Community Spay Neuter Memo - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA ANIMAL SERVICES 1601 Eubanks Road http:// orangecountync .goylanimalservices phone: (919) 942 -7387 Chapel Hill, NC 27516 fax: (919) 918 -2393 MEMO To: Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board From: Sarah H. Fallin, Program Coordinator Date: February 4, 2015 Subject: Changes in the Community Spay Neuter Program Poverty has a large impact on dogs and cats every day. Developing a better understanding of what this means for companion animals in our community is an integral part of our Community Spay Neuter program for 2014 -2015. The number of sterilizations has decreased for our targeted population since 2012 and Animal Services staff believes this is partly due to the updated methods of communication for Department of Social Services (DSS) clients, limiting the amount of spay /neuter information sent to our targeted population. This year Animal Services used alternative methods for our community outreach strategies that included Every Door Direct Mail, door hangers, and billboards- but these methods did not pay off as expected. Animal Services would like to revisit the possibility of increasing the income criteria to that of the NC Spay Neuter Reimbursement Program. Those guidelines allow people who make under 300 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for subsidized programs; in comparison, Animalkind's guidelines are roughly 150 percent of the federal poverty level, and Orange County DSS public assistance programs are at 200 percent of the federal poverty level. What we know now is: • According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Poverty Levels increase every year. • The majority of clients who participate in Animal Services income -based programs have never taken their pets to a veterinarian. • The number of spay /neuter surgeries from Animal Services targeted programs has not reached 500 since 2011. • Staff is researching an alternative way to reach the lowest income households by using the Pets for Life program. In conclusion, with the agreement from the ASAB, staff will revisit the income criteria in coordination with other county staff. Upon completion of this review, staff will return to the ASAB for further discussion of one or more alternative income levels for eligibility suited to the circumstances and needs of Orange County.