(SARASOTA, FL January 7, 2009) - The Humane Society of Sarasota County has achieved "no kill" status and has officially adopted that designation.
"For close to two years, the Humane Society of Sarasota County has remained open to all owner-surrendered pets without having to euthanize for space," said HSSC Executive Director Deborah Robbins Millman. "Although our operations will remain unchanged, calling ourselves "no kill" accurately reflects our 100 percent adoptable save rate - and it makes the shelter eligible to receive additional grants and donations that will enable us to do even more for our shelter pets."
Millman said that the Humane Society of Sarasota County had not previously declared itself to be "no kill" because, in years past, unchecked breeding and irresponsible pet abandonment had forced the shelter to take in more pets than it could house.
She said the non-profit agency had first taken several proactive steps to reduce pet abandonment, including hiring a behavorist to address pet-related problems and keep pets in their homes; investing in a new, mobile adoption center that can transport up to two dozen pets; utilizing trained volunteers to make HSSC's shelter pets better adjusted, obedience-trained and less likely to be returned to the shelter; providing low-cost and free spay/neuter referrals; offering humane education to adults and children and forging excellent relationships with breed rescues and other shelters in order to reduce the likelihood of overcrowding.
Board President Alex Miller noted that before declaring itself to be "no kill," the Humane Society of Sarasota County wanted to make sure it was combating the overpopulation issue, not just avoiding it.
"The board of directors and staff agreed that simply closing our doors would not make the situation better," Miller said. "HSSC waited to label itself 'no kill' until we could confidently say our shelter is part of the pet over-population solution."
Miller added that HSSC is not a "no kill" shelter that accepts only the most highly-adoptable pets and refuses the rest.
"The Humane Society of Sarasota County is emphatic that it will continue to accept all owner-surrendered pets, regardless of age, breed or health; it will not cherry pick," she asserted.
According to Millman, many of the nation's most well-respected "no kill" shelters accept all pets in need but make appointments so that their intake does not exceed their available kennel space, thus avoiding the need to euthanize for space.
"Since this is the same way HSSC operates, the board of directors decided that a "no kill" designation was warranted," Millman said. "HSSC's adoptable save rate is 100 perent and it saves more than 95 percent of all the animals it takes in, regardless of their age, breed, health or temperament. Those results are akin to the most affective "no kill"/open admission shelters in the nation."
Although many "no kills" deny admission to out-of-county pets, the Humane Society of Sarasota County continues to accept them, space permitting, for a smal surrender fee.
"We believe counties need to be responsive to their residents but we also want to assist those who are unable to get help in their own communities," Millman said. "The modest out-of-county surrender fee doesn't come close to covering HSSC's costs but it helps. It is our goal to remain an active and vital part of the solution."
Established in 1952, the Humane Society of Sarasota County is the area's oldest and largest animal shelter. For more information about its many programs, call 955-4131.
