Shelter Standards Oct2011 Wforward
Shelter Standards Oct2011 Wforward
Shelter Standards Oct2011 Wforward
TM
Guidelines for
Standards of Care in
Animal Shelters
/iV>v-ii6ii>>U
Authors:
Sandra Newbury, Mary K. Blinn, Philip A. Bushby, Cynthia Barker Cox,
Julie D. Dinnage, Brenda Griffin, Kate F. Hurley, Natalie Isaza, Wes Jones, Lila Miller,
Jeanette OQuin, Gary J. Patronek, Martha Smith-Blackmore, Miranda Spindel
TM
Guidelines for
Standards of Care in
Animal Shelters
/iV>v-ii6ii>>U
Authors
Sandra Newbury, DVM, Chair, Editor
Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Center for
Companion Animal Health, University of California
Davis, Davis, California.
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Shelter Animal Medicine,
Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of
Wisconsin-School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison,
Wisconsin.
Mary K. Blinn, DVM
Shelter Veterinarian, Charlotte/Mecklenburg Animal
Care and Control, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Philip A. Bushby, DVM, MS, DACVS
Marcia Lane Endowed Professor of Humane Ethics
and Animal Welfare, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Mississippi State University, Mississippi State,
Mississippi.
Cynthia Barker Cox, DVM
Head Shelter Veterinarian, Massachusetts Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Julie D. Dinnage, DVM
Executive Director, Association of Shelter
Veterinarians, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Brenda Griffin, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Adjunct Associate Professor of Shelter Medicine,
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida,
Gainesville, Florida.
Kate F. Hurley, DVM, MPVM
Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Center for
Companion Animal Health, University of California
Davis, Davis, California.
Table of contents
Foreword
Introduction
Background
2. Management Structure
3. Training
4. Light
10
5. Sound Control
11
6. Drop Boxes
11
Population Management
12
12
13
13
Sanitation
ii
14
14
a) Sanitation Procedures
14
b) Fomite Control
16
2. Other Cleaning
17
3. Rodent/Pest Control
17
18
18
2. Considerations on Intake
19
Table of contents
3. Vaccinations
19
20
5. Pain Management
20
6. Parasite Control
21
21
8. Nutrition
22
9. Population Well-being
23
23
a) Isolation
23
b) Diagnosis
24
c) Outbreak Response
24
24
26
1. Considerations on Intake
26
a) Behavioral History
26
b) Minimizing Stress
26
2. Behavior Evaluation
26
3. In-shelter Care
28
a) Environment
28
Enclosures
28
Separation
28
b) Daily Routine
28
28
28
29
30
d) Behavioral Modification
Group Housing
30
31
31
2. Facilities
31
3. Selection
31
32
iii
Animal Handling
33
1. Restraint
33
33
3. Equipment
33
4. Feral Cats
33
Euthanasia
34
1. Euthanasia Technique
34
a) Carbon monoxide
34
b) Verification of Death
35
35
36
4. Staff Training
36
37
37
38
Animal Transport
1. Responsibilities of Participating Individuals and Organizations
39
39
a) General
39
39
40
40
Vehicles
40
Transporter Responsibilities
41
d) Responsibilities at Destination
Public Health
iv
37
41
42
1. Zoonoses
42
2. Animal-Related Injuries
43
44
Conclusions
45
References
46
Glossary of Terms
57
Foreword
Association of Shelter Veterinarians
What
process
was
undertaken
in
developing
these
first published, it was anticipated that questions would arise as to why they
were developed, how they would be used, and how they would impact the
identifying standards of care that would meet the needs of animals in animal
welfare organizations.
