How Appointment-Based Intake Helps Lost Pets and Our Community

In December 2022, we implemented an appointment-based intake system for found pets following a pneumovirus outbreak in our shelter. Since then, we’ve seen incredible benefits—not only for our shelter and team, but for the lost pets and compassionate community members we serve.  

Some might wonder if this change means we are helping fewer pets, but in reality, our intake numbers have increased over 8% since 2022. Even with more pets coming through our doors, our average length of stay for all animals has decreased 30%, meaning we are helping more pets find their way home or into new loving families in a shorter amount of time. This progress is only possible because our community has embraced this system and partnered with us to help lost pets as efficiently as possible. 

How Appointment-Based Intake Makes a Difference

Giving Our Team Time to Prepare

Appointments allow our team to plan ahead, ensuring we have the space and resources needed to provide the best care for incoming animals. Knowing what to expect each day helps us assess our capacity and prepare kennels before pets even arrive. If we are aware of specific behaviors ahead of time—such as a shy or nervous dog—we can even make accommodations to provide a quieter area to reduce stress for the animal. 

Helping During Emotionally Difficult Times 

Our shelter also provides end-of-life services, and we want to make these moments as compassionate and dignified as possible. When an appointment is scheduled, we can prepare the lobby to create a more private and comforting space for grieving pet owners. These services, whether scheduled or walk-in, are always a top priority, and appointments allow us to provide the respect and care these situations deserve. 

Increasing the Chances of Lost Pets Reuniting with Their Families

One of the most surprising benefits of appointment-based intake is that many lost pets are reunited before their appointment even happens! A large percentage of found pets are returned home simply by:  

• Posting on lost-and-found pet sites 

• Walking them in the neighborhood where they were found 

• Checking for a microchip 

Even among those who come to us without an appointment, about one-third are reunited while they wait to be called in by our team. This system encourages reunions outside of the shelter, helping more pets return home without ever needing to enter our care. 

Improving Our Processes for the Community

We know that waiting for an appointment may seem like it takes longer, but in reality, it significantly reduces the time you’ll spend at the shelter. Our Animal Receiving Team triages and manages a wide variety of services, including: 

• Scheduled appointments 

• End-of-life services 

• Stray pets in need of urgent medical attention 

• Animal control cases  

• Walk-in lost or found pets 

Much like at an urgent care facility, where those experiencing severe medical conditions are prioritized, our team may need to prioritize urgent animal cases. By scheduling ahead, we can streamline processes, reduce wait times, and provide more efficient service to everyone pet and person who walks through our doors.  

A Community Working Together to Help Lost Pets

Appointment-based intake is not about turning away pets in need—it’s about working together to provide the best outcomes for lost pets. We still accept found pets without appointments, but the benefits we’ve seen for lost pets and their families are only possible when our community participates in this system. Scheduling an appointment helps us prepare, increases the chances of lost pets reuniting with their families, and ensures we can care for more pets in less time.  

By following this approach, we can offer the most effective support for lost animals while reducing stress on both pets and people. 

We are incredibly grateful to our Pierce County community for embracing this process and helping us make a difference. Thank you for working with us to protect and care for lost pets!