Length of stay is tracked and additional support is provided for animals who are sheltered for longer than three weeks and who are exhibiting signs of poor welfare.  

Evidence: 

• Description of housing provided for long-term animals 
• Recent length-of-stay reports 
• Plans for animals who have stayed in one area for more than three weeks 

Guideline: The Canadian Advisory Council on National Shelter Standards (2013) states that long-term confinement of any animal, including feral or aggressive animals, who cannot be provided with basic care, daily enrichment, and exercise without inducing stress, is unacceptable. Longer length of stay, excluding in foster homes, requires additional support that could include alternative housing, extra enrichment, foster homing, and/or pathway decisions.