DOCSLIB.ORG

Table of Contents

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Table of Contents Foster Care Guide Dear Foster Family, First and foremost, thank you for opening your hearts and homes to our animals. Our foster families play a vital role in the transformation of every kitten, puppy, cat, and dog that enters our foster homes. Our foster program exists to give young kittens and puppies a chance to grow, moms with babies a safe home, and to give sick, injured and under- socialized animals a chance to heal. Since starting our program, foster families have helped saved thousands of cats and dogs in need of a temporary, loving home. In this manual, you will find the guidance and helpful tips to ensure a successful transition from our shelter to your home for the duration of your foster animal’s stay. Types of animals that need foster homes: - Puppies or kittens awaiting spay and neuter surgery - Dogs and cats that require additional socialization and behavior training - Injured dogs and cats recovering from surgery - Mothers with litters of kittens or puppies - Adoption Ambassador program animals - Transport from other shelters If you have any questions during this adventure, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Sincerely, Animal Allies Humane Society 2 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual Foster Family Volunteer Job Description Time Commitment: The animal(s) would be cared for in the volunteer’s home. An animal placed in your care is likely to be with you for a couple of weeks up to a month, and maybe as long as three months, depending on the age, situation, and needs of the animal. Puppies or kittens going into foster care would stay until they are roughly 8 weeks of age, so length of stay would depend upon their age when they enter the shelter. Duties & Responsibilities: - Providing food and water, a litter box and litter if they have a cat or kitten in their care, and other needed supplies. The shelter would provide medical exams, vaccinations, medications, and the spay/neuter surgery. - Administering medications if necessary. - Providing a safe, secure, clean environment for the foster animal(s) - Picking up after the animal(s). - Socializing. - Documenting any health concerns so that they can be discussed with the medical staff, and notifying the medical staff of such concerns. - Fosters must keep the foster animal(s) in their home for the time period agreed upon with the staff in charge of foster care. - If an emergency comes up, or the foster volunteer will be leaving town, they must contact the shelter to coordinate other foster arrangements. Training Requirements: Initial foster training with potential additional trainings dependent on experience. Time Commitment: Depending on age of animal, typically 3-4 hours per day. 3 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual Experienced Foster On-call Volunteer Job Description Purpose of Position: Be a liaison between Animal Allies Humane Society and foster parents. Duties & Responsibilities: - Be on-call as a back up to fosters for medical emergencies and approve hospital visits. - Counsel foster families through difficult situations involving foster kittens. Preparing fosters for the possibility of the death of an animal and helping them to cope with the loss. Qualifications: - Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a foster. - Demonstrate extensive knowledge of Animal Allies Humane Society foster program protocols. - Willingness and availability to be on-call during assigned time period. Training Requirements: Foster training and shadowing of a current mentor. Time Commitment: About 1-15 hours per week, varies depending on the time of year. 4 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual Administrative Support Volunteer Job Description Purpose of Position: Keep records and files updated and accurate. Duties & Responsibilities: Update Database (Shelter Buddy) Acquire spay/neuter dates and vaccination dates - update list Make files for new foster families Maintain Facebook group by adding and removing members Help schedule pick up and recheck dates for fosters Other duties as assigned Qualifications: Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Knowledge of Shelter Buddy a plus Training Requirements: 60 minutes with Program Manager Time Commitment: 4 – 6 hours per week 5 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome…………………………………………………………….2 Job descriptions…………………………………………………..3 FAQ/Time Commitment……………………………………….7 Preparing your home……………………………………………9 Animal Care Guidelines………………………………………..11 Kitty care Puppy care Neonate feeding Fostering Moms………………………………………………….18 Basic Training………………………………………………………20 Veterinarian Care………………………………………………..24 The Finish Line, Ready for Adoption!.....................26 Emergency Protocol…………………………………………….28 Foster Program Contact Info………………………………..29 6 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual ARE YOU A FOSTER CANDIDATE? TIME Are you able to devote the required time daily and weekly to your foster animal (see