In 2011, animal welfare agencies created a national shelter database to provide statistical measurement of progress in animal welfare, to inspire life-saving collaboration, and to have a positive impact over pet homelessness. In 2012, Shelter Animals Count (SAC) was incorporated to share a national database of sheltered animals that provides facts to help better direct companion animal lifesaving efforts. SAC uses the Basic Data Matrix developed by the National Federation of Humane Societies. The matrix contains data points such as species, age, intake-type, intake, and outcomes of animals that come under the care of a welfare agency.