Behavior Assessments in the Shelter: What Does the Science Say?

Speaker: Lisa Gunter, PhD, CBCC-KA

During their stay in the animal shelter, dogs will likely experience assessment of their behavior, whether that is a more formal procedure with an evaluation, informal observations made by staff and volunteers, or a combination of the two. Assessing a dog’s behavior can help us meet the dog’s needs in the shelter, and such information can guide us in placement choices and adopter support. This presentation reviews the recent literature on behavior assessments and conclude with suggestions on how to proceed in this critical and complex issue of observing and interpreting canine behavior in the animal shelter. This presentation was recorded at the 2022 ASPCA Maddie's Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

This lecture has been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

This lecture has also been pre-approved for 1.0 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and by the National Animal Care & Control Association.

Keywords behavior assessment in shelter pets, dog behavior, problem behavior in dogs, post-adoption behavioral issues, veterinary shelter medicine, 2022 ASPCA Maddie's Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference, canine behavior, evaluating dog behavior, dog behavior assessment