Behaviour assessments are used in animal shelters to evaluate dogs and inform adoption and euthanasia decisions. Understanding their limitations helps advocates push for better practice.
Behaviour assessment is used in many shelters to determine adoption suitability and euthanasia decisions, yet the science of shelter assessment is complex. The stressful shelter environment suppresses and distorts behaviour, meaning assessments often fail to capture a dog true behavioural repertoire. Assessments that expose dogs to aversive stimuli to test responses can cause unnecessary fear and distress. The predictive validity of commonly used assessments for post-adoption behaviour is limited. Current best practice emphasises holistic assessment over time, foster-based evaluation in a home environment, and behaviour modification investment for dogs with challenges. Reducing length of stay through rapid placement reduces the welfare harm of the shelter environment itself.