Seminar: “Kennel Stress to Couch Success: Advancing Welfare and the Human–Animal Bond Through Innovative Programs, Environmental Modification, and Behavioral Assessment in Shelter Dogs and Cats” - Jacquelyn Jacobs

 Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences Seminar:

“Kennel Stress to Couch Success: Advancing Welfare and the Human–Animal Bond Through Innovative Programs, Environmental Modification, and Behavioral Assessment in Shelter Dogs and Cats”

Jacquelyn Jacobs, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University

Animal shelters play a critical role in safeguarding the welfare of companion animals waiting for adoption and in facilitating new human-animal bonds. However, the shelter environment can be a significant source of stress for the animals due to confinement, unpredictability, and high sensory stimulation. Drawing on recent research in applied animal behavior and welfare science, I will explore how simple changes in housing design can impact stress and affiliative behavior in shelter cats and will describe a newly developed behavioral assessment tool to identify and treat maladaptive coping behavior in shelter dogs. Together, these findings will highlight practical, scalable approaches for shelters to improve companion animal welfare and lead to long-term placement success.