Behavioral & Physiological Effects of Field Trips, Sleepovers, and Weeklong Fostering

It is likely that social isolation contributes to reduced welfare for dogs living in animal shelters. One type of intervention that addresses this concern, human interaction, has been demonstrated to improve behavior and reduce physiological measures of stress for dogs awaiting adoption. In this talk, we will discuss research conducted at 11 animal shelters across the United States in which we’ve investigated the impacts of field trips, sleepovers, and weeklong fostering, on shelter dog stress and activity levels, and how these types of programs can be implemented to positively impact the lives of dogs in your shelter.

Presenters: Erica Feuerbacher, PhD, CAAB, BCBA-D; Lisa Gunter, PhD, CBCC-KA

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 social isolation in dogs, dog sheltering, cortisol in dogs, shelter dog welfare, canine behavior research, shelter dog field trips, shelter dog fostering, shelter dog sleepovers, 2022 ASPCA Maddie's Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference