Dog Population Survey Results Summary Conducted by MAC, June 2018
Methodology 10 minute MAC sponsored web-based survey conducted in June 2018 Email invite sent to one individual at approximately 350 MA-based organizations ~ 50 shelters or foster-based rescues ~ 300 animal control facilities Respondents assured anonymity and offered a summary of results for participation Target respondent is someone involved in operations and familiar with details regarding the dog population A total of 50 organizations responded Caveat: Use caution when interpreting results due to small sample size
Summary The majority of participants are animal control facilities The shelters/foster-based rescues that participated are primarily medium and large organizations As many as 42% of dogs adopted thru shelters/rescues come from out-of-state Many of the animals at in-take have medical issues twice as many do among in-state dogs (35%) vs. out-of-state dogs (16%) The majority agree that they are seeing more medical issues than in the past Behavior issues are also common, 30% among in-state and 25% among out-of-state dogs As many as 38% agree that they are seeing more behavior issues than in the past
Summary (continued) Among the top behavior issues in the dog population are jumpy/mouthy (25%), generalized fear/extremely shy (18%), and leash/dog reactivity (17%) And about one-quarter of respondents suggest these behaviors have increased over the last few years A much higher proportion of shelters/rescues report an increase in these behaviors compared to animal control facilities
Type of Organization 2% Shelter Type of org Number 68% 26% 4% Foster-based rescue Animal control Shelter 13 Foster-based 2 Animal Control 34 Other 1 Total 50 Other
Annual Adoptions Shelters/Foster Rescues Animal Control 13% 0% 27% < 50 50-99 100-299 300-599 600-999 3% 0% 0% 18% 9% 12% 59% <50 50-99 100-299 300-599 600-999 1,000+ n=15 1,000+ n=34 Don t know
Sources In-state Out-of-state Animal Control (n=34) Shelter/ Fosterbased (n=15) 58% 100% 42% 0% Rescues report the majority of their dogs come from in-state Of the 15 shelters/rescues two-thirds transport dogs from out-of-state and represent 42% of the dogs they intake 0% 40% 60% 80% 100% What was the source of your dogs?
Average % of Dogs % With Medical Issues Pre-Adoption 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 15% 10% 5% 0% 35% In-State Dogs (n=49) 16% Out-of-State Dogs (n=14) Over 1/3 of dogs have medical issues upon intake Out-of-state dogs are much less likely to arrive with medical problems About what % of the [IN-STATE/OUT-OF-STATE] dogs came in with medical issues (excluding the need to spay/neuter)?
Average % of Dogs % With Behavior Issues Pre-Adoption 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 15% 10% 5% 0% 30% In-State (n=49) 25% Out-of-State (n=14) Out-of-state dogs are slightly less likely to have behavior issues Shelters report a higher proportion of out-of-state dogs have behavior issues versus medical issues (25% vs. 16%) About what % of the [IN-STATE/OUT-OF-STATE] dogs came in with medical issues (excluding the need to spay/neuter)?
% of Dogs Showing Behavior Pre- Adoption Not cat friendly (n=31) 35% Not leash trained (excluding young puppies) (n=35) 32% Jumpy/mouthy (n=36) Not dog friendly (n=39) 23% 25% Generalized fear/extremely shy (n=37) Leash/dog reactive (n=31) 18% 17% Food bowl aggression (n=31) Resource guarding (other than food bowl aggression) (n=32) Fear aggression towards people (n=34) 8% 9% 10% 0% 10% 30% 40% Average % of dogs Over the last year or so, what percent of the dogs in your shelter/rescue have shown the following behaviors?
Behavior Trends 0% 40% 60% 80% 100% Not leash trained (excluding young puppies) (n=41) 27% 61% 12% Generalized fear/extremely shy (n=40) 25% 63% 13% Jumpy/mouthy (n=41) 22% 71% 7% Leash/dog reactive (n=41) 22% 71% 7% Not dog friendly (n=41) 68% 12% Fear aggression towards people (n=40) 18% 63% Not cat friendly (n=30) 10% 83% 7% Resource guarding (other than food bowl aggression) (n=34) 9% 79% 12% The population of dogs seems to be changing. Over the last few years, would you say the number of dogs showing these behaviors has increased, decreased or stayed about the same? Increased Stayed the same Decreased
Shelter Trends Agree Disagree We are seeing fewer medical issues than in the past 0% 22% 34% 24% We are seeing more behavior issues than in the past 12% 26% 42% 14% 6% Dogs are being returned at a lower rate 26% 12% 38% 16% 8% It s becoming easier to populate our shelter/rescue with adoptable dogs 8% 22% 44% 10% 16% More of a mixed bag There are fewer local dogs to choose from 22% 16% 34% 14% 14% We see more medical cases now for issues that would have resulted in euthanasia in 28% 40% 4% 8% Strongly Agree Somewhat Agree Neither Agree nor Disagree Somewhat Disagree Strongly Disagree To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding your dogs?