Animal sheltering practices in the United States have improved significantly over the past several decades, but outdated ‘pound model’ ideologies still shape the system. According to a pair of animal sheltering scholars, despite progress in reducing shelter intake and euthanasia rates, the system continues to rely on confining animals, restricting their freedom, and using euthanasia to address overcrowding. In a paper published in 

, authors Katja M Guenther, PhD, MA, a professor at the University of California, Riverside; and Kristen Hassen, MA, a Center for Animal Studies and Public Policy fellow at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Massachusetts, opined that to create a more compassionate and effective system, we must confront the historical roots of these practices, recognize their lasting impact, and pursue humane alternatives for the future.

In the late 19th century, local governments introduced the pound model to control free-roaming animals, particularly dogs and cats. Inspired by English animal enclosures, where humans confined stray livestock, the system focused on capturing and euthanizing animals to manage overpopulation. Since stray cats and dogs had no market value, authorities put down unclaimed animals. Over time, this practice became deeply ingrained in the institutional culture of animal control facilities, shaping the operations of public animal shelters today.

The pound model normalized euthanasia as a primary function of animal shelters. Shelters frequently face overcrowding because of rising animal intakes and limited resources. When overwhelmed, they turn to euthanasia as the default solution, despite years of efforts to increase adoption and rehoming rates. For example, a significant rise in stray animal intakes often leads to a corresponding increase in the number of animals euthanized. Investigators concluded that these trends show how the system struggles to move beyond its origins of managing surplus animals through death.

The pound model also promotes a lack of transparency, an issue that continues in modern animal shelters. Historically, pounds operated out of public view, hiding the reality of widespread killing from the communities they served. Today, many shelters, particularly government-funded ones, still lack visibility, the authors noted. The public largely remains unaware of intake numbers, euthanasia rates, and resource disparities. This lack of accountability keeps outdated practices in place and obstructs meaningful reform.

Another issue is the reliance on confinement and caging. Shelters use cages to manage animals, but the conditions of confinement often lead to the justification of euthanasia. Overcrowded shelters quickly become breeding grounds for disease, with animals experiencing stress, illness, and behavioral decline. When shelters lack the resources to provide enrichment, medical care, or behavioral interventions, they label animals unadoptable and resort to euthanasia. This cycle reveals the systemic flaws of the pound model and its failure to prioritize animal welfare.

The pound model exacerbates wealth disparities across communities, a problem that continues to affect modern shelters. Shelters in lower-income areas often receive inadequate funding, resulting in outdated infrastructure, limited medical care, and higher euthanasia rates. In contrast, shelters in affluent areas benefit from generous philanthropic support, well-funded outreach programs, and strong adoption efforts. These disparities highlight a troubling connection between socioeconomic status and the quality of care provided to shelter animals. In wealthier communities, animals experience better outcomes, while those in underfunded shelters face a disproportionate risk.

We must envision alternative pathways that challenge its core assumptions to break free from the pound model. One promising example is the trap/neuter/return (TNR) approach for managing community cats. TNR disrupts the traditional sheltering model by sterilizing cats and returning them to their colonies rather than impounding them. This method prevents reproduction, while allowing cats to remain in their natural environment, and avoid the stress of confinement and the threat of euthanasia. TNR proves that humane alternatives exist, demonstrating the potential to move away from the caging-and-killing mindset.

Addressing the root causes of the current sheltering system requires a broader societal shift. Shelters must move away from using euthanasia as an acceptable solution and focus on life-saving strategies, such as spay/neuter programs, behavioral rehabilitation, and foster care networks. Transparency and accountability must also become central to shelter operations, with public awareness of intake and euthanasia rates driving support for policies and funding that promote humane outcomes for shelter animals. It is crucial to recognize that the system’s failures arise from its historical foundations, not from the actions of individual shelters or staff members. Although dedicated professionals and volunteers work tirelessly to save lives, they operate within a system that resists change. Path dependency, where past decisions limit future choices, explains why shelters often revert to the pound model when facing challenges. However, this path is not inevitable. Shelters can redefine their roles by rejecting the legacy of caging and killing and adopting new, more humane approaches to companion animal welfare.

