Animal Shelter tries to find recognition in a weak economy – Archive
Written by Crow's Nest Staff, Oct 19, 2010, 0 Comments
Ashley Rogers
Neighborhood News Bureau
Animal shelters across the country care for an estimated 6 to 8 million dogs and cats every year, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Approximately 3 to 4 million of those animals are then euthanized due to overpopulation and limited housing facilities.
Promoting responsible pet ownership and reduction in overpopulation through education, legislation and sterilization programs, the Humane Society says that the steps to solving the national crisis must begin at a local level.
Pet Pal Rescue, located at 405 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg, is a no-kill, non-profit shelter dedicated to tackling the daily financial challenges in order to help animals in the community, one case at a time.
Founded in the 1980s, Pet Pal Rescue was created by two women seeking homes for animals at high risk of being euthanized. Originally based in Orlando, Pet Pal expanded its dream with the St. Petersburg by opening Pet Pal Animal Shelter in 2004, followed by Pet Pal Spay/Neuter Clinic in 2008.
Pet Pal offers medical assistance, behavioral training and the initial housing of each animal.
The weakened economy has increased the financial concerns of non-profit organizations like Pet Pal that are not nationally recognized and must rely heavily on community funding to stay afloat, said Mary Alexander, director of development.
“Slowly but surely, we are getting our name out,” Alexander said. “Donations are down, not just in the animal world, but in any type of non-profit.”
Pet Pal volunteers look for opportunities to gather community support, with a website and Facebook page, as well as monthly visits to local events, schools and dog parks.
“We are really pushing the envelope for recognition,” Alexander said.
The organization recently made appearances at the Baywalk Friday Night Wine Series, The Sports Bar and Grill, The Marketplace and 22nd Street Soul Food Festival. Pet Pal also hosts events such as the annual Dog Reunion held at Fort DeSoto and an annual yard sale in November.
“I get attached to most all of them in some shape or form,” said volunteer Diana Timmons. “To see them get a new mommy or daddy, that’s what does it—makes it all worthwhile.”
Volunteers help with things like cleaning, laundry, walking the dogs, arranging play partners for socialization, office duties and spending quality time with the animals.
“The majority of us do our work as volunteers or minimum wage,” Alexander said. She said Pet Pal’s “grassroots” mentality is beneficial for the adoption process.
Executive Director Scott Daly clears every adoption, after the shelter’s veterinarian evaluates the animal. The hands-on adoption method ensures a good pairing of pet and owner, and helps keep return rates low, allowing more room for other cases, Daly said.
“I can read people pretty well,” Daly said.
He upholds strict adoption policies for his animals.
Averaging about 30 adoptions per month, Daly will refuse anyone adopting on a whim and specifically places pets with families that work well with the breed’s characteristics.
Due to the recession, Pet Pal has seen an increase in the number of animals entering shelters. The majority of Pet Pal animals come from Hillsborough county shelters that have hit capacity. The organization refuses to put pets on hold for indecisive adopters since the lives of future Pet Pal animals rely on each successful adoption to continue the cycle.
“It’s not fair for an animal to leave and come back,” Alexander said. “If we hold an animal for you, we might miss out on the perfect adopter for them.”
Putting a pet on hold may endanger the life of another animal, since most animals brought to Pet Pal are within 24 to 48 hours of being euthanized, Alexander said.
Pet Pal is currently at capacity with its 50-animal population. Denying animals access into the facility is a difficult task.
“It’s all about what I can afford to take in,” Daly said. “It comes down to money all the time. In order for me to take in animals and save lives, I have to have donations.”
According to Daly, it takes about $10,000 a month to keep Pet Pal in service, and each adoption costs between $400 and $600 to complete. Most animals that come to the facility are in need of medical care that is expensive and time consuming.
“A lot of people like to see what they’re donating for,” Daly said. “At Pet Pal, I can literally put it in your hand and show you what you’re donating for.”
