Walk, Run or Fetch: Designing Social Spaces in Shelters

Date

2014-01-06

Authors

Hodder, Kelly

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Guelph

Abstract

Approximately 22 000 dogs are admitted to Ontario Society for the Prevention to Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) branches and affiliates annually. These dogs require stimulation and enrichment in their daily routine to maintain physical and mental health. However, many shelters have not been designed to foster these interactions, leading to potentially reduced dog welfare. The goal of this research was to examine the outdoor stimulation needs of dogs and their handlers at OSPCA branches and affiliates by reviewing shelter environments and determining how existing spaces fulfill the needs of humans and dogs. Facility assessments, along with employee and volunteer interviews were used to create design guidelines that enhance human-dog and conspecific interactions. Alternative design guidelines were developed, focusing on the comfort of people and variability of environment for dogs, which may help improve the welfare and adoptability of shelter dogs and quality of experience of those who work with them.

Description

Keywords

animal shelter, canine welfare, design, shelter design

Citation