Читать книгу Infectious Disease Management in Animal Shelters - Группа авторов - Страница 22

Reducing the LOS in shelters is an end in itself, provided that it does not come at the expense of successful life‐saving outcomes. From a welfare perspective, even the best shelter housing does not replicate the experience of being in a home. Meeting an animal's behavioral needs becomes more challenging the longer they remain in confinement. Studies have also documented an increased risk of shelter‐acquired disease as LOS increases (Dinnage et al. 2009; Edinboro et al. 2004). Behavioral deterioration and illness in turn can lead to yet longer stays, triggering a negative cycle that can be difficult to reverse. To avoid this, pro‐active plans and consistent checkpoints should be in place, and LOS should be reported and evaluated on a regular basis as a vital indicator of shelter animal and system health.