Many times when an animal is surrendered the previous parent also provides the animals personal belongings such as bedding, carrier, bowl, toys and the like. The current practice is to immediately separate the animal from these things, the only familiar things it still has. When this animal is adopted no effort is made to allow these articles to remain with the animal.
Solution: The articles mentioned should be retained and the new parent should be given the option to keep the belongings of that animal. The new parent should be counseled as to the potential transitional benefits such a choice would provide. Giving the animal some familiar surroundings, which will help to reduce the stress and confusion of changing families.
Symptoms: Changing this practice could serve to reduce the stress for some animals. Would also show the new parent that the SPCA cared enough for the animal to provide such considerations.