Get Animal Shelter Operations Foundations Class - Animal Sheltering - Animalsheltering

Over thirty states have what are termed "holding period" laws. These laws provide the minimum required period that an animal (usually a dog or cat) must be kept at a pound or public animal shelter before it is sold, adopted out, or euthanized. Typically, the holding period runs from five to seven days.

U.S. taxpayers pay an estimated $2 billion each year to round up, house, euthanize, and dispose of homeless animals. Approximately 90% of dogs and puppies entering shelters are killed based on reports from 1,038 facilities across America.

While most shelters around the country practice humane euthanasia by injection of approved drugs, some still use the gas chamber, a method the HSUS and every other major animal welfare group believe belongs in the past.

Since the pet is not conscious, they do not feel anything. Most times, the animal passes away so smoothly, that it is difficult to tell until the veterinarian listens for absence of a heartbeat. The eyes remain open in most cases.

Estimated amount spent by humane organizations annually: $2.5 billion (about $8 per capita) Estimated amount spent by animal control organizations annually: $800 million to $1 billion (about $4 per capita)

The length of time a dog is in the pound There is no set length of time a dog is in the pound for before it can be at risk of euthanasia. As long as there are free kennels at the pound every dog is safe. This can range from 1 month to over 3 months in some cases.

Most shelters receive donations to help fund their operations but others do receive funding from the government and other sources. The amount of funding a shelter receives directly impacts the number of animals that a shelter can take in and therefore how many they can adopt out.

An early career Animal Shelter Manager with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $35,501 based on 49 salaries. A mid-career Animal Shelter Manager with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $36,133 based on 38 salaries.

Although some animals are lucky enough to be adopted after being surrendered, the tragic fate of too many is death. According to a petition written by Best Friends Animal Society, 5,500 animals are killed in shelters across America every single day. That means over two million innocent lives are cut short each year.