2014 Annual Report Is Needed Message from the 2014–2015 Board of Directors by Chris Strutt, Corporate Secretary

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Until every pet is wanted your gift 2014 Annual Report is needed Message from the 2014–2015 Board of Directors By Chris Strutt, Corporate Secretary

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Kingston Humane Society, I would like applaud the staff, volunteers, community members and our loyal donors for their continued dedication to and support for the animals we care for. While reflecting over the past year, I find it so inspiring how an organization that has celebrated its 130th anniversary remains such an indelible part of the community. Founded in 1884, the Society is one of Canada’s oldest and longest-serving humane societies. For 130 years, the Kingston Humane Society has continued to care for abandoned, lost, abused and neglected animals. As a registered charity, we continue to rely on the generous financial support from our donors and supporters, who share the same compassion for the animals in our care. Contents About the KHS...... 2 The Board understands the vital role the KHS plays Fees for services...... 2 in ensuring a high quality of life for the animals in Message from the Board of Directors, cont’d. ...3 our region. We will stay focused on what we do best 2014–15 Board of Directors...... 3 and what we can control: maintaining a safe, reliable The KHS team...... 4 and efficient animal care facility and, in the process, KHS committee reports...... 5–6 KHS in the community: 2014 highlights...... 7 providing our customers with a quality experience. For those who cannot speak for themselves...... 8 The KHS will continue to be a place where families 2014 animal care statistics...... 9–10 are enriched through adoption of a new pet or are 2014 financial highlights...... 10 –11 reunited with lost animal friends, and it will continue Thank you to our supporters...... 12 to be an organization worthy of the public’s trust 2014 Financial Statements are available as a and support. Continued on page 3 separate document. Our Mission

About the Kingston Humane Society The core activities of the Kingston Humane Society • A dues-paying affiliate of the OSPCA, with the (KHS) include sheltering homeless, abused and authority to investigate complaints of animal neglected animals, facilitating adoptions, providing cruelty. (We are recipients of an OSPCA funding humane education and conducting cruelty agreement, the amount of which is determined by investigations as an affiliate of the Ontario Society funding criteria.) for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). KHS relies primarily on community donations for its The KHS is also a partner on the City of Kingston’s programs. Sources of revenue and funding that we Disaster and Emergency Relief Team. depend on include KHS promotes responsible pet ownership and • Individual and corporate charitable donations compassion and respect for all animals and strives • Memberships to ensure that every companion animal is wanted. • Grants, which include an OSPCA funding Its mission is to agreement • Care for injured, abused and homeless animals, • Bequests • Return or find homes for these animals, • Fundraising campaigns and events • Promote and organize spay/neuter programs, • Fees for services • Undertake cruelty investigations, • Provide emergency rescue, Fees for services • Provide humane education, and The KHS provides a number of services to assist • Assist with the St. Lawrence College animal care pet owners and help the the community support education programs. local animals. These include We are • Accepting pets surrendered by owners, regardless • A non-profit charitable animal welfare of behavioural or health issues. organization. • Accepting pets surrendered by owners for • Reliant primarily on local donations and support euthanasia. to assist with our mission. • Operating pound facilities for local municipalities. • The only open shelter in the region, accepting In 2014, KHS held pound contracts with 7 every animal brought to us. municipalities. • Committed to our mission and to working • Acting as an agent for licensing of pets with local with reputable and established rescue groups, municipalities. province-wide. • Providing quarantine services to safely monitor • A last resort, providing a haven from the hazards animals at the request of the local public health and cruelty of life on the street or neglect. unit.

Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2104 Annual Report – 2 Message from the Board of Directors Continued from page 1 Over the past fiscal year, the Kingston Humane this part of eastern Ontario. We remain focused Society continued to invest in capital projects such on providing outstanding care for the nearly 2,500 as upgrades and enhancements to our clinical cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, fish and other operations and marketing material. Our focus on creatures that came to the shelter in 2014. the future requires continual investment in both our With your continued help and support, we can make people and our infrastructure. We need to replace the Kingston Humane Society a world-class animal some of the small and medium-sized equipment welfare organization with a bright future. that is nearing the end of its life. Together, these investments in our operations will ensure that our 2014–2015 Board of Directors animals will be well served for decades to come. Janice Saunders – President Our adoption rates continued to climb, while our Lisa Neumann – Vice President intakes showed a marked decline. Such a decline Nancy Warnica – Chair can largely be attributed to the municipal ban on Chris Strutt – Corporate Secretary the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores Tammy Donnelly Allison Townsend and to the implementation of the Responsible Pet John Martina Peter Viveiros Ownership Program, through which greater emphasis Courtney Murphy Duane Wisniewski is now placed on the restriction and enforcement of unlicensed breeders in the Kingston area. Executive Director As we move forward, we are focused on continuing Connie Ball to provide excellent care and shelter for the animals in our community. The Board is working to address the reality that we have a limited donor pool on which we rely heavily. The Society, as an affiliate of the OSPCA, has a responsibility as the steward of animal welfare in

Case 14-980b: “Sandy,” feline, 4 years — surrendered to KHS Arrived: August 15, 2014 | Condition: terrified, dental needs Time spent in care of KHS: 4.5 months | Found loving forever home: December 30, 2014 Sandy was surrendered by his guardian when his owner died. Coming from a quiet home, he was terrified at first, hiding in the back of his cage and eating little. A health check showed that Sandy also had dental problems, which probably contributed to his poor eating. With a generous donation from a local veterinary clinic, Sandy had the needed dental work done and then was placed in a quiet foster home for recovery. Staff recognized that his best outcome would to be adoption into another quiet home. After several months of care, Sandy hit the jackpot with his new dad and made his way to his retirement home.

Until every pet is wanted 3 – 2104 Annual Report your gift is needed The Kingston Humane Society team The compassionate Society’s membership each year. The Board is individuals who responsible for administering the affairs of the make up the KHS Society, including authorizing expenditures, team ensure that entering into contracts and developing policy. all animals under The Board is composed of a cross-section of our guardianship individuals drawn from the community who are receive the highest committed to the organization and its mission. standard of care. The team includes staff members, Committees volunteers, a board of directors and community Board members, staff and community volunteers practitioners. serve on a number of committees that support Staff the organization: Governance Committee, KHS staff positions include executive director, Nominations Committee, Finance Committee, operations manager, fundraising coordinator, animal Operations Committee, Marketing and care coordinator, adoptions coordinator, veterinary Communications Committee and Animal Care care coordinator, client care specialists, kennel Committee. attendants, veterinary technologists, administration assistants, veterinarian and OSPCA agent (under Case 14-195: purchase-of-service agreement with the OSPCA). “Kenzie,” canine, 8 months — Volunteers surrendered by owner KHS’s volunteer program includes a wide variety Arrived: August 1, 2014 Condition: Displaying of opportunities, both at the facility and off-site, behaviour problems including hands-on interaction with the animals with children as well as support activities such as helping with Time spent in care of events, operating information booths, performing KHS: 66 days Found loving forever home: October 7, 2014 administrative tasks and doing maintenance and Kenzie was surrendered to the KHS because of concern handiwork. In 2014, over 7,000 volunteers hours about her behaviour around young children in her home. were logged, greatly enhancing the Society’s Shelter staff investigated these behaviours and felt that, capacity for animal enrichment, public awareness given her young age, they could be corrected with proper and community support through fundraising. training and socialization. A perfect foster placement was found for Kenzie with a volunteer with an interest in dog Board of Directors behaviour. Kenzie successfully completed training in her foster home and quickly found a home with a wonderful The KHS is governed by a volunteer Board of family who was willing to continue with her training to help Directors whose members are elected by the her become a great canine citizen.

Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2014 Annual Report – 4 Committee reports Finance Committee Operations Committee The Finance Committee oversees the management The Operations Committee oversees the overall of all financial assets of the Society. This includes operation of the shelter, including maintenance of monitoring revenues and expenditures, preparing the physical plant and property. It is responsible for financial statements, reviewing and approving the allocation of space and resources and for ensuring annual budget, reviewing investment proposals adherence to governing legislation. with the Society’s financial advisor and insuring In 2014, the Operations Committee reviewed adherence to the Investment Policy. the growing computer hardware and software In 2014, management was directed to review the concerns at the shelter. With the support of a local staffing model to determine whether any savings donor, a Request for Proposal for new IT solutions could be found. A new model that ensures that was tendered; work will begin in 2015. standards of animal care are being met and donor Continued on page 6 dollars are used responsibly was developed and continues to evolve. This new staffing model, combined with the use of volunteers, was effective in reducing the wages and benefits expense line. Governance Committee The Governance Committee exists to oversee the affairs and policies of the Society. This committee is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Society’s bylaws, the Board election process, orientation of Board members, development and maintenance of the Board Handbook, evaluation of the activities of the Board and development and review of the Society’s policies and procedures. In 2014, the Governance Committee continued to monitor the Ontario Provincial Legislature in anticipation of the proposed changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. When the Act is passed into law, the Society will have three years in which to ensure that our bylaws are in compliance. Until every pet is wanted 5 – 2014 Annual Report your gift is needed Committee reports Continued from page 5 Animal Care Committee Marketing/Communications Committee The Animal Care Committee oversees all aspects The Marketing and Communications Committee of the care and treatment of the Society’s animals, oversees all matters related to marketing, public including spay/neuter programs and initiatives, relations and fundraising for the Society. adoption, disease and infection control, roles and In 2014, the Fundraising Coordinator position responsibilities of animal care staff and adherence remained vacant for a significant time as we to governing legislation. searched for a qualified candidate. In 2014, the committee focused on renovations to Through a private donation, a marketing company make it possible to use the Gibson Suite, which was hired to revitalize the KHS marketing/ opened in 2008. We received temporary College informational material. It also oversaw our 2014 of Veterinarians of Ontario approval allowing direct mail campaign. The campaign was an a veterinarian to be on site to assist with the overwhelming medical needs of the animals in our care. success, and revenues for the year increased significantly in the last quarter.

Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2104 Annual Report – 6 KHS in the community: 2014 highlights

Engaging the community Animal Hospital, the North New York Corvette In 2014, the Kingston Humane Society encouraged Club, Overtime Sports and others. Donations from community engagement through technology and birthday parties, anniversaries and special personal social media by developing a new website design occasions were also greatly appreciated. and increasing our use of Facebook. Contributing to animal welfare education In January and February, KHS continued to assist Our mutually beneficial relationship with the pets and pet owners who were displaced by the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technologist mid-town Kingston fire in December 2013. programs at St. Lawrence College continued. Our signature fundraising events in 2014 included Approximately 150 students attended classes in National Cupcake Day in February, Pucks for Paws the two classrooms at the shelter, gaining practical with the Kingston Frontenacs in March, Bowl for hands-on experience that benefitted our animals. the Animals in April, Shelter Day in June and, in KHS staff continues to take every opportunity to September, Big Paws at the Point. In December, educate the public and advocate for community our direct mail campaign had great success, as did animals. Whether speaking to pet owners our Home for the Holiday winter open house. reclaiming their animals from the pound, advising Staff attended the first annual Fundraising Day, potential adopters or responding to inquiries from hosted by the Ottawa Humane Society and the the public, first and foremost, our role is to help Ontario SPCA. KHS also attended a community those who cannot speak for themselves. Animal Welfare Day in Kingston, hosted by the Adoptions OSPCA. This event gave local animal welfare Adoption events allow us to promote KHS animals, organizations and the OSPCA an opportunity to increase their availability and maintain a healthy discuss common challenges and share insights. number of animals at the shelter. Adoption events, Fundraising by the community typically involving our feline population, were Third-party events are an ideal way for the held at Pet Valu, PetSmart and Global Pet Foods community to raise funds for the KHS. Some of the throughout the year. Our thanks, too, to Pet Valu, community members who supported the KHS in PetSmart, Global Pet Foods and Birds’n’Paws for this way included StarTek, Pet Parade Plus through acting as satellite adoption centres. its Hungry Bowls event, Pet Valu and its customers, Our tireless volunteers Dale and Kim Holliday, Crafters for Critters, Global In 2014, volunteers provided over 7,000 hours of Pet Foods, Queen’s Lost Paws Club, the TSC their precious time, skills and insights to support Hooves and Paws drive, St. Lawrence College the animals at the KHS on their journey to a students, and the organizers of Run 4 Paws and happier future. the Dragon Boat Festival. We also thank Princess Until every pet is wanted 7 – 2104 Annual Report your gift is needed We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves

