this sep- aration will vary depending on the disease of concern and type of facility. In some circumstances, isolation or limited handling of an animal or group of animals may be enough to protect the population. In other circumstances, it may be necessary to stop animal movement, including halting intake. In order to prevent tracking of pathogens from con- taminated to uncontaminated areas, animal handling and
foot traffic should be limited during disease outbreaks.

During an outbreak, all at-risk animals should be mon-
itored for signs of disease at least once a day. Animal care staff should be educated on the clinical signs of the disease of concern and on the process for alerting med - ical staff. Shelters should avoid returning recovered or exposed animals to the general population, while there
is significant risk that they may transmit disease to other animals. Shelters must also ensure federal, state, and local laws are followed concerning reportable diseases.

As part of the outbreak response, relevant protocols
should be reviewed to ensure control measures are effec - tive against the suspected pathogen. Effective measures, such as sanitation and animal handling protocols, help to ensure animal care and treatment activities do not con - tribute to the spread of disease. For example, footbaths often become contaminated and aid in disease transmis - sion rather than control75 (see Sanitation).

Depopulation is defined as euthanasia of an entire pop- ulation or subpopulation, including healthy and unhealthy animals. It is not an appropriate initial response to dis - ease outbreaks and typically does not resolve the under - lying causes. Depopulation is a technique of last resort reserved for extraordinary circumstances when morbidity, mortality, infectivity, injury, or risk of zoonotic disease is uncommonly severe. In the rare instance that depopu - lation is considered, an experienced shelter veterinarian must be consulted beforehand.76

6.6 Population health surveillance
Regular monitoring of population health is as important as monitoring individual animal health; one cannot exist without the other in the shelter environment. Shelters
should track animal population health trends (e.g. mor - bidity and mortality) and develop targeted strategies to Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 35 Medical Health
address concerns. Population health surveillance will
facilitate early recognition of problems, accurate diagno - ses, and effective intervention and prevention strategies.

One or more shelter animals dying in care can be a sig- nal to assess management practices. Increases in deaths or infections over time may indicate deficiencies in population management practices, such as operating beyond a shel - ter’s capacity for care, lapses in preventive care protocols, or the need for targeted interventions. Shelters can learn from examples where conditions created by poor manage-
ment caused severe suffering and unnecessary death.77,78

6.7 Rehoming considerations
It is increasingly common for shelters to find live out - comes for animals with medical conditions. Adopters or
others receiving animals from shelters should be informed about any disease or condition known to be present at the time of outcome. Many shelters employ standard written
disclosures for common conditions, modifying as needed
for a particular animal.

Ongoing care for known medical conditions typically
becomes the responsibility of the adopter, transport part- ner, or other caretaker of the animal, but may be pro - vided by the shelter when regulations and policies allow.

Shelters should have and disclose policies that specify whether or not they provide care for medical conditions that are ongoing or occur after adoption.

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Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

7. Shelter Surgery

7.1 General
In order to decrease the local population of animals
needing shelter services and improve individual animal health and welfare, shelters routinely sterilize (i.e. spay or neuter) shelter animals, owned pets, and community
cats. Robust community spay-neuter programs target
pets and free-roaming cats who might not otherwise have been sterilized. This, in turn, supports community animal health, prevents shelter intake, and reduces euthanasia of both adults and unplanned offspring. 1–6 Spay-neuter is associated with a reduction in many nuisance and
unwanted behaviors7–9 and is associated with increased
life expectancy. 10,11 In some jurisdictions, pre-adoption sterilization of dogs and cats is required by law.

Many areas of the country continue to deal with pet
overpopulation, and it is important for shelters not to exacerbate this problem.12 The severity of overpopulation varies on local, regional, and national levels as well as by species. It is unacceptable for organizations to allow shel- ter animals to breed. When spay-neuter is not immediately available, housing intact animals of breeding age sepa - rately or in sex-matched pairs and thoughtfully planning and monitoring off-leash activities such as playgroups can prevent mating behaviors.

When animals that are already pregnant are admitted,
shelters should prevent birth from occurring in the facil - ity, instead seeking alternatives such as spay or foster care.

In almost all cases, it is safe and humane to spay dogs and cats at any stage of pregnancy. Keeping the uterus
closed during and following the spay procedure allows the anesthetized fetuses to die humanely without the need for additional barbiturate injections.13 If a shelter is consider- ing allowing animals to give birth, it is important to assess the availability of routine and after-hours emergency
medical care, behavioral care, foster home capacity, live outcome options, and regional population implications.

7.2 Spay-Neuter
Shelters should sterilize all animals before adoption or ensure that they will be sterilized after their outcome.

Performing spay-neuter prior to adoption ensures com -
pletion and reduces the risk of additional litters prior to surgery. Spay-neuter can be safely performed in healthy animals as young as 6 weeks old and as small as 1.5–2
pounds (0.7–1 kg) body weight. 14–17 If a shelter does not have the capacity to sterilize all animals prior to adoption without increasing length of stay, an acceptable alterna - tive is to arrange post-adoption spay-neuter. Shelters per- forming post-adoption sterilization must have a system
for keeping track of unaltered animals and ensuring that surgery is completed in a timely manner. As adopters may be unfamiliar with the needs and care of sexually intact animals, providing information about the reproductive
cycle, potential medical and behavior issues, and prevent- ing breeding is recommended.

In some situations, spay-neuter surgery or the anesthe- sia it requires puts an animal’s health at risk. 18 The final decision regarding acceptance of any patient for surgery must be made by a veterinarian based on a physical exam- ination, available medical history, and capacity of the surgical team. Granting an exemption from a spay-neuter requirement should only occur when performing the pro-
cedure puts the patient at significant risk. It is generally safe to sterilize patients in estrus or suffering from mild infections or other medical conditions, such as infectious respiratory disease or heartworm disease. 19,20 When con - sidering sterilizing patients with medical conditions, veter- inarians must weigh the benefits and risks to that animal, others receiving surgery that day, the shelter population, and the community population. Shelter spay-neuter pol - icies need to follow all state and local ordinances regard - ing the timing of spay-neuter with respect to legal holding periods.

7.2.1 Practices and protocols
Shelters that perform their own sterilization surgeries must follow the current ASV Veterinary Medical Care
Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs, which includes
establishing policies and protocols for managing related complications and emergencies. 19 This document pro -
vides guidance on presurgical care, transport, anesthesia, pain management, surgery, and postsurgical care. It is
also recommended that outside veterinary partners who
work with shelters be familiar with the ASV Spay-Neuter Guidelines. Shelters can refer to this document when dis- cussing expectations for surgical care, pain control, and the management of postoperative complications with new
surgeons and partners.

7.2.2 Identifying altered animals
Sterilization status should be documented for each ani - mal. Spay scars can be difficult to see, and other sur - geries or injuries can leave similar scars. The placement of a permanent tattoo on the abdomen at the time of
spay-neuter is an accepted standard for indicating steril - ization and strongly recommended for all animals. 19,21 If an animal is lost or transferred to another owner without records, the tattoo can prevent unnecessary anesthesia or surgery. For community cats, removal of the tip of one
ear is the accepted standard for indicating an animal is Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 39 Shelter Surgery
sterilized.19,21,22 The ears are visible from a distance with - out the need for handling, which helps with colony mon - itoring and prevents unnecessary transport of already
sterilized cats.

7.3 Other surgeries
Some animals presenting to shelters have medical con -
cerns that require surgical treatment. In shelters that regularly perform spay-neuter surgery, these non-steril - ization surgical procedures may also be performed onsite.

To promote quality care for surgical patients, all surgical practices and protocols must be developed in consultation with a veterinarian familiar with the sheltering organiza - tion, its population, and facilities.

Non-sterilization surgeries performed in the shelter setting, including dentistry, must adhere to the ASV Spay-Neuter Guidelines regarding surgical suite, anesthesia, analgesia, and principles of sterility related to instrumentation and surgical practice.19 Ideally, shelters without the capacity to perform these surgeries partner with outside organizations, specialists, or transport partners to obtain necessary care.

Regardless of where surgery is performed, it is criti - cal that shelters pursue surgical treatment only when the appropriate pre- and postsurgical care can be provided.

In particular, following orthopedic procedures, patients must receive appropriate rehabilitation and pain manage- ment in order to minimize discomfort and ensure success of the procedure.23 Due to often-prolonged recovery times for orthopedic patients and their special mobility and care needs, appropriate postoperative plans may require alter- native housing plans such as foster care or adoption with in-depth counseling. Ideally, orthopedic patients requir - ing extended care are not housed long term at the shelter.

7.3.1 Dentistry
Providing surgical dental services is an increasingly com - mon part of shelter animal care, particularly for geriatric animals.24–26 Appropriate dental care considers individual patient health, surgical safety, and postoperative recovery needs including pain control, in the context of the shelter population.27 Medical records should document the den - tal exam, diagnostics, and treatments performed.

Non-anesthetic dental probing, scaling, and polishing
is unacceptable.28,29 Without sedation, significant dental concerns can be missed or inadequately addressed. The
restraint required can cause significant animal and techni- cian stress, and veterinary staff and the animal are put at risk of serious injury from sharp instruments or bites.28,29 Ideally, intraoral radiographs are taken in patients
undergoing dental surgery. Radiographs allow veterinari- ans to detect important concerns of the tooth and jaw not visible during oral examination.28,29 Dental disease can have serious welfare implications, and treatment for a painful mouth is strongly recommended even when radiology is
not available. Dental procedures, including radiology, must be performed by appropriately trained and credentialed
individuals based on state and local regulations.28 Shelters without the capacity to perform dentistry can partner with adopters, outside organizations, specialists, or transport partners to ensure animals receive needed care.

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15. Spain CV , Scarlett JM, Houpt KA. Long-Term Risks and Benefits of Early-Age Gonadectomy in Cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2004;224(3):372–379. doi: 10.2460/javma.2004.224.372

16. Howe LM, Slater MR, Boothe HW , Hobson HP, Holcom JL, Spann AC. Long-Term Outcome of Gonadectomy Performed at an Early Age or Traditional Age in Dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001;218(2):217–221. doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.217

17. Howe LM, Slater MR, Boothe HW , Hobson HP, Holcom JL, Spann AC. Long-Term Outcome of Gonadectomy Performed at an Early Age or Traditional Age in Cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000;217(11):1661–1665. doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.218.217

18. Robertson S. Principles of Anesthesia, Analgesia, Safety, and Monitoring. In: White S, ed. High-Quality High-Volume Spay and Neuter and Other Shelter Surgeries . 1 st ed. Hoboken, NJ:

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2020:125–152.

19. Griffin B, Bushby PA, Mccobb E, et al. The Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ 2016 Veterinary Medical Care
Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs. J Am Vet Med Assoc . 2016;249(2):165–188.

20. Peterson KM, Chappell DE, Lewis B, et al. Heartworm-Positive Dogs Recover without Complications from Surgical Sterilization Using Cardiovascular Sparing Anesthesia Protocol. Vet Parasitol. 2014;206(1–2):83–85. doi: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.08.017

21. Griffin B. Determination of Patient Sex and Spay-Neuter Status.

In: White S, ed. High-Quality High-Volume Spay and Neuter and Other Shelter Surgeries. 1st ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2020:1–25.

22. Dalrymple AM, MacDonald LJ, Kreisler RE. Ear-Tipping Practices for Identification of Cats Sterilized in Trap–Neuter– Return Programs in the USA. J Feline Med Surg . 2022. doi:

10.1177/1098612X221105843

23. Epstein M, Rodan I, Griffenhagen G, et al. 2015 AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2015;51(2):67–84. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7331

24. Whyte A, Gracia A, Bonastre C, et al. Oral Disease and Microbiota in Free-Roaming Cats. Top Companion Anim Med . 2017;32(3):91–95. doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2017.07.003

25. Janse JM. Medical Differences between Stray and Owner Surrendered Dogs in Dutch Animal Shelters. 2014. University of Utrecht, Netherlands.

26. Steneroden KK, Hill AE, Salman MD. A Needs-Assessment and Demographic Survey of Infection-Control and Disease Awareness in Western US Animal Shelters. Prev Vet Med . 2011;98(1):52–57. doi: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.11.001

27. Eubanks DL, Love L. Dental Extractions in a Shelter Environment. In: White S, ed. High-Quality, High-Volume Spay and Neuter and Other Shelter Surgeries . 1 st ed. Hoboken, NJ:

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2019:425–436.

28. Bellows J, Berg ML, Dennis S, et al. 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc . 2019;55(2):49–69. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6933

29. Niemiec B, Gawor J, Nemec A, et al. World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Dental Guidelines. J Small Anim Pract. 2020;61:1–151.
41Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

8. Forensics

8.1 General
All animal shelters play an important role in the preven - tion of animal suffering. Socioeconomic factors often
place owners in situations with limited access to veteri - nary care or difficulty meeting their pet’s basic care needs.1 This can lead owners to surrender their pets or result in seizure if a complaint is filed. In many cases, shelters can help owners and their pets by providing necessary services (e.g. food, medical care, shelter, and grooming) and infor- mation, or connecting owners with others in the commu - nity who can assist them.

While community interventions are an important strat-
egy to improve animal welfare, any shelter may receive
animals who have experienced abuse or neglect (i.e. mal - treatment). Shelters have an obligation to recognize and report suspected cases. Many shelters are engaged in the active investigation of suspected crimes against animals, or forensics, which can be part of a their mission or mandate.2 Caring for animals who have been abused or neglected
may place significant demands on shelter resources due to their medical or behavioral needs, the number of animals involved, and potentially lengthy stays while a legal out - come is determined.

8.2 Laws and regulations
The definitions of animal abuse and neglect vary across states and jurisdictions, as do relevant laws. 3,4 These crimes range from inflicting physical or emotional harm (i.e. abuse) to failing to provide adequate and necessary care (i.e. neglect). 5–7 Shelters, veterinarians, and humane investigators must be familiar with animal abuse and
neglect laws in their jurisdiction and know how to report suspected cases. In recent years, the Five Domains model of animal welfare assessment has been used as a frame - work for assessment in animal legal cases.8,9
In several states, veterinarians have been designated as mandated reporters of animal abuse and neglect. Most of these states provide protection from liability (i.e. law suits) for those who report suspected crimes in good faith; how- ever, reporting is important regardless. 2,4,10 Veterinarians must be aware of their state’s animal cruelty reporting requirements and liability protection statutes. In some states, veterinarians and other shelter personnel may also be required to report suspected abuse and neglect of people.

