Feature

Slowing the Revolving Door: Strategies for Improving Staff Retention
Most employees at shelters are there because they want to help animals, but animals alone usually aren’t enough to keep people in the animal care and control profession. This first of two articles on staff retention explores what management can do to create a positive work environment through good communication, clear expectations, consistent procedures, and ample feedback and recognition.

Departments

Scoop

• L.A. county takes animal-related businesses and services to school
• Study finds bad little kittens don’t always stay that way
• Puppy mill dogs get a pug spokesman
• Shelters add virtual tours to their websites

The Doc is In
Veterinarian Kate Hurley interviews an Idaho shelter director about the salmonella outbreak in his facility—and about what he’s doing to prevent future crises

Models & Mentors
A collaboration between an Ohio shelter and a nearby veterinary college is resulting in healthier shelter pets—and veterinarians eager to serve as advocates for homeless animals

ShelterSpeak
Shelter staff from around the country discuss their organizations’ evolving policies on holiday adoptions

Off Leash
A shelter in Louisiana gets Santa’s help with Christmas adoptions