We’re collecting required data from Florida shelters. Be sure your shelter counts.
What’s in the Census:
The Florida Animal Shelter Census consists of two parts that will be used to record an accurate snapshot of shelter animal dynamics during 2024 in the state of Florida.
The Intake and Outcome Database (shelter data) collects canine and feline intake and outcome data for calendar year 2024 (Jan 1 through Dec 31).
The Shelter Description (details about the shelter) collects information such as operations and resources.
Part 1
Intake and Outcome Database
The Intake and Outcome Database worksheet is available to be downloaded and filled in on your own computer. Shelter Intake and Outcome Data is needed for dogs and cats only, for calendar year 2024 (Jan 1-Dec 31). Email your completed form to Keegan keegan.spera@ufl.edu.
Part 2
Shelter Description
The Shelter Description and Survey portion allows you to save and modify your submission in case something pulls you away for a bit. This portion is a few questions to identify your shelter (name, etc.) and some basic information about your shelter operations
Submitting 2024 Data for Your Shelter
Thank you for contributing to the Florida Shelter Animal Census. Contact Keegan Spera if you missed the deadline or have data corrections to make.
Ways to Submit Your Census Information:
The Shelter Description survey and Shelter Animals Count Intake and Outcome Database form may be submitted in the following ways:
Frequently Asked Questions for Shelters
1. Would my organization be considered a shelter?
- The Florida Shelter Animal Census defines a shelter as a continuously occupied “brick and mortar” physical facility that houses cats and dogs temporarily for the purposes of animal control and protection. Common examples include shelters operated by municipalities, humane societies, and SPCAs, but can also include private businesses. Foster-based animal rescue organizations and sanctuaries with a permanent population are not included in the Florida Shelter Animal Census unless they represent the primary animal population within a large rural area due to minimal municipal or private sheltering resources.
2. Are Florida animal shelters required to release shelter data upon request?
- Yes. Florida State Statute 823.15 requires the release of shelter animal data upon request.
3. What shelter data is required for the Florida Animal Shelter Census?
- The census includes canine and feline intake and outcome data for calendar year 2024 (January 1 through December 31) using the Shelter Animals Count Intake and Outcome Database form
4. Can I run a shelter software report to provide shelter data?
- Yes! Shelters with Animals First, Animal Shelter Manager, Chameleon, PetPoint, Petstablished, Shelter Boss, Shelter Buddy, ShelterLuv, ShelterTrack, and Sparkie can easily run a report based on the Shelter Animals Count Intake and Outcome Database.
- In most shelter software systems, the report will have “Shelter Animals Count” or “Basic Data Matrix” in the title. Configure the report for the appropriate calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024), run the report, and export to PDF. Attach the PDF files in an email and send them to keegan.spera@ufl.edu.
- If you don’t see a Shelter Animals Count report in your software report list, please contact Keegan to determine what report is best to use for your data submission.
5. I already report data in Shelter Animals Count. Do I need to complete the census as well?
- If your shelter is enrolled in Shelter Animals Count (SAC) and a member of the Florida Shelter Data Coalition—University of Florida, your shelter data entered in SAC will be carried over to the Florida Shelter Animal Census automatically. It is best practice to double-check your organization‘s data is complete (Jan – Dec 2024) and you have opted in to Intake/Outcome Data Sharing for our coalition.
- NOTE: You will need to complete the shelter basic information about your shelter and operations since this information is not available in SAC. Please click here to enter that information.
6. How do I enroll my shelter in the Shelter Animals Count Florida Shelter Data Coalition?
- We encourage your shelter to join the data coalition if it is not already a member. First, enroll your shelter in SAC at https://shelteranimalscount.org/register. Then look for our “Florida Shelter Data Coalition – University of Florida” under “Coalitions” and request to join.
- You MUST be opted in to Intake/Outcome Data sharing for your organization and data to be available to coalitions.
- Click HERE for best practices when using Shelter Animals Count.
7. What if I don’t have data, or what if it is incomplete?
- We can help! Please email us at keegan.spera@ufl.edu
8. Is there a deadline for submitting shelter data?
- The deadline for completing the census is February 27, 2025. Contact Keegan Spera if you missed the deadline or have data corrections to make.
2024 Shelter Animal Data Completion Map (updated 3/18/25)
2024 Shelter Animal Data Completion Report (updated 3/18/25)
| Shelter | 2024 Shelter Data | County |
|---|---|---|
| Abandoned Pet Rescue, Inc. | Completed | Broward |
| Adopt a Cat Foundation | Completed | Palm Beach |
| Alachua County Animal Resources | Completed | Alachua |
| Alaqua Animal Refuge | Completed | Walton |
| Animal Aid, Inc. | NO | Broward |
| Animal Control of West Florida | In Progress | Washington |
| Animal Refuge Center | Completed | Lee |
| Animal Rescue Force of South Florida, Inc. | Completed | Palm Beach |
| Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County Florida, Inc. | Completed | Charlotte |
| Atlantic Beach Animal Control | NO | Duval |
This table shows completion of shelter animal data submission for calendar years 2022 and 2023. “Incomplete” indicates missing data. “In Progress” indicates a shelter actively working on their data submission. We are familiar with a variety of shelter software systems and are happy to assist with your data collection if needed. Please let us know if you see any errors, shelters missing from our list, or shelters that are no longer active.