After a period of closure for internal and external investigations, the Douglas Animal Shelter has reopened with a renewed focus on animal welfare. The shelter has implemented new policies and procedures, increased transparency, and fostered strong community connections. As a result, they achieved a no-kill rating for January, showcasing their commitment to finding homes for all animals in their care.
Last year, the Douglas Animal Shelter closed amid internal and external investigations into staff, policies, and procedures. The shelter fully reopened in the middle of December, with a new coordinator and new rules. 'We're not looking back. We're just looking to the future,” said shelter coordinator Tammy Gould-Berry. The changes were noticeable. After having a reputation for many years of having a high euthanasia rate, the shelter received its first no-kill rating in January.
'Being transparent, being open on social media, has really helped us to have success stories,” Gould-Berry said. “We’re really trying to make connections with our community, and that's happening.' Gould-Berry started at the shelter in December, having previously worked at the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista. She now has a team of six, an increase from last year. 'Obviously, we are working on rebranding, but that goes with the times. Everybody needs to rebrand,” Gould-Berry said. In January, the shelter adopted 19 dogs out and transferred 30 dogs to other shelters, for a 93% live outcome rate. Gould-Berry says they still do put some animals down if they are injured and can't recover or when community members ask them to put their pets down and have a good reason. 'It's important for us to be open and transparent with our community, and we want them to come in and feel like they can come in and spend time with the dogs or adopt dogs,” Gould-Berry said. She says working with other shelters is helping to find more dogs homes. It's how the shelter can be successful. “Transfers (are) going to be our number one asset, to get dogs out of here,' Gould-Berry said. 'So, it's really making those connections with the other animal rescue people in this area to make Douglas successful.” Some of the dogs transferred out of the shelter are moved because their mental health or quality of life start to suffer from being in a small kennel. 'Some don't do well in shelter environments, especially this shelter where we're so small,' Gould-Berry said. 'I'm working on sending a few of our dogs that are very stressed right now to the Humane Society so they can have a better outcome.” Gould-Berry says they have been utilizing the Douglas AZ Animal Shelter Facebook page to show the dogs they have at the shelter, including lost pets. Gould-Berry says having the building open is allowing people to stop by the shelter when they are looking for lost pets and when they are looking for new furry friends. Earlier this month, the shelter held its first open house. More than 70 people stopped through and there were multiple adoptions, Gould-Berry said. The shelter, located at 2017 Rogers Avenue, is open Mondays-Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment on Saturday and Sunday
ANIMALA WELFARE NO-KILL SHELTERS REOPENING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADOPTIONS TRANSPARENCY
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Colorado 67 reopens near Douglas County park after small wildfireThe Dotts fire started burning near Dotts Park, north of Deckers, at around 10:42 a.m. the Elk Creek Fire Department said.
Read more »
Shrek and Fiona Find Forever Home After Pasadena Humane Shelter ReopensTwo French bulldogs, named Shrek and Fiona, were adopted from the Pasadena Humane animal shelter after its reopening following the Eaton Fire. The shelter is still housing over 200 animals belonging to wildfire victims.
Read more »
Save Our Strays Animal Shelter fundraiser: Tickets on sale for Rawls/Paws BallAs Pete Hegseth seeks to become President-elect Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense his confirmation hearing is an opportunity to prove himself to the sizeable share of Americans who don’t know him or disapprove of his nomination.
Read more »
Central Texas Animal Shelter Hit by Third Water Leak in 24 HoursThe Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown, Texas, is dealing with ongoing water issues after experiencing its third leak in just 24 hours. The shelter's adoption area has been without water for two consecutive days, disrupting regular cleaning routines. However, the shelter remains open to the public and is encouraging volunteers, fosters, and people interested in taking dogs for walks to help with its larger canine population.
Read more »
Tacoma Animal Shelter Lowers Adoption Fees for Valentine's DayThe Tacoma Animal Shelter is reducing pet adoption fees to $14 from February 13th to 15th in celebration of Valentine's Day. The discounted rate applies to dogs, cats, and rabbits available for adoption at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. The shelter also encourages people to send virtual Valentines to shelter pets.
Read more »
Grand County Animal Shelter Needs Help Building New HomeThe Grand County Animal Shelter is facing a deadline to relocate from its current building. While the group has raised funds for a new location, they still need $1 million to complete construction. Animal control officer Mary Ann Kerstiens and volunteer Diana Farabaugh are leading the effort, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe haven for abandoned animals.
Read more »