Safety Net

Safety net programs allow you to take in only the animals who truly have no other options, which is better for the animals and your organization.

Follow the lead of other successful organizations that have learned to enlist their community and staff to keep pets in homes. This section includes pet-friendly housing guides, tips for creating behavior help lines and food banks, and resources for staff on ways to have productive and non-judgmental conversations with owners.

Successful rehoming programs are also found in this section, as is research on rehoming pets.

Examples from the Field

A Spectrum of Care is the Antidote to One Dog’s Mysterious Illness

Pets have better outcomes when veterinarians provide a wide range of treatment options—otherwise known as a spectrum of care.

Tips

3 Reasons to Support Veterinary Telemedicine

Learn what veterinary telehealth is and how it can increase access to veterinary care, reduce fear in canine and feline patients, and support animal shelters

dog on vet table with a doctor on each side

Research

Business Models to Improve Access to Veterinary Care (AVC)

Review The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s recent report on ways to make veterinary care affordable for clients and viable for veterinarians.

three tan and white kittens stretched out playing on sofa

Research

New ASPCA Survey: Vast Majority of Dogs and Cats Acquired During Pandemic Still in Their Homes

As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, 90% of dogs and 87% of cats are still in their homes.

two workers sit at a table in front of a pet food distribution van giving the thumbs up sign

Examples from the Field

They Did It: Hired a Social Worker for Their Animal Shelter

Gateway Pet Guardians hired a Community Support Manager to support the people and pets in their community

News

Join ASPCA Efforts to Keep People and Pets Together During Potential Housing Crisis

Learn how you can join the ASPCA’s efforts to keep people and pets together amid a potential eviction crisis resulting from COVID-19 and get safety net resources for your community.