Optimizing Shelter Operations: Refining Intake Practices

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Data and facts about how shelters can refine their intake practices.

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Highlights

Overview

Jump to: Intake Practices (Texas)

Survey of Current Intake Practices in Texas

External link: 
Cranford, M., Bing, A., Cisneros, A., Carroll, A. D., Porter, H., & Stellato, A. C. (2023). Cross-sectional survey exploring current intake practices for dogs admitted to animal shelters in Texas: a descriptive study. Frontiers in veterinary science, 10, 1296425. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1296425

Intake Process

  • Scheduling Surrenders:
    • 72% of participants always schedule surrenders, except for emergencies.
    • 27% of participants never schedule surrenders.
Information collected from ownersFrequency (Percentage)
General
Dog age61 (97)
Dog breed60 (95)
Dog sex62 (98)
Duration of ownership46 (73)
Reason for surrender62 (98)
Bite history56 (89)
Number of daily walks8 (13)
Time left alone17 (27)
Housetrained51 (81)
Crate trained43 (68)
Type of food26 (41)
Household
Number of adults16 (26)
Number of children22 (35)
Behavior toward people53 (85)
Behavior toward children56 (90)
Number of other pets37 (60)
Type of other animals46 (74)
Behavior toward other animals55 (89)
Type of dwelling15 (24)
Where dog sleeps26 (42)
When dog stays when alone27 (44)
Where dog primarily lives33 (53)
Behavioral
Fearful tendencies45 (78)
Stranger-directed aggression44 (76)
Owner-directed aggression45 (78)
Dog-directed aggression52 (90)
Resource guarding43 (74)
Separation anxiety36 (62)
Handling sensitivity24 (41)
House-soiling issues33 (57)
Excessive vocalization19 (33)
Destructiveness34 (59)
Noise-phobic20 (34)
Chasing behavior24 (41)
Escape artist39 (67)
No information collected from owner2 (3)
Medical
Gastrointestinal issues22 (39)
Musculoskeletal issues19 (33)
Skin conditions24 (42)
Metabolic16 (28)
Respiratory issues19 (33)
Cardiovascular issues20 (35)
Neurological issues17 (30)
Acute pain19 (33)
Chronic pain19 (33)
Vision22 (39)
Hearing23 (40)
No information collected from owner16 (28)

Intake Examination Personnel

  • Personnel Roles:
    • 36% of participants reported animal control officers conducting intake exams.
    • 30% reported animal care workers.
    • 14% reported veterinary technicians.
    • 5% reported veterinarians.
    • 14% reported other job titles.
  • Number of Personnel:
    • 54% of participants reported having 2-3 personnel present during intake exams.
    • No participants reported having more than 3 personnel present.
  • Continued Education:
    • 61% of participants reported that intake personnel are required to complete continued education related to dog behavior and welfare.
    • 28% reported that they are not required.
    • 10% reported that they are not encouraged or have no opportunity.

Intake Examination Approach

  • Approach Method:
    • 64% of participants reported approaching dogs indirectly (crouching or kneeling).
    • 49% reported approaching dogs directly (standing or walking towards them).
  • Pre-Exam Acclimation:
    • 57% of participants reported giving dogs time to explore the exam room before starting.
  • In-Exam Attention:
    • 76% of participants reported giving dogs lots of attention during the exam (e.g., treats, petting, soothing voice).
  • Exam Location:
    • 41% of participants never conduct exams outside.
    • 51% sometimes conduct exams outside.
    • 8% always conduct exams outside.
  • Exam Techniques for Large Dogs:
    • 53% of participants conduct exams with large dogs untethered on the ground.
    • 45% of participants conduct exams with large dogs tethered to a wall.
  • Exam Techniques for Small Dogs:
    • 39% of participants conduct exams with small dogs on a table without a traction surface.
    • 28% of participants conduct exams with small dogs on a traction surface.
    • 19% of participants conduct exams with small dogs untethered on the ground.
    • 15% of participants conduct exams with small dogs tethered to a wall.

Intake Examination Details

  • Medical Assessments:
    • Skin conditions: 86%
    • Respiratory issues: 59%
    • Musculoskeletal issues: 54%
    • Neurological issues: 51%
    • Intestinal issues: 37%
    • Cardiovascular issues: 14%
    • Underweight: 78%
    • No tests: 10%
  • Disease Testing:
    • Parvovirus: 47%
    • Heartworms: 36%
    • Fever: 24%
  • Medical Treatments:
    • Vaccinations (DHPP, bordetella, rabies, canine influenza): 85%
    • No vaccination: 15%
    • Flea/tick control: 56%
    • Deworming: 72%
    • Microchipping: 38%

Post-Examination

  • Post-Examination Housing:
    • Adoption floor: 45%
    • Available space: 20%
    • Isolated room: 7%
    • Intake room kennel: 3%
    • Other rooms: 25%

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