chart)? YES NO Are you able to bring foster animals to the shelter for YES NO vaccinations and wellness exams every 2 weeks? Are you able to contact AAHS to bring the animals to the YES NO shelter or emergency care quickly? SPACE Are you able to separate your foster animals from your YES NO household pets for at least two weeks to protect them from illness and allow the proper adjustment period? Are you able to handle cleaning procedure such as disinfecting your home in between animals and specific YES NO disease prevention protocols? CARE Are you prepared to handle sickness or possible death of YES NO your foster animal? Are you able to emotionally handle letting go of the foster YES NO animal after becoming attached once their foster period is over? Are you able to handle the potential of foster animals carrying illness that could affect your household animals YES NO and/or family? Are your household pets up-to-date on vaccinations, heart YES NO worm preventative, dewormer and spayed/neutered? 7 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual Kitten/Cat Foster Time Commitments TYPE OF FOSTER DURATION OF FOSTER DAILY COMMITMENT Weaned kittens 1-3 weeks 2 hours URI cats 2-3 weeks 1-2 hours Kittens with mom 2-8 weeks 1-2 hours or more Injured cat 1 week -2 months 1-2 hours Neonatal kittens 6-8 weeks Up to 8 hours Cats with Medical needs 4 weeks to 3 months 1-2 hours Puppies/Dogs Foster Time Commitments TYPE OF FOSTER DURATION OF FOSTER DAILY COMMITMENT Puppies without mom 4-8 weeks 3-4 hours Puppies with mom 2-8 weeks 1-2 hours Adult dogs/cats (ambassador) Dependent 1-2 hours Dogs with medical needs 2 weeks to 3 months 1-3 hours 8 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual Preparing the Room NIBBLES & BITS Before you bring home your foster(s), make sure that you have a suitable place for them to stay, like a bathroom or extra room (without carpet works well). The room should adhere to the following guidelines: A space where temperature can be controlled. Use glass or metal bowls as plastic The space has been disinfected using mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to bowls are not easy 32 parts water). to clean. Separate from other household pets. Can withstand messes: spilt water or food, vomit, urine, feces, etc. Clean linens and toys often. No breakable items. Electrical outlets and wires are blocked. Supervise play No small items (socks, shoes, kid’s toys, etc.) time. Trash cans should be removed and/or covered. Secured windows (closed or with a secure screen). Secured appliances (toilet lids closed, washing machine lids closed, etc.). If you need to go out of town, please let us know and we will take the animal back. Our animals cannot leave the city without prior permission- we need to be able to administer care at all times. 9 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual GET SET! GET SET! We provide each new foster with an animal-specific Starter Kit to help you care for your foster. A staff member will go over each item and its NIBBLES & BITS use. Check below for further tips on how to properly set up your foster’s NIBBLES & BITS environment. Household poisonous Cats/Kittens Household poisonous plants include Lilies, plants include Lilies, Sago Palms, Corn Plant, Indoor cats only (do not let your foster cat/kitten outdoors). Sago Palms, Corn Aloe Plant and Pothos. A large crate or separate room (bathroom or closet) is best. Plant, Aloe Plant and Pothos. Dogs Supervise your foster Dogs should be kept indoors in a crate when unattended or in a Supervise your foster animal when around separate room. animal when around children and other Dogs should be on a leash at all times when outdoors unless in children or other animals. a fenced area. Recommended fence height is six feet. animals. Foster dog/puppies are not permitted to go to dog parks: o Dog parks can be extremely dangerous; there are not professionals at a dog park when conflict arises. o Not every dog is safe. o While dogs are social animals, they are individuals and do not like every dog they meet. o Dogs have a variety of play styles and different styles can create conflict and instigate fights. Puppies Indoors - kitchen or bathroom. A baby gate is a great way to separate animals per room. Puppies should be around humans for socialization purposes and should not be isolated. Puppies should be kept in a crate at all times when not under supervision. Crates can be provided. Outdoors- only if supervised by an adult. Puppies younger than 5 months should NOT ever go off leash because they are not fully vaccinated. Puppies should not be exposed to other dogs or places frequented by other dogs due to the risk of disease. 10 Animal Allies Humane Society Foster Care Manual ANIMAL CARE GUIDELINES KITTY CARE NIBBLES & BITS Heating It is important to keep kittens warm.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Adopt-An-ANGEL Adopt-An-ANGEL After I Mix
