2015 Annual Report Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed Message from the 2015 2016 Board of Directors By Chris Strutt, President On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Kingston Humane Society, I would like to recognize our hardworking employees for their continued dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate animal care here in the City of Kingston. This past year saw many accomplishments that we can be proud of. Perhaps the most important of these achievements was our receiving full accreditation with the College of Veterinarians of Ontario for our on-site clinic. This accreditation reinforced Larry Gibson s vision of having a clinic in the shelter to allow us to further support animals in need. Animal care remains our #1 focus and priority. The fact that our adoption rate continued to increase in 2015 despite lower numbers of animals coming into the shelter demonstrates the success of this focus. The animals in our care are moving into our adoption program much more quickly and efficiently, without quality of care being sacrificed. We continue to see decreases in the length of time that animals stay at the shelter. I would like to acknowledge the achievements of the executive management team for exercising strong financial leadership and of all KHS employees for their contributions towards realizing cost savings throughout the organization. The team has persevered through challenging times with great results. Continued on page 3 Contents About the Kingston Humane Society...2 Fees for services...2 Message from the Board of Directors, cont d....3 2015 16 Board of Directors...3 The KHS team...4 KHS committee reports... 5 6 KHS in the community: 2015 highlights...7 For those who cannot speak for themselves...8 2015 animal care statistics... 9 10 2015 financial highlights... 10 11 Thank you to our supporters...12 2015 Financial Statements are available as a separate document.
Our Mission About the Kingston Humane Society The core activities of the Kingston Humane Society (KHS) include sheltering homeless, abused and neglected animals, facilitating adoptions, providing humane education and conducting cruelty investigations as an affiliate of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). The KHS is also a partner on the City of Kingston s Disaster and Emergency Relief Team. KHS promotes responsible pet ownership and compassion and respect for all animals and strives to ensure that every companion animal is wanted. Its mission is to care for injured, abused and homeless animals; return or find homes for these animals; promote and organize spay/neuter programs; undertake cruelty investigations; provide emergency rescue; provide humane education; and assist with the St. Lawrence College animal care education programs. We are a non-profit charitable animal welfare organization; reliant primarily on local donations and support to assist with our mission; the only open shelter in the region, accepting every animal brought to us; committed to our mission and to working with reputable and established rescue groups province-wide; a last resort, providing a haven from the hazards and cruelty of life on the street or neglect; a dues-paying affiliate of the OSPCA, with the authority to investigate complaints of animal cruelty. (We are recipients of an OSPCA funding agreement, the amount of which is determined by funding criteria.) KHS relies primarily on community donations for its programs. Sources of revenue and funding that we depend on include the following: Individual and corporate charitable donations Memberships Grants, which include an OSPCA funding agreement Bequests Fundraising campaigns and events Fees for services Fees for services The KHS provides a number of services to assist pet owners and help the the community support local animals. These include the following: Accepting pets surrendered by owners, regardless of behavioural or health issues Accepting pets surrendered by owners for euthanasia Operating pound facilities for local municipalities (in 2015, KHS held pound contracts with seven municipalities) Acting as an agent for licensing of pets with local municipalities Providing quarantine services to safely monitor animals at the request of the local public health unit Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2015 Annual Report 2
Message from the Board of Directors (continued from page 1) I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the members of the Board of Directors. Throughout the year the Board was focused on planning for the future. Several new projects were approved, including upgrades to our HR system, donor database, corporate website, financial management system and physical plant, all implemented to aid in cost savings for the Society. None of our accomplishments over the past year would have been possible without the continued help of our loyal donors and supporters. The year ahead will be an exciting one for the Society, as we continue to progress on capital projects that will enhance animal care and improve service to our loyal members and donors. 2015 2016 Board of Directors Chris Strutt President Nancy Warnica Vice President Dave Voino Treasurer Duane Wisniewski Chair Tammy Donnelly Corporate Secretary Dana Babcock, Alison Clark, Lisa MacInnis, Courtney Murphy, Kelley Wright Executive Director Connie Ball The Board of Directors recognizes the trust you have placed in its hands to ensure that the animals of Kingston continue to receive the care and compassion that they deserve. In the year to come, the Board will continue its focus on fulfilling the mission of the Kingston Humane Society. Case 15-1303c: Ferby, feline, 3 weeks abandoned in the night at the front door of the KHS Arrived: November 9, 2015 Condition: Hypothermic, dehydrated, lethargic, hungry Time spent in care of KHS: 2 months Found loving forever home: January 2, 2016 Ferby, along with his two siblings, were left in a box outside the shelter in the wee hours of a chilly November morning. When staff arrived to find the trio, they were lethargic, hypothermic and dehydrated. Staff immediately provided heat, fluid therapy and kitten milk replacement to the kittens. Their condition was grave, but with around-the-clock feedings and medical care in a staff foster home, Ferby and his siblings recuperated. After six weeks, they were placed in the adoptions program, where Ferby and both of his siblings got a second chance at life in loving forever homes. 3 2015 Annual Report Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed
The Kingston Humane Society team The compassionate individuals who make up the KHS team ensure that all animals under our guardianship receive the highest standard of care. The team includes staff members, volunteers, a board of directors and community practitioners. Staff KHS staff positions are executive director, operations manager, animal care coordinator, veterinary care coordinator, adoptions coordinator, volunteer coordinator, fundraising coordinator, client care specialists, kennel attendants, veterinary technologists, administration assistants, veterinarian and OSPCA agent (under purchase-of-service agreement with the OSPCA). Case 15-1303c: Maggie, canine, 11 months found running loose in rural area Arrived: November 20, 2015 Condition: Emaciated, with flea infestation Time spent in care of KHS: 2 months Found loving forever home: January 19, 2016 We were alarmed at the degree of emaciation that poor Maggie was suffering with when she arrived the shelter. But our staff fell head over heels for this timid, sweet stray within moments of meeting her. Our Veterinary Care team evaluated her health immediately and placed her on a slow refeeding program, as offering too much food to dogs who have been starved for long periods of time can cause serious health complications. With solid meals and regular medical care, Maggie put on enough weight to be considered healthy, then entered our adoptions program, where she found a perfect, loving home. Volunteers KHS s volunteer program includes a wide variety of opportunities, both at the facility and off-site, including hands-on interaction with the animals as well as support activities such as helping with events, operating information booths, performing administrative tasks and doing maintenance and handiwork. In 2015, over 36,000 volunteers hours were logged, greatly enhancing the Society s capacity for animal enrichment, public awareness and community support through fundraising. Board of Directors The KHS is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members are elected by the Society s membership each year. The Board is responsible for administering the affairs of the Society, including authorizing expenditures, entering into contracts and developing policy. The Board is composed of a cross-section of individuals drawn from the community who are committed to the organization and its mission. Committees Board members, staff and community volunteers serve on a number of committees that support the organization: Governance, Nominations, Finance, Operations, Marketing and Communications, and Animal Care. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2015 Annual Report 4
Committee reports Finance Committee The Finance Committee oversees the management of all financial assets of the Society. This includes monitoring revenues and expenditures, preparing financial statements, reviewing and approving the annual budget, reviewing investment proposals with the Society s financial advisor and insuring adherence to the Investment Policy. In 2015, the Finance Committee s continued focus was to ensure continued adherence to tight financial controls. With uncertainty in the world markets, our investments were monitored very closely to mitigate any significant losses. Despite the volatility that many saw in their investment portfolios, the Society weathered the turbulent financial storms of 2015 with no significant financial impact to our investments. Governance Committee The Governance Committee exists to oversee the affairs and policies of the Society. This committee is responsible for ensuring adherence to the Society s bylaws, the Board election process, orientation of Board members, development and maintenance of the Board Handbook, evaluation of the activities of the Board and development and review of the Society s policies and procedures. In 2015, the Governance Committee learned that the Ontario Provincial 5 2015 Annual Report Legislature s proposed changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act have been put on hold indefinitely. As a result, there is no longer an impending deadline by which to ensure that our existing bylaws are in compliance. Operations Committee The Operations Committee oversees the overall operation of the shelter, including maintenance of the physical plant and property. It is responsible for allocation of space and resources and for ensuring adherence to governing legislation. The condition of our shelter is a growing concern because of its age and high usage. The committee spent much time juggling resources to attend to the needed repairs and very much appreciates the help of local companies who assisted with our septic pumps, front parking lot, dog ward repairs, HVAC system and roof repairs as well as maintaining our vehicles and replacing our dryer. The committee was thrilled to oversee the establishment of the onsite clinic, acquisition of new computers and IT upgrades, and installation of a surveillance system. The Committee continues to uphold the Society s commitment to providing a safe and secure workplace for our employees as well as a refuge for community animals. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed
Committee reports (continued from page 5) Animal Care Committee The Animal Care Committee oversees all aspects of the care and treatment of the Society s animals, including spay/neuter programs and initiatives, adoption, disease and infection control, roles and responsibilities of animal care staff and adherence to governing legislation. Our new on-site clinic, Kingston Humane Society Veterinary Services, received full College of Veterinarians of Ontario accreditation in April 2015. A part-time veterinarian provides consistent, minimal-stress care for our animals at a significant cost advantage. This allows us to do more with each donor s dollar. Microchip clinics and pet first aid classes throughout the year reflected our dedication to assist pet owners in the community. The Committee also investigated Capacity for Care, a shelter management program based on animal intake, housing and adoption strategies to reduce the length of an animal s stay in a shelter. Frontenac County had two incidents involving large numbers of animals found in highly compromised health. Working with the OSPCA on these incidents, KHS admitted 22 dogs and 47 cats requiring immediate assessment, veterinary care, nutrition and shelter. Marketing and Communications Committee The Marketing and Communications Committee oversees all matters related to marketing, public relations and fundraising for the Society. In 2015, work continued on our new marketing materials, developed thanks to a donation made to help us with fundraising. Our new website went live in April, and the marketing materials were finalized in November. KHS has identified and will raise awareness of a number of areas of particular need that supporters can support through donations. The Committee is investigating the steps to register the KHS logo to ensure clear identification of the organization in the community in terms of its work and fundraising initiatives. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2015 Annual Report 6
KHS in the community: 2015 highlights Engaging the community In 2015, the Kingston Humane Society encouraged community engagement through technology, directing more people to obtain information about KHS and upcoming events as well as to make donations through the KHS website, and increasing our use of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our fundraising events in 2015 included our signature events, Bowl for the Animals, Shelter Day and Big Paws at Lake Ontario Park, and other events, including National Cupcake Day and the One Night with Elvis show by Elvis tribute artist Matt Cage. In December, our direct mail campaign had great success, as did our Homes for the Holiday winter open house and adoption event. We also developed partnerships with more groups to promote responsible pet ownership and community awareness. This included events such as Caturday in support of the Egyptian exhibit at the Pump House Steam Museum, a free microchip clinic, and an adoption event hosted by Leon s Furniture and supported by Limestone City Animal Hospital. Fundraising by the community Third-party events are the ideal way for community members to raise funds for the KHS. Members of the community who assisted KHS this way in 2015 included StarTek, Pet Parade Plus through its Hungry Bowl event, Pet Valu and its customers, Dale and Kim Holliday, Crafters for Critters, Global Pet Foods and customers, Starbucks, Princess Animal Hospital, Queen s University Lost Paws Club, the Wine and Whiskers group, Explorer Diving, Kingston Glass Studio and Gallery, the organizers of Run 4 Paws and the Dragon Boat Festival, the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets with their Jeans for Charity night, Arbour Heights, and students of 7 2015 Annual Report the St. Lawrence College Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technology programs. Donations from birthday parties, anniversaries and special personal occasions were also greatly appreciated. Contributing to animal welfare education Our mutually beneficial relationship with the Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technology programs at St. Lawrence College continued. Approximately 150 students attended classes in the two classrooms at the shelter, gaining practical hands-on experience that benefitted our animals. KHS supported pet owners in the community with pet first aid courses and monthly microchip clinics. KHS staff continue to take every opportunity to educate the public and advocate for community animals. Whether we are speaking to pet owners reclaiming their animals from the pound, advising potential adopters or responding to inquiries from the public, first and foremost, our role is to help those who cannot speak for themselves. Adoptions Adoption events are a way for us to promote KHS animals, increase their exposure for potential adopters and maintain a healthy number of animals at the shelter. Adoption events, which typically involve our feline population, were held throughout the year at Pet Valu, PetSmart, Global Pet Foods and Birds n Paws. Our thanks to these companies for acting as satellite adoption centres. Our tireless volunteers In 2015, volunteers provided the animals and staff with more than 36,000 hours of their precious time, skills and insights to support the animals at the KHS on their journey to a happier future. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed
We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves As a dues-paying affiliate of the OSPCA, we support the investigation of allegations of cruelty, neglect and abuse of animals in Frontenac County and educate the public on the humane treatment of animals. Our affiliation with the OSPCA ensures delivery of leadership in matters related to the prevention of cruelty to animals and the promotion of animal welfare and humane and suitable animal care, calls attention to unacceptable practices that harm animals, and permits us to investigate complaints of cruelty, carry out rescues, bring perpetrators of cruelty to court, advocate for humane laws and provide care to all animals in need. The KHS 2015 intake of seized/custody animals exceeded the provincial average by almost four times (11.98% versus 3% provincial average). OSPCA activity in the Kingston community in 2015 included the following: 397 complaints of animal cruelty, abuse or neglect, involving 283 dogs, 89 cats and 17 horses were investigated. 37 SPCA search warrants were issued. 100 orders were given to pet owners to seek veterinary care; of these, 52 owners responded appropriately. How you can report animal cruelty, abuse and neglect To report suspected animal abuse, call the Ontario SPCA at 310-SPCA (7722) or 1-888- 668-7722 ext. 327, or e-mail cruelty@ospca.on.ca, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), your local Ontario SPCA branch, affiliated SPCA or Humane Society or the police. 60 animals in 21 cases were found to be in need of immediate care, were seized and were taken into care by KHS. 137 animals were surrendered by their owners to the KHS, which assumed their care. The KHS is grateful that the community supports the work of the Ontario SPCA and is committed to the protection of our community s animals in need through our affiliation with the organization. Case 15-825g: Samira, feline, 2 years arrived as as result of an investigation Arrived: August 15, 2015 Condition: Terrified; required dental care; ear mite infestation Time spent in care at KHS: 2 months Found loving forever home: October 2, 2015 Samira came to the shelter along with 47 other felines through an investigation. On arriving, she was very nervous and feared handling and interaction with people. An assessment indicated that Samira had an ear mite infestation and an upper respiratory infection and needed dental surgery. Samira received the medical care she needed and, after spending time healing in foster care, she was placed in our adoptions program. After two months of care, Samira found a fresh start in her new forever home. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2015 Annual Report 8
2015 animal care statistics All animals entering the Kingston Humane Society shelter In 2015, the Kingston Humane Society received 2,314 animals: 1,575 cats, 687 dogs, and 52 other animals, including rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, goats, ferrets, mice and rats. Total stray animals those accepted through pound contracts and those brought in directly (not through pound contracts) represented 65.15% of our intakes. Animals surrendered by their owners made up 20.06% of the total animals. Animals coming into our care through seizure by police, OSPCA agents or other authorities represented 11.98%. Animals that left our care and then were re-admitted accounted for 2.59%, and 0.22% came in through transfer from other shelters or rescue organizations. Animals entering the KHS through pound services The Kingston Humane Society provides pound services for a number of municipalities. A total of 771 cats and 407 dogs entered pound services in 2015. Only 6.1% of cats were reclaimed by their owners, whereas 61.9% of dogs were reclaimed. A total of 655 unclaimed animals were transferred into the KHS program. Animals coming directly into KHS s care and pound and seized/custody animals transferred to KHS The information and graphs that follow refer to those animals who came into the care of the KHS as a charity, dependent on the donations and support of the community. These statistcs reflect the work that we do for the homeless, abused or unwanted pets in our community with nowhere else to go. A total of 1,458 animals were admitted into the KHS program either by transfer through pound services after being seized, directly from their owners, or as strays in a jurisdiction where there is no pound contract. Of these, 1,090 were cats, 317 were dogs and 51 were other animals. Adoptive homes were found for 74.75% of these animals, which is above the Ontario average. Moreover, 4.18% of intakes were transferred to KHS s Barn Buddies program or to rescue organizations as they required behavioural intervention, palliative care or treatments not manageable in a shelter environment. Animals requiring humane euthanasia accounted for 18.58% of KHS intakes, which is below the provincial average in Animals entering the KHS as seized/custody The KHS provides shelter and medical care to animals who are removed from a home or situation if deemed to be in distress by OSPCA agents or police officers under the OSPCA Act. A total of 280 animals were taken in as seized/custody. Many of these animals were medically compromised and faced behavioural challenges that are not seen in typical stray or ownersurrendered animals. Of these, 133 were transferred into the care of the KHS. 9 2015 Annual Report Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed
2015 animal care statistics (continued from page 9) Ontario shelters of 20.20%. No humane euthanasias were performed because of space or time constraints. The KHS also provides a service to community pet owners, allowing them to surrender a pet in need of humane euthanasia when they are unable to assume this cost. An additional 55 cats, 31 dogs and 1 rat were surrendered by their owners for euthanasia. 2015 financial highlights The Kingston Humane Society s strong financial situation could not have been achieved without the support of the community, our donors and our partners. We can all be proud of the Society s evolution into a multifaceted animal care facility, and the generosity of individuals, groups, community members and corporations is an integral part of our success. Graphs and statistics are produced through PetPoint, a networked animal shelter data management system used by many shelters throughout Ontario, including KHS. Data for shelters not using PetPoint are not included in these figures. Consistent with previous years (11% in 2014), 12% of our total assets was attributed to our liabilities at year end, with the remaining 88% in the net assets balance, down only 1% from 2014 (Figure 1). Our net asset balance provides us with the financial stability to meet our operational obligations while giving us the flexibility to fund our long-term goals. A healthy net assets balance is projected for 2016. Figure 2 shows the breakdown of the net assets balance in 2015 between our investment in capital assets, externally restricted (all endowment funds) and unrestricted balance. The latter, which can be used for any purpose the Board deems appropriate, is 42% (43% in 2014) of total assets, with 13% (13% in 2014) related to endowment funds. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed 2015 Annual Report 10
2015 financial highlights Expenditures Figure 3 provides a summary of our operating expenditures. Payroll continues to be our largest expenditure, because of the labour-intensive nature of our animal care and adoptions programs. In 2015, payroll accounted for 65% of our expenditures, an increase of 5% from 2014. This increase is attributed to an increase in the minimum wage and the requirement for an extra pay period at the end of the calendar year to ensure that staff were paid before the holidays. Total expenditures for veterinary fees and medicine continued to decrease in 2015, to 9% versus 14% in 2014. Cost savings are occurring now that that we have a fully accredited surgical clinic on site. As expected, our veterinary fees also continued to decrease in 2015, down 6% from 2014. The 23% representing all other expenditures includes facility repair and maintenance, utilities, fundraising expenses, telephones, computers and cleaning supplies. This set of expenditures remained consistent in comparison to 2014 (23%). Income Our 2015 revenues of $1,167,750 in 2015, summarized in Figure 4, represent an increase of 7.5% from 2014. The decrease in adoption income and in municipal monies in 2015 was offset by increased donations, 11 2015 Annual Report memberships and bequests (planned giving), which, combined, represented 44% of our income (32% in 2014), a sign that our community support remains strong and committed. We experienced a 10% increase in bequests, which accounted for 16% of our income, compared to 6% in 2014. Fundraising initiatives other than donations made in support of fundraising events accounted for 6%, a slight decrease from 2014. The second-largest source of income was fees for services, which accounted for 19% of income (24% in 2014). As we are the pound provider, fewer animals being brought to the pound had a direct impact on our fees for services. We anticipate a continuation of this downward trend and its effect on income from this source. Income from other sources, including investments and grants, increased to 14% of our income, from 13% in 2014. This includes funds from the OSPCA funding agreement, which are based on the amount of OSPCA activity. In the coming year it is expected that new software acquired in late 2015 will provide us with more timely cost and accounting information, ease office workload and strain and increase productivity. These software enhancements will also facilitate continuous contact with our donors, lead to better utilization of staff and provide an impetus to our fundraising endeavours. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed
Thanks to our supporters The Kingston Humane Society thanks all of the members, donors, volunteers, businesses and organizations and the community for helping homeless, abused and unwanted animals in our community get another chance in 2015. Case 15-1393: Moose, canine, 5 years abandoned in fenced area at KHS Arrived: December 3, 2015 Condition: Underweight, in need of dental care Time spent in care of KHS: 11 weeks Found loving forever home: February 21, 2016 Staff arrived at the shelter one morning to find this thin Great Pyrenees abandoned in the fenced yard on KHS property. Because of Moose s poor body condition, he required a slow refeeding program and regular weight monitoring to ensure that he gained weight appropriately. Along with his weight concerns, Moose required major dental surgery, as two of his canine teeth were broken. After spending over two months in the care of the shelter, Moose found a home with a wonderful family, who reports that he has settled in well! The Kingston Humane Society participates in the Royal Canin Elite Shelter Program, receiving points that offset the cost of food for the animals in our care when adopters register or purchase Royal Canin food from the shelter. Until every pet is wanted your gift is needed KHS mission To care for injured, abused and homeless animals To return or find homes for these animals To promote and organize spay/neuter programs To undertake cruelty investigations To provide emergency rescues To provide humane education To assist with the education of veterinary technology students Contact information Kingston Humane Society 1 Binnington Court, Kingston ON K7M 8M9 613-546-1291 E-mail: board@kingstonhumanesociety.ca Shelter hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Closed on holidays Please visit us at kingstonhumanesociety.ca Visit our website to make a donation and for information on our upcoming events, adoptable animals, volunteer opportunities and other ways that you can make a difference in the lives of the animals in our community. Follow us on Facebook. Registered Charity No. 11924-0604-RR0001 2015 Annual Report 12