PETS FOR LIFE Creating positive change in nearby underserved communities
The outreach van rumbled down the dirt roads of Fairfield, Idaho, Soldier Mountain looming mightily in the background. “I had my reservations,” said Nadia Novik, the Shelter’s Regional Shelter Outreach Manager who now leads the Pets for Life program. “This is the first time Pets for Life has gone into a rural location; I was unsure if the community would be receptive to our services – if they would even want to have their pets spayed or neutered.” Pets for Life (PFL), created and funded by the Humane Society of the United States, is an outreach program that builds humane communities for animals and the people who PETS FOR LIFE 10
love them. Thus far, Pets for Life has only been implemented in urban communities - and with much success. In average underserved communities, only 8 percent of animals have been spayed/neutered. In the communities Pets for Life has been introduced, 78 percent more animals become altered, significantly dropping the rate of animals entering shelters. Because of this success, the HSUS decided it was time to try the Pets for Life approach in a rural community. They reached out to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley as a partner in this mission. “We are honored to be the first rural shelter in the nation to be part of this program. The
Humane Society chose us because of the amazing results we’ve already seen with our free community spay/neuter clinics. The success of this program is something that could never have been possible without the support of the Wood River Valley community behind us,” says Shelter Executive Director Jo-Anne Dixon. After performing a community assessment, Nadia and the Pets for Life team decided that Fairfield was a great place to start. With limited access to animal health services, and no animal control or impound
facility, Fairfield’s animal-loving population was in great need. “My initial fears have been completely abolished,” says Novik. “People in Fairfield have embraced the program and are excited to utilize the services we’re providing. Many haven’t had the opportunity or means to get their pets spayed or neutered - once given the chance they are eager to do so.” One of the main pillars in the Pets for Life philosophy is building relationships. What starts as a visit to a community in need, a knock on the door
“I’m glad we can start taking control of our own pet population.” -Connie, PFL Client PETS FOR LIFE 11
to provide information, an initial handshake - becomes an open door. Many of the contacts that Nadia and assistant coordinator, Pita Vega, have made are now Pets for Life ambassadors within the Fairfield community. “I’ve loved you guys since day one,” says Fairfield resident, Connie, “With the help of Pets for Life, I’m glad we can start taking control of our own pet population.” But not all the pets in need are necessarily living in homes. Lorrie, along with other community members, have stepped up to manage local stray cat colonies through the Trap, Neuter, Release program. More than 15 cats have already been trapped, fixed, and released back to live happily within their own colony. “I’ve been spreading the word about Pets for Life. People here are very curious about what Pets for Life is and how to get involved. It’s a welcome change!” says Lorrie. The PFL endeavor also created another great partnership for the Animal Shelter: one with the Sawtooth Animal Center (SAC) in Bellevue. In order to keep up with the volume of animals needing spay/neuter surgeries, Dr. Mark Acker and his staff have joined the cause by providing discounted services for the program. The PFL grant reimburses SAC for their services, in turn helping further build the SAC’s practice. Once animals are picked up in the Shelter’s outreach van, they are brought to the SAC for their medical needs. Not only does this allow the Shelter to continue our popular free spay/neuter services for Blaine County residents, the Fairfield PFL clients are set up in the SAC database, opening the door for folks to bring their animals back for vet care when needed. Fairfield has been an amazing flagship community. The need for this program is clear, and to be able to expand and help other rural communities throughout Idaho would help so many animals and the people who care deeply for them. For more information on how Pets for Life is changing underserved communities around the country, visit the Humane Society’s website at: www.humanesociety.org/about/departments/pets-for-life/ Pictures on page 10 & 11: Nadia on a visit to Fairfield; Connie & her daughter with Nadia; the Shelter’s outreach van on a trip to Sawtooth Animal Center; Nadia with PFL client, Rebecca, and her dog, Cookie; Dr. Mark Acker and Nadia pose for the camera. Pictures on page 12: Pita gets ready to load the van with pet food; Sawtooth Animal Center employee, Lisa, gets pets ready for surgery; Nadia and PFL client Tim. PETS FOR LIFE 12