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Shelter Animals Count and NACA release first report on Field Services Data

  • 1.  Shelter Animals Count and NACA release first report on Field Services Data

    Posted 3 hours ago

    Shelter Animals Count, in partnership with the National Animal Care & Control Association, has released a first-of-its-kind analysis of field services data, offering insights into the work animal control officers carry out every day. Using data from Shelterluv, this report breaks down more than a year of field activities into four core categories – Quality of Life, Public Safety, Welfare, and Other – and highlights how officers respond to the needs of their communities.

    Findings in the Report

    Most Calls Are About Everyday Community Concerns
    Quality-of-Life incidents made up 60% of all activities. These include stray or roaming animals, barking complaints, community service requests, and overpopulation concerns. Stray and at-large animals alone accounted for more than half of these calls, yet only 19% ultimately resulted in shelter intake. A third were resolved through services or education without any legal action – evidence that officers spend much of their time addressing community issues through support rather than enforcement.

    Public Safety Remains a Central Responsibility
    Public Safety incidents represented 22% of all activities, and the largest share of these (37%) involved assisting first responders. Reports of stray aggressive animals, including those near school property, made up 29% of activities, with bite-related calls close behind at 22%. Outcomes reflect the unpredictable nature of public safety work: 26% of animals were never located, while 20% entered shelter care, 14% resulted in notices or warnings, with 3% ending with a citation.

    Welfare Cases Demand Careful Assessment
    Welfare incidents accounted for 11% of the dataset, including welfare checks, cruelty/neglect concerns, and investigation follow-ups. These activities were most likely to be resolved without legal action (38%), often after advising owners, confirming compliance, or determining that no violation occurred. Another 16% resulted in notices or warnings, while 10% led to shelter intake. A small percentage (2%) resulted in a citation issued.

    Why this Report Matters

    Why This Matters
    Field services work has long lacked standardized reporting, making it difficult for agencies to compare trends, plan staffing, or advocate for resources. This report provides the first consistent framework for understanding the scope and resolution of field activities—and highlights just how much of this work is rooted in community support, problem-solving, and public safety.

    By studying and analyzing their own data, agencies can better allocate resources, tailor their response strategies, and strengthen the connection between officers and the communities they serve. This report is a step toward building the shared framework our industry needs to move forward.

    Download the report at https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/field-services-data-report-2025.


    #DataandTechnology
    #FieldServicesandPublicSafety*

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    Tori Fugate
    Director of Communications
    Shelter Animals Count
    MO
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