Proposal for the creation of an animal shelter/care facility and implementation of a comprehensive plan to reduce pet overpopulation in the County of Volusia.
Current Situation:
As government officials are aware, the pet overpopulation crisis in our area has led to increased government costs to shelter homeless and unwanted animals. Limited space and resources have resulted in increased animal euthanasia and a negative public perception towards animal shelters. The consequences of the long distance from the west side of the county to current shelters are officer time and fuel expense for the government agencies and inconvenience for the public, possibly resulting in fewer animals being returned to their homes.
Currently there are two traditional animal shelters located in Volusia County. Halifax handles the majority of animals, taking in roughly 17,000 animals annually. Southeast Volusia takes in a much smaller number. One “no kill shelter,” West Volusia Humane Society, persists despite its low adoption rate. Here it is common to find adoptable animals existing in cages for years, many times for 5 years or more. Recently, three of the northern cities within Volusia County have temporarily contracted with Flagler Humane Society. This shelter was built under the direction of Rescued Hearts founder, Amy Carotenuto, but the distance makes long term contracting impractical.
Introduction:
Rescued Hearts is a newly incorporated organization with official non-profit status from the IRS. While the organization is new, the Executive Director is well respected for her long time commitment and experience in the field of animal welfare. Rescued Hearts already has an established board of directors, dedicated volunteer staff veterinarian, and network of supporters. Rescued Hearts plans to “bridge the gap” between the “kill” vs. “no kill” divide in animal sheltering. Once we have a facility, no animal will ever be turned away from Rescued Hearts. Practical and economical procedures will be utilized, while providing a temporary loving home for needy animals. This will be possible through the proven leadership and management of the directors and a business plan that promotes a comprehensive solution to the issues of cost, humane care and public safety. Rescued Hearts, as a non-profit organization, is able to solicit donations, hold fundraisers and work with private business much easier than a government agency can. Contracting with Rescued Hearts would be far less expensive and much less time consuming for any municipality than building and operating an animal shelter of their own.
Proposed Solutions:
Rescued Hearts has 7 main areas of focus, all of which are discussed in more detail after the listing:
1. Obtaining land and construction
2. Decreasing government costs -
3. Aggressive spay and neuter
4. Keeping them home, preventing the need for surrender
5. Active adoption and return to owner programs
6. Community involvement
7. Superior Care, quality of life while at the shelter.
1. Land and Construction
This proposal of a collaborative effort between our non-profit and the government in Volusia County is being offered to any interested governments; however it is targeted toward those in the western areas of Volusia County: Deltona, DeLand, Orange City, Debary, Lake Helen and The County of Volusia. These areas could be well served by an animal shelter in the west section of Volusia County.
Rescued Hearts requires a donation of land with associated infrastructure. Appropriate zoning with ten to fifteen acres is needed. According to zoning laws in Volusia County, an animal shelter is allowed in either FR zoning or through a special exception on at least 10 acres of land in A-1. Proposed ordinance changes may allow an animal shelter to be placed on commercial land in the future.
The initial building size would be dependant on how many municipalities wished to contract with Rescued Hearts. In the 2006 - 2007 fiscal year, the above-referenced six governments surrendered almost 7000 animals to the current shelters. These numbers do not reflect the number of animals, both owned and stray, that are turned in to the shelters by individuals. Animals surrendered by individuals usually account for roughly 45% of animals arriving at shelters.
Attached is our formula for projecting animal shelter size and cost, which is based on a formula that was developed by The Humane Society of The United States and modified for our specific situation. More importantly, these guidelines are based on the experience and expertise of the founder of Rescued Hearts, who directed the building of a two million dollar shelter in Flagler County completed in 2004. These guidelines take into account current market prices. They do not reflect donation of labor and materials to the non-profit, as these may not be accurately quantified until the commencement of the project. An animal shelter is a very specialized building, usually costing much more per square foot than most other commercial buildings. Construction with this in mind will ensure long term use and return on investment with lower government costs and higher animal care standards.
Through a strong capital campaign and through reduced fees from generous sub-contractors, we are confident that Rescued Hearts can contribute a substantial portion of the building expenses. The proposed facility, depending on the size that is projected, could cost three million dollars, exclusive of land. Initial discussions with lenders regarding the availability of mortgage monies for this project have been encouraging.
Basic Building Structure for Animal Shelter/Care Facility
1. Adoption Lobby/Front Desk
2. Intake/Triage
3. Veterinary Surgery/Treatment Rooms
4. Education Room
5. Euthanasia Room
6. Get Acquainted Area (for use by potential adopters)
7. Administration Offices
8. Storage
9. Holding Area for Cruelty/Neglect and Bite Cases
10. Isolation and Infirmary
11. Dog Kennels
12. Dog Real Life Kennels
13. Cat Condos
14. Cat Free Roam Rooms
15. Outdoor Dog Exercise/Play/Socialization Areas
Monetary and size requirements for items 1-8 in the above list may be relatively accurately estimated, regardless of the amount of governmental participation. Estimated financial and square footage needs for items 9-15 are heavily dependent on the degree of governmental participation ie: commitments for future contracting for animal care services.
Several scenarios exist for finding land and constructing a building.
Although Rescued Hearts will require an initial investment from participating governments, we are certain that we will have the ability to save the governments in the long run. If an interested government agency provided land, future “per animal” fees would be greatly reduced. If the same or another government agency provided any monetary investment toward the facility those fees would be further reduced.
The remaining costs are the responsibility of Rescued Hearts, which designs and constructs the building through fundraising and donations of service and materials.
To further keep costs down, private business that would be appropriate to share space with the shelter such as a boarding kennel, veterinary emergency hospital or pet groomer may be invited to lease or share space within the shelter.
If a participating government provided land which already had existing structure that could be modified for use as a temporary animal shelter, this would allow animal sheltering to begin quickly. Rescued Hearts would build a permanent building on this land as discussed. A low income spay/neuter facility could open immediately.
It could be negotiated that the building to be used as headquarters for the animal services department in the city in which the shelter is located. Rescued Hearts would be open to working in conjunction with a dog park or another worthy non profit group, such as a bird or wildlife rehabilitation facility.
2. Decreasing Government Costs
Rescued Hearts will provide an alternative animal shelter with high standards of care at a decreased cost to the government. Utilizing alternate sources of income, in addition to government contracts, will allow the shelter to charge the government less per animal while not compromising services. Most important is the ability of Rescued Hearts directors to honestly and effectively manage shelter funds and resources, along with efficiently and lovingly managing the day-to-day shelter operations.
a. As a non-profit organization, donations and fundraising will provide supplemental funds for animal care. Grants are available; some have already been applied for.
Although a young organization, the members of Rescued Hearts are experienced in designing, building, managing and operating animal shelters, have a broad base of supporters and commercial contacts, along with a potential membership upwards of a thousand area residents.
b. The prospect of combining the shelter with private business ensures steady supplemental income. Charging rent for use of shelter space to a business that would complement the shelter defrays sheltering costs. For example, the medical suite used for spay/neuter and care of shelter animals in the daytime could be rented for use as an emergency veterinary hospital at night; An area could be set aside for a grooming business, with groomers onsite also of benefit to the shelter animals by making them more adoptable; or animal trainers/behaviorists could rent out shelter space to teach puppy classes, obedience, and agility. This would help to create a true “animal care center,” and in doing so increase public exposure to the shelter.
c. Use of volunteers in all aspects of the shelter.
d. Use of inmates and community service workers.
