Euthanasia rates at the Holbrook Animal Shelter have dropped dramatically in the last five months, thanks to a joint effort between city staff and the recently formed Friends of the Shelter volunteer group.
According to Animal Control Officer Merrill Young, a total of 59 animals have been adopted from the shelter since October, which was the start of the collaboration between the volunteer group and the city. Three animals were euthanized over the course of the five-month period. During the same five-month period the previous year, which stretched from October 2013 to February 2014, only six animals were adopted and 46 were euthanized.
Volunteer coordinator Rachel Dorsey credits the improvement to additional manpower available to promote adoptions and coordinate with other rescue agencies.
“Merrill was trying to change the adoption rate, but couldn’t do it by himself,” she said. “He needed the community support and we were able to get that.”
She explained that the volunteers are able to dedicate their time to specific tasks that were not possible for a lone animal control officer to complete. For example, one volunteer focuses on social media to help build awareness and post pictures of available pets, while another focuses on coordinating with other rescues to place dogs that have not been adopted locally into no-kill shelters.
The Friends of the Shelter held an adoption event at Tractor Supply in Holbrook on Feb. 7 and found homes for seven of the 10 dogs available for adoption on that day. Dorsey noted that the group hopes to hold an adoption event once per month, as well as other occasional events such as spay and neuter clinics, vaccination clinics and educational programs.
Additional volunteers, as well as donation, are always needed, Dorsey explained, and volunteer applications are now available at the shelter. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least eight hours per month, but scheduling is flexible. Individuals who don’t want to work directly with the animals can still help by conducting outreach, fundraising and other support tasks.
Donations made to the group are used to increase adoptions, pay for spay and neuter surgeries, and to lower adoption fees when possible.
“People who can’t be around the animals, or adopt any more animals, can still help by donating,” Dorsey said. “When you donate just $5 it makes a difference.”
The volunteers are also working to improve the appearance and atmosphere of the shelter by painting, and adding landscaping and visiting areas. She explained that not only will the changes make the experience better for the animals during their stay, but it will create an inviting atmosphere for potential adoptive families.
“We want people to feel better about coming in,” she said. “It should be a positive experience.”
Dorsey noted that the group is deeply grateful for community support, and asks for volunteers, donors and adopters to continue offering their help.
“We are so grateful for the community and their support,” she said. “Thank you and keep it coming.”
