Morris Animal Foundation recently received a pledge from Maddie’s Fund, the Pet Rescue Foundation, to help support the development and testing of a behavioral screening tool for dogs relinquished to shelters.

The goal is to help shelter staff better predict the adoptability of an animal. The study anticipates that this will increase the number of animals that stay in their homes.

James Serpell, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, is leading the study.

Morris Animal Foundation says that behavior problems are one of the primary reasons that dogs are relinquished to shelters.

Morris Animal Foundation, established in 1948, is dedicated to funding research that protects, treats and cures companion animals and wildlife. It has funded almost 1,400 animal health studies with funds totaling more than $51 million.