Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland Presenter: Lisa Feder, CAWA July 13, 2017
Portland Metro Area 3,727 square miles 4 counties, 2 states Larger than Delaware and Rhode Island 2.2 million people Approximately 350k people living below the poverty line 996k cats and dogs, plus an estimated 101k feral cats
Founded in 2006
Guiding Principles and Commitments We recognize that all stakeholders in the animal welfare community have a passion for and are dedicated to the mutual goal of saving animal s lives. We are committed to the belief that no one organization or type of organization can achieve this goal alone, that we need one another, and that the only true solution is to work together. We agree to foster a mutual respect for one another. We agree to maintain cordial relationships, and refrain from speaking disrespectfully of one another. We encourage other individuals and organizations in our sphere of influence to do the same. * We shall support the ASAP mission, vision, core values, and official positions that have been or shall be adopted. We agree to find common ground, put aside our differences, and work collaboratively to reach our goals. * We agree to report timely and accurate organizational data for the benefit of ASAP projects. We agree to use terminology that is clear, positive in tone, and builds understanding between our organizations and with the public. * We agree to attend meetings and be represented by a designee with the organizational knowledge and authority to make decisions and commit resources. * We agree to hold in confidence all information designated to be confidential. ASAP organizations agree to contribute funds, staff and resources equitably rather than equally. * paraphrased
ASAP Mission - 2006 to end the euthanasia of social, healthy or treatable dogs and cats in our local shelters by collaborating on spay/neuter programs, educational and outreach efforts and the promotion of humane alternatives for feral cats.
ASAP Mission - 2016 working together, we develop and sustain metro-wide programs and services that reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs, and save the lives of all shelter pets that can be humanely and responsibly rehomed.
Why a Coalition?
Better Together
A Marathon, Not a Sprint 2004 Failed attempt to collaborate 2006 Renewed efforts led to a new plan 2007 CatNip pilot S/N project 800 cats 2010 Spay & Save launched 2012 Lots of cat surgeries 28,094 to date Neighborhood Pet Project $180k grant via ASPCA 2013 Maddie s Fund Lifesaving Award - $1 million 2015 Over 50,000 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to date 2016 Decreased local intake by 47% now nearly 30% of intake comes from outside the metro area
In 2006, we DARED ourselves to make dramatic changes We ve had our Ups
ASAP Statistics - Live Release Rate 61.53% 62.78% 67.23% 71.20% 76.55% 78.91% 85.35% 90.66% 93.15% 94.10% 94.80% 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
And our Downs
ASAP Statistics - Public Cat Intake 22,353 23,570 21,398 20,729 19,615 16,984 14,732 12,796 12,071 11,258 11,068 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Where to Begin? Data, Data, Data! 5 different software systems Asilomar Matrix creation & implementation We learned that 80% of all animals euthanized were cats Reducing intake via highvolume spay/neuter became the #1 goal
Spay & Save Goal: 10,000 cats per year above 2008 baseline Sustained over 5 years = 30% drop in intake Result: 52,000 cats altered in years 1 5 38% decrease in public intake
Unique Approach Centralized scheduling system customized database 5 locations; 1-800-345-SPAY Public Assistance & Low-income qualifiers Co-pays = $10 - $25 Funded primarily via grants from Petsmart Charities - $100k per year Subsidies about $16/surgery Shelters cover remaining costs Consistency in protocols
Every animal is an ASAP animal Happy Staff Transports: Coalition First Commitment to each other Lives Saved Alert System Increased Adoptions
Lifesaving Committee Front-line managers Monthly meetings Relationship building Sharing protocols What s New? Reconcile stats & transfer numbers Asilomar training are we all doing it the same way? Share resources!
Euthanasia Categories Based on Asilomar Matrix Consistency between shelters What animals are we euthanizing, and why? 2011 Commitment to No Healthy Euthanasia 2013 Commitment to No T/R Euthanasia What about T/M?
Over time
Results!
Key Factors to Success Every animal is an ASAP animal Ego is checked at the door culture of respect & accountability sets a strong foundation Data, Data, and more Data use statistics to drive your programs Lifesaving Committee - operations people unite! Organizations contribute equitably, not equally Utilize outside resources to help further your goals keep up to date with current trends in the field Identify your strengths Celebrate your success!
Goals now what? What s Next? What does our region need most? What level of S/N is required to sustain current intake? Who will pay for it? Where will the pets come from? How does our Coalition change? What is happening in our field? People programs vs. animal programs
Contact us! www.asapmetro.org LFeder@southwesthumane.org