The Science of Humane Animal Sheltering
Protocols to properly care for dogs, cats, rabbits & other animals in shelters
Introducing the newest FREE guide from The No Kill Advocacy Center.
Shelters are stressful environments that negatively impact health, behavior, and adoption opportunities. For example, many traditional practices — such as restricting visual access and limiting interaction — lead to frustration and misbehavior in dogs, increasing their time to be adopted.
The Humane Sheltering Science Guide presents research-backed recommendations for improving the welfare of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals, shortening length of stay, and increasing placement rates.
The Guide also highlights the financial and community benefits of humane sheltering. Killing animals is costly, while lifesaving programs — such as working with rescue groups, facilitating adoptions, and implementing community cat programs — reduce expenses and improve public perception. Case studies show these policies increase adoption rates, boost local economies, and attract new businesses.
Using the Guide, shelters can prioritize enrichment, behavioral support, and medical care to create a more humane and effective animal welfare system.
The Humane Sheltering Science Guide is part of our No Kill Toolkit, a collection of 31 free guides for No Kill advocates, policymakers, board members, shelter managers, rescuers, media, and other stakeholders.
Read or download any of them by clicking below:
Together, we will create a future where every animal is respected and cherished and every individual life is protected and revered.
