The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine says it will launch a survey of more than 400 animal shelters in five states, including Pennsylvania, to gather information on shelter dogs. Two of those shelters are in Indiana County. While the school does not specifically identify which shelters will participate, the most obvious candidates would be the Indiana County Humane Society and Four-Footed Friends. Each shelter in the survey will be paid a $100 honorarium.
The researchers and students will visit the shelters in person to gather “detailed information on the number and physical characteristics of dogs entering shelters and what happens to them.” It will include “vital insights into patterns and behaviors regarding dog ownership, adoption, transfers, outcomes and resource distribution.”
In western Pennsylvania, 23 shelters will participate in the survey.
