Surprise, AZ, USA
Where Shelter Leadership Meets Operational Excellence
Nationally recognized consulting for animal shelters, rescue groups, and municipal agencies.
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
AWARD WINNING COMPANY
PUBLISHED AUTHOR & SPEAKER
PUBLISHED AUTHOR & SPEAKER
We are honored to be the only organization to have won the prestigious AI Global Excellence Awards four times (2015, 2016, 2019, and 2024). This remarkable achievement not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also highlights our unique position as the sole consulting firm in the animal sheltering industry to have received th
We are honored to be the only organization to have won the prestigious AI Global Excellence Awards four times (2015, 2016, 2019, and 2024). This remarkable achievement not only underscores our commitment to excellence but also highlights our unique position as the sole consulting firm in the animal sheltering industry to have received this prestigious accolade at all, let alone on four separate occasions. Our track record speaks volumes about our dedication and expertise in driving positive change.
PUBLISHED AUTHOR & SPEAKER
PUBLISHED AUTHOR & SPEAKER
PUBLISHED AUTHOR & SPEAKER
Tim Crum, our visionary CEO, has made a remarkable impact on the animal sheltering community through his three acclaimed books in the "Animal Shelter's Guide To..." series. With over one hundred speaking engagements at national and regional conferences, as well as nationally sponsored webinars and workshops, he has established himself as
Tim Crum, our visionary CEO, has made a remarkable impact on the animal sheltering community through his three acclaimed books in the "Animal Shelter's Guide To..." series. With over one hundred speaking engagements at national and regional conferences, as well as nationally sponsored webinars and workshops, he has established himself as a foremost thought leader and influencer in the industry. His insights and expertise have earned him widespread recognition and commendations from shelter professionals across the nation, solidifying his position as a driving force for positive change in animal welfare.
HUNDREDS OF CLIENTS
PUBLISHED AUTHOR & SPEAKER
HUNDREDS OF CLIENTS
Since our founding in 2011, we have partnered with over 400 animal shelters, rescue groups and pet retail companies across the United States, as well as a few in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia. Our long-standing relationships and extensive client base demonstrate the trust our partners place in us to help them achieve success and effect positive change.
Our Services are Tailored to Your Specific Situation
Expert Shelter Consultation
SHELTER EVALUATIONS & OPERATIONAL AUDITS
SHELTER EVALUATIONS & OPERATIONAL AUDITS
Animal Shelter Services delivers expert consultation tailored to the unique needs of your organization and community. As a four-time award-winning firm, we provide strategic guidance across every facet of shelter operations—from intake protocols and population management to housing, enrichment, sanitation, and staff performance. Our goal is simple: to help shelters operate more efficiently, elevate animal welfare standards, and strengthen their role as trusted community partners. rity.
SHELTER EVALUATIONS & OPERATIONAL AUDITS
SHELTER EVALUATIONS & OPERATIONAL AUDITS
SHELTER EVALUATIONS & OPERATIONAL AUDITS
Objective. Impartial. Independent.
We go beyond surface-level reviews. Our evaluations are deep, data-driven, and brutally honest—because that’s what drives change.
- Full-spectrum assessments of shelter operations
- Confidential written reports with actionable recommendations
- Staff interviews, workflow analysis, and SOP review
- Facilities inspection for cleaning and sanitation practices, including disease control
INTERIM EXECUTIVE SUPPORT
SHELTER EVALUATIONS & OPERATIONAL AUDITS
COMMUNITY MEETING FACILITATION & COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
Stability During Transition. Confidence in the Future.
When leadership gaps arise, we step in to manage daily operations, guide staff, and prepare your organization for long-term success. Our interim executives bring clarity, structure, and calm to uncertain moments. We place interim directors for 1-6 month periods.
COMMUNITY MEETING FACILITATION & COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
COMMUNITY MEETING FACILITATION & COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
COMMUNITY MEETING FACILITATION & COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
We turn chaos into collaboration—and conflict into progress. As a trusted third party, we remain objective and unbiased, taking no sides while guiding shelters through complex conversations with advocates, volunteers, municipal leaders, and the public. Our role is to facilitate productive meetings, align diverse perspectives, and help stakeholders reach tangible agreements that move the mission forward. Whether you're launching a new initiative or navigating backlash, we bring clarity, credibility, and a proven process for building trust and driving results.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
COMMUNITY MEETING FACILITATION & COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
INDUSTRY-BEST TRAINING AND MENTORING
Developing strategic plans for your organization is a collaborative effort involving your board, executive director, and key staff and volunteers. We will facilitate this process, which includes defining the direction and long-term goals of your shelter. Together, we will create specific plans to achieve those goals, implement those plans, and provide tools to evaluate the outcomes.
INDUSTRY-BEST TRAINING AND MENTORING
COMMUNITY MEETING FACILITATION & COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS
INDUSTRY-BEST TRAINING AND MENTORING
Empowered Teams. Elevated Standards. We offer hands-on training programs that build staff confidence, improve performance, and align your team with sheltering best practices. Topics include animal handling, sanitation, customer service, and leadership development.
BOARD AUDITS AND GOVERNANCE REFORM
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
BOARD AUDITS AND GOVERNANCE REFORM
Strong leadership isn’t optional in animal sheltering. It’s the engine behind every policy, every decision, and every outcome. At Animal Shelter Services, we work directly with boards of directors and executive teams to strengthen governance, clarify roles, and build the strategic foundation needed to guide shelters with confidence and integrity.
We don’t just advise—we align leadership around best practices, measurable goals, and a shared vision for impact. Whether your board is navigating a crisis, struggling with role clarity, or ready to evolve, we bring the tools and truth to move you forward.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
BOARD AUDITS AND GOVERNANCE REFORM
We help shelters evolve—with purpose.
Every community is different. That’s why we don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions—we help shelters design and launch programs that reflect local needs, improve the experience for animals and people, and drive measurable impact.
Whether you're starting from scratch or refining existing services, we bring the insight, structure, and support to make new initiatives successful from day one.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
Clear policies aren’t just paperwork—they’re the backbone of consistent, accountable shelter operations. We help animal shelters develop and implement customized SOPs that reflect best practices, legal compliance, and the realities of your team’s daily work. Whether you're building from scratch or reforming outdated protocols, we deliver systems that reduce risk, improve efficiency, and empower staff to act with confidence. If your shelter is ready for clarity, consistency, and credibility—let’s build the foundation together.
Animal Shelter Evaluation
National Center for Animal Shelter Evaluations (NCASE)
We are the industry leaders in conducting shelter evaluations. We have conducted more animal shelter evaluations than all of our competitors combined. Our National Center offers THE most comprehensive evaluation in the industry - examining areas that our competitors ignore. We are THE Gold Standard for animal shelter evaluations. Visit https://animalshelterevaluations.com/ for more information.
OBJECTIVE. IMPARTIAL. INDEPENDENT.
If your animal shelter is challenged by operational issues or is under scrutiny by the general public, staff, board, committee, volunteers, or the media then an animal shelter evaluation is in order to help you identify the exact issues then address them in a systematic and strategic manner. A thorough and objective review of your operations, staff, facility, finances, key leadership and resources may be the most important thing you can do for the health and future of your organization.
Our objective, impartial and independent third-party professional shelter evaluation will review the efficiency and effectiveness of your overall operation. In fact, we offer the most comprehensive shelter evaluation in the entire animal welfare industry.
Call us for fastest response (based in Phoenix, Arizona)
623.975.1234
or feel free to email us:
Founder & CEO: tim@animalshelterservices.com