Reimagining animal sheltering requires changing how we view free-roaming animals, moving away from seeing stray dogs and cats as threats to recognizing their place within our communities. Policies focused on coexistence, rather than control, can help dismantle the outdated ideologies of the pound model. Shelters can play a key role in this transformation by adopting progressive practices that prioritize animal welfare and strengthen the human-animal bond. The US stands at a pivotal moment, where the growing recognition of the flaws in the pound model creates an opportunity for change. Moving forward, we must commit to building a sheltering system grounded in compassion, transparency, and respect for all animals' lives.

Ava Landry is a 2026 Pharm D candidate at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where she is studying veterinary pharmacy.

Guenther KM, Hassen K. Coming to terms with the legacies of the pound model in animal sheltering in the United States. 

. 2024;14(9):1254. doi:10.3390/ani14091254.

Articles

Reseachers find more humane solutions to be viable alternatives to euthanasia for managing overcrowding and other issues

Moving past the pound model in shelters

Now that 2025 is here, it’s the perfect time to step back and look at how the biggest stories of last year are likely to shape the months ahead. If you care about where veterinary medicine is heading – and how it might impact you – now’s the time to pay attention. So, let’s get into it.

In September 2024, Congresswomen Deborah Ross and Claudia Tenney introduced the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act, a bipartisan bill designed to make veterinary care more affordable.

 The proposed legislation would allow pet owners to use up to $1000 from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover veterinary expenses or purchase pet insurance. For service animals supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities, the bill offers unlimited coverage for veterinary costs.

Practices should keep an eye on the progress of the PAW Act as it can provide new opportunities to position and market their services. By leveraging tax-advantaged funds, clinics could promote subscriptions, wellness plans, and preventive care tailored to help clients maximize their benefits.

In late 2024, Colorado became the first state to officially adopt a veterinary midlevel practitioner role, the Veterinary Professional Associate (VPA). VPAs, equipped with a master’s degree, will be authorized to perform tasks like diagnosing, developing treatment plans, and performing surgeries under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. Will Colorado’s move serve as a precedent for broader adoption? According to Kevin O'Neill, vice president of state affairs for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Florida, where a VPA bill passed unanimously in the House but faltered in the Senate, might resume its efforts in 2025.

 Wayne Jensen, DVM, PhD, MBA, a professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences, who has been spearheading the VPA initiative at Colorado State University, also said that he has been contacted by 3 other states interested in exploring this program.

The introduction of the VPA position has drawn mixed reactions within the veterinary community: supporters see it as a way to address workforce shortages and improve access to care, while critics question the adequacy of training and its potential impact on the roles of existing veterinary professionals. To learn more, check out webinar and statements

 from Gail C. Golab, DVM, PhD, MANZCVS, DACAW, associate executive vice president and chief veterinary officer at the AVMA, and Ashli Selke, CVT, RVT, immediate past president of The National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, and member of the CVPA Legislative Committee, who offer valuable insights into this ongoing debate.

The private equity slowdown in veterinary medicine is officially over. Last year brought a surge of deal activity,

 from recapitalizations to strategic acquisitions, signaling that big investors are back in the game. What does this mean for 2025? More consolidation, but with a twist: groups are no longer just buying practices – they’re buying other groups.

Investors aren’t just throwing money at anything, though. The focus is shifting toward high-growth segments like de novo hospitals, emergency care, and mobile services. If you're looking to grow, just follow the money – whether that’s expanding into untapped markets, adding new service lines, or aligning with what investors are funding.

The pet insurance market is also undergoing rapid consolidation, with JAB Holding Company snatching up dozens of players in its quest to build a global insurance platform.

 Through its subsidiaries, Independence Pet Holdings and Pinnacle Pet Group, JAB now owns over 20 pet insurance brands operating in more than 10 countries. As of 2023, the combined equity value of these businesses was approximately $7 billion.

Centralizing a large portion of pet insurance under one entity – especially one that also owns major veterinary networks like National Veterinary Associates and Ethos Veterinary Health – could give JAB the power to influence pricing, shape policies on treatments or diagnostic tools, and drive referrals within its network. This might create challenges for independent hospitals trying to compete. However, with pet insurance adoption still low and the industry’s struggles with affordability and trust – amplified by issues like rising premiums and policy nonrenewals – these potential impacts are unlikely to materialize immediately. That said, practices should carefully evaluate their relationships with pet insurance providers and diversify partnerships to balance risk and opportunity. The bigger challenge for the industry remains finding ways to make pet insurance work for both providers and clients.