What are the Five Freedoms and why are the Guidelines
of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States
Five Freedoms, developed in 1965 in the UK. The ASV believes the Five
that have co-authored this Foreword embrace the spirit and intent of the
Guidelines, both to raise the standard of animal care throughout our industry
and to create a road map that will aid organizations with on-going self-
Guidelines, with their focus on meeting the needs of each individual animal
type and size of organization, will help every organization achieve these
At the time of publication the ASV provided the FAQs summarized below:
For the full ASV FAQs please refer to the ASV Guidelines FAQs.
ideal practices wherever possible, and should attempt to ensure that they
agency or judicial act regulates the welfare and care of companion animals
in a shelter environment. The goal of the ASV was to provide information that
will help any animal welfare entity meet the physical, mental and behavioral
needs of the animals in their care. The Guidelines were developed to provide
a tool that would allow communities and animal welfare organizations of all
changes can be made simply and easily, others may require physical
first step for each organization should be to urgently address and correct any
Organizational Self-Assessment
processes, and identify where improvements may be made for the benefit of
the animals in their care. In the growing era of process improvement, shelters
should be continually evaluating their ability to better house and care for
animals.
are striving to provide the most humane care possible for their animals. It is
hoped that they will also serve as an impetus for on-going self-evaluation
different, and the timeline and process for implementation of the Guidelines
and improvement, and provide the basis on which organizations can argue
for and obtain the resources they need to provide the most humane levels of
care possible.
The ASV has already documented instances in which shelters have used the
to maximize its ability to better care for animals based on the information
A prioritization and plan for how an agency will begin to address these
items should be the first order of business. One logical first step is to review
the must guidelines would be the next step. These are the articulation of
the minimum guidelines which should be in place in each facility. As stated
http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/magazine_articles/
more than once in this Foreword and in the Guidelines themselves, the
may_jun_2011/getting_real_asv_standards.html
http://www.animalsheltering.org/resource_library/magazine_articles/
jul_aug_2011/getting_real_asv_standards_austin_humane.pdf
areas where improvements can be made and then to set forth a plan and
timeline to address them.
Foreword Authors.
http://www.aspcapro.org/webinar-series-guidelines-for-standards.php.
vi
Introduction
Introduction
The Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) is
shelters.
their care.
Background
unwanted, and owner-relinquished animals in
1. Challenges to Ensuring
Welfare
early days.
diverse,
including:
traditional
open-admission
home-based
networks;
rescue
and
foster-care
MA, ME, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NJ, NC, PA,
RI, VT, WI), and six require establishment of an
Background
adequate care.
considerable internal dialogue and enhanced selfregulation (Wielbnowski 2003). Debates about
animal, cruelly drives or works it when unfit for labor, or willfully abandons it,
animals
for
2009).
including
some
recommendations
2. Freedom from
Discomfort
4. Freedom to Express
Normal Behavior
No
sheltering
its
circumstances,
organization,
i.e.,
regardless
budget,
size,
of
etc.,
differently.
1 or 2 weeks.
Therefore,
recommendations
found
training,
operational
and
monitoring;
programs,
integrally
of
an
veterinarians
these
organizational
should
plan,
be
and
must
have
3. Training
Adequate training
is required to
ensure humane
animal care, as
well as staff and
public safety.
population.
A unique identifier
(name and/or
number) and
record must
be established
for each animal
upon intake.
2. Management Structure
responsibility,
and
authority
for
management
contagious
disease.
One
set
of
guidelines
1. Primary Enclosure
Tethering is an
unacceptable
method of
confinement for
any animal and
has no place in
humane sheltering.
7
Enclosures that
permit care and
cleaning without
removal of the
animals are very
important to
prevent disease
transmission, and
should be provided
for recently
admitted and ill
animals, and those
who are younger
>ii
of age.
recommended between
and food.
Litter
Resting
2 feet
2f
ee
2f
ee
t
cage below.
Poor cat housing is one of the greatest shortcomings
observed in shelters and has a substantially negative
Food
Cages or crates
intended for
short-term,
temporary
confinement
or travel are
unacceptable as
primary enclosures
and are cruel if
used as such.
Ventilation
requirements
vary
depending
on
4. Light
of appropriate temperatures.
10
5. Sound Control
(Spreng 2000).
The use of
unattended drop
boxes where live
animals are placed
by the public in
receptacles for later
intake may result
in animal suffering
or death and
should be avoided.
6. Drop Boxes
Although shelters often face challenges posed by
public.
11
Population Management
Population
active
management
describes
an
Capacity to provide
humane care has
limits for every
organization, just
as it does in private
homes.
maintain.
spay/neuter
or
euthanasia
can
be
similarly
practice.
Population Management
Effective
population
management
requires a plan
for intentionally
managing each
animals shelter
stay that takes
into consideration
the organizations
ability to provide
care.
