Changing Perceptions of Shelters

Despite all of the positive press and the educational campaigns, animal shelters still suffer from a stubborn stigma. People continue to shy away from shelters. Animal Attendants at various shelters in Eastern Victoria have reported a degree of reluctance from the public, and many shelters are taking steps to combat this negative impression in the hopes of luring potential adopters to their sites.

The General Manager of the Coldstream Animal Aid shelter, Nell Thompson, explains the problem:

“Whether they think that it’s a very negative place, a very sad place, whether they might want to take them all home... It looks like a jail, it’s noisy. All those sorts of things. We’re trying to change that impression because we definitely feel that our shelter is a very positive place.”

An Education Representative from RSPCA Burwood East, Emma Ginsberg, further discusses the public’s perception:

“A lot of people when they think of a shelter ... think of a jail-type theme, with ... bars. At the moment, however, we are going through a rebuild so ours will be a lot more people-friendly. We’re getting architects to help with the shape design so it’s not going to look just like cages. We’re putting a lot of plants through ... just to make it better on the eye.”

The RSPCA estimates that they will begin this refurbishment within twelve to eighteen months, and that it will be completed within a couple of years. In addition to the adoption rows, the cattery will also be getting a rebuild. These changes will allow the public to walk through, get into the cages, and interact with the animals in a more comfortable and positive setting.

The RSPCA has gone a step further and eliminated the cages completely for any person that is uncomfortable with the environment. Utilising the internet, the RSPCA posts all of its animals on the website, giving the public the chance to see the animals before they come in.

“We can actually bring the animal out to them so they don’t even have to walk through the adoption rows if they don’t want to.” Emma said.

Refurbishments, online profiles and a greater sensitivity towards the public’s perception of shelter environments, means that shelters throughout Australia are fighting to be seen as positive places. When some people think of shelters they think of bars and depression, but raised awareness can help combat these misconceptions, and help the public to embrace shelters for the places they truly are.