Shelter standards are important resources outlining both the minimum acceptable and the ideal practices for housing, husbandry, and medical and behavioural care in animal shelters. These guidelines are designed to be relevant and adaptable for all types of organizations, while simultaneously outlining a minimum standard that all organizations must aim to reach regardless of resource limitations. There are now many self-assessment tools that accompany the guidelines and allow organizations to identify areas for improvement or to use as a part of shelter consultations. The following outlines a number of guidelines and position statements for Shelter Standards in North America.

ASV Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters

The updated version of the Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters (2022) published by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians is an essential resource for every animal shelter. There are several supplementary resources for these guidelines as well.

• Checklist of Key Statements
• Videos
• Section Highlights

ASV Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters

The 2025 Guidelines for Humane Rabbit Housing in Animal Shelters provide recommendations specific to the special environmental needs of rabbits.

Rescue Group Best Practices Guide

The Rescue Group Best Practices Guide was published in 2015 by Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States) and PetSmart Charities®. This comprehensive document covers organizational standards, animal care standards, operational standards, and community building for rescue groups.

Like other Standards and Guides, this guide provides a compass and a benchmark, and will lead to improvements in rescue practices and accountability.

ASPCA Position Statement on Responsibilities of Animal Shelters

Also in 2015, the ASPCA released a new Position Statement on Responsibilities of Animal Shelters. The statement outlines best practices as well as minimum requirements. The position statement covers providing necessary and appropriate animal care in shelters, expanding adoption and live release opportunities, optimizing return to owner, transparency in sheltering, and minimizing euthanasia. Main topics include:

• Providing necessary and appropriate animal care in shelters
• Expanding adoption and live release opportunities
• Optimizing return to owner
• Transparency in sheltering
• Minimizing euthanasia

Alberta VMA Best Management Practices for Animal Shelter and Rescue

The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association created a Best Management Practices for Animal Shelter and Rescue in the Province of Alberta. This document is brief and accessible.

Ontario Best Practices for Animal Shelters with Lost or Abandoned Animals

These guidelines specify how organizations who house lost or abandoned animals handle attempts to locate an owner.