8.3 Forensic investigation policies
Shelters should have a policy that outlines the scope of forensic services provided. Services may be limited to ani- mal care or may involve active investigation. For shelters that regularly perform investigations or provide investiga- tive support to other agencies, the forensic investigation policy needs to define:
• which geographic areas are covered
• which species can be investigated
• where forensic exams are performed
• who performs forensic exams
• how animals and other evidence are held10,11
Consultation with an attorney is suggested during the
development of a forensic investigation policy.2
Sharing the shelter’s forensic investigations policy helps partner agencies understand how and when the shelter
may be able to assist. A memorandum of understand -
ing (MOU) with collaborating agencies defines roles and financial responsibilities for crime scene documentation, the care and treatment of animals, and allows an orderly investigation response. When law enforcement agencies are leading an investigation, a release permitting the shelter to examine and care for the animals is recommended.5,6,11,12 Those investigating a suspected case of animal abuse
or neglect must first ensure that they have the legal right (e.g. seizure, warrant, or owner consent) to examine, treat, and document the condition of the animal or scene. 10 It is essential that all involved in the investigation of ani - mal abuse and neglect understand the legal procedures
involved in criminal investigation, including the defen - dant’s right to protection from unreasonable search and seizure. Mishandling evidence can cause it to be withheld from court proceedings.3,5,7,12–14

8.4 The veterinary forensic evaluation
Veterinary forensic evaluations are holistic assessments of all aspects of an animal abuse or neglect case. The veteri- narian should have access to information about the scene, evidence collected, allegations, and known or reported
history.15,16 The veterinary forensic evaluation includes all of this information, as well as findings from forensic examination or necropsy, diagnostic results, and evidence collected from the animal. 5,11,14 Evaluation and opinion formation for forensic purposes must be conducted by a
veterinarian.

Veterinarians involved in forensic cases may be expected to provide evidence through written statements or by pro- viding testimony in court.17,18 The lead investigator or dis- trict attorney is a good resource for understanding legal expectations and requirements.5,14,17 The goal of the veter- inarian’s report and testimony is to present and interpret the facts of the case. It is up to the prosecution to prove the case, and the jury or judge to decide.7,18
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202242 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters

8.4.1 Veterinary forensic examination
A key part of forensic evaluation is a forensic physical exam or necropsy with documentation, for which shel -
ters should have standard protocols. 19–21 These protocols ensure that each forensic examination is approached
consistently and methodically. Further diagnostics, treat- ments, or assessments can be performed based on presen- tation and initial findings.22–25
When animals have urgent medical needs, the prior -
ity is providing stabilization and medical care. In most cases, this can be accomplished while simultaneously trying to identify, document, collect, and preserve key evidence.

Even when cases are not medically urgent, forensic physical examinations and diagnostics must be conducted in a timely manner to preserve evidence. Case evidence may disap -
pear quickly or change over time with appropriate care. For example, blood chemistry values may normalize after feed - ing and hydration, and trace evidence visible on the body under normal or alternate light sources may be lost during movement and grooming.22,26–32

8.4.2 Documentation
Photographs are essential when documenting evidence
of suspected abuse and neglect. Standard views include
the front, back, left, right, and top of the animal, as well as photos of abnormalities. At least one photo should
include identifying information. Photographs should be
of sufficient quality to serve as evidence, and they should be managed to ensure proof of origin and integrity.2,22,26,34 Videos can help document dynamic processes such as
limping or behavior.19

8.5 Managing evidence
Humane investigators and veterinarians involved in inves- tigating animal abuse and neglect must be prepared to
maintain chain of custody protocols. To ensure proper
packaging, storage, and transfer of evidence between
agencies, it is recommended that shelters consult local law enforcement, the forensic laboratory, or forensics refer - ence materials.12,13,29
Monitoring and response to ongoing treatment
should be documented as evidence throughout recovery.

Demonstrating improvement as a response to appro -
priate care provides evidence and may refute narratives presented by the defense. 11,22,34 For example, a log of increasing weights accompanied by photographs of an
animal recovering from emaciation contradicts an asser - tion that the animal was losing weight despite being given an adequate diet.

8.6 Training
Specific training regarding forensic evaluations, evidence identification and collection, testifying in court, and other aspects of forensic investigations has become widely
accessible (Appendix D). Veterinarians routinely involved in the investigation of animal cruelty should complete
additional training in veterinary forensics or criminal jus- tice. Attending trainings for law enforcement or human
medical professionals, including forensic nursing and
medical examiners, can also be helpful.14
References

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2. Wolf S. Overview of Animal Cruelty Laws. In: Miller L, Zawistowski S, eds. Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff. 2nd ed. Ames, IA: Wiley Blackwell; 2013:369–382.

3. Welch M. Animal Law. In: Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley-Siemens N, eds. Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Science. 1st ed.

Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020:435–460.

4. Lockwood R, Arkow P . Animal Abuse and Interpersonal Violence.

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6. Balkin D, Janssen L, Merck M. The Legal System: The Veterinarian’s Role and Responsibilities. In: Merck MD, ed. Veterinary Forensics:

Animal Cruelty Investigations. 2nd ed. West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2012:1–16. doi: 10.1002/9781118704738

7. Barr J-H. The Judicial System. In: Rogers ER, Stern A W , eds. Veterinary Forensics. 1 st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018:381–388.

8. Ledger RA, Mellor DJ. Forensic Use of the Five Domains Model for Assessing Suffering in Cases of Animal Cruelty.

Animals. 2018;8(7):1–19. doi: 10.3390/ani8070101

9. Mellor DJ, Beausoleil NJ, Littlewood KE, et al. The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human–Animal Interactions in
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11. Norris P . Animal Neglect and Abuse. In: Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley-Siemens N, eds. Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020:307–328.

12. Parmalee K. Crime Scene Investigation. In: Rogers ER, Stern A W , eds. Veterinary Forensics. 1 st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018:23–52.

13. Touroo R, Fitch A. Identification, Collection, and Preservation of Veterinary Forensic Evidence. Vet Pathol. 2016;53(5):880– 887. doi: 10.1177/0300985816641175

14. Bradley-Siemens N. General Principles of Veterinary Forensic Sciences and Medicine. In: Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley-Siemens N, eds. Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences . 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020:21–34.

15. Merck MD. Crime Scene Investigation. In: Merck MD, ed.

Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations . 2 nd ed.

Oxford: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2013:17–29.

16. Touroo R, Baucom K, Kessler M, Smith-Blackmore M. Minimum Standards and Best Practices for the Clinical Veterinary Forensic Examination of the Suspected Abused Animal. Forensic Sci Int Reports. 2020;2(June):100150. doi: 10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100150 Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 43 Forensics

17. Davis G, McDonough S. Writing the Necropsy Report. In:

Brooks J, ed. Veterinary Forensic Pathology. Vol. 2. Springer; 2018:139–150, Cham, Switzerland.

18. Rogers E, Stern A. Expert Witness Testimony and Report Writing. In: Rogers ER, Stern A W , eds. Veterinary Forensics. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018:389–404.

19. Frederickson R. Demystifying the Courtroom. Vet Pathol . 2016;53(5):888–893. doi: 10.1177/0300985816647439

20. McEwen B, Stern A, Viner T, et al. Veterinary Forensic Postmortem Examination Standards . Gainsville, FL; 2020.

Accessed Aug 25, 2022. https://www.ivfsa.org/wp-content/ uploads/2020/12/IVFSA-Veterinary-Forensic-Postmortem-
Exam-Standards_Approved-2020_with-authors.pdf.

21. Bradley N, Smith-Blackmore M, Cavender A, Hirshberg E, Norris P . Standards Document for the Forensic Live
Animal Examination. 2020. Accessed Aug 25, 2022. https:// www.ivfsa.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2021/05/IVFSA_
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23. Stern A, Sula M-J. The Forensic Necropsy. In: Rogers ER, Stern A W , eds. Veterinary Forensics. 1 st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018:109–152.

24. Brooks J. The Forensic Necropsy. In: Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley- Siemens N, eds. Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020:179–198.

25. Brownlie HWB, Munro R. The Veterinary Forensic Necropsy:

A Review of Procedures and Protocols. Vet Pathol. 2016;53(5):
919–928. doi: 10.1177/0300985816655851

26. Merck M, Miller D, Maiorka P . CSI Examination of the Animal. In: Melinda M, ed. Veterinary Forensics: Animal Cruelty Investigations . 2 nd ed. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; 2013:37–68.

27. Clark A. Animal Genetic Evidence and DNA Analysis. In:

Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley-Siemens N, eds. Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences . 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020:57–66.

28. Smith-Blackmore M, Bradley-Seimens N. Animal Sexual Abuse.

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29. Norris P . Crime Scene Investigation. In: Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley-Siemens N, eds. Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences . 1 st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2020:1–20.

30. Woolf J, Brinker J. Forensic Physical Examination of the Cat and Dog. In: Ernest Rogers A WS, ed. Veterinary Forensics:

Investigation, Evidence Collection, and Expert Witness Testimony. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018:109–151.

31. Webb K. DNA Evidence Collection and Analysis. In: Rogers ER, Stern A W , eds. Veterinary Forensics. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL:

CRC Press; 2018:295–312.

32. Stern A, Blackmore-Smith M. Animal Sexual Abuse. In: Rogers ER, Stern A W , eds. Veterinary Forensics. 1st ed. Boca Raton, FL:

CRC Press; 2018:349–362.

33. Merck M. Crime Scene Investigation. In: Merck MD, ed.

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34. Merck M, Miller D, Reisman R. Neglect. In: Merck MD, ed.

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44Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

9. Behavior and Mental Well-Being

9.1 General
To promote animal health and well-being, it is essential for shelters to address emotional needs as well as physical needs.1–4 Emotional and behavioral needs are determined by environment, species, genetics, personality, prior
socialization, and life experiences. Emotional and behav- ioral health have impacts on physical health, and vice
versa. Shelters must provide behavioral care that consid - ers the needs of individual animals as well as conditions experienced by the entire population.1,5
All shelter personnel should receive training about
common behavior concerns at a level of detail appropri - ate to their position and job tasks. All relevant person - nel must be trained in animal body language, objectively describing behavior, and how to interpret and respond to animal body language and behavior.6 Animals experienc-
ing fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration are more likely to exhibit dangerous behaviors. Interactions that minimize negative mental states in animals improve handler safety, animal safety, and animal welfare.7 When interactions are positive, animals are more likely to accept and respond positively to additional interactions over time. 8 Training in animal behavior allows personnel to recognize con -
cerns and work to improve animal welfare.

9.2 Stress and welfare
Admission to a shelter is stressful for the vast majority of dogs and cats.9,10,11 Separation from caregivers, decreased and unfamiliar social interactions, confinement, loud
noises, other stressed animals, and unpredictability all result in impaired welfare. 12 Lack of control over one’s environment and separation from people are among
the most profound stressors for companion animals. 13
Shelters must have comprehensive protocols in place for recognizing and mitigating stress and associated negative emotions including fear, anxiety, and frustration.

Because confinement has negative impacts on animal
behavior, reducing the duration of time spent in cages or kennels is critical. Foster care is generally the preferred method of housing for dogs and cats because it allows
for regular social interaction and for animals to choose where and how they spend their time. 14 When animals
require care in a shelter facility (e.g. safety, legal, medi - cal or behavioral reasons, or to facilitate adoptions), extra attention to well-being is necessary.

Animals must be monitored daily in order to detect
trends or changes in well-being and respond to their
behavioral needs. Actions must be taken to respond
promptly to behavioral needs that impact welfare. When
welfare is impaired, a health and behavior assessment is necessary to determine the severity of impairment and
implement a plan to improve welfare. Any animal experi- encing mental suffering, distress, or behavioral deteriora- tion must be urgently assessed and treated.

Alternative housing and placement options must be
urgently pursued for distressed animals not responding
to behavioral care. Options include foster care, office fos- ter, group housing, a different housing location, return to owner, or transfer to another shelter. 15,16 However, for animals profoundly stressed by interactions with peo -
ple, better options include return-to-field or placement in an appropriate environment (e.g. barn or warehouse).

Distressed animals not responding to behavioral care
should be humanely euthanized when other options are
not feasible or available. When an animal is suffering
and treatment efforts have failed, it is not appropriate or humane to postpone euthanasia in the hope that they will improve or another option will materialize.

9.3 Intake
Collecting information before admission allows the
shelter to offer services that prevent intake, such as
outpatient behavioral care, other rehoming resources,
spay-neuter, or return-to-field. If intake to the shelter is necessary, personnel must collect a thorough behav - ioral history at or near the time of intake, including the reasons the animal was brought to the shelter and pre - viously observed behavior. It is essential that personnel request information for every animal coming to the shel - ter, regardless of source.

A complete behavioral history is gathered by following
a consistent process that collects key pieces of informa - tion, and additional details based on responses provided.

Training in communication techniques assists intake per- sonnel in completing this task, including asking open-
ended questions, using objective language, and active
listening. Available information about aggressive behavior must be recorded and include an objective description of the animal’s actions and the circumstances. Information about positive behaviors and preferences is also import - ant. Personnel must use the available history to tailor ani- mal care, meet the needs of individuals, and protect the safety and welfare of people and animals.

Shelters must work to minimize stress at the point of ini- tial contact and throughout an animal’s stay. Functional separation of waiting areas, managed through scheduling or the use of partitions, placing carriers on elevated sur - faces, and covering carriers with towels or blankets can reduce stress for incoming animals. Assessment of an ani- mal’s behavior must begin at the time of first contact or Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 45 Behavior and Mental Well-Being
intake and continue throughout their stay. The assessment process includes reviewing the history, observing behavior while in the shelter’s care, recording observations in the animal’s record, and communicating this information as
needed.

9.4 Environmental management
The key to ensuring the best possible experience for
animals living in the shelter is by creating an environ - ment that minimizes stimuli that induce fear, stress, and frustration.5,17,18 Shelters must have policies and protocols for managing the environment in a manner that supports
animal mental health and well-being. Understanding how
dog and cat senses and cognition contribute to perception of the environment is an important part of environmental management (see Appendix E). Shelter housing and areas
frequented by animals can be set up so that unwanted
behaviors (e.g. barking and lunging) are less likely to occur than desired behaviors.19–21

9.4.1 Housing
Shelter housing has a tremendous impact on animal
health and welfare (see Facilities ). Novel environments are especially stressful for shy, under-socialized, or geriat- ric cats and dogs.1,10,22–24 Many animals benefit from foster care placement or housing in separate, calm, quiet areas beginning at intake. Feral animals must not be housed in the shelter except for a brief period of time related to the delivery of veterinary care.

Prey species must be housed away from predatory spe-
cies at all times. Prey species (e.g. cats, birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits) become fearful and stressed when housed in olfactory, auditory, or visual contact with predatory species (e.g. ferrets, cats, and dogs). Cats not only are predators but may also be prey for dogs. Cats
should not be handled or housed within spatial, visual, or auditory range of dogs.

9.4.2 Daily routine
Animals should be provided with a consistent and structured environment that minimizes reassignment of enclosures,
caregivers, and schedules. An unpredictable environment can result in chronic fear and anxiety.13,25 Unpredictability includes a lack of routine in daily care, frequent disruption of enclosure set-up, as well as irregular patterns or contin- uous light or darkness.26 When events perceived as stressful are predictable, animals may experience periods of calm and relaxation between them because they learn what to expect.3 Animals also learn to look forward to positive experiences in their daily routines such as feeding and enrichment.

9.5 Enrichment and socialization
Enrichment refers to the process of improving the care of confined animals by providing them with:
• social interaction
• physical and mental stimulation
• opportunities to perform species-typical behaviors
• choice and control over their environment
Successful enrichment programs promote emo -
tional well-being and minimize undesirable behaviors.

