Gap Analysis Tool

Use your shelter data to increase lifesaving.

Want to increase your shelter’s save rate? Need to identify which programs will help you save more dogs’ and cats’ lives? Use our Gap Analysis Tool. 

Though it may sound complicated, the Gap Analysis Tool is simple. It determines the gap between where a shelter’s save rate is currently and the no-kill benchmark (a save rate of 90 percent or higher). Then it identifies lifesaving programs to help close that gap.

Click here to launch the Gap Analysis Tool

Who should use the Gap Analysis Tool? 

The Gap Analysis Tool is perfect for animal shelter staff and leaders who want a customized plan to help their shelter reach no-kill. The tool can also be employed by rescue groups, using their community’s shelter data to assess where they are in the journey toward no-kill.

Nearly 2 out of 3 US shelters are now no-kill graphic

See how your community is doing

We've seen tremendous momentum and success so far, and we are so close to achieving no-kill around the entire country. Knowing where each shelter and community stands not only helps determine the best way to move forward, but it also helps track the progress we’re making together.

What does the Gap Analysis Tool do? 

This tool will help your shelter increase its save rate for dogs and cats by recommending lifesaving programs and resources based on your shelter’s specific needs.

How does the tool learn about my shelter? 

Once you input your shelter’s annual data, the Gap Analysis Tool will analyze it and, based on the results, pinpoint up to five programs that can help you save more lives. You will need to provide data for your shelter’s live intakes, live outcomes and other outcomes for both dogs and cats. Depending on your shelter’s current save rate, you may also need to provide detailed data such as intake type (stray or owner surrender, over-the-counter or field, etc.) or reason for euthanasia (medical, behavioral, etc.). You will also need to input basic information about aspects of your shelter operations, such as animal care, field services and foster programs.

How can I get started? 

You will need access to the data and information about your shelter listed above. After you have gathered the necessary information, it will take about 10 minutes to complete. 

Click here to launch the Gap Analysis Tool

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About Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends is working to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters in part by getting more pets out of shelters and into loving homes.

We’ve come a long way since the first known city reached no-kill in 1994, and now we’re closer than ever to making the entire country no-kill. Today, roughly 2,500 shelters are no-kill throughout the U.S. — and 700 more are just 100 pets or fewer away from reaching that milestone.

Best Friends is committed to working with passionate people like you to save homeless pets through adoption, volunteering, fostering, and advocacy. In addition to our lifesaving centers around the U.S, we also founded and run the nation's largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals.

Working together, we can save homeless pets in our communities and secure a better future for our best friends. Together, we will bring the whole country to no-kill.