There is no cut and set guideline for judging whether an animal shelter is "good" or "bad." These terms are highly subjective, depending on the individual looking at the shelter. One person might feel a "bad" shelter euthanizes animals when space runs out, despite the shelter being well kept and following local laws. Another might find this perfectly acceptable. The key thing to finding out whether an animal shelter is "good" or "bad" is to research, ask questions and gather information from a variety of sources.
Instructions
1. Research your local laws. State and city laws govern what should and should not occur at an animal shelter. For example, some shelters are required to have a veterinarian on staff.
2. Consider your own moral and ethical viewpoints on issues like euthanasia and humane issues.
3. Look through copies of legal records and periodicals. Has the shelter been in the news for legal or humane violations? Have they received awards or commendations? Be sure to check letters to the editor as well, as these often convey the overall public's view of this shelter.
4. Find out whether the shelter has a "watchdog" organization, a group that keeps tabs on the shelter's doings. The presence of this sort of group does not indicate that the shelter is a "bad" shelter, rather that the local citizens take an interest in the well-being of the animals housed there.
5. Speak to animal rescue and welfare organizations in the area, such as the local humane society. Many animal welfare and adoption agencies have to work in conjunction with one another because of limited budgets and resources.
6. Visit the animal shelter. Request to be taken on a tour of the facilities. Keep an eye out for violations of the local law and inhumane conditions. Pay attention to how the animals are housed and the disposal of waste.
7. Ask the shelter manager questions about their everyday doings. How many times, if at all, are the animals handled by volunteers or employees? Are they walked and played with? Are they receiving medical care? Do they operate around the clock or from a certain time? What are their procedures in case of an emergency? A shelter manager should be more than prepared to answer your questions.
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