Enrichment must be given the same significance as other components of animal care, such as nutrition and med -
ical care, and is never considered optional. This is true whether animals are in a shelter facility or in a foster home. Positive social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical activity that meets each animal’s needs must be provided daily, outside of the activities of feeding and cleaning.

9.5.1 Time out of enclosure
Daily time out of the primary enclosure is one of the
most effective means of reducing stress and frustration in kenneled dogs.27–29 Dogs must be provided with daily opportunities for activity outside of their kennels, unless doing so creates an unmanageable risk to the health or
safety of people or other animals.

Cats must be offered regular opportunities to express
natural behaviors, including physical activity and explora- tion. This can include time outside of their primary enclo- sure to exercise and explore in a secure, enriched setting.

However, removal to a new location may not always be
preferred or necessary for cats living in spacious, enriched rooms (especially with indoor-outdoor access).

For both dogs and cats, physical and mental activities
outside of their enclosures need to be tailored to meet individual animal needs.

9.5.2 Interactions with people and other animals
Shelters should provide all animals with opportunities to engage in healthy social contact with people and other
animals of the same species.13,30 Social isolation has a pro- foundly negative impact, and enrichment that meets the
social needs of the animals is of the utmost importance in the shelter environment. Social interactions with people and other animals need to be monitored and individu -
ally tailored. For example, poorly socialized animals may not benefit from contact with people (with the exception of young puppies and kittens) but may find comfort in
social interactions with their own species. Other animals, whether feral or socialized, may not enjoy interacting with members of their own species.

Regular positive daily social interaction with people
is essential for all socialized dogs and cats, beginning at the time of admission. Providing appropriate daily social contact improves behavior, reduces defensive aggres -
sion, and supports physical health, particularly for fear - ful animals.8,31–33 Social contact with humans is essential Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202246 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters even for animals with an unknown history or with an
infectious disease concern. Positive social interactions with people, including calm, quiet interactions (e.g. sit - ting with or reading to) or more energetic play-centered interactions (e.g. wand, fetch, and tug) can be provided without removing the animal from the enclosure, if con - finement is necessary for medical or behavioral reasons (Appendix F). Animals benefit greatly from having the
opportunity to play, and play behavior is a strong indica- tor of positive welfare.5,34,35

9.5.3 Playgroups
Well-managed playgroup programs provide opportu -
nities for healthy social contact with dogs and people.

Playgroups require a safe and well-maintained space and the participation of sufficient personnel trained in canine behavior and humane handling.36 Selection and grouping
of dogs based on health and behavior is necessary for safe, positive experiences.

Shelters should optimize human and animal safety
by limiting the number of dogs in playgroups based on
competency of personnel, play yard size, individual dog behavior, and shelter resources.36 Careful and consistent monitoring during playgroups and the use of humane
techniques ensures participating dogs benefit from and
enjoy the experience. Forcing dogs to interact when they have shown significant or consistent signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression increases the likelihood of defensive aggres- sion, worsening fear, and injuries to dogs or personnel.

9.5.4 Enrichment within enclosures
Providing animals with an enriched primary enclosure is a critical aspect of sheltering. All cats need the opportunity to rest comfortably, hide, perch, scratch, play, and exercise choice within their environment. All dogs need the oppor- tunity to rest comfortably, retreat from view, chew, play, and exercise choice within their environment. Shelters
meet these needs by providing all animals with suitable housing, comfortable bedding, and toys. Scratching posts, elevated perches, and hiding boxes are also important for cats, while items to chew are also important for dogs. 37,38 Feeding enrichment and olfactory, visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation can all be used as forms of sensory enrichment. It is important to provide animals with a
rotation of novel enrichment items and activities to main- tain interest (Appendix G).

9.5.5 Socialization of puppies and kittens
For young puppies and kittens, proper socialization with people and other animals of the same species is essential for normal behavioral development. Without daily gentle handling and positive exposure to a variety of novel stim- uli, animals may develop chronic fear and anxiety, display aggressive behavior, or be unable to adjust normally to their environment. A broad range of positive socialization experiences must be provided to puppies and kittens and is best accomplished in a foster or adoptive home.

While in the shelter’s care, young puppies and kittens
should be housed with their littermates and their mother.

This interaction is important for normal behavioral and emotional development, as well as the establishment of
species-specific behaviors. Single, unrelated puppies or kittens can greatly benefit from being housed with one or more age-matched individuals once health status for each is determined. Separation of puppies and kittens into
pairs or smaller groups may be necessary to allow mon - itoring, completion of care tasks, foster placement, or to address medical or behavioral concerns.

9.6 Behavior assessment
In the shelter setting, the process of collecting informa - tion about an individual animal’s behavior is commonly
referred to as ‘behavior assessment’. The goals of this process are to learn and interpret as much as possible
about an individual animal’s behavior and use that infor- mation to:
• better understand the animal’s needs in the shelter
and new home
• address behavior and welfare concerns
• match the animal with the appropriate outcome.39
Historically, a variety of methods have been used by shel- ters to assess behavior and prevent rehoming animals,
especially dogs, who pose a public safety risk. This has included conducting behavior evaluation tests (i.e. temper- ament tests) where behavior is observed and interpreted in a structured format using a formal series of sub-tests performed one after the next (e.g. SAFER, Assess-a-Pet, and Match-up II).

Over the past two decades, studies have shown that
behavior evaluation tests fail to reliably predict future behavior, particularly aggression, in a new home. 40–43 Performing one stressful subtest after the next can neg - atively impact test results and the animal’s emotional
well-being.8 For example, It is unacceptable to expose cats to dogs in the shelter as a test to determine if the dog can safely live with cats because this poses a significant risk of emotional and physical harm to cats. Formal testing
requires considerable time and resources and can increase individual and population length of stay (LOS). For these reasons, requiring all shelter animals to go through a for- mal behavior evaluation test is no longer recommended.

Current recommendations for behavior assessment are
to combine objective information collected via behavioral history with objective behavior observations noted during a variety of interactions. 1,44,45 An overall behavior assess- ment must collect and consider all the information about Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 47 Behavior and Mental Well-Being
the animal, including history and behaviors observed
during all shelter and foster interactions. These interac - tions, with an emphasis placed on those likely to occur in a home setting, include intake procedures, daily care, medical handling and treatment, enrichment, play, and
training activities, as well as interactions with personnel, visitors, adopters, and animals of the same species.

Through the process of behavior assessment, shelter per- sonnel must strive to learn as much as possible about each animal to aid in optimizing their care, pathway planning, outcome decisions, and adoption matching and counsel -
ing. Training in current animal behavior science is neces - sary for personnel assessing shelter animal behavior, to give them the skills needed to reliably observe, document, assess, and act on findings or concerns. Documenting rel- evant behavior observations daily can track positive and negative trends in behavior and welfare. Behavior that
requires intervention or affects how an animal can be
safely handled must be entered into the animal’s record and communicated with shelter personnel promptly.

Behavior is highly influenced by stress, fear, and other negative emotional states as well as by the animal’s envi - ronment, previous experiences, and relationships with
individual people and animals. When animals are experi- encing high levels of stress or fear when interacting with people or other animals, they must not be forced to inter- act. In all cases, interactions with animals must not inten- tionally or carelessly provoke negative emotional states or undesirable behavior.

9.7 Responding to behavior or welfare concerns
When behavior or welfare concerns are present, it is
important for shelters to develop an individualized plan, provide behavioral support, and make timely outcome
decisions.

Environment modification and management to reduce
undesirable behavior, as well as training, behavior modi - fication, and behavior medications, can improve welfare and aid outcome and placement decisions.21 When decid-
ing how to provide behavior support in the shelter, the impact on the animal, other animals in the shelter, shel - ter personnel, and future adopters require consideration.

Behavior care and outcome decisions must be based on
current animal behavior science. Approaches that increase length of stay in the shelter may result in unintended emo- tional deterioration or the development of new behavior problems. When behavior cannot be humanely managed
in the shelter environment, seeking foster care and mak - ing timely outcome decisions are essential components of providing behavioral care.

9.7.1 Animal training
Animal training must be based on Least Intrusive
Minimally Aversive principles and the Humane Hierarchy
of Behavior Change in accordance with current profes -
sional guidelines. 46,47 Positive reinforcement training programs for dogs and cats improve health, welfare,
and likelihood of adoption. 48–52 Training methods that incorporate punishment can increase fear, anxiety, and
aggression toward people. 21,53,54 These methods compro - mise both safety and welfare. 55,56 Except when safety is an imminent concern, personnel should not use anything
other than mildly aversive training methods. Ideally, ani- mal trainers and behavior consultants are certified or
have graduated from a program that assesses knowledge
and skills.57

9.7.2 Behavior modification
Behavior modification applies techniques which change
an animal’s behavior and underlying emotions. Behavior
modification protocols must incorporate scientific prin - ciples of animal behavior and learning, such as classi - cal conditioning, operant conditioning, and systematic
desensitization and counterconditioning.21 It is unaccept- able to use physical force as punishment to modify animal behavior.

Before implementing behavior modification, shelters
must ensure they have the necessary resources to sup -
port such plans. Behavior modification is labor-intensive, time consuming, and must be applied consistently over a period of time in order to be successful. Behavior mod - ification in the shelter environment may have a limited effect due to the significant impact of stress on animal behavior and learning. Placement in foster or an adopt - er’s home may facilitate response to the behavior modi - fication plan.

9.7.3 Behavior medication
Behavior medications must be strongly considered to
address welfare concerns related to emotional health.

These medications may address immediate welfare con -
cerns associated with shelter intake or housing, or long- term problems that impair welfare (e.g. separation anxiety, fear of people, and chronic stress associated with shelter housing). Behavioral health concerns must be objectively assessed and diagnosed to ensure that medications are
prescribed when indicated, with clear goals for treatment and outcome.

Treatment goals include improving welfare, reducing
stress and anxiety, and facilitating response to the behav- ioral treatment plan. 21 Behavior medications must only be administered under the advice of or in accordance
with written protocols provided by a veterinarian, and all drugs must be dispensed in accordance with federal and
state regulations.

There are many alternative or complementary products
also used to support animal behavior. In general, stud - ies have been inconclusive or suggest minimal efficacy in Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202248 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters shelter environments. It is the veterinarian’s duty to eval- uate and consider the level of evidence for their use, and to weigh potential benefits against the shelter resources required.

When behavior medication is prescribed, it must be
part of a comprehensive plan to help address the animal’s condition. This individually tailored comprehensive plan might include:
• continuing assessment (e.g. physical exam, diagnostic tests, and additional behavior assessment)
• environmental management
• daily routine adjustments
• foster care
• enrichment (additions or modifications)
• training or behavior modification
• complementary products and therapies
• monitoring response to treatment (e.g. medication
and behavior modification)

9.7.4 Animals with long-term stays
Keeping length of stay as short as possible for each indi - vidual animal is a critical factor in maintaining animal welfare in shelters ( see Population Management). For all animals staying in the shelter more than a few days, appro- priate levels of additional enrichment must be provided on a daily basis. Chronic stress from prolonged stays in the shelter (i.e. more than 2 weeks) can reduce an animal’s ability to cope, increase fear, anxiety, and frustration, and underlie related behaviors such as social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and aggression. These behaviors can negatively impact other animals and personnel, and jeop- ardize placement options.9,13,58–64
In addition to more time and enrichment activities
outside of their enclosures, housing that provides ani - mals with additional space, enrichment, and choice
within their enclosure must be provided for animals
remaining in the shelter long-term. When an outcome
is not quickly available (e.g. animals seized as legal
evidence), foster care is a better choice than confinement in the shelter.15,65,66
Reproductive stress from estrous cycling and sex drive
can decrease appetite, increase urine spraying, marking, and fighting, and profoundly increase social and emo -
tional stress.67 Therefore, animals who are housed long- term should be spayed and neutered.

Long-term confinement of any animal who cannot be
provided with basic care without inducing stress or com - promising safety is unacceptable. Basic care includes daily enrichment and exercise. Feral animals, as well as those with persistent fear or aggressive behavior toward peo - ple, cannot be safely handled on a routine basis without inducing significant distress. These animals are unable to express natural and rewarding behavior, engage in play, or form social bonds in the shelter. Euthanasia is the
humane option when live outcome (e.g. return-to-field) is not possible in a timely manner.

9.8 Risk assessment of animals displaying aggressive behavior Shelters must promptly respond to behavior that poses a significant safety risk. When a dog or cat’s behavior might result in harm to people, other animals, or themselves, assessing the magnitude and likelihood of that harm is
crucial.68,69 Risk assessment protocols provide a structured format, using all historical and current information gath- ered during behavior assessment, to make an educated
estimate of an individual animal’s risk to the community and to determine whether that risk can be appropriately managed (see Table 9.1). The result of risk assessment is a comprehensive plan for reducing risk, including envi - ronmental and behavior management (which is often life- long) or euthanasia.

Table 9.1. Aggressive behavior: Considerations for risk assessment Factor Considerations
Animal Age, sex, neuter status, and size
history (including previous bites)
physical and emotional health
ability to treat or manage conditions that impact behavior other behaviors (e.g. impulsivity and escape behavior) that might increase risk behavior diagnoses (single/multiple)
Behavior details Context for the behavior
*severity (e.g. damage to person or animal, number of bites per incident, sustained vs brief) *effort made to engage
*consistency (e.g. frequency, predictability)
*number of incidents
Behavioral triggers Complexity
Ability to manage or prevent exposure to triggers
Environment Behavior occurs only in one vs. multiple environments Ability to manage the environment to reduce risk
Response to intervention Animal’s response to previous treatment or management efforts Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 49 Behavior and Mental Well-Being
Shelters must have protocols and criteria in place that attempt to identify and manage animals at high risk of
causing harm to shelter personnel, the public, or other domesticated animals. Decisions about rehoming require
careful consideration of public safety, potential risks, and whether mitigation of these risks is feasible. Euthanasia is the appropriate outcome for animals at high risk of caus- ing serious harm to people.

It is important for shelters to recognize that robust
management efforts will not be suitable or sufficient to prevent aggressive incidents in every case or scenario, even when implemented thoroughly and consistently.

Monitoring post-placement outcomes can help improve
risk assessment processes. Consultation with legal profes- sionals may be helpful when creating risk assessment and placement protocols for animals with a history of aggres- sive behavior.

9.9 Rehoming considerations
An important aspect of risk mitigation and supporting
the quality of life for animals and people is providing resources and guidance to those who foster or adopt a
shelter animal. 39 Adopters and foster caregivers must
be counseled on providing safe, gradual, and controlled introductions of shelter animals to children and resident pets.70 This helps create successful transitions and rela - tionships. Foster caregivers and prospective adopters
should be allowed to adopt or foster without bringing
their own animals to the shelter.71 Information and coun- seling on strategies for safe and low-stress introductions can be tailored to the individual shelter or resident ani - mal’s behavior and history.

