Complaints
BEFORE YOU COMPLAIN
ABOUT YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL
SHELTER
It is very easy to
misinterpret animal
shelters from the
outside. It is equally
possible to
misunderstand what is
observed happening on
the inside. The
following are some
common complaints that
can be easily
misinterpreted by
volunteers and visitors.
On the other hand, these
can also be valid
complaints. In either
case, before you
complain, take a moment
to talk with the shelter
management and find out
more about the daily
operations.
Many dogs and cats soil
their water on a regular
basis. All the animals
are provided clean
potable water minimally
twice a day.
NO FOOD:
Animals that "free feed"
often over-eat and get
diarrhea. Shelter
animals are provided
fresh food every morning
(more for sick, young,
or special needs
animals) so when you
visit, there may not be
any food in the pens.
EUTHANASIA:
Yes, animal shelters
need to euthanize
animals. It is not
pleasant for anyone to
have this
responsibility. However,
the need to euthanize
comes from the tragic
overpopulation of
companion animals. There
are established
guidelines on euthanasia
decision-making.
DIRTY CAGES:
No matter how often or
how well a shelter
cleans there will be
some dirty cages at any
one time. Cages are
often at there worst
first thing in the
morning before the
shelter staff has had a
chance to thoroughly
clean and disinfect all
the runs.
