University of Florida - Senior Capstone
Methods
Key Findings
Project Title
Unpacking the Impact: Overcrowding in Animal Shelters and Its Effects on Animal Welfare
Abstract
This capstone project examines how overcrowding in animal shelters impacts both physical health and behavioral welfare. Through a structured literature review, this project analyzes how exceeding capacity for care contributes to increased disease transmission, stress-related
behaviors, and poorer overall outcomes for shelter animals. Drawing from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) 2022 Guidelines and supporting literature, this work identifies key gaps between recommended standards and real-world practices. The project concludes with evidence-based recommendations designed to improve welfare outcomes in high-intake shelter environments.
This project is based on a comprehensive literature review of peer-reviewed research and organizational guidelines, including sources from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV), ASPCA, and Best Friends Animal Society. The analysis focuses on identifying patterns linking overcrowding to disease prevalence, behavioral stress, and operational challenges.
Data were synthesized using both descriptive and comparative approaches. Where possible, findings were organized into tables and visual summaries to highlight trends across studies. Because this project did not involve human or animal subjects, Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval were not required.
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Overcrowding significantly increases the risk of infectious disease, including upper respiratory infections and kennel cough
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High population density is strongly associated with stress-related behaviors such as pacing, aggression, withdrawal, and excessive grooming
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Prolonged length of stay further exacerbates both medical and behavioral decline
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Animals experiencing behavioral deterioration are less likely to be adopted and more likely to be returned
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Shelters operating beyond capacity experience increased operational strain, limiting their ability to provide enrichment, medical care, and individualized attention
Problem Statement
Animal shelters across the United States frequently exceed their capacity for care, resulting in significant negative consequences for animal welfare. Overcrowding leads to increased disease transmission, behavioral deterioration, prolonged length of stay, and higher euthanasia rates. Despite established guidelines, many shelters struggle to maintain population levels that support humane care. Addressing overcrowding is critical to improving both individual animal outcomes and overall shelter system effectiveness.
Implications for Shelter Medicine
These findings demonstrate that maintaining capacity for care is essential for protecting both physical and behavioral welfare in shelter animals. Overcrowding is not simply a space issue—it is a systemic welfare concern that directly impacts outcomes.
Shelters that implement population management strategies such as intake control, foster expansion, and targeted adoption programs are better equipped to reduce stress, shorten length of stay, and improve live outcomes. Addressing overcrowding also strengthens community trust and supports long-term sustainability in shelter operations.