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We don’t chase numbers. We make decisions.
Animal shelters were built for a different time. Today, we’re asking them to solve problems they were never designed for.

THE PROBLEM

We’ve built a system that measures success with a single number.
Live release rate.
And while that number matters—it doesn’t tell the whole story.
It doesn’t show the officer making impossible decisions in the field.It doesn’t show the staff burning out behind the scenes.It doesn’t show the community struggling to keep their animals in the first place.
And it doesn’t fix the problem.

WHAT IS SMART

SMART is a framework for making better decisions in animal welfare.
Not based on pressure.Not based on optics.
Based on what actually works—for animals, people, and the communities we serve.
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WHAT SMART LOOKS LIKE

Access to Care
Removing barriers before animals ever enter the system.
Community First
Working with people—not against them.
Responsible Outcomes
Not every outcome is easy—but every decision is intentional.
One Health Approach
Animal welfare, human wellbeing, and public safety are connected.
People Matter
Better outcomes happen when we support both the people doing the work and the people we serve.
Learn more about SMART Shelters & Rescues and the principles behind Saving More Animals Responsibly Together. Click below to download the SMART flyer as a PDF and share it with your team or community.
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How do I become a SMART shelter or rescue?

  • Attend a training
  • Apply it
  • Call yourself SMART

Are You Ready to Be a SMART Shelter or Rescue? 💙

SMART is a growing network of animal shelters and rescues committed to helping people help animals. We believe in collaboration over competition, thoughtful decision-making over arbitrary metrics, and working together to make the best possible decisions for animals and the communities we serve.Whether you're a municipal shelter, private shelter, humane society, or rescue organization, you can be part of the movement! 📣 Proud to Be SMART? Show It Off! If your organization is part of the SMART network, we encourage you to download and share the graphics below on your social media pages or website. Let your community know you're proud to be a SMART Shelter or SMART Animal Rescue!Together, we're building a network focused on helping people help animals. 💙
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"HELP PEOPLE HELP ANIMALS"

Keep It Humane | Animal Control & Animal Welfare Training | Based in Southern California • Serving Professionals Nationwide | info@keepithumane.com