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About | |
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Adoption | |
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Donations | |
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FAQ | |
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Lost-N-Found | |
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Membership | |
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News / Events | |
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Our History | |
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Relinquishing | |
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Spay & Neuter | |
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Sponsors | |
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Thrift Shoppe | |
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Volunteer | |
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Wishlist | |
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Who owns the shelter? The Shelter is operated by the Friends of the Shelter, Inc., a nonprofit corporation administered by a volunteer Board of Directors elected by the membership. The Shelter is not affiliated with the City or County and receives no tax support. Membership is open to the public. Is P.A.S. Affiliated with any animal rights organizations? No, but we do try to educate the public about the responsibilities of pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals. How is the shelter financed? The Shelter was built on donated County land with donations and grants written by volunteers. Operating expenses are paid for with donations, membership dues, adoption fees, fundraiser income and proceeds from the Thrift Shoppe. What will my dues and donations pay for? Almost 100 % will be spent on quality care for our animals. We pay no administrators, consultants or fundraisers. We do pay a professional bookkeeper. We have no expense accounts or travel budgets. Over half the Shelter work is performed by volunteers who receive no compensation for time, meals or mileage. Why does P.A.S. Charge an adoption fee? Fees are a necessary and important part of the income needed for operating expenses and spay/neutering of the adopted animal. Also, charging a fee encourages people to make a careful decision. If we pay for something, we tend to value it more. People who cannot afford our modest fees may not be able to provide for a pet's needs. What progress has the shelter made towards animal welfare? Historically, approximately 2000 animals are admitted to the Shelter each year. Adoptions were increased to 925 in 2000 and 1249 in 2001 compared to a range of 618 to 823 during the previous nine years. New programs have been developed to network with other animal welfare organizations and find creative alternatives to euthanasia. Some of these include national breed rescue organizations, local foster families and behavioral training. Why is there a crisis in population of homeless animals at the shelter and elsewhere? Hundreds of strays are admitted without identification and are never claimed by their owners. Hundreds more are surrendered by owners who are unwilling or unable to care for them. Hundreds of kittens and puppies are abandoned at dumpsters and elsewhere or admitted by owners of unaltered pets. Is it healthy to place more than one animal in each cage or kennel? It is very difficult to detect the symptoms of some diseases. An animal may appear symptom-free while incubating diseases such as feline leukemia, canine parvo-virus or kennel cough. We reduce the risks of exposure by limiting direct contact with other animals. Further, we keep many of our adoptable animals for weeks. It is important to provide for their comfort and to reduce stress. Most of these animals have been abandoned by someone they loved. They have been left in unfamiliar surroundings with strangers. Their diets and daily routine have been completely disrupted. Housebroken dogs may agonize over relieving themselves in the kennel because they cannot be taken outdoors as often as needed. Cats may feel confined in their cages when they are accustomed to roaming freely. These conditions could easily result in aggression or depression. We must do everything possible to help these animals maintain a positive attitude while awaiting adoption. If we put two animals in one kennel or cage, it is usually because they need a companion, not because we need the space. Also, we want the public to see that we take good care of our animals so they will have confidence in us when it comes time to choose a new pet. No one wants to acquire a pet from surroundings that are uncomfortable, over crowded or unsanitary. How long do you keep animals? The law requires us to keep unidentified animals three (3) days and identified animals five (5) days. We keep all adoptable animals indefinitely if they continue to show good health and temperament. There is no time limit What if I would like to volunteer, but I might find work at the shelter depressing? We have a lot of volunteers who feel the same way. There are many ways you can help without exposure to the physical work of the shelter. You can help with fundraising ventures, office chores, public relations, education, advertising or various tasks at the Thrift Shoppe. How do I find out about making a donation, becoming a member or volunteering? Visit the applicable section of our website or contact the Panhandle Animal Shelter or the Thrift Shoppe.
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