In a 2010 survey, Maddie’s Fund asked its funded partners and newsletter subscribers to help us better understand their needs when it comes to shelter health information and resources.

In a 2010 survey, Maddie's Fund^® asked its funded partners and newsletter subscribers to help us better understand their needs when it comes to shelter health information and resources.

When respondents were asked where they go to get health care information for their animals, 94 percent said they go to their veterinarian and 46 percent indicated they go to a website resource.

When asked if their organization utilized the services of a veterinarian to oversee and manage the health care of the animals, 88 percent of respondents said yes – a welcome, surprisingly large percentage.

Of those organizations that utilize a veterinarian, the majority 63 percent use full-time staff veterinarians, 54 percent use part-time staff veterinarians, 64 percent use contract veterinarians and 47 percent use volunteer veterinarians. Many organizations use a combination of each.

Although there seems to be a significant use of veterinarians for the care of homeless animals, only 45 percent of respondents utilize the expert services of a certified or registered veterinary technician (CVT/RVT). Of those organizations that do utilize CVT/RVT professionals, they primarily utilize them between 50 and 320 hours per month.

Read other survey findings here.