    Expanding Families One Pet at a Time March 2017 Priceless TM Celebrating the Bond Between Humans and Animals PawPrints Magazine's Homeless cover Model Photo by: Michael Cline Photography Petite, affectionate survivor looking for someone to celebrate life with! My name is Chili and I’m a 5-month-old kitten girl in search of a serious relationship. I was found wandering alone with a broken leg, but a Good Samaritan brought me to CARE. The kind folks here repaired my leg and, through it all, I never lost my purr. I’m now on the road to a full recovery and am ready to plant roots with that special someone. I am loving, cuddly and lots of fun. Imagine us snuggling together on the bed, exchanging kisses, talking about life over catnip and kitty treats. Interested? Let’s plan a first date: just call Coastal Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) at 910-256-2624 and ask for me. We can chat about ourselves over the phone, then arrange a meeting for some one-on-one time. Michael Cline Photography has my deepest gratitude for putting me on the path to true love with my cover photo. ORRELL & REINER, P.C. Dineen Animal Hospital Certified Public Accountants 1132 Floral Parkway - Wilmington, NC 28403 JEFF J. DINEEN, D.V.M. P.O. Box 4054 JAN BATTEN, D.V.M. Wilmington, NC 28406 EVE MILLS, D.V.M. JOANNE THOMPSON, D.V.M. Robert H. Orrell, III, CPA Anne W. Reiner, CPA (910) 799-3400 Tel. 910-799-3611 Cats ~ Dogs Hello up there! I’m Daisy, Looking for a sweet and I’m waiting for a dog and friendly feline cookie.
    [Show full text]
  • Vancouver BC V<S-"H 3\1--..'11
    Mayor .Council From: Mayor Lois Jackson Sent: Friday, October 13,20179:11 AM To: Mayor & Council Subject: FW: bi law support From: Chris Woodburn Sent: Friday, October 13, 2017 ti::,~ AIYI To: Mayor Lois Jackson; Sylvia Bishop; Robert Campbell; Jeannie Kanakos; Heather King; Bruce McDonald; Ian Paton Subject: bi law support Thank you for hopefully passing the bi law regarding the sale of animals in stores. It's the right thing to do, Chris Woodburn Vancouver BC V<s-"H 3\1--..'11 3)c,- \t...\ll ·fc)UI')\cVYI 1v\.YL~ This message is provided in confidence and should not be forwarded to any external third party without authorization. If you have received this message in error, please notify the original sender immediately by telephone or by return email and delete this message along with any attachments. genda '" A_ FILE # 1:2/00 --0 ( :,-' 1 ---- -------------- From: Marianne L. Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2017 5:08 PM To: Mayor & Council Subject: Business license Bylaw #7670, 2017 Dear Mayor Jackson and Cow1cil- It is with great hope that I write to you asking for your support in passing the proposed bylaw that will prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from pet stores in Delta. There are many compelling reasons to ban the sate of dogs,cats and rabbits. These animals do not come from reputable or responsible sources but from commercial facilities only interested in the bottom line: the almighty dollar. The conditions in which they are bred and raised are inhumane and substandard. A bylaw to ban the retail sale of pets and the inhumane business practices it supports will send the impOltant message that Delta is committed to the responsible and humane treatment of companion pets.
    [Show full text]
  • The Animal Shelter Guide to the Mutt-I-Grees® Curriculum
    THE ANIMAL SHELTER GUIDE TO THE MUTT-I-GREES® CURRICULUM www.education.muttigrees.org An initiative of The Pet Savers Foundation, the program development arm of North Shore Animal League America. Developed in collaboration with Yale University School of the 21st Century. An initiative of The Pet Savers Foundation, the program development arm of North Shore Animal League America Developed in collaboration with Yale University School of the 21st Century www.education.muttigrees.org The Animal Shelter Guide to the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum Copyright © 2014: The Pet Savers Foundation FOREWORD THE ANIMAL SHELTER GUIDE TO THE MUTT-I-GREES® CURRICULUM A Mutt-i-gree® is any shelter animal who is either looking for a home or has been adopted from a shelter or rescue group into a loving environment. If you work or volunteer at an animal shelter, you’re probably a Mutt-i-grees® expert! North Shore Animal League America coined the word Mutt-i-gree® to change public perception of shelter pets and convey their desirability and availability. The concept evolved to become the Mutt-i-grees® Movement, a sustained campaign to bring an end to euthanasia by increasing both adoptions and spay/neuter programs. The movement also features a unique and crucial humane education element that encourages children - tomorrow’s pet owners - to become compassionate and responsible adopters. Like other social movements, the Mutt-i-grees® Movement represents the coming together of people from various fields who share common goals: individuals who have adopted pets; individuals who work or volunteer at public and private shelters and rescue groups; and educators, parents and concerned individuals who seek a more compassionate and humane world and want to improve the quality of life for people and the animals they love.
