Back in 2007, when Oregon Humane Society went to an intake by appointment system, they didn’t have a lot of models to look to. The idea that a shelter could be open intake, and still schedule admission, was a new one for many in the field.

Fortunately, it was a success from the start. Here are some of the benefits they saw right away:

• The shelter is better prepared to meet the needs of individual animals when the animals arrive.
• Turnaround time for the admission process is much shorter, which pleases both the customer and the staff. People bringing in an animal are better prepared and know what to expect.
• OHS makes money from the receiving fee: people are more willing to pay the fee because they’ve been told about it in advance.
• Admissions staff and animal-care staff work together more cooperatively. Both groups feel they have a say in the process.

Their approach has caught the attention of other shelters in the region who are now investigating whether they too can introduce this strategy.

Managing intake by appointment (ASPCA Pro)