As a dues-paying affiliate of the OSPCA, we • 56 owners responded appropriately to concerns. support the investigation of allegations of cruelty, • 12 cases involving 29 animals that were in need neglect and abuse of animals in Frontenac of immediate care were seized and were taken County and educate the public on the humane into care by KHS. treatment of animals. Our affiliation with the • 53 animals that were found in need of care were OSPCA ensures delivery of leadership in matters surrendered by their owners to the OSPCA, related to the prevention of cruelty to animals becoming the responsibility of the KHS. and the promotion of animal welfare and humane • 3 cases proceeded to court, with charges laid and suitable animal care, calls attention to under the Ontario SPCA Act. unacceptable practices that harm animals, and The KHS is grateful that the community supports permits us to investigate complaints of cruelty, the work of the Ontario SPCA and is committed carry out rescues, bring perpetrators of cruelty to the protection of our community’s animals in to court, advocate for humane laws and provide need through our affiliation with the organization. care to all animals in need. How you can report OSPCA activity in the Kingston community in animal cruelty, abuse and 2014 included the following: neglect • 402 complaints of animal cruelty, abuse or To report suspected animal neglect, involving 274 dogs, 86 cats, 13 horses abuse, call the Ontario SPCA at and 2 rabbits, were received. 310-SPCA (7722) or 1-888-668-7722 ext. 327, or e-mail • 24 search warrants were issued. [email protected], or contact Crime Stoppers at • 106 orders were given to pet owners to seek 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA branch, veterinary care. affiliated SPCA or Humane Society or the police.

Case 14-1327: “Autumn,” feline, 2 months — brought to KHS as stray Arrived: October 9, 2014 | Condition: Serious injury to tail Time spent in care at KHS: 2 weeks Found loving forever home: October 23, 2014 Autumn was found by a passer-by, who brought her to the shelter. She was clearly injured and in distress so was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic. All of the skin from the base of her tail to the tip was missing, her tail was cold to the touch and it seemed to have no feeling. She was placed on pain medication, and the veterinarian determined that her tail would need to be amputated. This surgery was performed, and she was spayed at the same time. Cost of the surgery was approximately $600. After two weeks recovering in KHS’s care, Autumn was placed in her adoptive forever home.

Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2104 Annual Report – 8 We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves 2014 animal care statistics Animals coming directly into KHS’s care and All animals entering the KHS shelter pound animals transferred to KHS In 2014, the Kingston Humane Society shelter received The information and graphs that follow refer to those 2,458 animals: 700 dogs, 1,711 cats and 47 other animals who came into the care of the KHS as a charity, animals, including rabbits, birds, fish, gerbils, guinea dependent on the donations and support of the pigs, hamsters, ferrets, a hedgehog, a lizard and a community. These are stray animals from areas not horse. Total stray animals — those accepted through covered by a pound contract, animals surrendered by pound contracts and those brought in directly (not owners, seized animals and unclaimed pound animals through pound contracts) — represented 66.8% of our who were transferred to KHS at the end of their stray intakes. Animals surrendered by their owners made hold period. These statistcs reflect the work that we up 24.7% of the total animals entering the shelter in do for the homeless, abused or unwanted pets in our 2014, and 15% of these had health or behavioural community with nowhere else to go. problems that limited their likelihood of adoption. In 2014, 1,795 animals came into the care of the KHS Animals coming into our care through seizure by either directly or through transfer when unclaimed police, OSPCA agents or other authorities represented from the pound. Of these, 41% (702 animals) were 5.8% of the animals we took in. Animals that left our strays transferred from the pound to the KHS. care and then were readmitted accounted for 2.2%, Animals surrendered by owners represented 32% (608 and .5% came in through transfer from other shelters animals), including those with behavioural or health or rescue organizations. problems, compared to 23% in 2013. Strays accepted In 2014, we found adoptive homes for 51.2% of the by KHS directly (not through a pound contract) animals, a 2% increase over 2013. Our 2014 return- represented 20% (277 animals). 4% came to us after to-owner rate was 12.5%, higher than the 8.2% seizure by authorities; 1% were transferred to us from average for Ontario shelters. As an open shelter, other shelters or rescue groups; and 2% were animals KHS accepts all animals regardless of their health that had left KHS and were later readmitted. or behavioural problems. KHS also accepts animals Animals entering KHS directly and pound surrendered for euthanasia when pet owners have animals transferred to KHS care when unclaimed nowhere else to turn. Our euthanasia rate for 2014 was 30.8%, a decrease from our 2013 rate of 33%; this included unclaimed pound animals that could not enter our adoption program, animals surrendered by owners for euthanasia and animals that could not be adopted because of health and behaviour problems.

Graphs and statistics are produced through PetPoint, a networked animal shelter data management system used by many shelters throughout Ontario, including KHS. Data for shelters not using PetPoint are not included in these figures.

Until every pet is wanted 9 – 2104 Annual Report your gift is needed 2014 animal care statistics 2014 financial highlights Continued from page 9 When only those pound animals transferred to the We would like to thank the community, our donors KHS’s care at the end of the hold/redemption period and our partners in the community and animal welfare are included in the 2014 animal outcome statistics for their continued support in 2014. Consistent with (i.e., not counting animals that came to the shelter previous years (10% in 2013), 11% of our total assets through pound contracts but were not subsequently was attributed to our liabilities at the year end; the transferred to KHS’s care), our adoption rate was remaining 89% is the net assets balance, compared to 66%, greater that the provincial average of 43%; our 90% in 2013 (Figure 1). Our net assets balance provides return-to-owner rate for animals reclaimed after the us with the financial stability to meet our ongoing hold/redemption period was 2%; the number of the operational obligations while giving us the flexibility animals transferred out was 4%, slightly above the to fund our long-term goals and objectives. For 2015, our projections reflect this continued expectation of a provincial average of 3.7%; and the euthanasia rate healthy net assets balance. was 26%, just above the provincial average of 25.4%.

Outcomes for animals admitted directly to KHS care and pound animals transferred to KHS after stray hold

Figure 2 shows the breakdown of the net assets balance for 2014 between our investment in capital Outcomes between January 1 and December 31, 2014, using PetPoint statistics, manually removing all pound returns and euthanasias assets, externally restricted (all endowment funds) and from numbers using pound invoices. Euthanasia includes animals unrestricted balance. Our unrestricted balance, which surrendered for euthanasia and those required by provincial legislation. can be used for any purpose that the Board feels is appropriate, is 43% Average animal outcomes for Ontario shelters (44% in 2013) of total assets, with 13% (12% in 2013) related to endowment funds.

Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2104 Annual Report – 10 2014 financial highlights Expenditures Payroll continues to be our largest expenditure, because of the labour-intensive nature of our animal care and adoptions programs. Although payroll comprises 60% of our 2014 expenditures, we realized a 4% ($31,400) decrease from 2013 despite an increase in minimum wage, which impacted all staff levels. Development of a new staffing model, lower animal intake and an increase in volunteers contributed to our savings. memberships and bequests (planned giving) remained Expenditures in veterinary fees and medicine decreased fairly steady, representing 32% of our income (36% slightly in 2014, to 14%, versus 15% in 2013. With strong in 2013), but we did see a drop in bequests, which animal care protocols, fewer veterinary visits were accounted for only 6% of our income, compared to 12% needed. Renovations to the Gibson Suite increased in 2013. Fundraising initiatives other than donations our capacity for on-site veterinary care. We expect to made in support of fundraising events accounted for see continued savings in veterinarian fees in 2015 as we 8%, a slight increase from 7% from 2013. continue to make maximum use of our on-site clinic. The second-largest source of income was fees for The 23% representing all other expenditures includes services, which accounted for 24% of income source, repair and maintenance to the facility, utilities, versus 30% in 2013. As the pound provider, fewer fundraising expenses, telephones, computer and animals being brought to the pound had a direct impact cleaning supplies; this set of expenditures increased by on our fees for services. In 2014, 304 fewer animals 1% from 2013. were taken in than in 2013. We anticipate that this trend will continue and that the income from this source will continue to trend downwards. Happily, our income from adoptions is continuing to rise. This is attributed to a healthier animal population, the ban on the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores and increased public awareness of KHS in the community. In 2014, adoptions contributed to 23% of our income, compared to 17% in 2013. Income Income from other sources including investments, grants Our revenues decreased in 2014 by 7% ($81,500) from and others increased to 13% of our income, from 10% 2013; we attribute this in part to a delay in filling our in 2013. This includes the OSPCA funding agreement, Fundraising Coordinator position. Combined donations, which is based on the amount of OSPCA activity. Until every pet is wanted 11 – 2104 Annual Report your gift is needed Thanks to our supporters KHS mission The Kingston Humane Society thanks all of the • To care for injured, abused members, donors, volunteers, businesses and and homeless animals organizations and the community for helping • To return or find homes for homeless, abused and unwanted animals in our these animals • To promote and organize community get another chance in 2014. spay/neuter programs Case 114-1503A/B: Drake, canine, 10 months; • To undertake cruelty Luna, canine, 1 year — OSPCA surrender investigations Arrived: November 17, 2014 • To provide emergency rescues Condition: Critical: filthy and underweight • To provide humane education Time spent in care of KHS: Luna 4 wks; Drake 8 wks • To assist with the education of veterinary Found loving forever homes: Luna December 11, technology students 2014; Drake January 15, 2015 Luna and Drake (L and R), brother and sister, were found filthy and underweight Contact information in an apartment, without Kingston Humane Society food or water. A veterinary 1 Binnington Court, Kingston ON K7M 8M9 assessment confirmed the 613-546-1291 dogs’ degree of emaciation. Food was re-introduced E-mail: [email protected] slowly and their weight gain and energy levels were Shelter hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Closed on holidays monitored daily. Their Please visit us at kingstonhumanesociety.ca health problems associated Visit our website for information on our upcoming with malnourishment began events, adoptable animals, volunteer opportunities to resolve and their true and other ways that you can make a difference in personalities emerged. the lives of the animals in our community. After four weeks, Luna was well enough and eager Registered Charity No. 11924-0604-RR0001 to find an adoptive home. Drake needed a bit more recovery time. When Luna’s The Kingston Humane Society adoptive owners learned that she had a brother, they participates in the Royal Canin Elite Shelter Program, receiving applied to adopt him to keep the dogs together. After eight points that offset the cost of weeks of care, Drake was reunited with his sister and took food for the animals in our care when adopters register or his place in the same forever home. purchase Royal Canin food from the shelter.

Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2104 Annual Report – 12