SAFER TEST: CAUTIONARY NOTES BY ITS CREATOR, EMILY WEISS
Downloaded in 2007 from: http://www.emilyweiss.com/certification.html (NOTE: this
site was taken down.)
The SAFER assessment should only be used as one of many sources of information to help with
adoption decisions.
SAFER is a tool with some predictive value, but it is a tool involving probability, not absolutes.
Adoption and euthanasia decisions should be made using as many sources of information as
possible. Proper utilization of SAFER should increase adoptions and save rate. Options other than
euthanasia should be constantly explored. We have much more information on strength of SAFER
with dogs that do grade A,B and C than with dogs that grade D and F, which means even greater
caution should be placed on relying solely on those results.
Results from SAFER should Never be used as the sole determination for euthanasia. It is vital that all
pieces of information are utilized and discussed, and all possible options are researched for each dog
in your facility.
SAFER Certified Testers should not be deemed responsible for the decisions made by their agencies
regarding which animals to place for adoption. SAFER is just one of many tools used in a decision
making process. Certification is limited solely to the individual's demonstrated ability to conduct the
test correctly, and does not extend to the decisions made about the animal.
"By certifying testers we are decreasing the chances of false positives and negatives in the testing
procedure. Testing is a complicated process that involves animal handling skills, behavior skills and a
good understanding of canine communication. Without the proper training, testing results can be
inaccurate."
Why become certified? Since SAFER™ is a widely available test, many facilities begin testing with only
the video and workbook as their guide. Others attend a short training and begin testing. Without
internal checks, and without analyzing technique, testing can be inaccurate - which means unsafe
dogs on the adoption floor, and even more tragic, safe dogs that do not make it to the adoption floor.
CERTIFICATION ACTS AS QUALITY CONTROL
How do I become certified? It is very strongly recommended that individuals first attend a SAFER 2
day workshop taught by EWC Inc. staff. Once training has been completed, the applicant will send a
video tape demonstrating their testing technique in their testing area, complete a short information
sheet and a check for $175. If you have come to a SAFER 2 day training event the fee is $75.
Downloaded in 2007 from: http://www.emilyweiss.com/certification.html (NOTE: this
site was taken down.)
The SAFER assessment should only be used as one of many sources of information to help with
adoption decisions.
SAFER is a tool with some predictive value, but it is a tool involving probability, not absolutes.
Adoption and euthanasia decisions should be made using as many sources of information as
possible. Proper utilization of SAFER should increase adoptions and save rate. Options other than
euthanasia should be constantly explored. We have much more information on strength of SAFER
with dogs that do grade A,B and C than with dogs that grade D and F, which means even greater
caution should be placed on relying solely on those results.
Results from SAFER should Never be used as the sole determination for euthanasia. It is vital that all
pieces of information are utilized and discussed, and all possible options are researched for each dog
in your facility.
SAFER Certified Testers should not be deemed responsible for the decisions made by their agencies
regarding which animals to place for adoption. SAFER is just one of many tools used in a decision
making process. Certification is limited solely to the individual's demonstrated ability to conduct the
test correctly, and does not extend to the decisions made about the animal.
"By certifying testers we are decreasing the chances of false positives and negatives in the testing
procedure. Testing is a complicated process that involves animal handling skills, behavior skills and a
good understanding of canine communication. Without the proper training, testing results can be
inaccurate."
Why become certified? Since SAFER™ is a widely available test, many facilities begin testing with only
the video and workbook as their guide. Others attend a short training and begin testing. Without
internal checks, and without analyzing technique, testing can be inaccurate - which means unsafe
dogs on the adoption floor, and even more tragic, safe dogs that do not make it to the adoption floor.
CERTIFICATION ACTS AS QUALITY CONTROL
How do I become certified? It is very strongly recommended that individuals first attend a SAFER 2
day workshop taught by EWC Inc. staff. Once training has been completed, the applicant will send a
video tape demonstrating their testing technique in their testing area, complete a short information
sheet and a check for $175. If you have come to a SAFER 2 day training event the fee is $75.
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