GUEST: Kelley Bollen is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant with a master’s degree in Animal Behavior who has worked in the field of companion animal behavior for twenty years. Kelley is the Owner and Principal Consultant for Kelley Bollen Consulting – an animal behavior consulting business. Kelley consults with animal shelters across the country on the design and implementation of comprehensive behavior programs to improve the welfare of the animals. She leads Humane Network’s Alive & Thriving animal behavior training program for shelter and clinic staff. And Kelley teaches an Animal Shelter Behavior Management Certificate Course through the University of the Pacific with a new program starting September 27, 2021.
MAIN QUESTION: What tips do you have for shelter and clinic staff for handling animals to make it a more stress-free experience?
TAKEAWAYS:
- Coming to an animal shelter or veterinary clinic is inherently stressful for animals, in part because of all the new surfaces, sounds, and smells, including fear pheromones from other animals.
- Not having secure footing is stressful for cats and dogs so be sure that tables and scales where they might stand have nonslip surfaces. For dogs, make sure there is a nonslip pad right inside the main door.
- Pre-medicating with sedatives can help some animals come to the clinic calmer, but for others their fear may overpower the effects. Sedating the animal in the clinic instead might be a more viable option.
- In general for cats: Give cats a place to hide such as under a towel, or try a specific towel wrap that can help you be able to perform the procedure. Try minimal restraint first, making sure the cat can have all four feet on a solid, non-slippery surface whenever possible.
- In general for dogs: Before starting an exam, try getting dogs to change their mindset by playing with them or asking them to do a known trick such as sit or shake.
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