The Future of Animal Sheltering

For a long time surrendering a pet to the shelter has been the go-to solution for tough pet problems, and the shelter industry has historically fostered the idea that shelters are the only safe solution for pets in need. Fortunately, animal sheltering is going through a renaissance period, and more organizations are beginning to challenge old notions about how best to help pets. Surrendering animals to the shelter is a one-size-fits-all answer to pet problems. But if we try other solutions on for size, we may just find a better fit. The Lawrence Humane Society strives to treat each pet as an individual with unique needs. Our Pet Resource Center staff functions as caseworkers, working to find the best possible pathway for each animal we serve. In some cases, surrender may be best, but many times it’s not. What if, instead of finding new homes for animals, we offered resources to help them keep the ones they already have? What if we empowered the community with the knowledge and resources to help us help animals before they enter the shelter system? Here are just a few examples of how the Lawrence Humane Society is changing the way we help pets in our community.

• Found a lost pet? We help provide finders with a list of tools for locating a lost pet’s owner including sharing the pet on popular lost & found social media sites, using the Finding Rover lost pet app, and more. Let’s bypass the stressful shelter and get the pet straight home whenever possible.

• Pet needs a new home? Even when a pet owner determines their pet needs a new home, most remain emotionally invested in providing their animal a good outcome. Teaching pet owners how to safely rehome a pet on their own using tools like Adoptapet.com keeps the pet in a familiar environment while giving the pet owner ultimate control in selecting a new home for the pet they love.

• Pet is misbehaving? Get advice and an individualized training plan from the behavior staff at the Lawrence Humane Society or one of our community partners. With behavior support, the pet may become successful in the home they already have.

• Can’t afford food/pet care supplies? Just because an owner is experiencing hardship doesn’t mean they can’t provide a loving home. Helping with supplies seems like a better solution to us than uprooting pets from a family who loves them.

There will always be some animals who need to be at the shelter, and we want to care for them when they do. But we’d like to save kennel space for the animals that truly need to be there. When we can employ alternative solutions and preserve the bond between a pet and their person, we think that’s the best outcome. The future of animal sheltering is not just a safety net for homeless animals - it’s providing resources for our community before pets walk through the shelter doors. The Lawrence Humane Society is committed to providing individualized solutions for animals in need and expanding the pet resources we provide in 2021. We look forward to the future and embrace the reimagining of animal welfare. Won’t you join us?

With gratitude,

Shannon Wells | Executive Director