A record of the animal’s behavior should be provided
in hardcopy or electronic form with the animal at the time of transfer, foster, or adoption. When behavior concerns have been noted, communication about humane and
appropriate management and modification of concern -
ing behaviors reduces the risk of placing animals into a home environment and reduces shelter returns. Collecting post-adoption data regarding the success of behavior
interventions helps shelters make needed adjustments and improves consensus within communities.

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Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.dvm360.com/view/
assessing-risk-injury-aggressive-dogs-proceedings-0 .

70. Rayment DJ, De Groef B, Peters RA, Marston LC. Applied Personality Assessment in Domestic Dogs: Limitations and Caveats. Appl Anim Behav Sci . 2015;163:1–18. doi: 10.1016/j. applanim.2014.11.020

71. Weiss E, Gramann S, Dolan ED, Scotto JE, Slater MR. Do Policy Based Adoptions Increase the Care a Pet Receives? An Exploration of a Shift to Conversation Based Adoptions at One Shelter. Open J Anim Sci . 2014;04(05):313–322. doi: 10.4236/ ojas.2014.45040
52Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022 . This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

10. Euthanasia

10.1 General
Maintaining positive welfare for animals in shelter care includes ensuring a humane death when euthanasia is
appropriate. All animals and people must be treated with respect during the euthanasia process. Respect includes compassionate handling of the animal and its remains,
consideration for the well-being of personnel involved, and compassionate interactions with those request -
ing euthanasia services. These recommendations apply
whether euthanasia is performed in the shelter, the field, or a home setting.

The euthanasia process must be as free from pain, fear, anxiety, and distress as possible. Ensuring a humane death requires proper technique and expertise. To ensure eutha- nasia practices are suitable for each organization and the animals they serve, a veterinarian with appropriate training and expertise for the species involved should be consulted when establishing euthanasia protocols. Agents and meth- ods deemed unacceptable in the A VMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals are unacceptable to use in shelters.1 Euthanasia decisions are based on the shelter’s abil -
ity to support the welfare of the individual animal in the context of the population, available resources, and the community. Rarely, there may be severe circumstances in which euthanasia of an entire population (i.e. depopula - tion) may be considered, such as in the event of a disease outbreak, disaster, or other population level crisis (see Medical Health ). Depopulation must only be used as a
last resort when all other methods to address the situation have been exhausted.2

10.2 Euthanasia process
Euthanasia protocols must be created and followed to
support consistent euthanasia practices. Protocols include euthanasia drugs, delivery methods, handling plans, and environmental conditions. Protocols should have options to accommodate individual animal’s behavioral and phys- ical needs and ensure human safety. Prompt intervention must occur if complications are noted during the eutha - nasia process. Complications could include delayed onset of sedation or death, excessive excitement, seizures, or vomiting. Adjustments to the euthanasia protocol may be needed if complications occur frequently.

It is unacceptable to euthanize an animal without con-
firming that the animal is the individual the shelter intends to euthanize. Using multiple methods to confirm an ani - mal’s identity prior to euthanasia is important regardless of intake type. Shelter records, enclosure labels, collars, tags, physical descriptions, and people familiar with the animal may be consulted to ensure identification is cor - rect. For stray animals, a final check of local missing ani- mal listings should be performed to confirm that there are no matches before performing euthanasia.

Immediately prior to euthanasia, animals must be
scanned for a microchip, either to confirm known micro - chip identity or in case previous scanning was incomplete.

Multiple scans of the entire body using proper technique and a universal scanner maximize the chance of identify - ing a microchip.3 If a microchip is identified, ownership status requires follow-up before proceeding.

It is unacceptable to euthanize an animal without
verifying legal eligibility. Legal eligibility includes veri - fication that the organization owns or has legal respon - sibility for the animal (e.g. the animal is not on a court ordered or mandated stray hold), or the organization
has consent from the animal’s owner, or the animal has a documented need for immediate euthanasia to alleviate
suffering.

Performing euthanasia in the presence of other unfa -
miliar animals is not recommended because it may be
stressful for animals in close proximity. However, when euthanasia is necessary for a litter of very young kittens or puppies, keeping them together during the euthanasia process may reduce the stress of separation. When the
mother will also be euthanized, it is preferable to eutha - nize her first.

After the euthanasia procedure, death must be verified
by trained staff before disposing of the animal’s body.

The use of multiple verification methods is recommended.

Lack of consciousness can be verified by the lack of blink reflex when the eye is touched, or the lack of response to a deep toe pinch. When breathing has stopped, cardiac
standstill can be confirmed by the lack of movement of a needle inserted in the heart, or the lack of heartbeat using a stethoscope. Proper verification of death always includes confirmation of cardiac standstill or rigor mortis.1

10.2.1 Euthanasia methods
Euthanasia methods must be reliable, irreversible, com - patible with the species, age, health and behavior of the animal, and ensure a smooth loss of consciousness fol - lowed by death. The use of pre-euthanasia sedation is gen- erally recommended because it improves the experience
for animals and personnel. Pre-euthanasia drugs must
be administered when their use is necessary for a smooth euthanasia process. Their use is particularly important for animals who are in pain or are showing signs of fear, anx- iety, or distress.

Each animal’s weight (actual or assessed) must be used
to calculate adequate drug doses. The drugs and dosage
Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 53 Euthanasia
used vary by drug availability 4 and the chosen route of injection, whether intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP), or intra-organ (including intrarenal or intracardiac).

Each route of administration has benefits and drawbacks depending on the individual animal and circumstance.

For example, IP injection is often the most humane strat- egy for very young or debilitated animals, while IV injec- tion is preferred for pregnant animals. Unless an animal has been verified as unconscious, intra-organ injections are unacceptable.

While necessary in rare occasions in the field, gunshot is unacceptable as a routine method for euthanasia of
dogs, cats, or other small companion animals.1 Inhalation of carbon monoxide is an unacceptable method of eutha-
nasia for companion animals in shelters.5

10.3 Environment and equipment
A separate room should be designated for euthanasia in
a quiet area away from the main pattern of foot traffic.

The room used for euthanasia should be well lit and large enough to accommodate the necessary people and equip-
ment. Only people with defined roles in the euthanasia
process should be in the room when the procedure is being performed. These roles include technicians or veterinar - ians performing the euthanasia procedure and handling
assistants, owners, familiar personnel, or trainees.

The euthanasia environment must be set up to minimize
discomfort and distress and accommodate the individual
animal’s behavioral and physical needs. Incorporating
soft bedding, calm music, and comforting experiences
(e.g. talking to the animal, gentle petting, toys, and food) is often beneficial for socialized animals. Other animals, such as wildlife and feral cats, are better served by mini - mal interaction and opportunities to hide.

All equipment used during the euthanasia process must
be easily accessible and in good working order to ensure a safe and humane euthanasia process. A new needle must
be used to administer euthanasia drugs to each animal
because previously used needles may be dull or burred
and cause unnecessary pain. Appropriate personal pro -
tective equipment must be utilized during the euthanasia process to avoid injury to personnel or transmission of disease. Euthanasia equipment and surfaces should be
cleaned after each use, and the entire euthanasia room
should be sanitized regularly.

All drugs used during the euthanasia process must be
stored, administered, and documented in accordance
with federal and state regulations . This includes keeping a record log documenting each animal’s identification, the amount of euthanasia solution and pre-euthanasia drugs
used, the amounts remaining in the vial, and the identity of the person performing the euthanasia.6
Storage and final disposal of animal remains must be
in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Proper storage is important to prevent disease transmis - sion and unpleasant odors, and because medications,
including those associated with euthanasia, may create a risk to scavenging animals. It is unacceptable for shelters to euthanize an animal solely for research or educational purposes. However, when shelter animals have already
been euthanized for other reasons, and there is a clear benefit to other animals and society, their body may be used for science or teaching.7

10.4 Personnel considerations
Many states set training requirements and authorize who can perform euthanasia in shelters and under which circum- stances. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal control officers, and designated lay staff may be tasked with perform- ing euthanasia in shelters.1 Personnel performing euthanasia must be appropriately trained and maintain all necessary certification as required by state or local regulations.

The safety and well-being of personnel must be incor -
porated into euthanasia protocols and policy. Because
euthanasia is an important factor in the compassion
fatigue, moral distress, and work-related strain reported by veterinarians and shelter staff, 8,9 systems must be in place to prevent, recognize, and address fatigue and dis - tress related to euthanasia in shelter personnel. This
includes personnel involved in euthanasia decision-mak - ing, those performing the euthanasia procedure, and any who may be emotionally affected.8,10,11
Euthanasia decision-making must occur through a
transparent process that lessens the decision-making bur- den on any one individual. Shelters can mitigate the stress of euthanasia on personnel by having clear and consistent decision-making protocols, sharing the decision-mak -
ing burden, providing mentorship and training to those
expected to perform euthanasia, rotating euthanasia per- formance duties, communicating transparently and sensi- tively about euthanasia, and holding debriefing sessions.12,13 References

1. Leary S, Underwood W , Anthony R, et al. AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals: 2020 Edition. 2020th ed. Schaumburg, IL: American Veterinary Medical Association; 2020.

2. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Position Statement:

Depopulation. 2020. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.shelter- vet.org/assets/docs/position-statements/DepopulationPS3.20. pdf.

3. Lord LK, Pennell ML, Ingwersen W , Fisher RA, Workman JD.

In vitro sensitivity of commercial scanners to microchips of var- ious frequencies. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008;233(11):1723–1728. doi: 10.2460/javma.233.11.1723

4. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Alternative euthanasia meth- ods during pentobarbital sodium shortage. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.sheltervet.org/assets/PDFs/Euthanasiasolution shortageinshelters_final.pdf.

5. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Position statement:

Euthanasia of shelter animals. 2020. Accessed Dec 13, 2022.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202254 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters https://www.sheltervet.org/assets/docs/position-statements/ euthanasiaofshelteranimals.pdf.

6. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Code of federal regulations title 21.9: Food and drugs. 2022. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https:// www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch. cfm?CFRPart=1304&showFR=1.

7. Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Position statement: Use of shelter animal cadavers for educational purposes. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.sheltervet.org/assets/docs/position-state- ments/CadaversPS2020.pdf. Published 2020.

8. Reeve CL, Rogelberg SG, Spitzmüller C, et al. The caring-killing paradox: Euthanasia-related strain among animal-shelter work- ers. J Appl Soc Psychol. 2005;35(1):119–143. doi: 10.1111/j.1559- 1816.2005.tb02096.x

9. Tran L, Crane MF , Phillips JK. The distinct role of performing euthanasia on depression and suicide in veterinarians. J Occup Health Psychol. 2014;19(2):123–132. doi: 10.1037/a0035837

10. Anderson KA, Brandt JC, Lord LK, Miles EA. Euthanasia in animal shelters: Management’s perspective on staff reactions and support programs euthanasia in animal shelters. Anthrozoos. 2015;26(4):569–578. doi: 10.2752/175303713X13795775536057

11. Andrukonis A, Protopopova A. Occupational health of animal shelter employees by live release rate, shelter type, and eutha - nasia-related decision. Anthrozoos. 2020;33(1):119–131. doi:

10.1080/08927936.2020.1694316

12. Jacobs J, Reese LA. Compassion fatigue among animal shelter volunteers: Examining personal and organiza -
tional risk factors. Anthrozoos. 2021;34(6):803–821. doi:

10.1080/08927936.2021.1926719

13. Scotney RL, McLaughlin D, Keates HL. A systematic review of the effects of euthanasia and occupational stress in person - nel working with animals in animal shelters, veterinary clin - ics, and biomedical research facilities. J Am Vet Med Assoc . 2015;247(10):1121–1130. doi: 10.2460/javma.247.10.1121
55Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

11. Animal Transport and Relocation Programs

11.1 General
Animal relocation programs involve the transfer and
transport of animals from one sheltering organization
(the source) to another (the destination). Transport can be local, regional, or international. The purpose is typically to move companion animals from communities with an
excess pet population to communities with unmet adopter demand. Shelter animals are also relocated when they
require services not available at the source shelter.

For many communities, relocation programs are a criti-
cal strategy to support live outcomes. However, relocation carries risks to health, behavior, and safety which can be particularly concerning for some animals.1–3 Intentionally designed relocation programs consider the risks and bene- fits for all affected animals and minimize negative impacts through careful selection and planning.

Decision-making in relocation programs must prioritize
decreasing length of stay. Holding animals for relocation when live outcomes are available locally can lead shelters to operate beyond their capacity for care and compromise their relationship with their community 4 (see Population Management). Likewise, when destination shelters accept more animals than they have the capacity to care for, the welfare of both relocated and destination animals may be compromised, and lengths of stay increased.

Shelters transport animals for a variety of reasons, such as local transfer, external medical services, enrichment activities, or relocation. It is unacceptable to transport animals when the transport itself is likely to be harmful to their immediate or long-term health or welfare. Careful management and planning are required to ensure that
transporting an animal improves their welfare, and that priority is given to animal comfort and safety.

11.2 Responsibilities for relocation programs
All participants in the relocation process must fol -
low federal regulations for animal transportation as
well as local or state regulations for both source and
destination locations. Departments of Agriculture
and Departments of Health commonly have require -
ments for animals being imported into their juris -
diction. These often include health certificates (i.e.

Certificates of Veterinary Inspection [CVI]) and cer -
tain vaccinations; there may also be restrictions for age and health conditions. For commercial air transport,
organizations must consult with the airline for specific requirements.

Emergency plans must be made prior to transport.

These plans include emergency contact information, safe locations to stop if necessary, protocols to address vehi - cle problems, and a plan for animal and human medical
emergencies. Those transporting animals also need to have contact information for both the source and destination.

Clear direct communication is essential for successful
relocation programs. Written agreements between all par- ties involved in the relocation program should be devel - oped and reviewed regularly. Animal health and behavior must be accurately described and communicated between
relocation partners. At minimum, such agreements
address medical and behavioral selection criteria as well as transportation and destination requirements.5
A contact person must be identified at each transfer
point, and a record of each animal’s travel from source to destination must be kept. Appropriate, accessible travel records allow tracing of an animal’s source and contacts along the route.

Public health and safety must be considered in the
design of relocation programs and protocols. Zoonotic
diseases with a regional distribution (e.g. plague, rabies, and Leptospirosis)6 and aggressive behaviors require spe - cial consideration (see Behavior, Public Health).

Organizations engaging in relocation should track
standard metrics for transported animals. This includes animal demographics, behavioral and medical condi -
tions, and outcomes. 7 Unless there are extenuating cir - cumstances, animals should not be returned to the source even in the event of unexpected medical or behavioral
concerns. Transport is a significant stressor for the animal as well as a significant resource investment. If destination shelters regularly find that transported animals are not eli- gible for adoption, it is important for all parties to revisit selection criteria and program goals.

