Congratulations to our very own Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, Director of Behaviour, for having not one, but two, chapters published in the second edition of Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff! This is a huge accomplishment as this book is an important tool and resource for many animal shelters in North America – and it’s referenced often by Toronto Humane Society staff as well.  

“When they first contacted me to contribute, I was very honoured because I reference the first edition of this book all the time,” shares Dr. Jacklyn Ellis. “There are so few resources that are directed towards shelter animals specifically and this book is great for that. There are so many contributors that are some of the top names in our field. It really is a fantastic book.”  

Dr. Jacklyn Ellis published two chapters in this book. The first chapter titled “Feline Behavioral Assessment” provides insight on how to conduct behavioural assessments holistically (instead of just looking at their behaviour in shelter, which can be greatly impacted by the environment), how to use this information to improve the cat’s welfare while in the shelter’s care, and how this information can be used to help find the cat a suitable adopter.  

Her second published chapter titled “Feline Enrichment” explores different categories of enrichment, such as sensory enrichment, and how to implement these different types of enrichment on a macro and micro level.   

Dr. Jacklyn Ellis also talks about the value that environmental enrichment has not only for cats, but also for staff and adopters. “Environmental enrichment improves their welfare, and improving their welfare really helps the hearts of the people who are working with them,” shares Dr. Jacklyn Ellis. “It’s so much easier to work with a cat that’s having a good time than a cat that is stressed. So that’s really good for staff morale. Improving a cat’s psychological well-being can also make it easier to provide veterinary care. For adopters, the better experience they have, the more likely they are to adopt, and it is much easier for them to picture how a cat would fit in to their home if that cat is relaxed enough to show their true personality – and enrichment helps to bring this out.”  

These chapters will reach thousands of shelter staff and volunteers, as well as professional trainers, behaviourists, and veterinarians working with shelters. Dr. Jacklyn Ellis’ contributing chapters will have a significant impact on the welfare of animals everywhere.   

For Toronto Humane Society, this article provides us with the opportunity to highlight the expertise we have on our team and in our organization. Our team of experts are second to none. The work they do every day is a great reflection of our ongoing mission to Improve the Lives of Animals and strengthen the human animal bond.   

Congratulations again, Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, on this huge accomplishment! 

You can purchase the second edition of Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff here.