It’s up to you to know your shelter’s capacity, in order to provide the very basic care every animal housed in it must have. This is where to start:
“THE FIVE FREEDOMS” promoted by the Farm Animal Welfare Council to protect farm animals can be applied to shelter animals, too:
- Freedom from Hunger and Thirst — by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
- Freedom from Discomfort — by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease — by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to Express Normal Behavior — by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
- Freedom from Fear and Distress — by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
For more details on The Five Freedoms for shelter animals, view the PDF document on the ASPCA website.
