Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Maddie's® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Our guest speaker for this October 9th webcast is Bailey Eagan, PhD, MSc., Director of Research with the ASPCA.
If you'd like to earn CE credit, please watch this recording on Maddie's University: university.maddiesfund.org/products/maddies-insights-shelter-practices-barriers-in-the-use-of-anxiety-medications-alternatives-on-demand
Fear, anxiety, and stress are common challenges for cats and dogs in shelter environments, yet little is known about how shelters use psychoactive medications and non-medication alternatives to address these welfare concerns. This presentation will include findings from a recently published study examining which psychoactive medications (such as gabapentin, trazodone, and fluoxetine) and non-medication alternatives (such as pheromones and nutraceuticals) are most commonly used in shelters in North America, how shelter staff perceive their efficacy and ease of administration, and the barriers such as cost, uncertainty about efficacy, and time constraints that limit their use, when warranted.
In addition to highlighting key differences between cats and dogs in reported treatment frequency, this presentation will explore how factors such as shelter type, intake volume, and staff roles influence anxiety-medication decision-making. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of current practices, perspectives, and challenges to support them in evaluating and applying this information within their own animal care. Based on the barriers identified, the session will conclude with a research-informed discussion on practical strategies to address these challenges and identify priority areas for future work.
Maddie's® Insights is our ongoing webcast series with practical tips based on current research to help pets and people. Our guest speaker for this October 9th webcast is Bailey Eagan, PhD, MSc., Director of Research with the ASPCA.
If you'd like to earn CE credit, please watch this recording on Maddie's University: university.maddiesfund.org/products/maddies-insights-shelter-practices-barriers-in-the-use-of-anxiety-medications-alternatives-on-demand
Fear, anxiety, and stress are common challenges for cats and dogs in shelter environments, yet little is known about how shelters use psychoactive medications and non-medication alternatives to address these welfare concerns. This presentation will include findings from a recently published study examining which psychoactive medications (such as gabapentin, trazodone, and fluoxetine) and non-medication alternatives (such as pheromones and nutraceuticals) are most commonly used in shelters in North America, how shelter staff perceive their efficacy and ease of administration, and the barriers such as cost, uncertainty about efficacy, and time constraints that limit their use, when warranted.
In addition to highlighting key differences between cats and dogs in reported treatment frequency, this presentation will explore how factors such as shelter type, intake volume, and staff roles influence anxiety-medication decision-making. Attendees will gain a comprehensive overview of current practices, perspectives, and challenges to support them in evaluating and applying this information within their own animal care. Based on the barriers identified, the session will conclude with a research-informed discussion on practical strategies to address these challenges and identify priority areas for future work.
