Intake/Outcome Data Self-Reported by Shelters
Data for the Florida Shelter Animal Census is self-reported by individual animal shelters and then compiled for statewide statistical summaries by the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida.
The 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.
- The census collects DOG and CAT data only; some shelters also care for other species not reported here.
- TOTAL means both DOG + CAT
- There are no rates included in the data as shelters use different formulas to calculate their Live Release, Live Outcome, or Save Rates.
Click on Florida Shelter Animal Census definitions for term definitions, rate calculations, and other metrics collected in the census. A subset of the results is shared in the table below.
See an error, omission, or a brick-and-mortar shelter that is not on the list? Have questions, want to chat about data, want to learn more about indicators and metrics? Let us know at keegan.spera@ufl.edu.
View the 2025 Florida Shelter Animal Census Data HERE!
Deciding how to show your org’s work through data
Lifesaving Rates & Percentages
The lifesaving percentage on its own doesn’t tell the complete story, so it’s best practice to include your key data along with your Lifesaving Percentage, and make sure you explain what calculation you use for your chosen Lifesaving Percentage.
Without consistent, accurate data, and transparency in the calculations used, our ability to clarify and quantify the problem and its causes and determine the most effective solutions is severely compromised.
(LOR)
Live Outcome Rate
Total Live Outcomes / Total Live Intake
Known also as the ASPCA Live Release Rate. This formula has been used as an industry standard since the late 90s. Percentage of animals entering your organization within a certain time period leaving your organization’s custody through a designated Live Outcome. By using Live Outcomes and Intake, the rate measures activity related to the impact of animals admitted and the number of Live Outcomes. The number of animals admitted to an agency will impact the resources available for live-saving programs (and thus Live Outcomes).
(LRR)
Live Release Rate
Percentage of animals leaving your organization’s custody within a certain time period through a designated Live Outcome. Organizations that use Live Release Rate (LRR) typically include owner-intended euthanasia (or owner-requested euthanasia) in their total outcomes to account for all animals with non-live outcomes that have entered the shelter. (That is not portrayed in the image above.)
(SR)
Best Friends’ Save Rate (Gross)
In 2020, Best Friends revised their formula to include Owner-Intended Euthanasia numbers in an agency’s “Save Rate,” whereas previously they had not. Click the link below to view their explanation.
Typically used when looking at shelter level data.
When viewing community or regional data, see the link below for the Best Friends’ Save Rate (Net).
