Pet Evaluation Matrix

A Pet Evaluation Matrix is one component of the Asilomar Accords reporting system. It gives more specificity to Asilomar Accords definitions based on a community standard of care, compares shelter lifesaving to that of pet guardians in the community, and provides more confidence to community stakeholders, enabling everyone to have a better understanding of their shelter/community's lifesaving progress and compare it to others.

A PEM consists of a list of specific, more commonly seen medical and behavioral conditions that may occur in individual sheltered animals. These conditions may vary depending on the region and shelter. Each shelter animal's medical and behavioral status is evaluated and they are slotted in one of four Asilomar Accords categories:

1. Healthy
2. Treatable-Rehabilitatable
3. Treatable-Manageable
4. Unhealthy & Untreatable

Read on for more information on PEM, how to create one, and what people who have one are saying!

• A Model Pet Evaluation Matrix

  April 2011
  Not sure what a "pet evaluation matrix" is, or how it can help your community? A Pet Evaluation Matrix created by Iowa State University can serve as a model for communities to adopt if they lack the time or resources to create a matrix of their own.  Read More

• What is a Pet Evaluation Matrix?

  2009
  A Pet Evaluation Matrix is one component of the Asilomar Accords reporting system. The Asilomar Accords provide shelters with standardized definitions, tables and formulas so that the public can get a better understanding of their shelter/community’s lifesaving progress and compare it to others.  Read More

• Creating a Pet Evaluation Matrix

  2006
  How to choose the criteria and set the guidelines to apply the Asilomar Accords to your own shelter or rescue.  Read More

• Creating Dane County’s Pet Evaluation Matrix: A Step by Step Guide

  2009
  The Dane County, Wisconsin animal welfare coalition put together a user friendly guide to help other communities create a Pet Evaluation Matrix.  Read More

• The Benefits of a Pet Evaluation Matrix: Three Perspectives

  2009
  Directors from shelters and coalitions in Oregon, Virginia and Pennsylvania describe what they see as benefits of having a matrix.  Read More

• Maddie's Shelter Medicine Conference

  November 2009
  On October 23 and 24, 2009, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine hosted the second annual Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Conference in Gainesville, Florida. Eight power point presentations from the conference are available for viewing. They include: transitioning to adoption guarantee, creating a pet evaluation matrix, top adoption and marketing strategies and foster care.  Read More