Rethinking Animal Shelters: HASS Guidelines for Community-Centered Design
Traditional animal shelters have long served as holding facilities for lost, stray, and surrendered pets. However, the evolving needs of communities call for a more innovative and inclusive approach. The Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Facility Guidelines advocate for transforming shelters into dynamic, community-centered spaces that provide essential services for both people and pets.
Why Community-Centered Design Matters
The modern animal shelter is more than a place to house animals; it’s a hub for community engagement and support. By prioritizing flexible, inclusive, and service-oriented spaces, shelters can:
- Increase Access to Veterinary Care: Offering affordable, on-site medical services ensures pets stay healthy and remain with their families.
- Strengthen Community Ties: Creating shared spaces like food pantries and gathering areas fosters relationships between residents.
- Enhance Animal Well-Being: Thoughtful design reduces stress for animals, improving their health and adoptability.
Core Principles of HASS Facility Guidelines
The guidelines are grounded in key principles that guide shelter design and functionality:
- Adaptability: Facilities should evolve to meet changing community and animal needs.
- Connection: Design spaces that foster positive interactions between people and pets.
- Stress Reduction: Use layouts and materials that minimize fear and anxiety.
- Sustainability: Prioritize environmentally responsible and cost-effective practices.
- Transparency: Create open, welcoming environments that build trust with the community.
Innovative Design Concepts in Action
HASS encourages shelters to rethink traditional layouts by incorporating features like:
- Affordable Veterinary Services: A ground-floor clinic providing accessible medical care.
- Shared Food Pantries: Spaces offering pet food alongside community food resources.
- Pet-Friendly Coworking Areas: Workspaces where professionals can bring their pets.
- Community Gathering Spots: Rooftop gardens or event rooms that invite social connections.
By integrating these elements, shelters can become vital community centers that support both human and animal well-being.
Implementing the Guidelines
For organizations looking to adopt the HASS model, the Facility Guidelines provide a comprehensive roadmap. They offer detailed recommendations on various aspects, including:
- Public spaces and community engagement areas.
- Animal care and housing that prioritize enrichment and well-being.
- Staff areas designed to promote efficiency and well-being.
- Inclusive designs that cater to diverse community needs.
- Sustainable building practices to minimize environmental impact.
By embracing these principles, shelters can become proactive, supportive resources for their communities. JVR Strategies supports this transformation by offering expert consulting services that align facility design with community needs, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Through a data-driven assessment of processes, technologies, and people, JVR Strategies helps shelters implement innovative designs that enhance both human and animal well-being while ensuring long-term operational success.
Learn more by downloading the full facility guidelines: HASS Facility Guidelines PDF
Austin Pets Alive! (2022). HASS Facility Guidelines. Human Animal Support Services. Available at: https://resources.humananimalsupportservices.org/hubfs/HASS%20Facility%20Guidelines.docx.pdf?