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Start Here > What is a Gap Analysis? > How a Gap Analysis Works > Sample Gap Analysis > Summary & Takeaways > Try it Yourself!

How a Gap Analysis Works

A gap analysis looks complicated from the outside, but the process is straightforward once you break it down. Every shelter can do this, no matter the size, resources, or software you use. The goal is to answer one question: Which animals in our care are most at risk, and why?

Step 1: Ask the right question

Most shelters start with something simple: “Who is struggling the most in our care right now?”
A good question sets the whole analysis in motion.

Step 2: Sort animals into meaningful groups

Group your animals in ways that help you understand their needs.

Common categories include:​

  • Species

  • Age (kittens, puppies, adults, seniors)

  • Intake type

  • Medical or behavior needs

  • Length of stay

Step 3: Look at the outcomes for each group

Once the animals are sorted, compare their outcomes. You're looking for patterns in:

  • Save rate

  • Euthanasia rate

  • Deaths in care

  • Return-to-owner rate

  • Length of stay

The is where the real insight starts to appear.

Step 4: Identify the biggest gap

Some groups will be doing fine. Others will have much higher risk. The population with the lowest save rate or highest mortality is your primary gap. It's the one that needs attention first.

Step 5: Build a program to support that group

Once you know who's struggling and why, you can build a program that meets their specific needs.

This might include:

  • Starting or expanding foster care

  • Adding medical support

  • Updating intake or housing procedures

  • Offering behavior help

  • Improving return-to-owner processes

A gap analysis doesn’t solve every problem, but it helps you place your effort exactly where it will make the biggest difference.

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