11.3 Responsibilities at the source
As with all shelters, all eligible animals within a source population must be vaccinated at or before intake 8,9 (see Medical Health). It is insufficient to vaccinate only ani - mals selected for relocation because it leaves the majority of animals unprotected. It is not recommended to hold
animals back from transport just to allow response to vac- cination or to receive a booster.10 To prevent the spread of internal and external parasites, treatment for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites is strongly recommended. Ideally, all dogs 6 months of age and older are tested for heart - worm disease prior to relocation.11
The animal’s health and behavior records must be
shared with the destination. When required, a valid health certificate (CVI) and proof of rabies vaccination must
accompany each animal. Requirements may vary from
state to state.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202256 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Animals must be examined by trained staff within 24 h
prior to travel and deemed fit for transport. The purpose of the pre-transport examination is to look for evidence of infectious disease, and to evaluate the animal’s ability to tolerate the impact of the physical and emotional expe- riences encountered during travel (e.g. prolonged con - finement, handling by multiple novel people, and direct exposure to other animals). A veterinarian must confirm that animals with medical concerns or recovering from
surgery are fit for transport.

Animals being transported must be provided with visual
identification. Collars or tags are routinely used, though in some cases, other techniques may be needed (e.g. mark- ing the inner ear or painting a claw on a neonate). Ideally, animals are microchipped before transport, as this pro - vides permanent identification. To aid in identification of individual animals, each primary transport enclosure must be marked with each animal’s unique identifier.

A copy of the manifest for each transport, identifying
each animal on board, must be maintained in an acces -
sible location separate from the vehicle itself, in case an accident leads to loss or destruction of the manifest accompanying the animals. For example, a cloud-based
digital manifest can be made available to source, trans - porter, and destination in real time.

11.4 Responsibilities during transport

11.4.1 Primary enclosure and occupancy
For the safety and comfort of the animals, primary trans- port enclosures must be large enough for animals to stand and sit erect, turn around normally while standing, and lie in a natural position without lying on another animal.

Unfamiliar animals must not be transported together in
the same primary enclosure. Ideally, animals are intro - duced and acclimated to the transport carrier prior to
transport in order to reduce associated stress.

The primary enclosure must not have sharp edges, and
the flooring must prevent injury, discomfort, and leak - age of fluids into other enclosures. 12 To improve com - fort and hygiene, absorbent bedding must be provided
during transport unless it poses a risk to an individual animal’s health.

In a transport vehicle, kennels must be positioned in
a manner that ensures adequate airflow and temperature
regulation within each primary enclosure. Airflow is facil- itated by choosing enclosures with vent openings on at
least three sides, and maintaining at least 1 inch (2 cm) of unobstructed space between vent openings and adjacent
structures. When primary enclosures are permanently
fixed to the vehicle so that only a single door provides ventilation, the door needs to face an unobstructed aisle.12 Primary enclosures must be loaded in a manner that
minimizes animal stress or discomfort while allowing
direct visual observation. Primary enclosures must be
secured to prevent movement within the vehicle, and
doors secured to prevent accidental opening. In an emer - gency, operators must be able to swiftly remove animals.

11.4.2 Special cases
Cats
During transport, cats should be provided with a hiding space or visual barrier that allows ventilation and mon - itoring. For example, the kennel door can be partially
covered with a towel, or a small hiding box can be pro - vided within the primary enclosure. Stress can be further reduced if cats are acclimated to their carrier prior to transport and provided familiar objects with their own
scent.13,14 Ideally, all cats are provided with access to a lit- ter box during long-distance transport.

Cats and dogs are ideally transported in separate vehi- cles. If cats are transported in a vehicle with dogs, they must be housed in a physically separate space with special consideration given to visual and noise barriers.

Vulnerable populations
Puppies and kittens, geriatric animals, or animals with chronic medical or behavioral conditions require special care during transport. This care includes avoiding tem - perature extremes, more frequent feedings, and enhanced protection from infectious disease exposure during the
transport process. Pediatric and brachycephalic ani -
mals are more susceptible to temperature extremes
and may require different environmental parameters
or alternative modes of transport. 15,16 Kittens or pup - pies less than 8 weeks old should be transported with
their mother when possible and should be transported
in a single enclosure large enough for her to lie down
with legs extended for comfort and to facilitate nursing.

Importing animals under 8 weeks old may be prohibited
in some states.

Sedation and behavior medication
Behavior medications should be considered when an ani-
mal is likely to have emotional welfare concerns during transport ( see Behavior). Assessment of transport suit - ability is especially important for these animals. Clear communication between partners is essential when behav- ior medications are used. Safe and humane relocation
programs do not use sedatives or behavior medications to compensate for poor transportation practices.

It is unacceptable for a relocation program to trans -
port animals that are sedated or anesthetized to the point that they are unable to swallow, walk, or thermoregulate.

Animals in this condition are at risk of choking, pneumo- nia, hypothermia, and cardiac and respiratory arrest with- out continuous monitoring by trained medical personnel.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 57 Animal Transport and Relocation Programs

11.4.3 Vehicles
Federal and local statutes for animal transport vehi -
cles and their operation may not be sufficient to ensure humane care or the safety of animals and operators.

Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations pro -
mote the safety of drivers and those around them and
should be followed even when transporters are not licensed or subject to them. Vehicle operators must be licensed and trained in use of the specific vehicle they will be operating.

Additional training in accident prevention and techniques to minimize animal discomfort during vehicle operation
are recommended. For example, avoiding excessive lateral movement and sudden acceleration or deceleration are
important skills to minimize animal stress and injury.

To ensure safe and humane conditions, control over
heating and cooling in the animal compartment is essential in any vehicle used to transport animals.12 Interior tempera- tures of vehicles in direct sunlight can rapidly exceed safe levels, even when comfortable outside. The temperature of the animal compartment in the vehicle must be monitored, and action taken if low or high temperatures occur. Alarms can facilitate monitoring when drivers and animals are in separate compartments; placing the thermometer at the
level of the animals allows for more accurate monitoring.

For animal safety, ambient temperature must be main-
tained above 45°F (7.2°C) and below 85°F (29.5°C), and
humidity maintained between 30 and 70%. 12,17 To ensure comfortable conditions, ambient temperature should be
maintained between 64°F (18°C) and 80°F (26.6°C). 17,18 Operators must ensure that air in the animal compartment is fresh and free of vehicle exhaust fumes.12 To detect poor air quality, carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in the animal compartment.

11.4.4 Monitoring and care
Vehicle drivers or animal attendants must have sufficient training in animal health, welfare, and safety to recognize and respond to animal needs during transport. For trans- ports longer than 4 hours, two drivers should be present to monitor and reload animals. Having a second driver
for longer trips allows one driver to rest while the other drives, or to assist in the case of an emergency. At min - imum, every 4 hours, the vehicle must be stopped, and a visual observation of each animal must be performed.12
If it becomes necessary to remove animals from their
enclosures for any reason, safeguards are needed to ensure animal safety and to prevent escape. For example, opera- tors may have a supply of leashes, vehicles may be fitted with a secondary barrier around the exterior door, or pro- tocols may specify closing exterior vehicle doors before opening primary enclosures.

Caregivers are charged with meeting the nutritional
needs of transported animals. For juvenile animals, a
small meal should be given no more than 4 hours before
departure, and small amounts of food should be provided every 4 hours throughout transport. For both adults and juveniles, water must be provided at least every 4 hours during observation stops. Food must be provided at least every 24 hours for adult animals.12
Although federal regulations do not address travel dis- tance for companion animals, risks to animal health and welfare generally increase with duration of transport. 2 During transport, driving time to an intermediate or final destination should not exceed 12 hours per day, and load- ing and unloading of animals should not exceed 1 hour
each (see Figure 11.1). 15,19 Confinement for these lengths of time can still present welfare concerns, so efforts to reduce the overall transport duration, including stopping only when necessary and coordinating stops to manage
both human and animal needs, are strongly recommended.

Transport that exceeds 12 hours of travel must be bro-
ken up with an overnight rest stop at an intermediary
location. According to the DOT regulations for vehicle
operators, overnight rest stops are at least 10 hours long.

Total transport time from the source to a final destination should include no more than 28 hours confined to a trans- port vehicle, including loading and unloading time and
excluding an overnight rest stop.12
Dogs must be walked or exercised on trips that require an overnight stay. Animals should never be left unattended in a Figure 11.1. Maximum cumulative transport time to a final destination.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202258 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters transport vehicle unless sufficient monitoring capabilities are in place, and attendants are able to immediately respond to animal care needs. When feasible, an overnight facility that can accommodate the housing of cats and dogs off of the vehicle is preferred. Cats may benefit from remaining in their transport carriers, if large enough. Cats must have access to a litter box if being housed overnight. Overnight facilities can include foster homes, shelters, hotels, or transport hubs.

11.4.5 Aggregation
Safe and sustainable transport programs carefully man - age different animal populations throughout the transport process. If transporting animals from different sources on separate vehicles is not possible, animals from each source are ideally housed in separate compartments. Whenever
animals from different sources are held in the same vehicle or facility, protocols that minimize exposure and cross-con- tamination between populations must be in place.

11.5 Responsibilities at the destination
The destination shelter must have sufficient trained per - sonnel ready to receive and evaluate animals upon arrival.

Communication with transporters is important to ensure
that the shelter has enough time to assemble their per - sonnel. Each animal admitted through a relocation pro - gram must receive a brief health assessment at intake.

This assessment identifies signs of infectious disease and problems that require emergency or follow-up medical
care. Veterinary services must be accessible upon arrival.

Access might include having a veterinarian on-site,
on-call, or available at a local clinic.

The destination facility must have adequate housing
prepared for the arriving animals without displacing the existing population. The need for isolation or quarantine of arriving animals is informed by regulatory require - ments, animal health status, source organization practices, and infectious disease risk. Quarantines are only appro - priate for high-risk animals with direct infectious disease exposure; unnecessary holds increase length of stay and are detrimental to animal health and organizational goals.

Destination shelters should maintain an active work -
ing knowledge of the source organization, which includes familiarity with the common diseases, preventive health - care, and biosecurity practices at each source organiza - tion. Establishing procedures for continuing assessment, care, and communication after arrival promotes a healthy and successful partnership.

References

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2. Aziz M, Janeczko S, Gupta M. Infectious disease prevalence and factors associated with upper respiratory infection in cats following relocation. Animals. 2018;8(6):1–11. doi: 10.3390/ ani8060091

3. Polak K. Dog transport and infectious disease risk: An inter - national perspective. Vet Clin North Am – Small Anim Pract . 2019;49(4):599–613. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2019.02.003

4. DiGangi BA, Walsh KS. Behavioral care during transportation and relocation. In: DiGangi BA, Cussen V , Reid PJ, Collins K, eds. Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff . 2nd ed.

Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell; 2022.

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mal-transport-programs.

6. White AM, Zambrana-Torrelio C, Allen T, et al. Hotspots of canine leptospirosis in the United States of America. Vet J. 2017;222:29–35. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2017.02.009

7. Shelter Animals Count. Basic data matrix. Accessed Oct 20, 2022. https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/wp-content/ uploads/2022/02/BasicDataMatrix_SAC.pdf.

8. Stone A, Brummet GO, Carozza EM, et al. 2020 AAHA / AAFP feline vaccination guidelines. J Feline Med Surg . 2020;22:813– 830. doi: 10.1177/1098612X20941784

9. Ford RB, Larson LJ, Mcclure KD, et al. 2017 AAHA canine vaccination guidelines. 2017:26–35. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.aaha.org/public_documents/guidelines/vaccina - tion_recommendation_for_general_practice_table.pdf.

10. Digangi BA, Craver C, Dolan ED. Incidence and predictors of canine parvovirus diagnoses in puppies relocated for adoption.

Animals. 2021;11(4):1064. doi: 10.3390/ani11041064

11. American Heartworm Society, Association of Shelter Veterinarians.

Minimizing heartworm transmission in relocated dogs. 2017.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.sheltervet.org/assets/PDFs/ Relocating%20HW%2BDogs.pdf

12. United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Code of federal regulations title

9.3.1: Specifications for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of dogs and cats. 2021:47–128. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-9/chapter-I/ subchapter-A/part-3.

13. Gruen MME, Thomson AE, Hamilton AK, et al. Conditioning laboratory cats to handling and transport. Lab Anim (NY) . 2013;42(10):385–389. doi: 10.1038/laban.361

14. Ellis SLH, Rodan I, Carney HC, et al. AAFP and ISFM feline environmental needs guidelines. J Feline Med Surg . 2013;15(3):219–230. doi: 10.1177/1098612X13477537

15. American Veterinary Medical Association/Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Non-emergency relocation of dogs and cats for adoption within the United States: Best practices. 2020. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. www.avma.org › Reference › A VMA_BestPracticesAdoption_Brochure%0A.

16. Fitzgerald KT, Newquist KL. Husbandry of the neonate. In:

Peterson ME, Kutzler MA, eds. Small Animal Pediatrics . St.

Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:44–57.

17. National Research Council Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. In: Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, ed. ILAR’s Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. 8th ed. National Academies Press; 2011.

18. American Veterinary Medical Association. A VMA policy:

Companion animal care guidelines. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https:// www.avma.org/policies/companion-animal-care-guidelines.

19. National Federation of Humane Societies. Position statement:

Best practices in animal transport protocols. Accessed Feb 4, 2020. http://www.humanefederation.org/TransferOverview.cfm.
59Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022 . This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

12. Disaster response

12.1 General
All shelters should be prepared to respond when directly affected by a disaster. Disasters include natural events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires, or human- made events such as large-scale cruelty cases, workplace violence, and toxic chemical spills. Advance planning is critical to safeguard animal welfare, and to protect human health and safety.1
Animal welfare needs described in this document are
still present even when a shelter is experiencing a disas - ter. Deviations from these Guidelines as the result of a disaster should be as brief and as minimal as possible.

Good planning helps ensure that these standards can be
met under any circumstances. Additional published oper- ational guidelines for animal evacuation & transport, ani- mal decontamination, and emergency animal sheltering
may be helpful in planning for and responding to disasters (Appendix H).

A disaster and its impacts may be localized to the shel- ter, the community it serves, or an entire region or coun - try. Shelters outside of the impacted area may decide to offer aid to affected communities, including accepting
and facilitating relocation of animals, sending personnel or resources, or providing advice and expertise. Whether impacted or offering aid, familiarity with disaster response principles is essential.

Disaster response is divided into four phases:
• Mitigation: on-going, preemptive activities that
reduce the impacts of future disasters on animals,
people, shelters, and communities
• Preparedness: creating plans to handle specific disas - ters, training and conducting exercises or drills, and
acquiring the resources needed to respond
• Response: implementing the disaster plan and adapt-
ing as necessary during an event
• Recovery: returning to some degree of normalcy in
the period following a disaster, this period can last
from days to years

12.2 Mitigation
Shelters should take steps to anticipate, detect, and mit - igate the impacts of disasters. In order for shelters to reduce the impact of a disaster, they must first identify the events most likely to affect them and their communities.

Shelters must identify and plan for reasonably anticipated disasters, including those most likely to occur in their geographic area. Once disaster risks are identified, mit - igation strategies can be developed and implemented to
reduce the impact of a future disaster. Mitigation might include holding community pet identification and rabies vaccination clinics, reinforcing existing structures to bet - ter withstand common weather events, designing shelters according to building codes, and maintaining insurance
and liability policies.

