Animal Shelter Reaches Unprecedented Live Release Rate, Shares Vision To Help More Dogs and Cats Countywide
The Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, a non-profit which serves all of Fayette County as a home for unwanted and stray dogs and cats, is pleased to share that year-to-date it has a near 97-percent live-release rate.
“We’ve reached an extraordinary live-release rate, even as our county grows in population,” Teresa Stanley-Brown, shelter director, said. “We take in an average of 1,600 dogs and cats a year. We could not do this without our dedicated board of directors, area governments, local veterinarians, and donations from a tremendous community of supporters. Our staff and volunteers are committed and work tirelessly and creatively, giving 110 percent to the animals in our care.”
Like many community organizations, due to COVID-19 the shelter has had to forego its usual fundraising events but is still seeking donations for shelter improvements.
“We rely heavily on donations from our residents and businesses to keep improving our ability to care for the dogs and cats, and we appreciate any donation amount to help us out toward our goals,” Stanley-Brown said.
Shade for the outdoor yards is a critical need, and the cost for the most economical solution, carport covers, is estimated at $6,400. Installation of a combined security and communications system to monitor the safety of the animals and the property is estimated at just under $2,100. The shelter needs isolation wards for seriously ill and contagious animals as well as soundproof panels for the dog kennels, since the shelter size necessitates that dogs and cats are housed closely together and the cats are stressed out by the barking echoing off the walls. The shelter office also needs a printer and computers. Stanley-Brown said, “Through our community partners, we now have the ability to assess animal behavior, treat injured or ill animals and ensure all pets who arrive at our shelter are treated medically for needs such as heartworm, fleas and ticks, and diseases such as kennel cough and Parvo (a highly contagious, sometimes fatal virus), and give them preventative vaccines upon arrival. Spay and neutering of pets is also a priority. Through our planned improvements we will be able to do even more to save homeless animals and find their forever families,” she said.
To donate, volunteer, or find out more about the shelter and its adoptable pets, visit www.janssenanimalshelter.org, where raffle tickets are also available through the end of the year to win a 1966 Replica Shelby Cobra.