What do the experts say about allowing the public into the kennels to look for their lost dog?

What do the experts say about allowing the public into the kennels to look for their lost dog?

According to national expert and Shelter Planners of America founder Bill Meade, “Closing stray kennels to the general public reduces adoptions, increases killing.”

It is common for some shelters to maintain stray kennels which the public is not allowed to enter, unless they say they have lost a specific type of animal.

This is done because of concern that people may claim animals who are not theirs; because the staff may be burdened with having to explain that certain animals are not ready for adoption; because explaining why an animal must be euthanized may be awkward; to protect the public from bites; and to reduce the spread of disease by keeping people from touching animals.

However, when an animal shelter prevents stray animals from being seen — and touched — by the public, the shelter reduces the number of interactions that may lead to the animals being adopted. Failing to give each animal maximum exposure to the adopting public can lead to avoidable killing.

Often, when members of the public look at stray animals, they identify the missing pets of neighbors or friends, and are able to effect a reunion. Eliminating that possibility also may lead to avoidable killing.

Sometimes a person seeking a lost animal will enter a shelter and, without stopping at the front desk, walk through the accessible kennels, unaware that the strays are isolated out of view. These people leave, mistakenly thinking their animals are not in the shelter. Again, animals may be killed as a result.

What shelter animals need most, and the public wants most, is the opportunity to interact, so that visitors can fall in love with a new pet. The animals benefit from receiving attention, kind words, and a caring touch.

The entire article can be viewed HERE

Can you imagine your feelings if you were denied the chance to view the kennels where your dog could be hidden from view, only later to learn your dog had been destroyed as you were turned away outside?