4. Aggressive Spay/Neuter
One of the most important actions we can take toward the goal of no more homeless animals is aggressive sterilization. Volunteer veterinarian, Dr. Joni Goldstein has a long-term commitment to Rescued Hearts and its cause and will provide for the animals as needed.
a. Rescued Hearts will have an onsite surgery suite. Veterinarian health check and spay/neuter will be mandatory before leaving the shelter to live in an adopted home. Surgeries performed at the shelter will be of the highest quality, with anesthesia protocols individualized to match each animal’s needs, each animal being electronically monitored during surgery, receiving supportive care, pain relief medication and follow up care.
b. Public low cost spay/neuter will be available on a sliding payment schedule for lower income citizens. Rescued Hearts is prepared to begin providing this service, even prior to the opening of a shelter, at either a temporary location or by the spay/neuter section of the shelter becoming phase one of construction and opening immediately.
c. Owned animals picked up by animal control and brought to the shelter may be spayed/neutered before returning to their owner, through waiving of return-to-owner fees and education, which may persuade the owners that sterilization does curb running at large.
d. Rescued Hearts will urge lawmakers to add provisions to local ordinances, which would require owners of animals, who make repeated visits to shelters, to have these animals sterilized. We support the recent passage of the mandatory sterilization ordinance within unincorporated Volusia County and several of our local cities.
e. All spay/neuter services, along with shelter animal medical care, will be provided by the volunteer staff veterinarian. Rescued Hearts will pay only for the cost of materials and veterinary assistant salary. The veterinarian will not be charging a fee for services.
5. Keeping Them Home, Preventing the Need for Surrender
All efforts will be made to keep animals with their owners, rather than being turned in to the shelter. This does not apply to situations where an animal would be returning to an abusive/neglectful situation. Situations leading to owner turn-in include loss of income, moving, having a baby, veterinary expense/misunderstanding of pet’s needs, persons in abusive relationships, sickness, and pet/family mismatch. A trained reception staff will get a history from owners and be aware of resources to help.
a. Owners who are experiencing a loss of job may simply not be able to afford basic needs for their pets such as food or litter. Rescued Hearts will provide pet food and litter, temporarily, to needy people from that which is donated.
b. Rescued Hearts will make connections with local landlords that allow pets. Assistance in getting in touch with these landlords will be provided by Rescued Hearts’ staff.
c. Rescued Hearts will provide information for preparing a pet for a new human baby and will have contacts with animal behaviorist and education available to answer questions.
d. Veterinarians strive to provide the best care for their patients. However, sometimes the best care is not financially possible for owners. Pet owners may not understand that other medical options still exist that may solve the problem. Sometimes an animal needs a procedure unexpectedly, but an owner is unable to pay for it all at once. With proof of need, Rescued Hearts may be able to provide lower cost veterinary care. This would be on a case-by-case basis.
e. Persons who have to leave their homes to get out of an abusive situation may temporarily board their pets at Rescued Hearts Animal Shelter or one of our approved foster homes. Before returning to their owner, the animal(s) will be spayed or neutered.
f. During illness is often a time when a pet’s loving attention is needed most. Rescued Hearts will have a volunteer program to help those with sickness care for their pets at home. When a hospital stay is required, pets may board at the shelter or in an approved foster home.
g. Owners coming in to retrieve animals who have strayed will receive suggestions and pet care tips, which may keep the animals from roaming again. We will work in conjunction with animal services to ensure compliance with all local ordinances and state statutes.
6. Active Adoption and Return to Owner Programs
Minimizing the length of an animal’s stay in the shelter decreases cost, increases animal health, and decreases the number of animals that must be euthanized. The following are examples of how we will achieve this objective;
a. The first hope is that the stray animal’s owners will come looking for them. Through print and website ads, Rescued Hearts will be certain to “get the word out” that lost pets are with us. Our business hours will be such it will be convenient for the working public to visit us to search for their lost pet, i.e. weekend and/or evening hours.
b. The shelter and animal holding areas will be welcoming and accessible to potential adopters. Getting acquainted areas will allow hands on interaction with the animals and current pets in the family to meet with the possible new addition.
