Welcome to Shelter Behavior Integrations

I’m Laurie Lawless.

I started Shelter Behavior Integrations after 15 years of seeing same problem at every shelter I’ve been to - overburdened staff doing their best in an outdated system. A system that was built to control nuisance animals, rather than to safely house, rehabilitate, and re-home.

My mission is to bring life changing solutions to shelters through my integrated behavior programs. My programs have proven to improve staff moral, safety, and retention. My behavior collaboration with shelters has shown to reduce kennel noise, decrease length of stay, improve adoption rates, reduce adoption returns, and create clarity around difficult outcomes.

Sheltering is what I live and breathe. I LOVE this work. I have had my boots on the ground since 2009, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. From tiny shelters with all volunteer teams to overseeing the rehabilitation of 250+ dogs at a time with a professional behavior team, I’ve seen it all, and best of all, I’ve seen it work!

Let’s chat today, and see how I can help your team thrive!

LET'S CHAT!

MY MISSION

To Bridge Gaps Between Shelter Operations and Animal Behavior; Increasing Adoptions and Decreasing Burnout!

“Laurie helped me to revolutionize my shelter's intake process, as well as our dog behavior program in totality. With her dynamic, team-based approach, Laurie has a way of inspiring folks who deal with the challenges we see daily with our animals in the shelter population… I would absolutely recommend her services to any animal shelter that is focused on positive change and impactful improvements to their animal's quality of life.”

Christen Trayah

Shelter Director, Humane Society of Chittenden County

Testimonials from Clients & Colleagues

"Laurie and team did a fantastic job developing and delivering a custom-made program to help us learn how to run play groups and assess dog-to-dog interactions. Looking to ramp up the quality of the care you offer your dogs? I recommend Shelter Behavior Integrations" 110%!

Eudora Watson
Animal Care Manager, Potsdam Humane Society
"Having Laurie come to Wayside Waifs was absolutely worth the investment for the growth of our Playgroup Program and our team! Laurie observed our team in action, made recommendations for how we could best formalize playgroups utilizing the physical and human resources available to us, and provided hands-on learning for the staff and volunteers...Being able to run almost daily playgroups has resulted in a decrease in noise in the kennel areas and generally more relaxed dogs."

Alison Reader, CAWA
Vice President of Animal Welfare
& Operations, Wayside Waifs 2024
“Laurie brings realistic solutions that shelter staff can apply to their day to day work and improve the behavior of the dogs in their care. Laurie is passionate about helping shelter dogs and wants to help you succeed. She was so amazing to work with, we had her come back a second time!”

Lacie Davis
Executive Director of SPCA of Brevard County 2021
"Laurie is a gifted canine behavior consultant, whose talents have consistently helped us rehabilitate challenging rescued dogs. Each individualized intervention plan is thorough, easily implemented, and yields positive outcomes. Laurie’s expertise and commitment to her client’s success is unparalleled. Her support is essential to our goal of being a best practices rescue."

Michelle Steen Sharp
Texas Coordinator, The Joshua Fund Rescue, Inc.
"I loved working with Laurie Lawless on the ASPCA’s Behavioral Sciences Team – her deep understanding of canine behavior and her keen observational abilities, along with her incredible training and handling skills, made her a superb Behavior Lead. Also, she’s as good with humans as she is with dogs: a patient teacher, able to gracefully maneuver the emotional vicissitudes of working in high-stress situations. And to top it off, she’s really smart and fun to be with."

Becky Stowe
Owner, Second Act Dog Training
"Laurie spent a full day at the Hudson Valley Dog Farm, educating our staff on dog-dog introductions, managing dog playgroups, and dog body language. We spent about half the day in the classroom and about half the day hands on with dogs, putting into action our classroom learning, with feedback from Laurie. The information Laurie presented to our staff was invaluable and gave all of us a better sense of understanding and confidence. Laurie strikes a perfect balance between being the expert and having an approachable, nonjudgmental style. I would have her back to the Dog Farm over and over again to keep our skills fresh, and continue to learn from her vast understanding of dogs."

Kara Gilmore
Hudson Valley Dog Farmre