Research

ASPCA Research studies and implements lifesaving models, both internally and through work with other agencies, and then shares successful programs with the field. The team provides the latest data-backed information to help with food guarding, assessments, adoptions and many more crucial shelter subjects.

In this section

Adoption Ambassadors

Adoption Ambassadors is foster care taken to the next level: You supply simple training and a few tools, and foster parents take it from there.

small dog looks up from cage with matted fur

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Strangulating Hair Mats in Dogs

Learn how forensic veterinarians studied the clinical features and radiographic characteristics of chronically matted hair and strangulating hair mats in dogs and what it might mean for practicing veterinarians.

Encouraging Research Regarding Homes for Horses

New research suggests there are 2.3 million individuals or 1.2 million households with the strong interest and capacity to adopt a homeless horse.

Fee-Waived Adoptions

Thinking about waiving fees? Research studies and individual experiences confirm that fee-waived cats are just as loved as ones with a price tag.

Feline Spectrum Assessment

FSA is a standardized and simple four-step process for assessing incoming cats that grew out of the ASPCA’s “Is This Cat Feral?” research.

Food Guarding in Shelter Dogs

An ASPCA study provides a compelling argument against euthanizing dogs who display food guarding.

GIS

Read about the ASPCA’s research into Geographic Information Systems and how it can be a powerful lifesaving tool for shelters.

Retention of Pet ID Tags

If shelters provide ID tags and put them on adopted or found animals, the likelihood immediately improves that those pets, if lost, will return home.

ASPCA Research on Kitten Death in Shelters and Rescues

Learn how clinical signs like diarrhea and weight loss in young kittens may impact their survival rate in a shelter or rescue setting.

Meet Your Match

Meet Your Match is a research-based adoptions program proven to increase adoptions and decrease returns. Learn about Canine- and Feline-ality

Pets As Gifts

ASPCA research debunks the myth that pets should not be given as gifts. Read more about the study and results.