    [Show full text]
  • Walk for the Animals Details Inside! Pages 16 & 17
    Winter 2017 News from Humane Society of Broward County Walk for the Animals Details inside! Pages 16 & 17 Presented by The Humane Society of Broward County is a nonprofit organization funded by friends like you who care about animals. From your Board Chair, s we begin the new year of 2017, we do so with a heavy heart. Last year the HSBC placed nearly 7,000 animals, which was a rewarding On January 3rd, Marti Huizenga, a great friend to many people experience for us. One such animal – a cat – had been in our shelter for A– and most certainly to the homeless animals at the Humane Society of more than 250 days waiting for her new home! Finally she was given her Broward County – lost her battle with cancer and passed away. chance, and after being in her new home for a few days our staff received Everyone associated with the shelter – past, present and future – will be the following email from the new pet owner: “Hello! We rescued Miss forever grateful to Marti for her years of hands-on involvement with the Pepper a week ago! She’s so sweet and already has gone so far! We love our organization, her unwavering belief in our mission, and the importance sweet girl.” she placed on teaching young children the rewards that come from pet This is just one example of the impact the HSBC has on the lives of both ownership and that all living creatures must be treated with humane people and pets. kindness. Everything we are able to accomplish is made possible from the support Marti will be sorely missed.
    [Show full text]
  • North Little Rock E-Newsletter
    North Little Rock e-Newsletter Provided by Diane Whitbey, City Clerk and Treasurer July 2016 North Little Rock e-Newsletter If you have information you would like to share with other city employees, residents and businesses throughout North Little Rock, then let us know. The City Clerk’s office provides a monthly e-letter to those who subscribe through the North Little Rock website. To sign up, email [email protected]. July… July 16—National Corn Fritters Day Found at www.nationaldaycalendar.com/july/ July 17—National Yellow Pig Day July 1—National Postal Worker Day July 18—National Get Out of the Dog House Day July 2—National Anisette Day July 19—National Daiquiri Day July 3—National Eat Your Beans Day July 20—National Moon Day July 4—Independence Day July 21—National July 5—National Bikini Day JUNK FOOD DAY!!! July 22—National Hammock Day July 23—National Day of the Cowboy July 24—National Parent’s Day July 25—National Threading the Needle Day July 26—National Aunt and Uncle’s Day July 27—National Crème Brulee Day July 28—National Chili Dog Day Day July 6—National Fried Chicken Day July 29—National System Administrator Appreciation July 7—National Macaroni Day Day July 8—National Chocolate Almonds Day July 30—National Father-in-Law Day July 9—National Sugar Cookie Day July 31—National Mutt Day July 10—National Pina Colada Day July 11—National Simplicity Day Fireworks are prohibited in the July 12—National Jerky Day July 13—National French Fry Day City of North Little Rock July 14—National Nude Day Ordinance No.
