DEMOGRAPHIC AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY OF ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL AGENCIES

Objective-To characterize demographic and needs assessment information for animal care and control agencies in Ohio. Design-Mail survey. Sam ple Population-222 animal care and control agencies. Procedure-A quest ionnaire was mailed to animal care and control agencies in Ohio. Data were collected for 1996, Results-Of 222 agencies contacted, 180 (81%) responded. Agencies estimated that they spent $28.4 million ($2.47/per son). Approximately 339,207 animals were taken in, comprising 214,143 (63%) dogs, 114,877 (34%) cats, and 10,187 (3 %) wildlife or other spe cies. Of these animals, a fourth were adopted, about a tenth were recl aimed by their owners, and two thirds were euthanatized. Approximately 302,589 animal control complaints were received, and 22,053 (7%) cita tions were issued. One hundred three (57%) agencies reported 25,564 cr uelty complaints; criminal charges were filed for 543 (2%) cases, with 445 (82%) resulting in guilty verdicts. Among 155 agencies that provi ded information, 87 (56%) had spay/neuter policies. Only 69 of 178 (39 %) agencies reported an association with a veterinarian. Less than hal f (64/150; 43%) of the agencies administered vaccinations, and 69 of 1 52 (45%) treated animals for intestinal parasites. The top 5 things ne eded by agencies were capital/facility improvements, increased funding , improved legislation for animals, educational needs, and veterinary services. Clinical Implications-in Ohio in 1996, 9.9% of dogs and 4.5% of cats received care or assistance from animal care and control agen cies. Only 39% of animal care and control agencies have an association with a veterinarian.