Joan - Pet Tails Magazine

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Page 8 February March 2012 ~Spay & Neuter Your Pets ~ Pet Tails There are approximately 5,000 community animal shelters in the United States. This seems like a large number until you think about how many companion animals these shelters serve, which is somewhere around five to seven million animals annually according to the ASPCA. Then it becomes apparent how small the animal welfare community really is. “SPCA” and “Humane Society” are general terms that any group can use. Often seen as one large organization, these entities are really little islands operating in their own little ecosystem. Frequently competing for public favor, media attention, and the limited resources available to animal shelters, expanding our reach can seem daunting. However, we all have areas of operation in which we can use help, as well as areas of strength that we can offer to others. This fact was reemphasized to me in January when the Virginia Beach SPCA received 18 dogs from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which were obtained from a large hoarding case in Mississippi. This is not the first time we’ve received dogs from HSUS. Often these are very visible cases–like the Michael Vick case in 2007 from which we received 12 dogs–but there are many more that occur and fly under the radar where dogs from outside our city and state are taken in by Virginia Beach. Animal transferring is not a new concept. Every region has a carrying capacity for certain types of animals. For instance, Danville Humane Society in Virginia is a frequent partner in adoptions through the transfer system from whom we’ve received approximately 124 dogs since 2008. They tend to receive many small dogs that seem to adopt out better in Hampton Roads. By applying basic supply and demand philosophy, shelters can both shelter local animals, and still extend a hand to animals from other regions. The key is not to forsake local animals in an attempt to assist other organizations. There also needs to be a willingness to accept the help of others and let animals go to those who might better serve them. There is a balance, but through careful foresight, an equilibrium between local animals and regional animals can be obtained. I know it sounds sappy, but I am a humane educator after all: The world is a better place when we play well with others. Just ask any dog. Visit the Virginia Beach SPCA on-line at www.vbspca.com
Pet Tails ~Spay & Neuter Your Pets ~ February March 2012 Page 9
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Joan - Pet Tails Magazine

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