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Rodriguez JR, Davis J, Hill S, Wolf PJ, Hawes SM, Morris KN. Trends in Intake and Outcome Data From U.S. Animal Shelters From 2016 to 2020. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:863990. [PMID: 35774973 PMCID: PMC9237517 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.863990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In this retrospective, exploratory study, intake and outcome data were compiled from 1,373 U.S. animal shelters for which such data were reported consistently across a five-year study period (2016–2020). Linear regression analysis was used to examine the five-year trends and the impacts of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) on the overall trends in intake and outcomes in U.S. animal shelters. The results of the analysis reveal that total intake and euthanasia for both dogs and cats significantly decreased over the study period. The adoption, return-to-owner, return-to-field, and transfer (for cats) categories as a percentage of intake all showed significant increases. Live release rates as a function of total intakes and total outcomes for both dogs and cats showed significant increases over the study period. The findings from this study address a critical gap in the field by summarizing emerging trends at the national level in how cats and dogs are being served in U.S. animal shelters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R. Rodriguez
- Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Jon Davis
- Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT, United States
| | - Samantha Hill
- Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT, United States
| | - Peter J. Wolf
- Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT, United States
| | - Sloane M. Hawes
- Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Kevin N. Morris
- Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin N. Morris
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2
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Mota-Rojas D, Calderón-Maldonado N, Lezama-García K, Sepiurka L, Maria Garcia RDC. Abandonment of dogs in Latin America: Strategies and ideas. Vet World 2021; 14:2371-2379. [PMID: 34840456 PMCID: PMC8613775 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2371-2379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we gathered information from postgraduate theses and scientific articles published in several databases using inclusion criteria that had been made in Latin America, in countries with similar economic conditions, and also in the USA to present a point of comparison. The objective of this review is to broaden the readers’ understanding of the causes of the increasing numbers of stray dogs and the reasons why people abandon pets in the streets, specifically in Latin America. It also discusses adoption and responsible ownership, identifies what failed in promoting positive human-dog interaction, and suggests strategies to address this problem. It concludes that adoption alone is not an effective solution but that it is necessary to offer education and awareness programs for owners, organize sterilization campaigns, and develop and apply – with the corresponding authorities – measures to ensure animal welfare that will provide benefits for society and improve animal quality of life. The role of veterinarians is fundamental in education and in disseminating the necessary information to orient people before they acquire a pet and prevent animal abandonment to resolve this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, 04960, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior, and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, 04960, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leonardo Sepiurka
- Specialist in Canine and Feline Clinic of the College of Veterinarians of the Province of Buenos Aires. Small Animal Traumatology Specialist Professional Council CABA, Argentina
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3
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Hawes SM, Camacho BA, Tedeschi P, Morris KN. Temporal trends in intake and outcome data for animal shelter and rescue facilities in Colorado from 2000 through 2015. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019; 254:363-372. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.3.363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Sinski JB, Gagné P. Give me shelter: the state of animal sheltering in Kentucky’s county shelter system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/10282580.2016.1169706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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5
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Zito S, Morton J, Vankan D, Paterson M, Bennett PC, Rand J, Phillips CJC. Reasons People Surrender Unowned and Owned Cats to Australian Animal Shelters and Barriers to Assuming Ownership of Unowned Cats. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2016; 19:303-19. [PMID: 27045191 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2016.1141682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Most cats surrendered to nonhuman animal shelters are identified as unowned, and the surrender reason for these cats is usually simply recorded as "stray." A cross-sectional study was conducted with people surrendering cats to 4 Australian animal shelters. Surrenderers of unowned cats commonly gave surrender reasons relating to concern for the cat and his/her welfare. Seventeen percent of noncaregivers had considered adopting the cat. Barriers to assuming ownership most commonly related to responsible ownership concerns. Unwanted kittens commonly contributed to the decision to surrender for both caregivers and noncaregivers. Nonowners gave more surrender reasons than owners, although many owners also gave multiple surrender reasons. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of the decision-making process leading to surrender and demonstrate that recording only one reason for surrender does not capture the complexity of the surrender decision. Collecting information about multiple reasons for surrender, particularly reasons for surrender of unowned cats and barriers to assuming ownership, could help to develop strategies to reduce the number of cats surrendered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zito
- a Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia.,b School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia
| | - John Morton
- b School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia
| | - Dianne Vankan
- b School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia.,c Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Mandy Paterson
- c Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Pauleen C Bennett
- d School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University , Bendigo , Australia
| | - Jacquie Rand
- b School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- a Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia.,b School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland , Gatton , Australia
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6
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Survey of animal shelter managers regarding shelter veterinary medical services. Vet J 2016; 210:68-76. [PMID: 26965085 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Veterinary services are increasingly used in animal shelters, and shelter medicine is an emerging veterinary specialty. However, little is known about working relationships between animal shelters and veterinarians. The aims of this survey were to characterize working relationships that shelter personnel have and want with veterinarians, identify opinions that shelter managers have regarding the veterinarians they work with, and determine areas for relationship growth between veterinarians and shelter managers. An electronic survey was distributed to 1373 managers of North American animal shelters; 536 (39.0%) responded. Almost all shelters had some veterinary relationship, and most had regular relationships with veterinarians. The proportion of shelters that used local clinics (73.9%) was significantly higher than the proportion that retained on-site paid veterinarians (48.5%). The proportion of respondents who did not have but wanted a paid on-site veterinarian (42%) was significantly higher than the proportion of respondents who did not use local clinics but wanted to (7.9%). These data suggest shelter managers valued veterinary relationships, and wished to expand on-site veterinary services. Almost all shelters in this study provided some veterinary care, and all respondents identified at least one common infectious disease, which, for most, had a substantial negative impact on shelter successes. Respondents indicated that the most important roles and greatest expertise of veterinarians were related to surgery, diagnosis and treatment of individual animals. Education of both veterinarians and shelter managers may help ensure that shelters benefit from the full range of services veterinarians can provide, including expertise in disease prevention and animal behavior.
