Tips on How to Create a
Happy Shelter for
Animals
A shelter is a momentary place for animals. Animals in a shelter have different types and backgrounds with far different stories which results in various behaviors; for example, an animal struck in a car accident can be surrounded
by a shelter and is likely to get stressed in confinement compared to its previous life where it was free and uncaged.
By: Drh.Mikeu Paujiah, Dipl.Montessori
Translator : Azzahra Maulidina, BVM
However, the other side has a different view; shelter management is likely to try and improve the animal’s condition; but the definition of “improving the animal” is not only freeing it from pain but also managing it to be mentally safe and comfortable as follows in five welfare domains.
Managing physically healthy and mentally happy animals is a tough job as there are standards to follow. This makes shelter management create proper strategies to maintain animal welfare and wellness in their shelter
These tips are created by The Humane Society of The United State, and it is as follows:
1. The Power Of Prevention.
Building a comfortable kennel in which the animals can roam freely and have spaces to perform natural instincts is important for their welfare. Gentle control, consistent daily routine, consistent play and exercise routine, proper mental stimulation, routine health checkup, and allowing interactions between both animals and humans in a shelter are also crucial factors in maintaining their animal welfare.
2. Reducing Fear Factors.
Providing a safe environment for the animals is a must. For example, a newly arrived cat in the shelter should be provided with an enclosed area that is far from any sound disturbance. Cat’s and dog’s areas should be separated. Do not provide an inconsistent environment and management such as different smells, different caretakers, and different food from day to day as comfort is important for their welfare and constant changes place them in discomfort.
3. Consistency
Animals are adaptive to their new environment if there is consistency in their daily routine. If they recognize their caretaker and they get a consistent feeding and playing routine, they’ll adapt to it in a positive manner, thus resulting in a positive shelter experience
4. Playing Routine.
Playing routine is more likely to be underestimated by humans, but for animals, this is one of the most exciting activities to partake in. Playing routine creates a positive mood and environment. Dogs and cats are social creatures, it requires them to have bonds and actively engage in social activities with other animals and human beings around them. Playful and happy animals are more likely to get adopted.
5. Enrichment
There are various easy and simple ways to increase the animal’s positive shelter experience by stimulating their five senses. Activities mentioned are group playing as well as stimulating their senses to be active and adaptive towards their environment; for example, scheduled moving toys are put in front of their enclosure or modified enclosure with a taller divider so the cats will be able to climb and watch their surroundings.
Source:
Making the shelter a happier place for animals. Brenda Griffin, DVM, 2016.Humane Pro Society
Of The United State.
