Developing a Strategic Plan is absolutely necessary to identify needed/wanted changes, prioritize efforts, decide how it is going to be accomplished and how it is going to be paid for.  It is unusual for a Shelter to develop a Strategic Plan and most shelters have not done it.  However it is a tool that guides change and also provides accountability.

The Michigan Pet Fund Alliance has created a handbook of sorts to help shelters develop an assessment of their facility.  What Does it take to achieve a “no-kill” shelter can be used by the shelter manager, volunteer group, board etc. to help guide the discussion.  Numerous people might want to download the document and go through it making notes as to how their particular shelter addresses the identified issues.  From this assessment a “plan of action” or strategic plan can be developed.

The Oakland Pet Adoption Center has shared with us their strategic plans which were developed to guide their actions from the time period 2004–2008 and 2009-2013.