SA234 - Behavior & Mental Well-Being

Animal behavior is an integral component of animal health and well-being, and humane sheltering practices emphasize active support of the animals’ behavioral and emotional needs. Because admission to a shelter is stressful for most animals, and confinement can have negative impacts on animal behavior, this remains a critical and challenging aspect of providing high quality care. This session will highlight what’s new in the updated ASV Guidelines as it relates to behavioral care, with an emphasis on actions shelters can take to implement comprehensive programs that provide positive experiences, prevent behavioral deterioration, promptly address behaviors that indicate compromised welfare, and match animals with appropriate outcomes.