Existing Methods for Managing Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Shelter Animals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3624Keywords:
animal behavior, animal welfare, animal shelter, FAS, behavior modificationAbstract
The prevalence of Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) is a major issue in animal shelters. The shelter environment is an unfamiliar and unpredictable space, and staying at the shelter often heightens an animal’s stress. FAS is detrimental to both physical and mental welfare of shelter animals, worsening behavior problems or even leading to euthanasia. Therefore, it is essential to notice FAS in animals, respond to it, and take all measures to reduce it. By reviewing the scientific literature and guidelines from animal welfare organizations to compile resources on FAS, this study aims to find what measures should be taken to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in animal shelters. Section 1 is about recognition and response to FAS, and it discusses behavioral signs of fear, behavioral cues and biochemical cues of FAS, behavioral scoring scales that can aid in FAS assessment, distinguishing and managing pain, and methods for behavior modification. Section 2 focuses on environmental factors, including design considerations for the enclosure and environment, general housing and enrichment guidelines, benefits of co-housing, and the effects of appeasing pheromones in the shelter setting.
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