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Helping Shelters Help Communities
Through our Comprehensive Evaluation we objectively study and evaluate 12 key components of your organization, including shelter facilities and operations, animal control and field services, and management and administration. We then provide you with the tools to help streamline your operations and develop innovative, cost-effective programs that serve your community and protect its animals.
How does the Comprehensive Evaluation Work?
The Comprehensive Evaluation process has three main phases that include information gathering, a site visit, and report writing and delivery. Please click the links below or scroll down to learn more.
Phase 1: Information Gathering
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 all organizations have different needs and expectations, so when you invite The HSUS Shelter Services experts into your community, our team will be tailored to meet your particular needs. The Shelter Evaluation 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 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:
- Demographics/geography
- Shelter operations (policies, procedures, statistics)
- Adoption information and forms
- Spay/neuter information and forms
- Field services/animal control information (as applicable)
- Community outreach (volunteers, humane education, public relations, website)
- Governance, management, and leadership (bylaws, long-range plans, vision/mission)
- Human resources (job descriptions, staff training, employee manual)
- Financial information (budget information, fund-raising, financial statements)
- General information (newsletters, brochures)
- Miscellaneous (past reports, manuals, evaluations, surveys)
- Any additional information you feel would be useful to the evaluation process
Public Comment
The HSUS Shelter Evaluation Program uses various approaches to understand community needs and perceptions. 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.
Phase 2: The Site Visit
During the site visit, team members meet with current staff and administrators, shadow employees, observe standard practices, study workloads, understand roles, and evaluate community interaction—enabling the team to assess the agency's ability to provide the needed services. In addition, The HSUS requests an opportunity to meet with members of any citizens' advisory committee (if applicable) as part of the evaluation process. Other active community members with a vested interest in animal care and control may also be considered for a brief meeting.
The Shelter Services team will conduct a comprehensive and thorough review into all areas of animal care, control, and sheltering provided by the agency.
Keeping in mind community needs, perceptions, and expectations, The HSUS Comprehensive Evaluation encompasses the following three key components:
- Shelter Facilities and Operations
- Animal Control/Field Services (if applicable)
- Management and Administration
Within the three components, there are 12 core areas including: shelter maintenance, shelter interior design and layout, shelter operations, animal care, housing and handling, veterinary/health issues, euthanasia, adoptions, community outreach programs, governance, management and leadership, field services/animal control, human resources and general financial issues.
Phase 3: The Report
After the site visit, the Shelter Services team will spend a month compiling their observations based on notes, documents, and photographs. The site coordinator then works for two months to develop the comprehensive written report, complete with observations, recommendations, supportive data, and materials that address immediate concerns as well as long-term goals and challenges for the years to come.
More Information The HSUS's Shelter Services team has a lengthy record of providing objective assessments to help animal care organizations translate their goals into a reality. For specific information about the costs and timeline associated with the Comprehensive Evaluation, please fill out and submit the Shelter Evaluation Questionnaire.
All images: Hilary Schwab
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