On Friday, we released our first look at an exciting change happening in animal sheltering. We’ve known our system is far from perfect, nor is it fault proof, but COVID-19 gave us the insight and provided the perfect opportunity to make necessary and life saving changes. Because of this realization, animal welfare leaders across the nation have come together to envision a new world of animal services, a world where most pets are housed in homes and supported by their communities, not in the shelter system.
In this new world, the role of animal services is to keep pets with their families, get lost pets home quickly, and help pet owners who are struggling to meet their pets’ needs. Housing pets in kennels will be short term, reserved for only those pets who truly need to be there.
Nearly two months ago, the initial ideas for the principles of the model were shared through American Pets Alive!, and feedback was requested. Many members of the animal welfare industry and from the public called us or sent emails, sharing their thoughts and ideas for what the future of animal welfare should look like. Taking all of this input into consideration, 12 elements that describe what is now Human Animal Support Services (HASS) were created. These 12 elements are the framework of what we hope all sheltering organizations will be able to offer their communities in the near future.
The 12 Elements of Human Animal Support Services
This vision will only be possible with ongoing collaboration and feedback, and your thoughts and opinions are vital to the success of creating a new model for pets and the people who love them.
Original article written by Ellen Jefferson (American Pets Alive!), Lisa LaFontaine (Humane Rescue Alliance), Gina Knepp (Michelson Found Animals Foundation), Kristen Hassen-Auerbach (Pima Animal Care Center).Read the original article by clicking here.