and behavioral care; and to offer adoption counseling that will help ensure a successful match. Adopters should receive written records and instructions for follow‐up care with their veterinarian. In addition, post‐adoption counseling and follow‐up should be offered. The importance of regular staff training and assessment, and effective staff management and leadership cannot be overemphasized. The best‐run shelters are ones with competent, compassionate, well‐trained staff that work cooperatively in efforts to provide excellent animal care and public service.
2.10 Conclusion
Today more than ever, society expects high‐quality care for animals in shelters. Indeed, shelters have a moral obligation to provide for the health and welfare of animals entrusted to them. Shelter animal health is dependent on the implementation of comprehensive wellness protocols, systematic surveillance, and excellent management. Shelters must establish solid goals for animal health and measure welfare targets. Wellness protocols and management practices must be regularly evaluated and revised to meet these targets. The bulk of the effort must focus on preventive strategies that minimize stress and ensure both the physical and behavioral health of animals. Indeed, the single most important means of managing disease in shelters is through prevention, which entails implementing excellent population management practices together with comprehensive population wellness protocols tailored for the shelter animals and environment. Staff training and education are critical since a dedicated and well‐trained staff is essential for success. In addition, the shelter environment must support opportunities for animals that promote pleasurable feelings and experiences whenever possible. “Healthy and happy” cats and dogs are highly desirable pets; thus, appropriately designed wellness programs help shelters meet their ultimate goal of ensuring the welfare of animals in their care, which is essential for successful adoptions.
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29 Merck,
