To read the full peer reviewed article, please visit: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.809340/full?fbclid=IwAR38K3TxbUXtJ53FIagSQ4XCaVXwHMlNbcX-fRNhTOyJB_k8RS11dRxiaaE
"The COVID-19 pandemic created a systemic disruption that, while undeniably tragic, revealed opportunities to replace long-established norms with more humane, equitable and effective alternatives (2). The ad hoc, unscheduled intake model of sheltering so prevalent in North America arose over a century ago, undoubtedly with good intentions to optimize animal care and customer service; however, the experiences of many shelters during the pandemic built on existing research to prove the advantages of a more thoughtful, scheduled approach. The success of triage and appointment-based care in human healthcare provides a roadmap for shelters to similarly match the type and timing of the response with the needs of those seeking care, the exigency of the situation and the capacity of the organization. In so doing, shelters lay the foundation for more equitable, humane and sustainable systems that will better serve animals and communities in the years to come."
Citation: Hurley KF (2022) The Evolving Role of Triage and Appointment-Based Admission to Improve Service, Care and Outcomes in Animal Shelters. Front. Vet. Sci. 9:809340. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.809340