Animals2017, 5, 1-x manuscripts; doi:10.3390/ani50x000x OPEN ACCESS animals ISSN 2076-2615 www.mdpi.com/journal/animals Article Characteristics and outcomes of dogs admitted into Queensland RSPCA shelters Megan Hemy1a, †,*, Jacquie Rand2,b†, John Morton 1,3, and Mandy Paterson1,4 1 School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; E-Mail:
[email protected] 2 School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; E-Mail:
[email protected] 3 Jemora Pty Ltd, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; E-Mail:
[email protected] 4 RSPCA Qld, Wacol 4076, Australia; E-Mail:
[email protected] † These authors contributed equally to this work. a. Current address: Animal Accident and Emergency, Essendon Fields, 3040 VIC, Australia; Email:
[email protected] b. Current address: Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, Kenmore, 4069, Australia; E-Mail:
[email protected] * Correspondence: Megan Hemy; E-Mail:
[email protected]; Tel.: +614 39 850 717 Academic Editor: Received: / Accepted: /Published: Simple Summary: An up-to-date and comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of dogs entering shelters will assist welfare organizations in implementing targeted strategies to reduce Australia's excess of stray and surrendered dogs. Currently there are very little up-to-date Australian data published on dogs entering shelters. In this study we describe the characteristics and outcomes of dogs entering the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Queensland shelters in 2014, with the view to provide guidance on targeting strategies to reduce shelter admissions, and suggest areas where further research is needed.