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The information-gathering phase begins after The HSUS has been awarded a contract. During this phase, we assemble a team, request background information from your agency, and solicit public comment.
Team Selection
We know that one size does not fit all, so when you invite The HSUS ASC experts into your community, our team will be tailored to meet your particular needs. The HSUS ASC program employs a unique blend of knowledgeable HSUS national staff and practicing animal services professionals, each with detailed areas of expertise.
Background Information
To make The HSUS ASC team’s work as efficient and effective as possible, The HSUS must review written materials relevant to current animal care and control services prior to a site visit. The materials we review include:
1. Demographics/geography
2. Shelter operations (policies, procedures, statistics)
3. Adoption information and forms
4. Spay/neuter information and forms
5. Field services/animal control information (as applicable)
6. Community outreach (volunteers, humane education, public relations, website)
7. Governance, management, and leadership (bylaws, long-range plans, vision/mission)
8. Human resources (job descriptions, staff training, employee manual)
9. Financial information (budget information, fund-raising, financial statements)
10. General information (newsletters, brochures)
11. Miscellaneous (past reports, manuals, evaluations, surveys)
12. Any additional information you feel would be useful to the evaluation process
Public Comment
The HSUS ASC program uses various approaches to understand community needs and perceptions. For example, soliciting public comment on current animal sheltering and/or animal care and control services has proven effective. As part of our evaluation, The HSUS will accept written comments from interested individuals (including those representing local animal care, protection, and sheltering organizations) on the level of services provided, experiences with the agency, and community expectations.
The ASC team members spend an extensive amount of time researching and studying the agency before the site visit to allow them to immerse themselves in normal daily operations during the visit.
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