Start Here > What is a Gap Analysis? > How a Gap Analysis Works > Sample Gap Analysis > Summary & Takeaways > Try it Yourself!
Welcome to "Learn About Gap Analysis"
A simple way to understand how shelters use data to save more lives.
Shelters do a lot with limited time, space, and staff. The challenge isn’t just the workload, it’s knowing where to focus. Gap analysis gives you a clear way to identify which animals in your care are most at risk and how to support them with the programs that make the biggest impact. This site walks you through the concept step by step.
You’ll learn what a gap analysis is, why shelters use it, and how a basic process can reveal lifesaving opportunities you may not be seeing yet.
Whether you’re new to animal welfare or you’ve been in the field for years, this tool will give you a practical, easy-to-understand introduction you can use right away.
STUDENTS: Follow the prompts to use this site to complete your assignment. You will be able to print/save your results for upload when you're done.
This tool is for educational use and classroom learning. It is not intended to determine compliance with any local, state, or federal regulations. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance, official audits, or legal requirements related to animal sheltering or animal services operations. Students and users are responsible for verifying standards and practices with appropriate authorities.