    [Show full text]
  • February 2011 Condensed Minutes
    CFA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 5/6, 2011 Index to Minutes Secretary’s note: This index is provided only as a courtesy to the readers and is not an official part of the CFA minutes. The numbers shown for each item in the index are keyed to similar numbers shown in the body of the minutes. Ambassador Program............................................................................................................................... (22) Animal Welfare/Breed Rescue Committee/Breeder Assist ..................................................................... (12) Annual Meeting – 2011 ........................................................................................................................... (23) Audit Committee........................................................................................................................................ (4) Awards Review........................................................................................................................................ (18) Breeds and Standards............................................................................................................................... (21) Budget Committee ..................................................................................................................................... (3) Business Development Committee .......................................................................................................... (20) Central Office Operations.......................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Dog Law Enforcement Ordinance County of Cass, Michigan
    DOG LAW ENFORCEMENT ORDINANCE COUNTY OF CASS, MICHIGAN An Ordinance relating to and providing for animal control within the boundaries of Cass County; providing for the employment of a County Animal Control Director and describing the duties, authority and responsibilities of that office; prescribing the licensing and vaccination of dogs and the confinement of animals under certain circumstances; authorizing the establishment of a County Animal Shelter for the impoundment of dogs and other animals and their redemption; permitting the seizing and euthanizing of dogs and other animals; providing special controls or penalties for keeping vicious animals; authorizing a dog census to be made of dogs; enumerating certain violations and penalties thereof; prescribing the County Treasurer’s duties with regard to licensing; authorizing certain fees and expenses and the receipt and disbursement of funds; and repealing other ordinances inconsistent herewith. THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTY OF CASS, STATE OF MICHIGAN DO HEREBY ORDAIN THE 2006 REVISED ANIMAL CONTOL ORDINANCE. ARTICLE I Section 1. The County of Cass deems that the ownership of an animal carries with it responsibilities to the County and its residents with regard to care and control of such animals. In interpretation and application, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be construed to impose a primary responsibility for compliance therewith on the owner of such animal. The County of Cass concludes it advisable to adopt a revised Dog Law Enforcement Ordinance in the interest of protecting public health and safety, promoting the welfare of animals within Cass County and providing for the orderly and uniform administration of the provisions of Act 339 of the Public Acts of 1919, as amended.
    [Show full text]
  • Ordinance No. 12___ an Ordinance of the City of Goleta, California Repealing and Replacing Sections 6.01.160 Through 6.01.190 An
    ORDINANCE NO. 12___ AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GOLETA, CALIFORNIA REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTIONS 6.01.160 THROUGH 6.01.190 AND AMENDING TO ADD A NEW SECTION 6.01.195 TO TITLE 6, ARTICLE III AMENDING OF THE GOLETA MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE GOLETA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADD SPAY-NEUTER REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS AND CATS WHEREAS, the County of Santa Barbara, which provides Animal Services to the City pursuant to an agreement, adopted an Ordinance in December 2009 that became effective on January 1, 2010 that recommends the the spaying-neutering of domestic animals to address pet over-population; and [INSERT ADDITIONAL RECITALS] WHEREAS, on June 7th, 2011, in order to address similar pet over-population concerns in the City as well as to provide uniformity in Ordinance language to the City’s designated Animal Services provider in delivering its services, City Council gave input and directed staff to draft similar spay-neuter ordinance amendments to Title 6, Article III of the Goleta Municipal Code; and NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GOLETA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Recitals The foregoing recitals are true and correct. SECTION 2. Repeal and Replacement of Title 6 Article III – Dogs Licenses and Tags The heading of Title 6 Article III of the Goleta Municipal Code is hereby repealed and replaced to read as follows: TITLE 6 Article III – Animal Licenses and Tags SECTION 3. Repeal and Replacement of Title 6 Article III Section 6.01.160 Goleta Municipal Code Section. Title 6 Article III Section 6.01.160 of the Goleta Municipal Code is hereby repealed and replaced to read as follows: 6.01.160 Required.
