Shelterluv

5 Paper-Based Shelter Workflows to Replace Digitally in 2026

Written by Shelterluv | Sep 8, 2026, 9:41:07 PM

When it comes to running a busy shelter or rescue, paper can mean duplicate data entry, misplaced information, and records that are hard to find when you need them. Here are 5 processes you don’t need to do on paper anymore with Shelterluv.

1. Tracking enrichment and daily care

Paper logs and whiteboards can tell you what happened today—but they don't always give you an easy record to look back on. Tracking enrichment and daily observations digitally means activities like Kongs, walks, playtime, appetite, and behavior can become part of an animal's history and be reported on later. In Shelterluv, enrichment and daily observation information can be digitally added to multiple animal records at once.

2. Collecting applications and forms

Paper applications often mean someone has to manually enter that information somewhere else. Digital applications can collect information from adopters, fosters, and others before they ever walk through the door—and send those responses directly into your management software.

3. Getting contracts signed

Printing a contract, getting a signature, scanning it, and filing it creates a lot of steps for one document. Digital contracts can be completed and signed electronically, then automatically saved to the appropriate records and emailed to your adopters/contacts.

4. Tracking medical care 

Treatment sheets make it hard for everyone to stay on the same page and are easy to lose track of. Digital medical records allow staff to document treatments, medications, vaccinations, exams, and other care in one easily accessible place. The Task Manager in Shelterluv helps your team to stay on top of what needs to be done and will update animal records as you go.

5. Transfer paperwork

Transfers can involve a lot of information changing hands. Keeping those records digital makes it easier to share animal information with transfer partners and reduces the need to re-enter information on either side. With Shelterluv, you can transfer full animal records between two accounts.

Bonus: Volunteer sign-in sheets 👀

We're working on new volunteer management tools in Shelterluv, including digital check-in and check-out and volunteer hour tracking—so that clipboard at the front desk won’t be around much longer.

Shelterluv helps animal welfare organizations bring more of these everyday processes into one place, so teams can spend less time managing paperwork and more time helping animals.