12.3 Preparedness
Every sheltering organization must have a written plan
that outlines the actions the shelter will take in response to likely emergency scenarios. These actions may include ser- vices that the shelter does not typically provide, including admission of displaced animals, provision of resources, or relocation of animals to other facilities. The written disaster response plan should be accessible by all person - nel, used to train staff during disaster drills, and regularly reviewed and updated.

Disaster response plans must detail how shelters will
provide essential services to all animals currently in care, including those in foster homes. Essential services include sanitation, housing, food, and water as well as medical and behavioral care. Plans should detail how necessary
supplies will be acquired, and include evacuation strate - gies in the event that supply chains or utilities (e.g. water, food, and heating or cooling) are disrupted.

Emergency plans should include a process for pre -
emptively relocating the shelter’s population in advance of the event when appropriate. Evacuation ensures the
safety of relocated animals and creates capacity to house and care for displaced community animals. Even if min - imal animal intake from the community is expected, pre - emptive transport can reduce staffing challenges during a disaster and lessen the impact of facility damage on
housed animals.

Since the risk of zoonotic disease spread may increase
during disasters, plans must include steps to control trans- mission.2–4 These steps include providing wellness care, appropriate disease surveillance, and isolation and treat - ment of infected animals. Especially important during all disaster events is the consideration and control of rabies.3 Animal stress and anxiety leads to an increased likelihood of dog bites during disasters.2,4
Shelter disaster plans should indicate the personnel
structure necessary to provide essential animal care ser - vices during a disaster. This structure identifies the critical personnel required and how the shelter plans to fill these roles. The staffing structure needs to be flexible, as animal care needs or personnel availability may be different than were anticipated. Critical personnel may be expected to perform new or additional roles or be recruited from out- side organizations.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.202260 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Training is an essential part of preparedness, as it is important for personnel to know what to do and when.

Training specific to the roles personnel will fill during a disaster, including safety considerations, should be pro - vided before starting the work. This training is best pro - vided well in advance for personnel who are expected to respond to disasters but may be provided just prior to
involvement. Even experienced personnel may need ‘just
in time training’ in order to assume a new role.5 Exercises and drills are an excellent training tool and allow shelters to evaluate how well the current plan fits the organiza - tion’s needs.

Individuals participating in multi-agency disas -
ter responses should complete National Response
Framework (NRF) and National Incident Management
System (NIMS) training, including Incident Command
System (ICS) modules.5,6 These widely used systems pro - vide a clear chain of command and communication struc-
ture, which can be scaled to meet the size and demands
of any disaster. 7 Partnerships are most successful when stakeholders are familiar with the shared vocabulary,
operations, and processes guiding the response.8
Disasters are times of extreme stress for animals and
people. Disaster planning should include provisions to
address the physical and mental stress experienced by
personnel, community members, and responders. Human
safety must be the first priority of any disaster response plan.

Shelters can be key team members in coordinated
community, state, or national disaster preparedness and response. If a shelter is part of an established disaster response team, a written plan should specify its partic - ular role and the other organizations the shelter will be working with. Shelters responding to disasters as part of a coordinated response should draft memoranda of under-
standing (MOUs) with their governmental and nongov -
ernmental response partners. MOUs enhance efficiency
and secure resources by specifying which personnel,
equipment, or facilities will be provided by each organiza- tion and clarifying roles and expectations.

12.4 Response
Response plans should be followed as soon as a disaster is anticipated or has occurred. Prompt response ensures critical shelter and community needs are addressed as
quickly as possible. The most common challenge faced
during a response is communication, both internally and externally.9,10 When indicated, an ICS should be initiated rapidly to designate and maintain a clear chain of com - mand and communication infrastructure (see Appendix I).

Each animal admitted during a disaster must receive at
least a cursory assessment at intake to check for signs of infectious disease, any conditions that require emergency medical care, and exposure to hazards. This allows staff to prioritize care where it is needed most and to separate animals to reduce the transmission of disease. Animals
admitted during a disaster should be given core vaccines, including rabies and parasite control (see Medical Health).

Animals must be decontaminated when applicable (e.g.
exposure to flood waters, fire retardants, or drug labs). 11 Decontamination typically involves bathing and rinsing, with specific methods and products used depending on
the potential contaminants.5,12–14 Because hazards on the animal may be a danger to animals and personnel, per -
sonal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended until
decontamination is complete.

As soon as it is safe, shelters must make concerted
efforts to reunify pets displaced by a disaster. Animal holding times (i.e. stray periods) and communication
with owners may need to be broadened to reflect the chal- lenges of the particular disaster. Using multiple methods to reach owners, including social media, flyers, electronic billboards, or neighborhood ambassadors, may be helpful in facilitating reunification. If an animal is transported out of the impacted area, clear communication between
partner shelters regarding roles, processes, and timelines for reunification efforts is important.15
Shelters outside of the disaster area accepting impacted animals must be able to provide appropriate care and out- comes for their existing population before volunteering to accept displaced animals. Shelters are required to follow all relevant regulations and legal requirements related to animals even during disasters.

Shelters should have a system for managing physi -
cal and monetary donations during disaster response
and recovery. Without a system, physical donations can
become overwhelming and require valuable time and
facilities to manage. Shelters should track resources used during disaster response and recovery. Detailed informa- tion, including staff time dedicated to response, may be requested for reimbursement grants from local, state, or federal agencies or private organizations.

Shelters must anticipate the arrival of self-deployed
volunteers during a disaster and must address how these individuals will or will not be used. 16 Volunteers may be unfamiliar with response plans and staffing struc -
ture, which can inadvertently place themselves and oth - ers at risk. However, preemptive planning for volunteer roles, training, and oversight can effectively mobilize this resource.

Responders may include volunteer veterinarians or vet-
erinary technicians; veterinary professionals must only provide medical treatment or services when they hold a
license to practice in that jurisdiction or are exempt from this requirement. Even during a disaster, oversight of use and storage of controlled substances must remain with
the individual identified as the responsible party on the DEA license for that premise.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 61 Disaster response

12.5 Recovery
The recovery period following a disaster lasts until the individual shelter and affected communities return to
normal. Even if undamaged, shelters may be challenged
by continuing impacts on their community or personnel.

If damage to the shelter building, grounds, or local infra- structure is a concern, a full safety assessment must be made prior to resuming normal activities in that area or facility.

Shelters must tailor placement efforts when their com - munity is impacted by a disaster. When local residents are struggling with rebuilding or finding shelter, fostering and adoption are unlikely to be a priority. Adoption events outside of the impacted community, increased shelter
partner transfer, shelter-neuter-return, or other creative programs may help address longer lengths of stay.

Ongoing challenges during recovery may dispropor -
tionately impact some community members. Shelters
should provide additional services that support keeping pets with their owners in the time frame immediately
following the disaster. Sustained housing instability
is a particular concern; shelters may be asked to assist an increased number of people facing eviction or
displacement. 17
Following a disaster, shelters should debrief and eval - uate their planning, response, and recovery processes, so that adjustments to their plans can be made. The period of recovery from a disaster or major event is a natural time to broadly evaluate the effectiveness of programs, services, and procedures within the organization. Furthermore,
shelters may decide to maintain changes implemented
during the response that were valuable to the organization and community.

References

1. Day AM. Companion animals and natural disasters: a system - atic review of literature. Int J Disaster Risk Reduct . 2017;24:
81–90. doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2017.05.015

2. CDC. Morbidity and mortality associated with hurricane loyd – North Carolina, September–October 1999. MMWR. 2000;
49(17):369–372. Accessed Apr 1, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/ mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ mm4917a3.htm.

3. CDC. Rabies in Manmade or Natural Disasters. 2011. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/specific_groups/veteri- narians/disasters.html

4. Mori J, Tsubokura M, Sugimoto A, et al. Increased inci - dence of dog-bite injuries after the Fukushima nuclear acci - dent. Prev Med (Baltim) . 2013;57(4):363–365. doi: 10.1016/j. ypmed.2013. 06.013

5. Center for Food Security & Public Health Iowa State University.

Just-in-Time Training for Responders. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Emergency-Response/just-in-time- training.php

6. Rogers C. The critical need for animal disaster response plans .

J Bus Contin Emer Plan. 2015;9(3):262–271.

7. Green D. Chapter 2 - Incident Management. In: Animals in Disasters. First. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019:9–20. doi: 10.1016/ B978-0-12-813924-0.00002-5

8. Wenzel JGW . Organizational aspects of disaster preparedness and response. J Am Vet Med Assoc . 2007;230(11):1634–1637. doi: 10.2460/javma.230.11.1634

9. Green D. Chapter 1 - Introduction. In: Animals in Disasters .

First. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2019:1–8. doi: 10.1016/B978- 0-12-813924-0.00001-3

10. A ’Brunzo G, Bevan L, Garman EM, Lanham L, Schmitz J.

Emergency Animal Sheltering Best Practices. 2009.

11. Gwaltney-Brant S. Managing animals seized from metham - phetamine laboratory busts (Proceedings). DVM360 Magazine.

Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.dvm360.com/view/manag- ing-animals-seized-methamphetamine-laboratory-busts-pro - ceedings.

12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Radiation Emergencies. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ radiation/emergencies/.

13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Radiation Safety:

Removal of Radioactive Material (Decontamination). Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/decontamina- tion.html.

14. Federal Emergency Management Administraton. Resource Typing Definition for Environmental Response/Health
and Safety Emergency Response: Companion Animal
Decontamination Team. 2018;(June):1–6. Accessed Dec
13, 2022. https://rtlt.preptoolkit.fema.gov/Public/Resource/ ViewFile/1-508-1229?type=Pdf&q=animal.

15. Barron JF . Supporting Pet-to-Family Reunification in Disaster by Leveraging Human and Machine Computation . 2012. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. http://lse.summon.serialssolutions.com/link/0/ eLvHCXMwY2BQSEm2NLM0SkxNszC1SDUzSDFMSTI3T-
TVPMgKtZDQ2Ae0bjgo3cfc2dQ4y9kEqzd1EGeTcXEOcPX -
RhpWJ8Sk5OvJGZJbBRDKynDQ3FGFiAneJUAJBOF9k

16. Irvine L. Ready or not: evacuating an animal shelter during a mock emergency. Anthrozoos. 2007;20(4):355–364. doi: 10.2752/ 089279307X245482

17. Graham TM, Rock MJ. The spillover effect of a flood on pets and their people: implications for rental housing. J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2019;22(3):229–239. doi: 10.1080/10888705.2018. 1476863 62Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022. © 2022 . This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), allowing third parties to copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format and to remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited and states its license.

Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022

13. Public Health

13.1 General
Public health promotes and protects people and the com- munities where they live, largely through One Health,
which studies the connections among the well-being of
animals, people, and the environment. 1 The care that
shelters provide to animals also impacts humans and the environment. Both within their facilities and in the larger community they serve, shelters must take precautions to protect the health and safety of animals, people, and the environment.

13.2 Personal protective measures
Shelter personnel encounter unavoidable risks to their
health on a daily basis through normal work activities.

Giving personnel the knowledge and equipment needed to
mitigate risks is a critical component of workplace safety.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn to help pre- vent the spread of disease and to protect personnel from potentially harmful substances. In order to protect person- nel from exposure to workplace hazards, shelters must pro- vide PPE such as gloves, smocks, goggles, face masks, face shields, shoe covers, and ear plugs.2 PPE must be available in types and sizes to accommodate all personnel, including those with special concerns such as latex allergies.

13.2.1 Hand hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is essential to protecting human
health in animal care environments. Personnel should
wear gloves when handling animal waste or fluids and
should wash hands frequently, especially after handling animals, and after removing PPE.3,4
Whether or not a person has had contact with animals,
personnel should wash their hands before eating, smok - ing, or touching their face. 5 As a precaution, personnel and visitors should be discouraged from eating, drinking, or bringing pacifiers, teething toys, or baby bottles into animal housing areas.3,6 To prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, animals should not be present in areas desig - nated for human food preparation or consumption.7

13.3 Workplace hazards
People working with and caring for animals are exposed to a diverse set of hazards. Shelters must comply with local, state, and federal health and safety regulations regarding chemical, biological, and physical hazards in the workplace.

13.3.1 Chemical hazards
Hazardous compounds, including disinfectants, medica -
tions, and pesticides, are routinely encountered in animal shelters.8 When working with hazardous chemicals, PPE
such as eye protection or respirator face masks must be worn as indicated by the product label.9 A well-ventilated area or fume hood may also be required when working
with certain products. Because mixing compounds such
as bleach and ammonia can produce lethal toxic gas,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OHSA)
requires organizations to correctly label and store chemi- cals to prevent spills or accidental mixing.10–12
When allowed to accumulate or when improperly stored,
animal urine and feces can become a significant source
of toxic compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen sul -
fide.13–15 Shelters must promptly dispose of biological waste (animal waste, animal tissues, and carcasses) in a manner that follows state and local regulations.16,17
Shelters must follow regulatory guidelines for the dis - posal of unused medications. 18,19 Controlled medications must be disposed of or wasted in a manner that follows
regulations, prevents environmental contamination, and
prevents human diversion. 20 Guidance to reduce waste
gas exposure associated with anesthesia may be found in the ASV’s Veterinary Medical Care Guidelines for Spay-
Neuter Programs and from OSHA.21,22
Smoking must not be allowed in animal shelters. In
addition to creating a risk of fire, second-hand smoke is harmful for pets and people.23–26

13.3.2 Physical hazards
Shelter personnel are also commonly exposed to physi -
cal hazards. These include slippery surfaces, loud noises such as barking or clanging metal, animal scratches and bites, job requirements to lift heavy objects and animals, and exposures to needles or other sharp objects.27 Shelters must follow industry guidelines for the proper disposal of sharps.28,29 Since the seriousness of physical injuries may initially be difficult to recognize, supervisors must advise persons injured at the shelter or by a shelter animal to seek medical care.

Noise exposure
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hearing of animals and people.30,31 Both environmental and behav- ioral noise abatement strategies should be used in ani - mal housing and holding areas (see Facilities, Behavior).

Hearing protection must be worn by employees working in environments where volume is at or above 100 dB cumula- tively for 15 min. When volumes exceed 85 dB at any point in time, hearing protection should be worn. 30,32 Several sound level meters are commercially available, including phone apps that measure decibel levels.33 Hearing conser- vation programs that include training and regular hearing 63 Public HealthCitation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 testing may be required by OSHA depending on the aver-
age noise exposure.34 Hearing protection is recommended whenever personnel have to raise their voice in order to be heard three feet away.

