Animal Shelter of the Week: Recent Episodes
The Animal Rescue Professionals Association
The Baltimore Animal Rescue & Care Shelter, located in Baltimore City, Maryland is saving more than 90% of the animals brought to their shelter. That wasn’t always the case, more than 10 years ago 98% of the animals in their care were being euthanized. That didn’t happen overnight and neither would getting to over saving 90% of their animals. Listen in to hear about their amazing transformation and how they were able to engage their community to help save more animals. They pride themselves on always innovating and finding ways to not only help the animals but the community as well!
Fayette Regional Humane Society is located in Washington Court House, OH. They were founded 40 years ago with just 1 part-time Humane Office to help the entire county. Since then, they’ve been able to grow their programs and not only help the companion animals but farm animals as well. They continue to focus on not only the animals but also the community and the people who live there. They’ve gone from neutering 10 cats per week to performing over 1,500 surgeries per year - now that’s growth!
The Fort Collins Cat Rescue and Spay/Neuter Clinic has unique challenges as they serve both urban and rural communities. Sarah shares with us the history and growth of the organization starting with just 2 volunteers 12 years ago to now having a staff of over 35 people. They focus on not only helping the pets in their community but also the people with community focused programs, such as Community Cats, Pet Food Assistance, a Spay/Neuter Clinic and their latest program which is dedicated to Pet Behavior.
The Furkids story began with one homeless mother cat and her kittens and a driving passion to do the right thing. Established by Samantha Shelton in 2002, they have rescued and altered more than 30,000 animals since opening their doors. Today, approximately 1000 animals are in their care. Sam shares with us how they started a successful transport program, the challenges that she sees in her community and what the future holds for them.
As the only open-door shelter in Boone County, they don’t turn any animal away based on breed, age, health or temperament. They take in close to 3,500 animals each year and are incredibly proud to have a 97% placement rate for all animals entering our shelter! Even after 75 years, they are innovating and providing new programs for their community.
The Marshmallow Foundation is located in Detroit Lakes, MN and their main goal is to help educate the public about the benefits of spaying and neutering. Cassi shares with us the history of this amazing organization and the challenges they encounter in their community. Being surrounded and supported by the community is what they are most thankful for.
Dr. Herbert Preiser opened Heartland Animal Shelter in October of 2002 with a vision to eliminate euthanasia to any adoptable animal. Dr. Preiser, DVM and founder of Heartland Animal Shelter wanted to make a difference by saving the lives of pets who might otherwise be euthanized because of the overpopulation of unwanted pets. Since 2002, Heartland has saved thousands of lives and they continue to be advocates for homeless pets until no more adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized. At any given time, Heartland has around 140 pets available for adoption.
The Arizona Animal Welfare League is the oldest and largest no-kill organization in Arizona. They’re always innovating with their programs and looking to help not only their community but the state of Arizona and beyond. If your organization is stuck and looking for a new way to build relationships and extend your reach, this is a must listen to podcast with Michael & Dr. Matt.
The Animal Care Sanctuary is located in East Smithfield, Pennsylvania and has been around for more than 52 years. They take in animals from overrun shelters, areas hit by disaster, owner surrenders and those that are abandoned, mistreated or have special needs. Like many other animal rescues and shelters, they rely heavily on volunteers and donations. Joan talks to us about the amazing programs they have put in place and even some challenges they encounter as a rural animal shelter in Pennsylvania.
Jim from Homeward Pet Adoption Center joins us today. Celebrating 29 years this year they have learned a thing or two when it comes to saving lives. Since their founding in 1990 more than 31,000 animals have been given a second chance. Through the hard work and dedication of the volunteers they are able to save approximately 2,000 animals per year. Jim talks to us about the life-saving programs they have in place to help the animals in their community. Jim shares with us the programs that have made the most impact and how having the community behind them has propelled them to the next level.
Today, due to outstanding public relations efforts, the Dubuque Regional Humane Society has reached household word status in the tri-state area. A dedicated staff of 25 individuals operate the shelter, open to the public 6 days a week, and provide a myriad of services. Through regular community outreach programs, including regular spots on local radio and TV, the adoption program is running at record levels while annual fundraisers like "Strut Your Mutt," "In the Doghouse," and the "Tails at Twilight" fall gala have created positive awareness to the society's mission.
The Adams County Humane Society was incorporated in 1974 and they currently take in approximately 500-600 animals a year. Even though they are a small shelter with limited funds and resources located in a rural community, they work with overcrowded and high-kill organizations outside of Wisconsin to save as many animals as possible. They work with people all over the state when it comes to finding forever homes for their animals.