 Chewy, Inc made waves by launching Chewy Vet Care, a brand of pet health practices offering routine appointments, urgent care, and surgery. The first clinic opened in Florida, followed by Colorado, Georgia, and Texas, with 8 locations launched in total.

Chewy Vet Care is part of its ongoing drive to attract new customers, and, in combination with a proprietary app, “deepen their commitment to the Chewy ecosystem.”

 Chewy is banking on modern technology to deliver a personalized and memorable in-practice and post-visit experience – something that today’s pet owners not only value but increasingly expect. The takeaway for other practices? If you’re not using tools like online booking, digital communication channels, apps, or AI, you’re falling behind – and fast.

 is a growth consultant and speaker specializing in strategic guidance for veterinary businesses. He has held key roles in business development and partnerships at organizations, including Digitail, Galaxy Vets, and Veterinary Integration Solutions. Leech also hosts 

, a weekly podcast covering pet health trends, industry news, and insights.

Crossley K. Federal bill aims to help make veterinary care more affordable for pet owners. dvm360. September 10, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/federal-bill-aims-to-help-make-veterinary-care-more-affordable-for-pet-owners

Wogan L. VIN News Service. Colorado voters send veterinary profession in new direction. November 7, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://news.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=210&Id=12364064&f5=1

The Bird Bath live webinar. Midlevel Practitioner Position: Will Other States Follow and What It Means for You. December 3, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

The Bird Bath. Midlevel Practitioner Webinar Follow-Up. December 12, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://thebirdbathvet.substack.com/p/the-bird-bath-midlevel-practitioner

Leech R. What a Year It Was. Today’s Veterinary Business. December 1, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://todaysveterinarybusiness.com/2024-veterinary-industry-1224/

JAB Diversifies Beyond Consumer Goods and Services. News release. JAB. May 13, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240513451120/en/JAB-Diversifies-Beyond-Consumer-Goods-and-Services

JAB letter to Senators Warren and Blumenthal. December 16, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://www.jabholco.com/documents/6/JABLetterPet-Care.pdf

Chewy Sees Promise in Vet Clinics and Payoff From App Investments. PYMNTS. August 28, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://www.pymnts.com/earnings/2024/chewy-sees-promise-vet-clinics-payoff-from-app-investments/

Follow the money, technology, and policy shifts

A new year in veterinary medicine: Key trends to watch and why they matter

Wesley JvR/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com

Mashura, an inventory intelligence platform in healthcare, shared earlier this week that it has entered a $300 million strategic partnership with a newly formed financing vehicle sponsored by, Warburg Pincus, a pioneer of private equity growth investing that was founded in 1966 and has more than $86 billion in assets under management and over 230 companies in their active portfolio.

"One of my core focuses is to foster a culture at Mashura that emphasizes serving one another, developing innovative solutions, and creating programs that enhance healthcare for both people and their pets. Through our best-in-class solutions, we help healthcare companies maximize profitability, control inventory, and optimize workflow efficiencies, thereby increasing safety and mitigating risk," said Anton Visser, CEO, Mashura, in an organizational release.

"This partnership unlocks an exciting new opportunity for Mashura, allowing us to innovate, expand and drive continued success. The support from Warburg Pincus is invaluable and we look forward to leveraging their decades-long experience in healthcare and financing strategies," he continued.

According to the release, Mashura is a global leader in inventory intelligence solutions and provides smart cabinet technology to both veterinary and dental clinics, resulting in hard dollar cost savings through streamlined operations, improved inventory management. Mashura also ensures seamless compliances with state and Drug Enforcement Agency regulatory audits.

Mashura operates through 2 specialized brands, CUBEX, which serves the veterinary industry, and Zimbis, which serves the dental industry. The company provides solutions that are tailored to the unique to meet each market, such as its software platform that offers real-time reporting and institutive analytics, empowering its customers to prioritize operational demands and optimize inventory supply.

"Mashura is a valued part of the vet and dental markets with their innovative storage cabinets, helping clients with increased billing capture, reduced inventory, consolidated analytics, automated suggested ordering and regulatory audits – all important services for healthcare providers," said José Arredondo, principal, Warburg Pincus.