13.3.3 Biological hazards
Animal bites
Animal bites are both a physical and biological hazard
of significant concern in shelters. Training in animal
body language, safe handling techniques, and the use of sedation can reduce but not eliminate the risk of bites (see Animal Handling ). While many animal bites are
minor, some are extremely serious with extensive tissue damage. All bites that break the skin carry a risk for infec- tion, which can be reduced by immediately washing the
wound.35 Deep penetrating punctures that close quickly, like those caused by cat bites, are at higher risk of devel - oping a serious bacterial infection.36
The public must be prevented from having contact with
animals who pose a high risk of biting by clearly mark - ing and restricting access to areas where these animals are held. Shelters must consider public safety when making
outcome decisions regarding animals who pose a risk of
serious harm. If, after a careful, in-depth risk assessment, the shelter decides that an animal with a history of mild to moderate aggressive behavior is eligible for a live outcome (see Behavior), a record of all known bite incidents must be provided in hardcopy or electronic form to adopters, fosters, or transfer partners.

Human rabies exposure
Animal bites can transmit rabies virus. To allow for appro- priate follow-up by public health authorities, shelters must follow regulations for reporting animal bites to humans.37 At intake, shelter personnel must ask owners or finders if the animal being admitted has bitten anyone within the
past 10 days. Because aggression may be a symptom of
rabies, animals who have bitten a human must be man -
aged according to state and local regulations, including quarantine of the animal or euthanasia for rabies testing when required. 38,39 Because animals who are symptom -
atic for rabies succumb to their illness within a week, the rabies quarantine period is typically 10 days. 38,40 In some cases, euthanasia and testing may be preferred over quar- antine, especially if the animal is suffering physically or emotionally, or presents a danger to others. If a dog, cat, or ferret dies for any reason within 10 days of a bite, test- ing for rabies is mandated. Local public health authorities can be contacted with questions about the management
of other biting animals.

Because the consequences of rabies exposure are
deadly, personnel who routinely work with animals
should receive pre-exposure vaccinations against rabies in accordance with the current recommendations of the
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.41
Animal rabies exposures
Shelters frequently admit animals with injuries or neuro - logical symptoms of unknown cause. Though rare, these
injuries or symptoms could be associated with rabies virus infection.42,43 At intake, shelter personnel must ask own - ers and finders of incoming animals about recent wildlife bites or exposures. During intake health assessments and physical examination, shelter personnel should look for and document evidence of wounds that could indicate a
potential rabies exposure. Determining the appropriate
quarantine period for an animal potentially exposed to
rabies depends on species, previous rabies vaccination, and local regulations. Animals who have potentially been exposed to rabies must be managed with guidance from
the NASPHV Rabies Compendium, and in accordance
with state and local health regulations.38
Shelters should vaccinate all animals eligible for rabies vaccine prior to leaving the shelter 44,45 (see Medical Health). Community cat vaccination is especially import- ant because cats are the domestic animal most likely to acquire and transmit rabies in the United States and
Canada.46–48
Other zoonotic diseases
Zoonotic diseases are transmitted from animals to peo - ple. Although all people are at risk of zoonotic disease, those with exposure to animals, and those with delayed or weakened immune responses due to young or old age, dis- ease, pregnancy, or medical treatments have an increased risk.49,50 Not everyone is aware of their immune status or chooses to share this information. It is important that shelters implement policies that prevent, recognize, and manage zoonotic diseases.

Many common pathogens in the shelter can pass from
animals to humans, including internal parasites (round - worms, hookworms, and toxoplasma), external parasites
(mites), fungal diseases (ringworm), and bacterial diseases (Bordetella, Chlamydia, and Leptospira); viral diseases (rabies, influenza, and COVID-19) are less commonly
transmitted to people. Even when the animal’s health is not significantly affected, timely treatment and manage - ment of animals with zoonotic pathogens help prevent
spread to people and other animals.51
Training personnel to recognize zoonotic diseases is a
key step in prevention.52 In addition to the general infec - tious disease control measures described in this document (see Medical Health), shelters should have a protocol for responding to zoonotic diseases, including communica -
tion regarding potential exposures. Reporting of some
zoonotic diseases is mandated by local, state, and national regulations.
64 ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Citation: Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health 2022 - http://dx.doi.org/10.56771/ASVguidelines.2022 Access to animals with known zoonotic conditions
should be limited to those necessary to provide appropri- ate care. Enclosures of animals with suspected zoonotic disease must be clearly marked to indicate the condition and necessary precautions, such as recommended PPE,
handling, and sanitation practices. Shelters must disclose the risk of known zoonotic disease to personnel, transport partners, foster care providers, and adopters. Some states prohibit relocation of animals with zoonotic disease ( see Animal Transport and Relocation Programs).

Antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens
Bacteria are continually evolving resistance to antibiotics.

A key factor in slowing the development of resistance is to use antimicrobials only when truly needed.53 Routinely using antimicrobials to prevent infection in healthy ani - mals is unacceptable.

Antimicrobial use must be tailored to appropriate
clinical conditions, used judiciously, and evaluated for therapeutic effect.54–56 It is vital that antibiotics are only prescribed when they are effective against the pathogen of concern. To do this in a shelter, treatment protocols for common conditions need to be evidence-based and include specific criteria for diagnosis; which antibiotic, dosage, and duration to use; any follow-up considerations; and
when to consult the veterinarian.57–60 Performing diagnos- tic testing is strongly recommended when animals do not respond to treatment or display unusual or severe signs of infection.61 When animals in shelters are managed in a manner that supports their physical and emotional health, the need for antimicrobial drugs is reduced.62,63
Some emerging diseases with the potential to infect
people, such as influenza, were first identified in animal shelter populations.64,65 Because shelter populations can be sentinels for emerging diseases, animal shelters should monitor their populations for signs of unusual or severe disease. Poor sanitation practices, close housing of multi- ple species, housing diseased animals in the general popu- lation, and operating over capacity for care can facilitate the spread of disease. 66 Animal population management
should be used to reduce the risk of developing novel or emerging pathogens.

13.4 Human well-being
The well-being of shelter personnel is an important One Health concern. Both veterinarians and shelter employ - ees have been shown to have high levels of compassion
fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, moral injury, suicidal ideation, and burn-out as a result of their daily work. 67–70 Shelters should strive to become workplaces that empha- size staff wellness through a positive organizational
culture, fair pay, hours and expectations, provisions for self-care, and ready access to mental health support sys - tems without repercussions. When mental health concerns are communicated or observed, personnel should be
encouraged to seek professional help.71
Being able to provide appropriate care to shelter ani - mals, and seeing their quality of life improve as a result of that care, can also reduce work-related stress for shelter personnel.72,73 In turn, personnel who are satisfied with their work are more likely to provide high-quality care for animals and stay in the workforce.73,74 Providing personnel with the skills, resources, and authority to excel at their jobs creates a beneficial cycle, improving human, animal, and population health.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One Health Basics.

National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases. 2018. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/ basics/index.html

2. Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Employers Must Provide and Pay for PPE. 2017;(April):1–2. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/Handout_2_ Employers_Must_Provide_and_Pay_for_PPE.pdf

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Proper Hygiene When Around Animals. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www. cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/etiquette/around_animals.html

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When and How to Wash Y our Hands. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/ handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html.

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand Hygiene at Work. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/handwash- ing/handwashing-corporate.html

6. Smith K, Dunn J, Castrodale L, Wohrle R. Compendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings, 2013. Javma. 2016;248(5):1997–2001. doi: 10.2460/ javma.248.5.505

7. Food and Drug Administration: Public Health Service. FDA Food Code.

College Park MD; 2017. Accessed Dec 13, 2022. http://www.cgdev.org/ sites/default/files/More-Health-for-the-Money.pdf%5Cnpapers3:// publication/uuid/2A00668B-CF93-4560-B974-A6AC1DBED31B

8. Thomann WR. Chemical safety in animal care, use, and research. ILAR J. 2003;44(1):13–19. doi: 10.1093/ilar.44.1.13

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74. Powell L, Reinhard CL, Serpell J, Watson B. A survey of veter- inary student and veterinarian perceptions of shelter medicine employment. J Vet Med Educ. 2021. doi: 10.3138/jvme-2021-0112 67 Appendix A: Glossary
Glossary terms
Age Category, Adult – cats and dogs 5 months of age
or older
Age Category, Juvenile – cats and dogs under 5 months
of age
Age Category, Neonate – cats and dogs 4 weeks of age or younger
Aggregation – gathering animals from different source
shelters in one vehicle or location
Analgesia – pain control, usually medication or other
therapeutics
Anesthesia – medications that induce unconsciousness
and prevent pain
Animals in Care – the number of animals currently housed in the shelter including those housed off-site and in foster homes
Antimicrobial – products such as medications and
disinfectants which kill or decrease reproduction of
pathogens
Aversive – equipment or practice intended to cause an
animal to stop an undesirable behavior by associating it with an unpleasant event
Behavior Assessment – a process of observing and
interpreting an individual animal’s behavior throughout their shelter stay, in order to better understand their needs, address welfare concerns, and make appropriate
handling, outcome and placement decisions
Behavior Evaluation – a structured procedure or test
in which an animal’s responses to a series of sub-
tests performed one after the other are observed and
interpreted
Capacity for Care – the total resources (e.g. humane
housing, trained personnel, medical care, appropriate
outcomes) required to promote positive welfare as
described by the Five Domains for all the animals in (or coming into) the shelter’s care
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) – official
document issued by an accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals identified on the document have been
inspected and meet the importation criteria of the
destination state; also known as a “health certificate” Circadian Rhythm – internal biological process that
regulates the sleep–wake cycle and repeats approximately every 24 hours
Cleaning – removal of dirt, oils, grime, and organic
materials; includes both physical cleaning (i.e. scooping feces, scrubbing dirt) and chemical cleaning (i.e.
application of a detergent or degreaser)
Co-Housing (Group Housing) – housing more than one
animal in the same primary enclosure
Community Cat – all outdoor dwelling cats regardless
of socialization status; community cats may be owned,
unowned, free-roaming, or feral
Control Pole (i.e. Rabies Pole or Catch Pole) – rigid metal pole with an internal cable that forms an adjustable noose at one end
Deep Cleaning (Full Cleaning) – cleaning followed by
sanitation (i.e. application of a disinfectant); used when a cage is heavily soiled, contaminated with infectious
pathogens, or a different animal will be occupying the
enclosure
Degreasers – strong detergents
Dental Probing – procedure in which a dental instrument called a “probe” is used to identify and measure
periodontal pockets around the teeth
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm) – skin disease caused
by pathogenic fungal organisms, most commonly
Microsporum or Trichophyton species
Destination Shelter – organization that receives relocated animals from a source shelter
Detergent – chemical used during the cleaning process
designed to break down oils and suspend particles so they can be removed by wiping or rinsing
Disinfection – inactivation of pathogens, usually through application of a properly diluted chemical product for a specified period of time
Efficacy – capacity for producing the desired outcome;
how well something works
Feral Cat – unsocialized “wild” domestic cats living
outside without human contact; fearful and avoidant of
human interaction much like other wildlife species
Fomite – any object that may become contaminated and
contribute to the spread of pathogens (e.g. clothing,
equipment, hands)
68 Footbath – a floor container filled with disinfectant intended to be stepped in to reduce pathogen load on
footwear
Forensic Evaluation – gathering and reviewing all
crime-related evidence including the forensic physical
examination or necropsy, diagnostic test results, reports from others involved in the investigation, documentation such as photographs or videos, and evidence collected
from the animal and scene, in order to render an expert opinion about the case
Forensic Physical Examination – comprehensive physical
examination, including normal and abnormal findings,
that carefully documents health status, identifies
abnormalities, and collects evidence
Foster Care – temporary housing in the home of a
community member where a shelter-owned animal
receives individualized care and monitoring, regular
positive social interaction with people, and physical,
sensory and mental enrichment
High Consequence Pathogen – contagious disease with
the potential to cause significant harm or death, spread rapidly, or infect humans
Humane Investigator – person who investigates animal
abuse and neglect, may work for a shelter or a law
enforcement agency
Importation – movement of animals into a state or country intended to be their final destination
Incident Command Structure (ICS) – standardized
approach to the control and coordination of emergency
response providing a common hierarchy within which
responders from multiple agencies can be effective
Infectious Dose – number of pathogens required to cause infection
Infrastructure – organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power, supplies, personnel) needed for the operation of an organization, community, or
society
Intact (Entire, Unsterilized) – animal with a complete
reproductive tract
Isolation – housing for clinically ill (symptomatic) animals infected with a contagious disease that physically separates them from those who are not infected
Just in Time Training – educational process that provides knowledge and skills at the time they are needed
Length of stay (LOS) – period of time (usually in days) that an animal is in the shelter’s care; calculated as the difference between the date of intake and the date of final outcome; often used as an average or median for species and life stage
Liability – action or omission for which a person or
organization can be held legally responsible
Maltreatment – behavior towards a person or animal that involves physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – a document
describing the broad outlines of an agreement that two or more parties (usually organizations) have reached
Metrics – numerical measures of shelter performance
including intakes, returns, euthanasia rates, live outcome rates, lengths of stay (LOS), community services, etc.