c. During the adoption process, Rescued Hearts will strive to match the pet’s personality and activity levels with appropriate households to decrease animals returning to the shelter. Veterinarian recommendations and home visits will be conducted when appropriate.
d. Local newspaper and other print media will be asked to feature adoptable pets in their publications.
e. Rescued Hearts has its own website www.rescuedheartsanimalshelter.com which features adoptable animals and will also take advantage of the many other websites which encourage shelter pet adoption, i.e. “Petfinder”, “1-800-Adopt-a-Pet” and “Pets 911”
f. Breed rescue groups will be utilized.
g. Good communication with potential adopters and prompt responses from shelter staff.
h. Onsite spay/neuter eliminates long waits for surgery and decreases the time from adoption to leaving the shelter.
i. Bringing shelter animals offsite to increase exposure, i.e. to Petsmart, Petco, the dog park or community events.
j. Utilizing approved foster homes.
k. Being able to make the difficult decision to euthanize when an animal is not adoptable, quality of life is questionable, or space is restricted.
7. Community Outreach
Community participation, outreach, and education are keys to decreasing pet overpopulation. The following are ways in which we will accomplish this goal;
a. Externships for high school and college age students interested in animal sheltering and/or veterinary medicine.
b. Externships for veterinary medical students.
c. Adult and child volunteering together.
d. Flexibility and choices in volunteer activities. Open appreciation of volunteers.
e. Informational classes for adopters of new puppies.
f. School visits.
g. Trained staff to provide basic information on pet care so potential adopters can decide if they are ready to have a pet.
h. Active representation at community events.
i. Fundraisers that double as awareness raisers i.e. Pet Fairs, Dog Walks, Cat Shows.
8. Quality of Life while at the Shelter
The shelter needs to be a model of animal welfare. Gentle handling of animals decreases the animals stress level and increases safety for staff. Vaccine protocols will be followed, along with maintaining all animals on flea and heartworm prevention. Healthy, well-socialized animals are more adoptable. Minimizing time in cages decreases stress and leads to a healthier shelter population. Animals will be separated by sex when in play areas together if they are not already sterilized. The following are examples of how we will achieve these objectives;
a. Outside play areas for the dogs. This increases hands-on interaction with the dogs, promotes housetraining, decreases tendency to cage aggressiveness, and increases tolerance of sharing with another dog.
b. Free roam rooms for healthy cats. This also decreases labor intensive cleaning of cages. Cats are more content and social.
c. Time outside of a cage allows potential adopters to see animals in a more natural environment.
Conclusion
We at Rescued Hearts appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss our plans and opportunities for reducing the cost of animal services to Volusia County, as well as offering a better solution to the needs of both humans and animals. Rescued Hearts offers Volusia County’s citizens and its animals the much-needed animal shelter space with the added bonus of increased quality services. We have the ability and experience to handle aggressive and rabies quarantine cases, as well as cruelty cases. With the proper facility, we can even assist in disaster relief. Although we require land and some contribution toward the construction of the facility, Rescued Hearts will provide long-term savings and increased services to Volusia County. Rescued Hearts pledges fair and professional business ethics, open communication and dedication to problem solving, improving public relations, and working together to achieve common goals, while providing the highest level of compassionate care for Volusia County’s animals.
Respectfully submitted and endorsed by:
RESCUED HEARTS ANIMAL SHELTER, INC.
Board of Directors
Lynn Myers, President
Maria Duval, Vice President
Suzann Schagen, Treasurer
Denise Siennicki, Secretary
Dr. Allen Gilbert, Board Member
Arnold F. Levine, Board Member
Cindy Dibble, Board Member
Dorothy Strong, Board Member
Dr. Joni Goldstein, Veterinarian
Amy Wade-Carotenuto, Founder, Executive Director
Diane LeCrone, Co-Founder