Behavioural Assessment Report Template
v2.5
Purpose. Behaviour staff use this template to record a structured behavioural assessment of a shelter animal and recommend an outcome pathway.
1.Purpose of the assessment
The behavioural assessment identifies how an animal responds to people, handling, other animals, novel objects and food, so that housing, enrichment and adoption matching decisions are based on evidence. It must be completed after the animal has settled for at least 48 hours and before the animal is made available for adoption.
2.Conditions
Conduct the assessment in the quiet assessment room with a second trained worker present. Record the date, time, the animal's health status and any medication, because pain and illness change behaviour. Stop the assessment if the animal shows escalating fear or aggression and record where it stopped.
3.Observation areas
Score each area using the five-point scale on the template, from relaxed and social through to avoidant, fearful or aggressive. Describe the specific behaviours seen, not just the score.
- Response to approach and greeting
- Response to handling and restraint
- Response to novel objects and sounds
- Food and resource behaviour
- Response to other dogs or cats
- Play and engagement
4.Interpretation and recommendation
Summarise the animal's strengths and the behaviours that need management. Recommend one outcome pathway: available for adoption, adoption with conditions, behaviour modification program, foster care, rescue transfer or referral for welfare assessment. Give the reasons in plain language that an adopter can understand.
5.Enrichment and handling plan
List the daily enrichment activities, the handling notes for the kennel card and any training goals with a review date. Record the plan in the Animal Register and inform the kennel supervisor.
6.Sign off
The assessor signs the report and the Senior Behaviour Trainer reviews any recommendation other than available for adoption within two working days.