With installations in over 16 countries, Mashura’s solutions have potential to transform the way health care providers manage inventory as well as improve overall patient outcomes. Mashura will also focus on expanding its customer base across the world, increase integration partnerships, and innovate key solutions.

Warburg Pincus Capital Soultions Founder Fund provided the equity for the transaction and officially closed in September 2024, with more than $4 billion in commitments. Mitsubishi Corporation remains a strategic partner to Mashura.

"We are excited to partner with Anton and the CUBEX and Zimbis teams on this next phase of growth, expanding the reach and services for the company to benefit customers as the demand for automation solutions continues to accelerate," concluded Jordan Jones, principal, Warburg Pincus.

Mashura Announces $300M Strategic Partnership with Warburg Pincus. News release, Mashura. January 7, 2025. Accessed January 8, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mashura-announces-300m-strategic-partnership-with-warburg-pincus-302343029.html

The $300 million partnership will incite expand client reach, growth, and innovation within veterinary and dental markets

Mashura announces strategic partnership with Warburg Pincus 

Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), discusses caring for pets and livestock during a wildfire or other disaster event.

Emergency evacuation with pets

Preparing pets and livestock for evacuation during a wildfire, hurricane or other disaster event can help transport go smoother. In an interview with 

, Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), a team trainer at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey with experience treating animals injured in disaster situations, discusses what veterinary teams can communicate to their clients about caring for pets, especially felines. Roach also provides advice for managing large animals, including livestock, before and during a disaster event.

The following is a transcript of the video:

For any type of disaster—weatherwise, earthquakes, anything like that—it is good to be prepared ahead of time. Have a ‘go bag’ for your pet, which is going to include any medications they're on, some food, some water, [and] identification. The other thing is to have your pet [familiar with] being scooped up and shoved in the car really fast. If you have to evacuate because there's a fire coming, with cats, especially, that can be hard to do. So, having their crate or their carrier of some kind out fairly frequently, so they get used to it. Put bedding in there, put treats in there. So, [that] they know it's kind of a safe space and if you have to put them in there, it's not going to be a big shock.

If you have animals that you can't just throw in your car, you might need to just let them loose. Let them get out of the way on their own and find them later. I know we don't often microchip our horses and goats, but that might not be a bad idea—to have some kind of [identification] on if you have those kind of pets or livestock.

[An evacuation] can be really scary. So, being prepared ahead of time is definitely going to help getting your pets into the car.

Videos

Karen Roach, RVT, VTS (ECC), discusses caring for pets and livestock during a wildfire or other disaster event

Preparing animals for emergency evacuation

In a recent “Dear Veterinarian” letter, the FDA alerted veterinarians of adverse events in dogs treated with bedinvetmab injection (Librela; Zoetis). The monoclonal antibody drug is used to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. It is dosed based on the dog’s weight and is intended for subcutaneous injection once a month.

In its letter, the federal agency listed neurologic signs like ataxia, seizures, paresis, recumbency, urinary incontinence, polyuria, and polydipsia as adverse events identified and analyzed in an FDA evaluation of adverse events.

Excessive thirst, urination, and even death, including euthanasia, were also documented as outcomes.

In two-thirds of the reported events, clinical signs occurred within the first week after administration, while 30% occurred within the first day.

 In 70% of the reported cases, signs were noted following the first dose of the drug. Approximately 30% of the reported cases indicated that no other products were used alongside the drug.

Librela received FDA approval on May 5, 2023 and was introduced to the marketplace later that year.

The federal agency reviewed the available studies and other data on the drug prior to its approval, and concluded that Librela was safe and effective for its intended use.

 Since the drug’s release, however, veterinarians and pet owners have reported adverse events, leading the FDA to conduct the evaluation, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

published an article with pet owner claims of their pets experiencing adverse reactions to bedinvetmab injection and frunevetmab injection (Solensia; Zoetis) instead of the expected improvement in their conditions. One case included a 12-year-old dog that experienced decreased mobility, appetite loss, lethargy, and kidney failure before being euthanized 2 months after receiving Librela for hip stiffness.

 Similar cases involving another dog and a 16-year-old cat treated with bedinvetmab or frunevetmab were also reported, sparking attention on social media.

