Animal Welfare Professionals

Editorial:

Out of 187 respondents, the survey found: 

• Almost 87% say they are below normal staffing levels 
  • 62% are down by more than 10% of their normal staffing levels (22% are down by greater than 25%). 
  • 26% are down by less than 10% of their normal levels 
• 71% say their reduced staffing levels are due to an inability to recruit, hire and maintain personnel, while only 14% cite budget cuts as the reason for being understaffed 
• Only 30.5% of respondents say they are back to operating like they did pre-COVID 
  • 28.5% have shelter policies in place that restrict their hours 
  • 21% attribute their restricted hours to limited staff 
  • 13.7% have limited volunteer access  
  • 6.4% note limited hours/access due to local restrictions 

• Are You Using Active or Passive Recruiting Strategies?  
• Can You Inspire Every Staff Person to be an Advocate? 
• Finally, Is Your Shelter a Place Where People Want to Work?