Articles

The articles below address the importance of using statistics to measure lifesaving progress.

Cross Program Analysis (FIREPAW, 2004)
Do spay/neuter rates affect shelter intakes? Do no-kill adoptions change animal control adoption rates? Statistical analyses show how one program influences another.

Measuring Shelter Progress (FIREPAW, 2002)
How to compile and share data and effectively measure shelter progress and success.

• 71% of Americans Favor No-Kill Editorial

  February 2012
  Maddie’s Fund President Rich Avanzino makes a compelling argument for transparency, and charges that the impulse for secrecy in animal welfare counters lifesaving progress.  Read More

• Data-Smata, Who Cares About Data?

  February 2012
  Are you on the fence about the importance of publishing shelter data? Barbara Carr of the SPCA Serving Erie County in Buffalo, NY explains why she became a firm believer in revealing the good, bad and the ugly, and describes how transparency has helped her organization save more lives.  Read More

• Accountability Editorial

  2007
  Why standardized terms improve statistics and strengthen animal welfare.  Read More

• Why Transparency Editorial

  2006
  Transparency is a big plus even if an organization is less than perfect. When the public can see that an agency is improving, it enhances the organizations's reputation, builds community trust, and increases financial support.  Read More

• What Can Statistics Do For You?

  2004
  How to collect community data, keep statistics honest, avoid common mistakes, and much more.  Read More

• National Council Report

  2000
  Why good shelter statistics are worth the hassle.  Read More