Presented by

Crystal MunnisDavid ComitaJaslyn Moore

IntroductionAnalysis of literature reviewed led to a study to determine the notions, behaviors, assumptions, and knowledge of pet owners.

Our hypothesis was that people were not aware and utilizing the outlets available to them and their pets.

The results from the study proved our hypothesis to be true in that people were not receiving education, knowledge, and information from reputable sources.

Executive Summary

Key Concepts:

Hypothesis: People were not aware and utilizing the outlets available to them and their pets.

• Abandoned Animals: Some have behavior issues, been subjected to cruelty or just left behind.

• Reproduction of Animals: Animals are not getting spayed/neutered at an early age

• Adoption of Animals: Finding loving homes for those who have been abandoned

MSPCA Programs∙ Cruelty Prevention ∙ Animal Protection & Legislation∙ Dog Training∙ Equine Safety & Ambulance∙ Spay/Neuter Program∙ Blood Donor Program

∙ Boston Spay/Neuter Clinic∙ Cat Campaign, Humane Education∙ Pet Care Assistance∙ Pet Owner Resources∙ Wildlife Resources∙ Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery

Our Focus

∙ To raise awareness of the programs offered by the MSPCA Boston

∙ To find animals loving homes

∙ To decrease the abandonment of animals

∙ Rise attentiveness of low cost spay/neutering programs offered

The Survey

The Results

33%

67%

Do you own a dog?

YesNo

26%

74%

Do you own a cat?

Yes No

48%

49%

2%

Do you know of any animal shelters in your area?

YesNoBlank

Pet store26%

Shel-ter

19%

Breeder40%

Mul-tiple12%

Blank4%

Where would you rather get your pet?

Pet storeShelterBreederMultipleBlank

More kn

owledga

ble

Pets nee

d homes

Safet

y/clea

nliness

/quali

ty

Breeding a

speci

fic bree

d

Affordab

lity

Other res

ponses

Convenien

ce

Reputati

on

New puppy

Doesn't m

atter

Blank

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

Why?

Responses

Quantity

51%

8%2%

38%

Is your animal spayed/neutered?

Yes No Blank I don’t have one 25%

75%

If no, would you like to perform this procedure?

Yes No

Yes No I don’t have one

Amount 18 42 24

2.5

7.5

12.5

17.5

22.5

27.5

32.5

37.5

42.5

Have you heard of low-cost spay and neuter programs?

Find a new home for it Give it to a shelter Abandon it Blank Other, please specify:

Amount 56 10 3 2 2

5

15

25

35

45

55

What would you do if you had to give up your pet?

18%

80%

2%

Do you know of any lost cost or free programs the MSPCA offers?

Yes No Blank11%

88%

1%

Have you ever visited the MSPCA website?

YesNoBlank

MSPCA Website

18%

81%

1%

Did you know the cost of getting a pet is cheaper at the MSPCA?

Yes

No

Blank

ConclusionThe results show that most people in the sample survey had

little if any knowledge about the MSPCA, their services, knowledge, quality, and efforts for finding homes for abandoned

animals.

The preconceived notion about shelters is that they are dirty, unfit, of low quality and less reputable than a breeder or pet

store.

Slightly over half the sample surveyed was aware of an animal shelter in their area.

Only 19% knew that purchasing an animal from the MSPCA is significantly lower than purchasing a pet and giving it care from

elsewhere.

Summary

The MSCPA has many outlets to helping pet owners, families and their pets live happier lives and decrease the

abandonment of their animals in times of economic and financial crisis.

Conditions at the MSPCA are clean, sterile, bright and welcoming to those looking to adopt.

There are special rooms and proceedings so that each animal gets the care it needs (including several walks, playtime, and attention) throughout the day. Animal care technicians and

volunteers work around the clock to clean, facilitate and accommodate pets and their needs.

The Solution

Through a variety of different networks, we propose that the MSPCA team up with local pet stores, schools and work places to offer free seminars/classes to allow the spread of information

and knowledge about their programs offered.

To raise the standards we recommend that the MSPCA offer free tours of their facility so that word of mouth will travel to those

looking to adopt.

Teaming up with colleges that allow community “work study” programs.