Biosecurity in Action: How Smarter Shelter Sanitation Protects Pets, Staff, and Futures
In today’s shelter environment, disease prevention isn’t optional—it’s foundational. With more animals entering shelters, staff burnout at record highs, and tightening budgets, shelters across the country face growing pressure to maintain healthy environments with fewer resources. But the solution doesn’t have to be complicated. It has to be smart.
At Pawsitive Change, we believe that the cornerstone of every healthy shelter is a modern biosecurity protocol: one that’s both effective and safe—for animals, staff, and the communities they serve.
Drawing from nationally recognized shelter protocols, our three pillars approach emphasizes EPA-registered, animal-safe disinfectants that avoid harsh chemicals found in traditional products—supporting both biosecurity and animal wellness.
The Three Pillars of Smarter Shelter Biosecurity
1. Zoning & Isolation
Separating incoming, healthy, and sick animals is a simple but powerful practice. Creating distinct zones—with designated tools, staff workflows, and even air flow considerations—helps prevent the spread of disease from the moment an animal arrives.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Even something as basic as disposable gloves, gowns, or boot covers can significantly reduce the transfer of pathogens between rooms or animals. Consistency in PPE use—and proper disposal—is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance biosecurity.
3. Effective, Animal-Safe Sanitation
Not all disinfectants are created equal. Harsh chemicals can damage surfaces, irritate animals, or even contribute to long-term health issues. That’s why we provide shelters with a hospital-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant that’s been independently tested for both efficacy and safety. It contains no harsh chemicals, no VOCs, and no fragrances—just proven protection that’s safe to use around vulnerable animals and people.
It’s Not Just Policy. It’s Impact.
Through our many shelter partnerships, we’ve seen firsthand how implementing these principles transforms shelter environments. In shelters using our biosecurity kits, teams report fewer outbreaks, better kennel conditions, and more positive outcomes for animals. Staff are more confident in their cleaning routines. Animals spend less time in isolation. And adoptions move faster.
The Path Forward
Biosecurity should never feel like an extra burden. Done right, it becomes a daily rhythm that protects lives and preserves resources.
Our goal is to make that rhythm simple. Through Pawsitive Change, we’re not just donating products—we’re helping shelters adopt best practices that can prevent disease, reduce stress, and improve lives for everyone involved.
Whether you run a large municipal shelter or a small community rescue, the tools for smarter biosecurity are within reach. Let’s work together to build safer spaces for animals—and for the people who care for them.
By Adrian Fulle, President, Pawsitive Change
