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 “Open Door”
program will promote more pet friendly
housing. In order to achieve our goal
of finding homes for all abandoned animals, we must increase the number of
potential homes. Therefore, landlords,
rental communities, condominiums and housing associations will be educated on
the benefits of an “open-door” policy, as well as offered guidelines to
follow for a successful pet friendly community.
“Adopt a Pet”
events will be held in non-traditional locations in order to bring the
animals to the potential adopters. Studies have shown that many people do not
like visiting animal shelters, for they feel that it
places the burden of deciding the fates of unwanted pets on them. Therefore, through business and corporate
associations, shelter animals will be featured in corporate newsletters and
adoption events will be held in office buildings, shopping malls, churches,
schools, etc.
A working committee will research
the possibility of acquiring a
tract of land for a sanctuary. This sanctuary will be dedicated to
non-adoptable companion animals, relieving the shelters and rescue groups of
the responsibility of caring for and sheltering these animals. Thus opening-up more space for adoptable
and rehabilitated dogs and cats.
“Meals on Wheels” program will be established to bring pet food
and supplies to senior citizens and disabled persons who want to adopt an
animal, preferably, an adult pet, but cannot do so without assistance. A ‘pet taxi’ would be available to help
with transportation to veterinary clinics when needed.
“Foster Homes” will be encouraged for highly adoptable pets. Publicize the need for volunteers to foster
and publicly acknowledge their efforts and success in reward ceremonies. With time, this should grow to fostering of
treatable and special needs animals.
“Home
for the Holidays” encourages the participation of all shelters in this
6-week promotion designed by Mike Arms of Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego.
Surviving
Pet Program to provide financial assistance to a foster home willing to
care for a pet if the owner dies or is hospitalized. Ideally, build a facility such as The Last
Post in Connecticut, which houses and cares for cats
whose guardians have passed away and leave a bequest in their will to provide
for their animals.
Retention
and Rehabilitation, which has been in place at the HSGM, should be
expanded though more foster homes, obedience training classes,
meals-on-wheels programs, pet taxi services and other means to facilitate
adoptions and increase retention.
Pet
Hotline providing referral services for lost & found animals,
behavior problems, medical emergencies and other pertinent issues.
Increase the use of microchipping to
identify pets and reunite them with their owners, as well as feral cats
before releasing them into colonies.
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