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

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orange County Animal Services Sheltering Practices and Philosophies '7( Seventy percent of the pets spayed or neutered at the clinic are delivered through a free transport system called the Regional Response Team, Volunteer transport coordinators schedule surgical appointments up to one month ahead of time, Carol Nelson, of an organization called Save the Animals, coordinates pickups from Winstorn~Salem, the farthest transport site from the clinic, Up to 100 animals are picked up at a time and brought back to the HA, in Asheville, where they are examined, prepped for surgery, spayed/neutered and kept overnight far recovery. An average week receives 250 animals from eight to 10 transport groups. In addition, the HA keeps an average of 20 public appointments daily, Community Coordination The HA, says Mazzina, is "privileged to work with supportive local veterinarians who recognize the value of the service we provide," and says that their participation in a free post-operative exam program is invaluable to the clinic. The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association also lauds the efforts of the HA. These relationships took time to develop-the HA had to assure the veterinary community that they weren't there to compete, Eighty-five percent of their clients have never taken their pets to a veterinarian, and 30 percent of their mature female patients are pregnant.. Now, 10 percent of the HA's clients are local veterinary referrals. The Asheville Humane Society has decreased its stray intake by 50 percent since the HA opened, and additional decreases have been seen throughout the entire region of western North Carolina. Nat satisfied to rest on their laurels, the HA hosted a national conference, "How to Qpen aHigh-Volume, Low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic," in September 2003. In the future, the group will also offer a comprehensive training program far other organizations, Sometimes, the simplest ideas are the best-and those who dare to state a lofty goal aloud may just have the best shot at achieving it. We congratulate the HA, and wish them continued success.