If your organization isn’t keeping data, or you’re not sure your current practices are giving you the information you need to save more animals, the National Federation of Humane Societies has created a data matrix form, instructions and definitions that can help.

Trying to save animal lives without using data is like setting off for a destination on the other
side of the country without a map.

If your organization isn’t keeping data, or you’re not sure your current practices are giving you
the information you need to save more animals, the National Federation of Humane Societies has
created a data matrix form, instructions and definitions that can help.

One category they’re particularly interested in is looking at how different ages of pet fare in
shelters:

The risks associated with being an adult dog, puppy, adult cat or kitten (or neonate of
any kind) in a shelter environment will vary a great deal. To help shelters assess and
understand the differing risks for these populations of animals, this basic animal stats
matrix includes a break out by species and age… This document defines a puppy or kitten
as being under 5 months of age. Again – given the differing level of risk – breaking
age down further to include a neonate category for both dogs and cats can also be very
informative.

This basic matrix utilizes 5 months of age as the break point between puppy/kitten and
adult. At or near 5 months of age there are changes in the teeth which can help guide
trained staff regarding proper categorization of the animal. For cats, at 4-5 months of age
permanent canines, premolars and molars are coming in (all in by 6 months of age). For
dogs, at 5-7 months of age permanent canines, premolars and molars are coming in (all in
by 7 months of age).

 More information on how to determine age in dogs and cats is available here. The NFHS data
matrix is here.