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Shelter Behavior

Animal Behavior

Understanding the behavioral quirks of cats and dogs can make for a safer and more enjoyable working experience for people and animals alike.

The information in this section is gleaned from your colleagues in the field as well as ASPCA experts, including those at our Behavioral Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina. This facility is dedicated to providing behavioral rehabilitation for fearful, undersocialized dogs, such as those rescued from puppy mill and hoarding situations.

Expert advice is also provided by the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group, which includes animal behaviorists who evaluate victims of cruelty cases, assist with assessment and rehabilitation, and offer advice and counseling to animal welfare organizations.

Concerns around food guarding, how to tell whether cats are socialized, in-shelter assessments and a myriad of other behavioral issues are included.

"For some animals, the reality is that after a lifetime of neglect and abuse, the rescue is just the beginning of their journey to recovery."

Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President, ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team

Animal Behavior For Shelter Veterinarians and Staff

Have you read the groundbreaking book?

Have you read the groundbreaking book Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff?

a brown and white medium sized dog indoors wearing a blue harness and orange leash

How-to Guide, Tips and Videos for Leash Handling

Learn essential leash skills to care for shelter dogs through best practices taught at the ASPCA’s Adoption Center’s Canine Classroom.

aspca staff member working with a black and white dog

Shelter Behavior Roundtable: Tracking Behavioral Observations in Shelter Animals

Enhance your organization’s methods for collecting and utilizing behavioral observations in shelter animals.

Watch the Webinar

a tan dog is assessed outdoors by a member of behavior staff

Animal Behavior Pathway Resources

If you have questions or comments about these behavior pathway resources and tools, please email shelterbehavior@aspca.org. We also hope you will let us know how these behavior pathway resources are used in your organization!

Tan dog stands in a clean kennel enclosure with one foot in a scent enrichment cardboard box

Upcycle Enrichment Ideas Using Donated Items

Learn easy (and free) ways to build enrichment for shelter animals to reduce stress, provide mental stimulation, and improve behavior.

a brown dog looks afraid and uncomfortable sitting inside a well equipped kennel enclosure on an orange blanket

Examples from the Field

They Did It: Reinvented How They Talk About Behavior in Shelter Animals

Two experts provide examples and tools for messaging behavior in shelter animals that can be easily implemented into daily operations.

Tan and white dog looks slightly nervous sitting on raised dog bed inside shelter kennel

Using Model Dogs to Assess Aggression in Fight-Bred Dogs

Review research by the ASPCA on using a life-sized, plush model dog to screen for dog-directed aggression in canines used in illegal dogfighting.