Animal Level Data
At Shelter Animals Count (SAC), we are committed to ensuring that animal welfare organizations have access to standardized, accurate, and actionable data. Animal-level data (ALD) provides critical insights into the characteristics and movement of animals in shelters and rescues, helping to shape policies, improve operations, and support positive outcomes for animals nationwide.
Why Animal Level Data (ALD) Matters
Animal-level data allows us to:
+ Track individual animal journeys from intake to outcome.
+ Identify trends in population dynamics, medical care, and adoption patterns.
+ Improve decision-making by using consistent and reliable data.
+ Support organizations in data-driven storytelling and advocacy efforts.
By maintaining a standardized approach to data collection, SAC ensures consistency across shelters and rescues, allowing for meaningful comparisons and national insights.
Standardization: Ensuring Reliable Data
To maintain data integrity, SAC provides standardized guidelines for recording key animal characteristics. These include:
+ Age Group Assignment: Defined age brackets (Neonate, Weaned, Juvenile, Adult, Senior) to categorize animals based on their life stage.
+ Altered Status: Recording whether an animal is spayed/neutered to assess sterilization efforts.
+ Date of Birth: Accurately estimating or documenting birth dates for better population tracking.
+ Size & Weight Classification: Standardized size categories based on expected adult weight.
+ Intake Subtypes: Clear definitions for owner surrenders, strays, and transfers to understand why animals enter shelters.
Resources and Best Practices
SAC has developed a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assist organizations in implementing best practices for animal-level data collection. These SOPs cover:
+ Data entry protocols for intake and medical records.
+ Guidelines for monitoring and evaluation.
+ Consistency measures to ensure accurate reporting.
Explore More
For more information on animal-level data, best practices, and to see our ALD in action, check out our latest resources:
+ Blog: Spay/Neuter Data in Action
+ Resource: Data Basics Workbook
By contributing accurate data, organizations not only enhance their own operations but also support a nationwide effort to improve animal welfare through data-driven insights. Join us in making data count!