    [Show full text]
  • Canal Walk Newsletter February 2015
    Canal Walk Newsletter February 2015 From the Board of Directors Now that the holidays, parties and 2014 are behind us, we look forward to Super Bowl Sunday and Groundhog Day, and, hopefully, a mild winter. The Board of Directors and our management staff wish you and yours a very good and healthy New Year. At this time, we would like to make a special note of welcome to our new neighbors who have recently moved into their new homes in the Reserve North section of Canal Walk. Welcome. FINANCES Our finances and budget are currently looking extremely good. We are on or under in all areas of our budget. Given a mild, as predicted, winter, we should continue to remain within budget. The only significant unquantified expense expected would be any costs of repairs associated with transition to which we are reserving monies to offset these expenses. TRANSITION Stage One transition evaluations has been completed, and we are in the process of determining the total costs that may be associated with any repairs. These costs, as well as those expenses already expended, which can be attributed to defects in material or construction, as well as the aforementioned cost to repair, will be the points of negotiation with the builder. Stage One covers the main Clubhouse (inside and out), the common areas around the Clubhouse, including the parking lot, and parts of Stryker, Tallman, Hardenberg, Silcox, Witherspoon, Hancock, Jays Corner, Delaware Crossing, Bray, Revere, Abrams and Norwich Courts, Yates, Farringdon Plaza, Jacob and Nostrand Way and adjacent wooded areas. As you may have observed, the builder has started repairs to roads, sidewalks and driveway aprons as was necessary and required.
    [Show full text]
  • Street Paws Preliminary Adoption Application
    Street Paws Preliminary Adoption Application This questionnaire must be completed by anyone interested in adopting a pet from Street Paws. We at Street Paws try to place our animals into permanent and responsible homes while matching the pet to you and your lifestyle. NOTE: THE PROVIDING OF FALSE INFORMATION HEREIN WILL RESULT IN THE FORFEITURE OF ADOPTION FEES AND ANY ANIMALS ADOPTED. Street Paws reserves the right to refuse any applicant. I agree In order for your application to proceed without delay, please add [email protected] to your email safe list to prevent our email reply going directly to spam. Please call ahead to your vet to release ALL vet history. Please list all vet offices you have used on your application. If your pet was spayed/neutered at an alternate location please either provide documentation or the vet name and phone number where the pet was altered. If you do not have vet history/reference please indicate no vet history below. I have read and understand Date: ____________________________________________________________________________ Pets name you are interested in adopting: _______________________________________________ Where did you hear about this pet? ____________________________________________________ Name (first and last): _______________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ____________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • St. Joseph County Animal Ordinance (PDF)
    ST. JOSEPH COUNTY ANIMAL ORDINANCE TABLE OF CONTENTS PREAMBLE .......................................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE I – General Statement ........................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE II - Definitions ...................................................................................................... 1 ARTICLE III – Dog Census .................................................................................................. 9 ARTICLE IV - Dog License, Kennel License, Loss of License, Tag Removal, Non-Residents Transferability and Vaccinations Section 4.1: Dog License, Limitation, Fixation of Tags ............................................ 9 Section 4.2: Kennel License, Fixation of Tags .......................................................... 10 Section 4.3: Loss of License Tags…………………………………………………. 11 Section 4.4: Tag Removal ......................................................................................... 11 Section 4.5: Transferability ........................................................................................ 11 Section 4.6: Non-Applicability to Non-Residents ...................................................... 11 Section 4.7: Vaccinations, Rabies Information .......................................................... 11 ARTICLE V – License Facilities, Dog and Kennel License Records, Sale of Licenses, Payments to License Facilities, License Sale Payments to County Treasurer,
    [Show full text]
  • 1 SPCA Monterey County Cat & Dog Sheltering Statistics July 1, 2019
    SPCA Monterey County Cat & Dog Sheltering Statistics July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 In March of 2019, the world was greatly impacted by COVID-19. To keep our staff and volunteers safe so that we could continue to help the animals who depend on us, we modified many programs, including our sheltering services. We moved to an appointment-based intake system, and while we never turned any emergency away, we encouraged people to keep healthy pets as long as possible to reduce the number of animals in our shelter and therefore the number of people needed to care for them. We continued to stay open for people needing to make compassionate end-of-life decisions for elderly and severely ill pets. Because we were taking in so many emergency cases and helping people to keep their healthy pets through our free Pet Food Bank and other services, you will notice a difference in this year's live release rate which had been trending upward in recent years due to our lifesaving work. While our TLC Program still saved thousands of pets by mending broken bones and healing broken spirits, we had a significantly higher percentage of pets coming to us in need of compassionate end of life services. In addition, because fewer animals needed to be sheltered, we had fewer pets available for adoption than we normally would during the late spring and early summer months. While pets were adopted quickly and often had long waiting lists of eager adopters, having fewer pets available lowered our adoption totals for this year.
    [Show full text]