Title:
A STUDY ON WELFARE-ORIENTED BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN FOR STRAY DOGS AND CATS IN MEDAN THROUGH BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATION AND ANIMAL-AIDED DESIGN APPROACH

Authors:
Adiesty Aininaya and Dwira Nirfalini Aulia

Abstract:
Animal shelters in Indonesia generally focus on basic care such as feeding and housing, while spatial design supporting animal behavior is often overlooked. This study develops a behavior-based design framework for stray dogs and cats in Medan using the Animal-Aided Design (AAD) approach. The research applied a qualitative-descriptive method through structured observations at 35 locations and semi-structured interviews with two veterinarians. The findings reveal that dogs tend to occupy street corridors and garbage areas, while cats prefer shaded spaces and elevated structures. Major stress factors include tropical heat, noise, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. Based on these findings, the study identifies key spatial requirements and proposes a shelter design framework integrating the Five Freedoms principle, AAD, and veterinary health protocols. The framework aims to improve animal welfare, reduce zoonotic risks and human-animal conflicts, and provide a replicable model for shelters in tropical urban areas.

Keywords:
Design Concept, Animal Welfare, Built Environment Design, Stray Animal, Behavioral Observation, Animal-Aided Design

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2026.9320

Date of Publication: 18-06-2026