Morbidity – number of animals infected by a specific
disease in a population
Mortality – number of animals who die due to a specific disease or condition in a population
Multi-Compartment Enclosures – housing with at least
two separate areas connected by a door, pass-through,
or portal, and allows open access to both sides of the
housing except during cleaning or handling
National Incident Management System (NIMS) –
guidelines that define operational systems for personnel working together during emergencies; provides
communities and organizations with shared vocabulary,
goals and processes needed to successfully respond to a disaster or incident
Necropsy – an animal post-mortem examination
(autopsy)
Neuter – surgical procedure in which the male reproductive organs (testicles) are removed; occasionally used to
indicate surgical sterilization in females
Orthopedic – surgical procedure focused on repair of
bones and the skeletal system
Outbreak – increase in the number or severity of cases of a disease in a population; can include but not limited to disease spread inside the shelter
Partner Shelter – in disaster response, a shelter not directly impacted by the emergency but providing any kind of
assistance to the impacted shelter or community
Pathogen – biological agent that can cause disease,
including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and
parasites
Pathway Planning – proactive process of determining the most appropriate outcome for each animal, which steps
are necessary to achieve that outcome, and reassessment of the pathway as needed
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – equipment worn
to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace
injuries and illnesses; also used to minimize transmission 69 of pathogens between animals (e.g. gloves, gowns, goggles, shoe covers)
Personnel – all administration, management, staff and
volunteers working at or for an organization, both paid and unpaid
Physical Description – includes species, weight, coat
color, markings, sex, neuter status, age, and breed when appropriate
Polishing – procedure in which paste is used to buff
and smooth surface defects in teeth caused by scaling
or wear
Population Rounds – regular holistic assessment of the
shelter population (usually daily) to ensure that each
animal has a plan and that all needs and critical points of service are promptly met
Positive Reinforcement – rewarding a desired behavior
with a pleasant reward
Practice of Veterinary Medicine – defined by state practice acts and limited to licensed individuals; diagnosis,
prognosis, treatment, and prevention of animal disease, illness, pain, deformity, defect, injury, or other physical, dental, or mental conditions by any medical or surgical method
Prophylactic – preventive or presumptive treatment
or management of disease before it becomes clinically
apparent
Quarantine – housing for healthy animals exposed to
and potentially incubating a contagious disease that
physically separates them from clinically ill or unexposed animals
Relocation – program or organized effort to transport
animals from one sheltering organization (source)
to another (destination) locally, regionally, or
internationally
Return to Field (Shelter Neuter Return) – outcome process of sterilizing unowned cats and returning them to their home situation after shelter intake
Risk Assessment – a process to identify possible incidents or problems, their likelihood of occurring, and steps
that can be taken to control or reduce frequency and/or severity of harm
Sanitation – process of both cleaning and disinfection
Scaling – dental procedure in which tartar or calculus is physically removed from the surfaces of the teeth (manual or ultrasonic)
Shelter – organization of any type or size that provides temporary housing for companion animals; includes
foster-based rescues, non-profit humane societies and
SPCAs, municipal animal control facilities, and hybrid
organizations
Source Shelter – organization that prepares and sends
animals for relocation to a destination shelter
Spay – surgical procedure where the female reproductive tract (ovaries and/or uterus) is removed
Spot Cleaning – cleaning process that includes tidying and removal of soiled objects and stains; used when a cage is lightly soiled AND the animal is remaining in the same
enclosure; less disruptive than deep cleaning
Sterilization – collective term for surgeries that remove the reproductive organs from dogs and cats with the intent of permanently preventing offspring; also known as spay- neuter, neutering, and de-sexing
Surgical Suite – separate room of the medical department where surgeries are performed
Test, Diagnostic – medical test administered to animals with clinical signs of disease or injury to determine the cause
Test, Screening – medical test administered to determine whether a sub-clinical or inapparent disease, condition or exposure is present
Tethering – using a chain, rope, leash or cord to attach a dog to a stationary object with the intention of restraining them while unattended
Transfer (of Ownership or Custody) – formally handing
over possession of an animal to another shelter or
individual, typically as a transfer of ownership
Transport – movement of animals from one location to
another, including intrastate, interstate, and international transportation
Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) –
situation in which a veterinarian has assumed case
responsibility, has become familiar with the individual animal, population and/or premises, and has consent
from the owner or current caretaker to provide
treatment and management of diseases or conditions;
defined by state practice acts, often required to perform veterinary services
Veterinarian, Licensed – person who holds a current
license to practice veterinary medicine in the state in which services are provided
Veterinarian, Shelter – veterinarian with experience and training in the practice of veterinary medicine in animal shelters, may be employed or contracted by a shelter, or consulting
Veterinary Supervision, Direct – licensed veterinarian is readily available on the premises
70 Veterinary Supervision, Indirect – licensed veterinarian has given either written or oral instructions for management of the patient and is readily available by telephone or other forms of immediate communication, but is not necessarily on the premises
Zoonotic Disease (Zoonoses) – infectious disease spread between animals and people
Abbreviations
DAPP (DHPP/DA2PP): Canine Distemper, Adenovirus
type 2 (Hepatitis virus), Parainfluenza Virus, Parvovirus FVRCP (HCP): Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus), Calicivirus, Panleukopenia Virus
ICS: Incident Command System
IN: Intranasal; into the nose
LOS: Length of Stay
MLV: Modified Live Virus; a type of vaccine
MOU: Memorandum of Understanding
NIMS: National Incident Management System
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
RTF: Return to Field
SPCA: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
SQ: Subcutaneous; under the skin
TNR (TNVR): Trap-Neuter-(Vaccinate)-Release
CVI: Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
VCPR: Veterinary Client Patient Relationship
71 Appendix B. Examples of Core Shelter Protocols
Management and Record Keeping • Organizational charts and lines of communication • Documentation of training and proficiency in tasks
• Expectations for continuing education by position
• How to document and report injuries and incidents
Population management • Daily monitoring
• Population rounds
• Pathway planning
• Monitoring of population level reports
• Housing decision-making and flow
• Foster care decision-making and flow
Animal Handling • Low-stress handling for a spectrum of situations Facility Design and Animal Housing • Individual housing selection and set-up • Co-housing selection and set-up
• Safe use of enrichment areas and other shared spaces
• Environmental control and modification: sound, lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation and air quality Sanitation • Specific procedures for sanitizing various types of primary enclosures (e.g. cage, kennel, rooms) and shared enclosures (e.g. play yards, meet and greet rooms)
• Deep cleaning vs spot cleaning techniques
• Sanitizing equipment (e.g. dishes, litterboxes, toys, laundry, carriers, cleaning equipment, handling equipment) • Use of personal protective equipment during sanitation Medical Health • Standard preventive care (e.g. intake evaluation, vaccinations, treatments, and testing) • Treatment for common medical conditions by condition and species • Recognition, management and reporting of adverse vaccine-associated events • Anesthesia
• Surgical procedures and care
• Pain recognition and management
• Nutrition and feeding
• Emergency care
• Care of pregnant, nursing, and neonatal animals
• Lines of medical decision-making and communication
• Outbreak recognition and management
• Isolation of infectious animals
• Pharmaceutical management, including controlled substance handling and security • Provision of post-adoption care
Shelter Surgery • State/local ordinances regarding sterilization (compliance) • Anesthesia
• Surgical procedures and care
• Preemptive pain management
• Management of postoperative complications
Forensics • Scope of investigative services: species, geographic area • Forensic evaluation of animals (alive/deceased)
• Collection, documentation, and management of evidence • Expectations for continuing education and training
Appendix B continous on next page
72 Appendix C. Personal Protective Equipment During Sanitation Behavioral Health and Mental
Well-being
• Monitoring, recognition, and mitigation of stress
• Behavioral enrichment by species and enclosure type
• Documentation of behavioral observations
• Environmental management in consideration of the five senses • Playgroup design and use
• Behavioral treatment for common conditions by condition and species • Use of behavioral medications
• Housing and enrichment of pediatrics
• Risk assessment and mitigation for animals at high risk of causing harm Euthanasia • Outcome decision-making process and documentation • Euthanasia procedures and documentation
Animal Transport and Relocation
Programs
• Written agreements detailing roles and responsibilities • Relocation process
• Monitoring and care during all stages of transport, including overnight stops if applicable • Transportation equipment use and maintenance (eg., vehicles,enclosures, environmental controls and management) • Emergency plans for incidents during transport
• Tracking of important metrics
Disaster Response • Basic organizational Incident Command System and lines of communication • Detailed actions and procedures that anticipate, detect, and mitigate the impacts of potential disasters by type • Plan outlining care of shelter and community animals throughout response and recovery • Plan for preemptively relocating the shelter’s population in advance of impending disasters • Zoonotic disease recognition, management, and mitigation Public Health • Identification and mitigation of workplace hazards: physical (eg., bites, injury, noise), chemical, biological (eg., rabies, zoonotic diseases)
• Hand hygiene and infectious disease control
• Promotion of well-being in the workplace for personnel Protective layer
Animal population
Gloves Outer clothing layer
(gown, scrubs)
Shoe covers or Dedicated boots
Healthy animals Gloves OR hand hygiene before and after care
Optional Recommended when entering soiled
enclosure
Non-contagious medical
conditions
Gloves OR hand hygiene before and after
care
Optional Recommended when entering soiled
enclosure
Mild contagious disease
(e.g. typical URI, CIRD) or
vulnerable animals
Gloves AND hand hygiene before and after
care required
Recommended (change after
handling)
Recommended when entering soiled
enclosures
High consequence conta-
gious disease - diagnosis or
known exposure
(e.g. Parvo-, Distemper-, or
Panleukopenia viruses)
Gloves AND hand hygiene before and after
care required
Required
-Disposable gown recommended
Required when entering isolation
area
*Adjustments based on individual and population disease risk may be indicated. Change PPE between individual enclosures or wards/areas based on disease risk.
73 Appendix D. Forensics Resources for Shelters
• Standards and Best Practices
▪ Touroo, R., Baucomb, K., Kessler, M, Smith-Blackmore, M. “Minimum standards and best practices for the clinical veterinary forensic examination of the suspected abused animal” in Forensic Science International:

Reports, Volume 2, December, 2020.
▪ Brownlie, HW Brooks, and R. Munro. “The veterinary forensic necropsy: a review of procedures and protocols.” Veterinary pathology 53.5 (2016): 919-928.
• Books
▪ Veterinary Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences Eds. Byrd JH, Norris P, Bradley-Siemens, N. CRC Press, 2020.
▪ Veterinary Forensic Pathology, Volumes 1&2. Ed. Brooks J, Springer, 2018. ▪ Veterinary Forensics: Investigations, Evidence Collecting and Expert Testimony. Eds. Rogers ER, Stern A., CRC Press. 2018.
• Organizations
▪ International Veterinary Forensic Science Association (IVFSA). https://www.ivfsa.org ▪ American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS). https://www.aafs.org ▪ American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP). https://www.acvp.org Appendix E: Environmental Management Considering an Animal’s Five Senses Sense Description/Perception Management
Hearing • Keen sense of hearing: highly sensitive to sounds • Minimize loud and sudden noises, including barking • Loud and novel noises including the sounds of other animals, such as barking, increase stress and fear
• Separate cats from dogs
• Separate stressed animals from loud animals
• Use white noise to muffle disturbing noises
Smell • Keen sense of smell: highly sensitive to odors • Use odor eliminators and enzymatic cleaners • Strong and noxious odors increase stress and fear • Avoid strong and noxious odors • Animal odors and pheromones may increase stress and fear • Provide pleasant odors such as scent enrichment • Pleasant and familiar smells support positive emotions • Spot clean cat enclosures so familiar scent is retained T aste • Attracted to high protein foods: both taste and smell are pleasant and rewarding
• Offer delicious foods to entice, engage, and create positive associations
• Add extra to meals when animals are not eating due to stress Sight • Highly sensitive to motion: rapid movements increase stress and fear or frustration-Greater peripheral vision
• Move slowly, calmly and deliberately; avoid threatening postures (such as direct eye contact)
• Block visual stimuli that cause stress (e.g. close doors to block out- side activity or place a towel over an enclosure as a visual shield) • Avoid bright lights
• Provide visual access to observe natural environments/outdoors T ouch • Highly sensitive to touch: certain areas of the body can be especially sensitive including the feet, mouth, genitals, and belly • Avoid contact with areas of the body that tend to be most sensi- tive; observe body language to determine how and where individuals respond best
• Highly sensitive to approach and physical contact (all senses); may feel threatened by people leaning over them, approaching head on, or getting too close too fast
• Approach slowly, steadily from the side, avoid rapid stroking, sudden manipulations, and restrictive restraint
• Provide stable footing, non-slip surfaces, address pain promptly 74 Appendix F: Opportunities for Positive Social Contact in the Shelter Appendix G: Ideas for Enrichment Within Shelter Enclosures Type of social contact References
Calm interactions with people Quiet time (e.g. time out of enclosure in an office) Protopopova et al. 2018 Petting, massage Hennessy 1998
Shiverdecker et al. 2013
Dudley et al. 2015
McGowan et al. 2018
Perry et al. 2020
Reading books T uozzi et al. 2021
Active interactions with people Play with toys (e.g. fetch, tug) Coppola et al. 2006 Shiverdecker et al. 2013
Hunt et al. 2022
Walking, jogging Braun 2011
Menor-Campos et al. 2011
Training using positive reinforcement Laule 2003
Thorn 2006
Grant and Warrior 2017
Kogan et al. 2017
Interactions with members of the same
species
Group housing of compatible animals (see Facilities:

Co-housing)
Playgroups (dogs) Belpedio et al. 2010
Foster Care Overnight fostering (dogs) Gunther et al. 2019 Gunter et al. 2021
Type of enrichment Examples Additional considerations
Feeding Commercially available or home-made devices that provide mental stimulation by requiring animals
to work to extract food such as food puzzle toys,
cardboard boxes, or plastic cups (Griffin 2006, 2009a;
Schipper 2008; Shepherdson 1993)
Provide to dogs individually because they are competitive eaters; can be given to cats housed singly or in amicable groups (Dantas et al. 2011)
Scent Certain essential oils, food scents, prey odors, and catnip (Ellis and Wells 2010, Graham et al. 2005, Binks et al. 2018, Amaya et al. 2020, Murtagh et al. 2020)
Pheromone products without a comprehensive plan for stress reduction and enrichment are less likely to be effective (Janeczko 2022)
Auditory Classical music, soft rock, reggae, nonmusical white noise, audiobooks, or (for cats) species-specific spe-
cially composed music (Kilcullen-Steiner and Mitchell
2001; Wells et al. 2002; Kogan et al. 2012; Snowdon
et al. 2015; Bowman et al. 2015, 2017; Brayley and
Montrose 2016; Hampton 2020)
Choice of sound type and volume is critical. Reducing excess noise from animal and non-animal sources may be more import- ant than adding additional sound. Balance music preferences of animals and personnel to optimize benefits.

Visual Windows overlooking natural environment Enrichment videos may be less helpful for cats and dogs com- pared to other species, as they Dogs and cats do not seem to spend a significant amount of time looking at the screen and lose interest if the videos are played for extended (i.e. multiple hours) periods of time (Graham et al. 2005; Ellis and Wells 2007).

Protected outdoor access
Visual access to members of the same species
Interesting stimuli such as aquariums or bubbles
Videos
T actile Soft bedding
Scratching posts
Petting
Massage
75 Appendix H: Disaster Response Resources
• Standards and Best Practices:
• NASAAEP Animal Evacuation and Transportation
• NASAEEP Disaster Veterinary Care: Best Practices
• NASAAEP Emergency Animal Decontamination Best Practices • NASAAEP Emergency Animal Sheltering Best Practices
• NASAAEP Animal Search and Rescue
• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Planning
• Books
• Animals in Disasters, Dick Green, ed. Elsevier. 2019
• Animal Management and Welfare in Natural Disasters, James Sawyer & Gerardo Huertas, eds. Routledge: Taylor Francis Group, 2018
• Veterinary Disaster Response, Wayne E. Wingfield & Sally B. Palmer, eds. Wiley Blackwell, 2009 Appendix I: Example ICS Chart for Animal Shelters
*Positions in parentheses are examples of typical shelter roles, with the corresponding operational ICS roles they may fill during a disaster. (See Disaster Response)
76 Appendix J: Resources for Workplace Safety
Organization Area of concern Website
CDC Center for Disease Control and
Prevention
-United States Health Protection
Agency
http://www.cdc.gov
NIOSH CDC’s National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health
-Workplace Safety Guidance https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/index.htm OSHA Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
-Occupational Health Regulations https://www.osha.gov/
EPA Environmental Protection Agency -Sanitizers and Disinfectants https://www.epa.gov/ -Indoor Air Quality
-T opical Pesticides
-Wastewater control
FDA Food and Drug Administration -Animal Food Safety https://www.fda.gov/ -Animal Drugs
-Medical Devices
DEA Drug Enforcement Administration -Drug Disposal https://www.dea.gov/ -Controlled Substances
State Health Departments and
Departments of Agriculture
-Reportable Diseases https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdi- rectories/ healthdepartments.html
https://www.vetca.org/
-Animal Bites and Scratches
-Animal Carcass Disposal

Budget and Audit CommitteeMarch 25, 2025

Budget and Audit Committee
March 25, 2025