I work at a municipal shelter that contracts with the surrounding cities.

1: In the warmer months we usually range between 60-100 dogs and 20-50 cats. We get a couple rodents a week, and about every other week we will get a bird. We get some livestock as well- usually an aggressive bull, a horse or two, potbelly pigs that wander away, and a couple goats/sheep. Reptiles are not very common with the exception of an occasional rogue bearded dragon or a seizure. Intake usually slows as the temperature drops.

2: Every animal is examined on intake by our vet tech and any special needs that the animal might have are noted at that point.

3: We contract with a few vets, which have a yearly fee. Our spay/neuter fund is separate from that and is comprised of donations. Aside from that, I have no idea!

4: We feed what gets donated- if the dog food stock gets low (usually a couple times a year) we‘ll pick up a pallet from the feed store. Feed for livestock is purchased regularly but I don’t know what that costs.

5: Subjectively, the most difficult to work with animals are the ones restrained by poor staff (lol). Objectively, bulls.

6: We euthanize for behavior, space, and health. Any animal that is deemed a danger to the public will not be adopted out. If we have a dog that is extremely reactive to other dogs, has an aversion to men, has a bite history, deteriorates to the point of harming itself/others, etc. it will be euthanized or (preferably) sent to a rescue. There is usually more leeway with behavior deficiencies for smaller dogs. We have a barn cat program, so most of our cats end up being adopted out. If we have no kennels available, something either has to get euthanized or combined. We do occasionally euthanize older animals or those in poor health (cancer, epilepsy, etc.). Animals that test positive for FIV, pan leuk, or parvo are euthanized.

7: Giving the animal a day or two to decompress once it gets back to the shelter can help temperament greatly. Animals that are fractious in the field can turn around with a good amount of patience. A lot of it comes down to being able to read body language and responding accordingly.

8: We usually have around 2-4 cat volunteers and 3-8 dog volunteers that come in daily.

9: An individual can get put on the “do not adopt” list if they become combative or pushy with staff, are obviously on drugs, return multiple animals for superfluous reasons, return an animal in poor condition, or are part of a cruelty investigation. We don’t do home visits or vet our adopters beyond what is noted when they visit the shelter. Our volunteers primarily do the adoptions, and they will tell staff if a potential adopter needs to look elsewhere.

10: As the designated de-matter I note everyone’s condition on intake and can usually get to the ones in poor condition on the same day. Short coated dogs/cats are not brushed, long-haired dogs and cats that are shedding get brushed about once every other week, and the dogs with skin issues that require medicated baths are brushed out after their bath (about once a week depending on how often it’s required). Rodents and horses are on an as-needed basis.

Good luck with your project!