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Alternatives to Relinquishment
People who no longer can or want to keep their pets often surrender the animal to a shelter where the process is uncomplicated and there are few questions asked. But, this is not the case at the Richmond SPCA. Here, surrenders are by appointment only, and staff ask pet guardians to try alternatives to relinquishment through Project Safety Net.
Project Safety Net encourages community members to work with the shelter in solving the homeless pet problem. In 2005, Project Safety Net prevented 1,015 pets from entering the shelter system. Of the pets who did not enter the shelter, 680 were re-homed by their guardians and 335 were kept by guardians who worked to resolve behavior problems. (The SPCA follows up on every call to determine the outcome.) Here's how the program works:
- Folks waiting to give up their pet are given ideas for rehoming the animals themselves. If the animal is altered, the SPCA will assist in the process by posting the pet's photo on their website and on the shelter lobby adoption board.
- People with under-aged puppies and kittens are enrolled as "foster to surrender." The shelter legally takes in the youngsters, but returns them to their "foster" home with meds, crates, formula or anything the guardian requires to maintain the animal until he or she is old enough for spay/neuter and adoption.
- If a person wants to surrender their pet because of litter box problems, barking, or other behavior issues, they are directed to behavior counseling.
- Pets with minor behavior problems are directed to a manners class.
- If a lack of pet friendly housing is the reason for relinquishment, pet owners are offered lists of rentals that allow pets.
The process is designed to be supportive and helpful. It begins when staff ask why the person wants to give up their animal. Depending on the answer, follow-up questions uncover whether they have tried a trainer, a veterinarian, or a behaviorist and, if not, the proper resource is offered. Some people have already tried to solve the problem themselves. In that case, they may be told "here is what we can do to work with you until we have an opening in the shelter." If the person is adamant about the need for immediate assistance, they are referred to the city shelter. Staff explain that the Richmond SPCA frequently goes to the city to pull animals for their shelter, and that since January 1, 2006, no healthy shelter dogs or cats have died at the city shelter.
Staff spend anywhere from two to fifteen minutes on the phone with each caller. If a situation is complicated and requires more discussion, they'll schedule a time to call back another day.
"In the beginning, getting employees to believe in this concept required a shift in attitude," says Chief Operating Officer, Denise Dieseler. "Instead of blaming the pubic for surrendering the animal, the new approach required staff to work with pet guardians and appreciate the fact that most people have legitimate pet problems and concerns. Even with all the time we spend counseling each individual, it's much cheaper to partner with community members on these problems than to take the pets into the shelter. It's much better for the animals as well. I don't care how great a shelter is, dogs and cats are still happier in a home. And it's amazing to see how willing people are to help."
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