“If a dog under your care experiences an adverse event while receiving Librela, the FDA encourages you to report it to Zoetis, the drug sponsor, at 1-888‑963-8471. Drug sponsors are required to submit reports of adverse drug events to FDA. If you prefer to report directly to FDA, please see 

spoke to Zoetis last April about reports of adverse effects in a number of patients taking Librela or Solensia (frunevetmab injection). “There are rare adverse events, like any other medication,” Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, global chief medical officer for Zoetis, told 

 “We are very confident in the safety and efficacy of Librela and Solensia. We are very confident with the fact that [Librela] is efficacious, that it's helping thousands of dogs worldwide. But [we are] also aware that a small percentage of cases, just like any other drug, have potential side effects.”

A clinical trial involving 287 dogs found that monthly bedinvetmab injections reduced osteoarthritis pain compared to a placebo. Participants receiving bedinvetmab injection also experienced improved mobility and overall quality of life as a result of the pain relief, according to a 

Following the FDA’s “Dear Veterinarian” letter, Zoetis published a statement reaffirming its confidence in the product’s safety and performance and its alignment with the FDA’s monitoring of the drug’s safety and efficacy. “At Zoetis, we work closely with the FDA and other global regulatory agencies to provide context to reported events,” wrote Zoetis in its statement.

 “As part of this process, we are discussing label updates with FDA which we expect will reflect post-approval adverse event reporting and be consistent with those included on labels in other markets.”

Dear Veterinarian Letter notifying veterinarians about adverse events reported in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection). News release. US Food and Drug Administration. Accessed January 8, 2025. 

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/dear-veterinarian-letter-notifying-veterinarians-about-adverse-events-reported-dogs-treated-librela

FDA: Adverse events in dogs reported with monoclonal antibody drug. American Veterinary Medical Association. January 7, 2024. Accessed January 8, 2025. 

https://www.avma.org/news/fda-adverse-events-dogs-reported-monoclonal-antibody-drug?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news

Coppock K, McCafferty C, Yankowicz S. Animal health company assures veterinarians that OA drugs are safe. 

. April 16, 2024. Accessed January 8, 2025. 

https://www.dvm360.com/view/animal-health-company-assures-veterinarians-that-oa-drugs-are-safe

Corral MJ, Moyaert H, Fernandes T, et al. A prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled multisite clinical study of bedinvetmab, a canine monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor, in dogs with osteoarthritis. 

. 2021;48(6):943-955. doi:10.1016/j.vaa.2021.08.001

Zoetis statement on the safety of Librela. Zoetis. December 18, 2024. Accessed January 9, 2025. 

https://news.zoetis.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Zoetis-Statement-on-the-Safety-of-Librela/default.aspx

Neurologic signs were reported with bedinvetmab injection use in dogs

FDA notifies veterinarians of adverse events linked to canine osteoarthritis treatment

Joe Jesse Owens III, DVM, inventor and CEO of Enjoy-A-Bowl and executive producer of But I Love My Pet, joined this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 with our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA. The duo sat down to discuss the importance of clear communication, setting professional boundaries, and prioritizing self-care to help veterinary teams ensure they can balance client expectations and animal welfare to make sure pets are getting the care they need and patients gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding their pet. 

So talking about the art of negotiating for a life. You know your perspective. You have have been through so many different aspects already in your career. So what inspired you to view your role as a veterinarian through the lens of negotiation and decision making.

I mean, at the end of the day, this pet can't talk. You know, animal science degree teaches you what's normal in a pet. Veterinary medicine teaches you all the abnormals and what's wrong. And then you have to find that balance for a person who has no knowledge in what this animal is doing, and a lot of times they normalize bad things like limping. He's always limped, not normal. We normalize it. So how do we negotiate the quality of life to get you to realize that this pets in pain and uncomfortable at best, because it's not your pain, and it's hard to relate to that from the pets perspective, when I'm trying to help you, and I know you're here for vaccines, but he don't want vaccines right now. He want this knee at least addressed in some pain management on board. 

So how do I get you to relate to that in a way that makes sense to you, so that we can relate to the dog, and then we get compliance, and then you see the results, because you agreed with me, and I always say, but what if I'm right? Even if we go back and forth, what if I'm if I'm right, I could be wrong, but what if I'm right? Yes, and he can't talk, you know?

Podcasts

Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and Joe Jesse Owens III, DVM, discuss the importance of clear communication and setting boundaries to balance client needs and patient welfare. 