The Use of Psychoactive Medications and Non-medication Alternatives for Cats and Dogs in North American Animal Shelters and Rescues

Introduction: Animals in shelters commonly experience fear, anxiety, and stress. Psychoactive medications and non-medication alternative options are recommended and used in shelters to manage these negative affective states, yet little is known about the current practices, perceptions, and barriers surrounding their use. Methods: This study investigated the use and perceptions of psychoactive medications and non-medication alternative options in animal shelters and rescues across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. An online survey collected responses from 233 participants representing 148 unique shelters, focusing on the frequency of use, comfort administering, and efficacy, as well as barriers and considerations influencing psychoactive medication and non-medication alternative use decisions. Results: Results showed that dogs experiencing fear were more frequently treated with psychoactive medications than cats experiencing fear. Gabapentin and fluoxetine were the most commonly used medications for fearful cats, while trazodone and gabapentin were the most commonly used for fearful dogs, with respondents reporting high ratings for both comfort in administering these medications to animals, and perceived efficacy of these medications at reducing anxiety in animals. Pheromones and nutraceuticals were the most commonly used non-medication alternative options. There was high agreement with the statement that admittance to an animal shelter is the main cause of behavior and welfare problems, and that welfare concerns are a key justification for providing psychoactive medication. Cost and uncertainty about the efficacy of treatments emerged as leading barriers to psychoactive medication administration. Specific characteristics, including the respondent’s role and type of shelter, influenced perceptions about psychoactive medications and alternatives, and barriers to their use. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of further understanding the efficacy and safety of psychoactive medication and alternatives, as well as addressing the barriers to their administration, to improve overall welfare outcomes for cats and dogs in shelter and rescue environments.