Using Technology to Facilitate Behavior Treatments

The ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City uses technology in its regular operations, but has also relied on technology to fill staffing gaps, particularly for behavior and enrichment, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Technologies We Routinely Use

The ASPCA Adoption Center uses technology as a part of its regular operations, including:

• Remote treat dispensers that allow staff to deploy rewards from offsite
• Wi-Fi cameras that make it possible to see what animals are doing when staff is not present
• Social media and video conferencing to keep staff and volunteers updated and engaged about behavior topics and animal care

COVID-19 Technology Adaptations

With reduced staffing due to the pandemic, including the prohibition of volunteers, the ASPCA has adapted their technologies by:

• Preemptively setting up remote treat dispensers in kennels typically utilized with challenging intakes and positioned Wi-Fi cameras to monitor those kennels
• Implementing video calls to provide virtual coaching sessions to assist staff with the implementation of these plans
• Hosting a virtual classroom where members of the behavior team demonstrate basic obedience cues like “look” or “sit,” and encourage staff to practice these cues 

What Other Shelters Can Do 

There are many free and low-cost tech options that can be used for behavior and enrichment in shelters, including:

• Smart camera and interactive dog cameras
• Commonly used video chat technology for real-time communication
• Video conferencing between remote staff and staff on duty
• Virtual support from local dog trainers 

For additional details about providing behavior and enrichment support with reduced staffing during periods of social distancing, including specific technology and software recommendations, download the PDF.