When shelter dogs are placed in kennel environments, they face the challenge of adapting to their new surroundings. To assess the welfare of individual shelter dogs, it is important to evaluate behavioral and physiological parameters that may indicate their adaptability. This study focused on investigating the usefulness of a 3-axial accelerometer (Actigraph®) in monitoring the nocturnal activity of shelter dogs during their first two weeks in the shelter. The study aimed to assess whether nocturnal activity could serve as a measure of welfare and adaptation.

Methods and Results

The researchers used accelerometers to remotely measure the nocturnal activity of shelter dogs every night for the first two weeks in the shelter. They also collected data on urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR), body weight, and behavior to evaluate stress responses. A control group of pet dogs in homes, matched to the shelter dog group, was also monitored for comparison.

The findings indicated that shelter dogs exhibited higher levels of nocturnal activity and UCCRs compared to pet dogs, particularly during the initial days in the shelter. Over time, both accelerometer measures and activity behavior decreased, suggesting a gradual adaptation to the shelter environment. Smaller dogs showed higher levels of nocturnal activity and UCCRs, along with reduced autogrooming during the first nights. Dogs with no prior kennel experience also exhibited higher nocturnal activity and UCCRs, along with less body shaking, compared to dogs with previous kennel experience.

Discussion and Conclusion

Shelter dogs displayed disrupted nocturnal resting patterns and increased UCCR levels compared to pet dogs, especially during the first nights in the shelter. While these levels decreased over time, they did not return to the levels observed in pet dogs after 12 days in the shelter. This suggests a partial adaptation to the shelter environment, but not complete adaptation. The study highlights the importance of evaluating individual dogs when transitioning to a new environment and raises concerns about the amount of nocturnal rest in shelters.

The findings provide opportunities to improve the welfare of shelter dogs by considering more suitable housing and management strategies to enhance their nocturnal rest. Future studies could explore the effects of different stressors in shelter environments compared to the novelty of the shelter environment, examining dogs' responses after changes in their surroundings. Overall, the use of accelerometers to monitor nocturnal activity can serve as a valuable tool for welfare assessments in animal shelters, as supported by the study's physiological and behavioral outcomes.

Read the full study: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0286429