What dogs in shelters need

Why kill “shelters” do not provide it and what you can do about it

Over the last two decades, there has been a dramatic increase in research on improving dog welfare in animal shelters. This includes studies showing that:

• Dogs “experience fear and anxiety immediately upon admission” to a shelter. Unless those shelters provide clean environments, social enrichment, and kind treatment, the dogs will mentally deteriorate over time. 

• Isolating dogs alone and in barren kennels harms them. 

• Dogs are set up to fail unreliable temperament tests.

Much of that research has confirmed what people who live with dogs already know: to thrive, dogs need love, nutritious food, exercise, veterinary care, cleanliness, socialization with people and other dogs, and a sense of belonging. But, a study concluded that people tasked with caring for the neediest dogs in our society — including managers and staff of animal “shelters” — are the least likely to provide those things.