Animal Stress in a Shelter Environment

Why do pets experience stress in a shelter environment?
Pets who find themselves in a shelter are going through changes that would be unsettling for anyone. Even though Yavapai Humane Society makes every effort to create a caring and welcoming environment for the pets who come through our doors, a transition is inevitable. The pets in the shelter are separated from the previous caregivers, in a confined space, and are exposed to the unfamiliar noises of other animals and unfamiliar sites of new people.

What does stress in a dog or cat look like?
Pets react to change and stress differently, just like people do. Animals can present anxiety by retreating to the back of their kennel, becoming less active or not eating. On the other end of the spectrum, others will perform repetitive behaviors (e.g., spinning in their cage), become more vocal, or become destructive (e.g., chewing or refusal to use their litter box) or aggressive. Yavapai Humane Society identifies stress by daily observation of pet behavior and with the help of our pet care volunteers who also monitor changes in behavior.

Pets react to stress differently, just like people do.

What is the problem with a pet being stressed in the shelter?
Anxiety can present a multitude of challenges for an animal. Stress can affect an animal's health, both physical and mental. Physical tolls they can take are a weakened immune system (increasing susceptibility to disease and lengthening recovery time from illness) and weight loss. The anxiety that presents with depression or aggression is especially detrimental because those behaviors are less desirable to potential adopters.

What do we do to relieve anxiety?
Yavapai Humane Society has enrichment programs in place to help animals cope with stress. This includes social interaction (with people and/or other pets), training for mental stimulation, and exercise. Our specially-trained volunteers and staff work with these pets to allow them to decompress and modify their behavior. 

If pets are struggling to pull themselves out of the negative behaviors developed from stress, and our programs here at the shelter aren't making enough of an impact, we will place these pets with one of our foster volunteers while we continue to search for their forever home. By being in a foster home, the animal is no longer in a confined environment, in a quieter space, and has a consistent human bond. Often times we will see a whole new, happier animal emerge just days after being in a foster home. 
Want to help? Call our Foster Coordinator at 928-499-9716.