Agenda - 09-19-2006-7b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Animal Services Sheltering Practices and Philosophies '7$ that we just need to get this facility fixed so that it is acceptable and the dogs are comfortable, And they are real comfortable now-they are happy as can be, The place smells good, It's clean every day, We are having a spaghetti dinner [fundraiser next month]. Our goals are pretty simple." Thinking Big in North Carolina The Humane Alliance proves attitude is everything By Julie Morris ASPCA Animal Watch -Winter 2003 SHELTER SPOTLIGHT How's this for a success story? In less than 10 years of operation, the Humane Alliance of Western North Carolina Spay/Neuter clinic has spayed or neutered nearly 100,000 companion animals. That is a bite out of the pet overpopulation problem anyone familiar with the crisis can appreciate. Nat surprisingly, this local effort has become a national model, And now that the clinic has partnered with more than 30 organizations in an 18-county region of western North Carolina, its work has greater impact than ever. A Lofty Goal The Humane Alliance follows one simple, but essential credo: "Fundamental to all preventive work is sterilization. Neutering is the best defense against all sources of shelter overpopulation." Their goal is to help implement widespread spay/neuter programs across the United States. "If we can strategically place high-volume, law-cost spay/neuter clinics across the country," says HA executive director Quita Mazzina, "we can solve the pet overpopulation problem." In 2000, financial burdens almost closed the clinic's doors, High volume-plus extreme dedication-was the solution, HA administrators analyzed their costs and the number of surgeries needed to cover them. Ninety-two percent of the clinic's clients cite cost as a factor in the decision to neuter their pets. The HA knew how much there area clientele could reasonably afford, and respected that limit, The clinic charges $42,50 per spay/neuter surgery; a staff of 12, including three veterinarians, performs an average of 65 sterilizations each day. The HA has proved that maximizing the number of surgeries performed can effectively meet the financial needs of both clinic and client. Teamwork Medical director Dr, Karla Brestle credits the clinic's success to its staff and partner organizations. The staff is "beyond compare," she enthuses, "their dedication and skills are outstanding." She adds that the clinic's ability to extend services to hard-to-reach people is "entirely because of our partner organizations."