Operating beyond
an organizations
capacity for care
is an unacceptable
practice.
13
Sanitation
Good sanitation is an integral part of humane
specific pathogens.
a)
Sanitation Procedures
essential.
Davis 2009).
Sanitation
application
of
disinfectant
at
the
correct
Improper
cleaning
may
increase
pathogen
3) unhealthy animals.
Spraying down
kennels or cages
while animals
are inside them is
an unacceptable
practice.
parvovirus.
b)
Fomite Control
each use.
16
Sanitation
2. Other Cleaning
uses.
disinfected.
3. Rodent/Pest Control
17
(SOPs).
Medications
and
treatments
must
only
be
program management.
18
adoption.
2. Considerations on Intake
Animals must be
vaccinated at, or
prior to, intake
with core vaccines.
3. Vaccinations
addressed.
An emergency
medical plan must
be in place to
provide appropriate
and timely
veterinary medical
care for any animal
who is injured, in
distress, or showing
signs of significant
illness.
immune response.
5. Pain Management
weeks old.
unacceptable.
20
assess pain.
provided.
6. Parasite Control
Medical rounds
must be conducted
at least daily by a
trained individual
in order to visually
observe and
monitor the health
and well-being of
every animal.
deteriorating
health;
life-threatening
problems;
Food that is
consistent with the
nutritional needs
and health status
of the individual
animal must
be provided.
optional.
8. Nutrition
health needs.
22
package.
9. Population Well-being
of disease transmission.)
a)
Isolation
transmission.
Failure to provide
treatment for pain
is unacceptable.
b)
Diagnosis
reportable diseases.
During a disease
outbreak, physical
separation must be
established between
exposed, at-risk
and unexposed
animals or groups
of animals.
c)
Outbreak Response
24
documented.
Allowing animals
with severe
infectious disease
to remain in the
general population
is unacceptable.
records.
25
1. Considerations on Intake
a)
and
take
experience.
Behavioral
care
must
Behavioral History
2009a).
The structural and social environment, as well as
opportunities for cognitive and physical activity, are
animals record.
b)
Minimizing Stress
animals.
(e.g.,
hiding,
seeking
social
companionship,
2. Behavior Evaluation
26
protocols.
For
humane
reasons,
long-term
barrier
stereotypic
frustration
or
aggression,
behavioral
their
needs.
Staff
should
record
on pain management.)
b)
Daily Routine
3. In-shelter Care
a)
Environment
Enclosures
c)
housing.)
Enrichment should
be given the same
significance as
other components
of animal care
and should not
be considered
optional.
Separation
28
1992,
These
1993;
Tuber
1996,
1999).
Stays
unacceptable.
1998).
Exercise
may
be
stimulated
Long-term
confinement
of any animal,
including feral or
aggressive animals,
who cannot be
provided with
basic care, daily
enrichment and
exercise without
inducing stress, is
unacceptable.
Alternatives to
traditional cage
housing must be
provided for any
animal staying in
a shelter long term.
through
d)
Behavioral Modification
Practices
must
scientific
principles
enrichment.
in
combination
adhere
of
with
to
the
animal
behavior
well-described
behavior
and
modification
The use of
physical force as
punishment or use
of force in anger is
an unacceptable
means of behavior
modification;
these methods are
potentially harmful
to the animal and
dangerous for
the staff.
30
behavioral
treatment,
adequate
housing
and
Group Housing
Group Housing
The purpose of group housing in shelters is to
provide
contact
animals
with
healthy
social
3. Selection
control.
Options for
individual housing
must be available
for animals when
co-housing is not
appropriate.
2. Facilities
Random grouping
of animals in
shelters is an
unacceptable
practice.
Grouping animals
who fight with
one another is
unacceptable.
group.
minimized.
32
Animal Handling
Animal Handling
Handling must always be as humane as possible
Haug 2007).
3. Equipment
Adequate
training is key to
limiting the use
of unnecessary
force and must
be provided to
anyone who will be
handling animals.
1. Restraint
4. Feral Cats
2001).
restraint
and
for
administering
tranquilizing
33
Euthanasia
When performing
euthanasia in
a shelter, each
individual animal
must be treated
with respect.