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Downes MJ, Devitt C, Downes MT, More SJ. Neutering of cats and dogs in Ireland; pet owner self-reported perceptions of enabling and disabling factors in the decision to neuter. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1196. [PMID: 26312187 PMCID: PMC4548501 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Failure among pet owners to neuter their pets results in increased straying and overpopulation problems. Variations in neutering levels can be explained by cultural differences, differences in economic status in rural and urban locations, and owner perceptions about their pet. There are also differences between male and female pet owners. There is no research pertaining to Irish pet owner attitudes towards neutering their pets. This paper identified the perceptions of a sample of Irish cat and dog owners that influenced their decisions on pet neutering. Methods. This study was conducted using social science (qualitative) methods, including an interview-administered survey questionnaire and focus group discussions. Data was coded and managed using Nvivo 8 qualitative data analysis software. Results. Focus groups were conducted with 43 pet (cats and dogs) owners. Two major categories relating to the decision to neuter were identified: (1) enabling perceptions in the decision to neuter (subcategories were: controlling unwanted pet behaviour; positive perceptions regarding pet health and welfare outcomes; perceived owner responsibility; pet function; and the influence of veterinary advice), and (2) disabling perceptions in the decision to neuter (subcategories were: perceived financial cost of neutering; perceived adequacy of existing controls; and negative perceptions regarding pet health and welfare outcomes). Discussion. Pet owner sense of responsibility and control are two central issues to the decision to neuter their pets. Understanding how pet owners feel about topics such as pet neutering, can help improve initiatives aimed at emphasising the responsibility of population control of cats and dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Downes
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University , Queensland , Australia ; Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, School of Veterinary Medicine,University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Catherine Devitt
- UCD School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | | | - Simon J More
- Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, School of Veterinary Medicine,University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
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Lambert K, Coe J, Niel L, Dewey C, Sargeant JM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the proportion of dogs surrendered for dog-related and owner-related reasons. Prev Vet Med 2014; 118:148-60. [PMID: 25466216 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Companion-animal relinquishment is a worldwide phenomenon that leaves companion animals homeless. Knowing why humans make the decision to end their relationship with a companion-animal can help in our understanding of this complex societal issue and can help to develop preventive strategies. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to summarize reasons why dogs are surrendered, and determine if certain study characteristics were associated with the reported proportions of reasons for surrender. Articles investigating one or more reasons for dog surrender were selected from the references of a published scoping review. Two reviewers assessed the titles and abstracts of these articles, identifying 39 relevant articles. From these, 21 articles were further excluded because of ineligible study design, insufficient data available for calculating a proportion, or no data available for dogs. Data were extracted from 18 articles and meta-analysis was conducted on articles investigating reasons for dog surrender to a shelter (n=9) or dog surrender for euthanasia (n=5). Three studies were excluded from meta-analysis because they were duplicate populations. Other reasons for excluding studies from meta-analysis were, (1) the study only investigated reasons for dog re-relinquishment (n=2) and (2) the study sample size was <10 (n=1). Two articles investigated reasons for both dog surrender to a shelter and dog surrender for euthanasia. Results of meta-analysis found owner health/illness as a reason for dog surrender to a shelter had an overall estimate of 4.6% (95% CI: 4.1%, 5.2%). For all other identified reasons for surrender there was significant variation in methodology among studies preventing further meta-analysis. Univariable meta-regression was conducted to explore sources of variation among these studies. Country was identified as a significant source of variation (p<0.01) among studies reporting behavioural problems as a reason for dog surrender for euthanasia. The overall estimate for studies from Australia was 10% (95% CI: 8.0%, 12.0%; I(2)=15.5%), compared to 16% (95% CI: 15.0%, 18.0%; I(2)=20.2%) for studies from other countries. The present systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the need for further research and standardization of data collection to improve understanding of the reasons for dog relinquishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Lambert
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jason Coe
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Cate Dewey
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada; Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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9
