Resources for Shelters and Rescue Groups
- Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters have been released! »more
- Shelters and Rescue Groups by State »more
- Free Listing in the ASPCA online searchable shelter database »more
Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters Published
Today is the day! We are pleased to announce the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. We wanted our colleagues and friends to be among the first to receive a copy. Several thousand hours of work collectively went into researching, assembling, reviewing, and editing the final content to ensure that these recommendations are relevant for all shelters while still being achievable. The overriding consideration throughout their development has been the well-being of shelter animals. Drawing from the literature and a broad experience base, we outlined what is needed to meet the minimum basic needs of companion animals living in population settings. Additional recommendations and suggestions for ideal practices are provided where relevant.
This is not an operational document; rather it is intended to assist shelters as they develop and implement protocols that impact animal care and wellbeing. Recognizing that there are many ways to meet the basic needs of animals, the recommendations are performance-based and not overly prescriptive. The Guidelines are intended as a positive tool for shelters and communities to review animal care, identify areas that need improvement, allocate resources, and implement solutions so welfare is optimized, euthanasia is minimized, and suffering is prevented. Comments and questions can be sent to shelterstandards@sheltervet.org.
On behalf of the ASV Board and the Shelter Standards Task Force, we thank you for your contributions and support.
Sandra Newbury, DVM, Chair, Shelter Standards Task Force
Jeanette O’Quin, DVM, President, Association of Shelter Veterinarians
Shelters and Rescue Groups by State (data source from Petfinder.com)
The ASPCA online searchable Shelter Database receives over 20,000 hits a month!
Is your organization listed? Log on and make sure that your Shelter, Rescue or Federation / Coalition is posted. If your organization is already on there make sure that your information is up to date. Once you've provided your updated information, you'll be eligible to participate in ASPCA-related programs, including corporate partnership opportunities, surveys, and research on best practices. It's easy to update your profile and takes less than 5 minutes:
- Follow this link, type in your zipcode, and see if you’re listed! http://www.aspca.org/findashelter
- If you’re already listed, follow the instructions to receive your password and UPDATE your information
- If you’re not already listed, ADD your organization!
Questions? Email ASPCAfindashelter@aspca.org