The identity of
each animal to be
euthanized must
be determined
with certainty
beforehand.
unconsciousness
intrathoracic,
because
excitement
intrapulmonary,
reactions
intrahepatic,
or
actual procedures.
1. Euthanasia Technique
Any agent or
method that is
unacceptable
according to the
AVMA Guidelines
on Euthanasia is
also unacceptable
for use in shelters.
34
Injection
administration,
pre-euthanasia drugs.
techniques,
routes
of
a)
Carbon monoxide
Euthanasia
b)
Verification of Death
should
be
confirmed:
pupillary
and
Intra-cardiac
injections are
unacceptable
unless it has been
reliably verified
that the animal
is unconscious,
comatose or
anesthetized.
corneal
presumed dead.
(AVMA 2007).
Enforcement
federal regulation.
Administration
(DEA)
regulations.
4. Staff Training
every
and
care activities.
procedure.
The
euthanasia
room
federal regulations.
record
log
to
document
each
36
Spay/neuter
2009a).
Animal shelters
should require that
cats and dogs who
are adopted into
homes be spayed or
neutered.
A veterinarian
must make the
final decision
regarding
acceptance of
any patient for
surgery.
1. Veterinary Medical
Guidelines
separate areas.
and
prevent
anesthesia
administered.
All
controlled
transmission
among
patients
(Looney
DEA requirements.
analgesia,
stress
reduction,
muscle
relaxation
37
Allowing shelter
animals to breed is
unacceptable.
38
Animal Transport
Animal Transport
Animal shelters may be involved in transport of
animals locally, regionally or internationally. The
term animal transport is typically used to apply
1. Responsibilities of
Participating Individuals and
Organization
a)
to
recommendations
another.
However,
the
General
passengers.
successful.
b)
required
by
state
or
federal
transportation
Clear, direct,
communication
is essential among
those involved
in any transport
program.
and communicated.
39
during transport.
c)
Vehicles
space,
conditions,
comfortable
environmental
Animals in
transport must
be observed
periodically and
allowed to rest,
exercise, and
urinate and
defecate
at least every
46 hours.
40
Animal Transport
Transporter Responsibilities
The vehicle driver or animal attendant must have
d)
Responsibilities at Destination
49 Chapter 805).
Placing unconfined
or tethered animals
in the back of an
open pickup truck
for transport is
unacceptable and is
also illegal in many
jurisdictions.
41
Public Health
It is essential that animal shelters take necessary
federal
safety
and
state
occupational
and
Noise abatement
materials should be
utilized in animal
holding areas, and
hearing protection
must be provided
for employees
working in loud
environments.
Frequent
No.
97-116),
and
noise
exposure
hand-washing
be
strongly
(OSHA
No. 96-110).
1. Zoonoses
42
should
Public Health
recommendations
animal-to-animal
2009).
to
prevent
2. Animal-Related Injuries
state epidemiologist.
Housing that
requires dogs to
be removed by
use of a control
pole or cats to be
removed using nets
or tongs for daily
cleaning and care
is unacceptable;
alternative housing
must be provided
for those animals.
pathogens.
A thorough
investigation
of individual
circumstances
must be
undertaken before
consideration
is given to
re-homing an
animal with a
history of biting
or threatening
behavior.
44
circumstances
before
must
be
undertaken
treatment.)
Conclusion
The authors hope that shelters and communities will
available.
Routine use of
antibiotics to
prevent infection in
healthy animals is
unacceptable and
must never be used
as a substitute for
good animal health
management.
45
References
(All internet sites were accessed October 22, 2010)
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). AAHA
canine vaccine guidelines, revised 2006. Available
at: http://www.aahanet.org/PublicDocuments/
VaccineGuidelines06Revised.pdf
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
AAHA Standards of Accreditation, 2008. Available
at: https://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/startpage.
aspx?site=accredaaha
46
Referencess
47
48
Referencess
49
50
Referencess
52
Referencess
53
54
Referencess
55
56
Glossary of terms
Glossary of terms
Analgesic medication to treat pain
in a primary enclosure
Incubation period the period of time from
when an animal is first infected with a pathogen
until clinical signs of illness first appear
tissue
the shelter
heart
muscle
people or animals
equipment)
Glossary of terms
Pathogen a biological agent that may cause
pacing
their movement
58
TM