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Mohan-Gibbons H, Weiss E, Garrison L, Allison M. Evaluation of a novel dog adoption program in two US communities. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91959. [PMID: 24663804 PMCID: PMC3963870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Millions of dogs enter animal welfare organizations every year and only a fraction of them are adopted. Despite the most recent American Pet Products Association (APPA) data that nearly half the US population owns a dog, only 20% acquired their dog from an animal welfare organization. Studies show that people consider adopting from an animal shelter more often than they actually do, which indicates a potential market increase if programs can make shelter dogs more visible to adopters. This research focused on a novel adoption program where shelter dogs were transferred into foster homes who were tasked with finding an adopter. Shelter dogs were placed in the path of potential adopters and bypassed the need for the adopter to go to the shelter. The results show that this novel program was effective in a variety of ways including getting dogs adopted. Although length of stay was significantly longer for dogs in the program, the dogs were in a home environment, not taking up kennel space in the shelter. The program also had a lower rate of returns than dogs adopted at the shelter. The foster program tapped adopters in different geographical segments of the community than the dogs adopted from the shelter. By bringing shelter dogs to where adopters spend their time (ex: restaurants, parks, hair salons), the program potentially captured a segment of the population who might have obtained their dog from other sources besides the shelter (such as breeders or pet stores). This novel approach can be an effective method for adoption, has many benefits for shelters, and can tap into a new adopter market by engaging their community in a new way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Mohan-Gibbons
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), Ojai, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily Weiss
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), Palm City, Florida, United States of America
| | - Laurie Garrison
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®) Little Silver, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Meg Allison
- Shelter Research and Development, Community Outreach, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA®), New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
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Sparkes AH, Bessant C, Cope K, Ellis SLH, Finka L, Halls V, Hiestand K, Horsford K, Laurence C, MacFarlaine I, Neville PF, Stavisky J, Yeates J. ISFM Guidelines on Population Management and Welfare of Unowned Domestic Cats (Felis catus). J Feline Med Surg 2013; 15:811-7. [DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13500431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Guidelines rationale: Cats are among the most commonly kept domestic pets, and coexist with humans in a variety of different circumstances. Cats are sentient beings and, as such, humans have a responsibility for cat welfare where humans and cats coexist. Because cats reproduce efficiently, measures to control populations are frequently needed, but these should be based on ethical and humane approaches. Framework: These consensus guidelines from the International Society of Feline Medicine’s Welfare Advisory Panel provide a framework for the approach to welfare and population control measures, primarily among unowned cats and those going through a homing programme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire Bessant
- International Cat Care/ISFM, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6LD, UK
| | - Kevin Cope
- Epping Forest District Council, Epping, Essex CM16 4BZ, UK
| | - Sarah L H Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN2 2LG, UK
| | - Lauren Finka
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN2 2LG, UK
| | | | | | - Kim Horsford
- International Cat Care/ISFM, Tisbury, Wiltshire SP3 6LD, UK
| | | | | | - Peter F Neville
- COAPE, The White House Bungalow, Bradfield, Sheffield S6 6LL, UK
| | - Jenny Stavisky
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - James Yeates
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK
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11
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Alberthsen C, Rand JS, Bennett PC, Paterson M, Lawrie M, Morton JM. Cat admissions to RSPCA shelters in Queensland, Australia: description of cats and risk factors for euthanasia after entry. Aust Vet J 2013; 91:35-42. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Alberthsen
- The Centre for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Science; The University of Queensland; St Lucia; Queensland; Australia
| | - JS Rand
- The Centre for Companion Animal Health, School of Veterinary Science; The University of Queensland; St Lucia; Queensland; Australia
| | - PC Bennett
- School of Psychological Science; La Trobe University; Bendigo; Victoria; Australia
| | - M Paterson
- RSPCA; Wacol Animal Care Campus; Queensland; Australia
| | - M Lawrie
- Australian Veterinary Association; Sydney; New South Wales; Australia
| | - JM Morton
- Jemora Pty Ltd; Geelong; Victoria; Australia
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12
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Weng HY, Hart LA. Impact of the economic recession on companion animal relinquishment, adoption, and euthanasia: a Chicago animal shelter's experience. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2012; 15:80-90. [PMID: 22233217 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2012.624908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated how the current economic recession (since December 2007) has affected dog and cat relinquishment, adoption, and euthanasia at the Anti-Cruelty Society animal shelter in Chicago, Illinois. The study compared temporal patterns of the investigated statistics before (2000-2007) the start of the current recession with the patterns after the start of the recession (2008-2010). The results showed that once the guardianship (ownership) of a nonhuman animal had been established, the recession did not greatly affect the owner's decision on relinquishment-except for the relinquishment of senior dogs, which may be associated with increased costs of care. However, an unfavorable economic environment may have reduced adoption of animals. The consequences of a decline in adoptions might be reflected in an increase in the proportion or number of sheltered animals euthanized. This study demonstrated how monitoring changes in temporal patterns in these shelter statistics can help guide animal shelters to better prepare for the current recession.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yi Weng
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.
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A needs-assessment and demographic survey of infection-control and disease awareness in western US animal shelters. Prev Vet Med 2011; 98:52-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Farnworth MJ, Campbell J, Adams NJ. Public awareness in New Zealand of animal welfare legislation relating to cats. N Z Vet J 2010; 58:213-7. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2010.68624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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