Arizona Humane Society Annual Report 2009

2008-2009 Annual Report

CONTENTS Letter from the Executive Director

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Board of Directors

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Our Mission

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Successes in 2009

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Admissions

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Field Operations

10

Second Chance Animal HospitalTM

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Spay, Neuter & Wellness

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Euthanasia

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Adoptions

14

Alternative Placement

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Volunteers

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Community Outreach & Humane Education

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the largest shelter-based trauma center for homeless animals in

Retail

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the Southwest, Second Chance Animal HospitalTM. We receive no

Events

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Giving

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Financials

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Goals for 2010

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Impacting the community Arizona Humane Society is a private, independent, non-profit animal welfare agency that has been serving the community since 1957. We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, employ over 150 staff members and lean on our 1,400 volunteers to care for the nearly 45,000 animals we serve every year. Our organization created and now operates the only Emergency Animal Medical TechnicianTM program in the United States and

goverment funding, relying solely on donations and service fees to operate. We are proud that an astounding 84 cents from every dollar received goes directly to our programs and services for homeless animals.

Dear Friends of Arizona Humane Society, When I first accepted my position at the Arizona Humane Society, never did I imagine I would become part of an organization that impacts our community in the way AHS does. Nor did I imagine that I would be working alongside an amazing group of people – both employees and volunteers – who embody passion and dedication to animals in need each day. And certainly, we have a committed group of supporters who ensure that AHS is a vibrant organization and has the resources to assist homeless, neglected, abused, unwanted and abandoned animals.

I don’t know whether great pets make great people or if great people result in great pets.

Nonetheless, we’re extremely fortunate to have all of you “great people” who do so much for the Arizona Humane Society. Thanks to your generous support, in the past year: • We placed 12,916 animals into loving forever homes – more than 500 animals adopted than the previous year.

• Our Second Chance Animal Hospital™ cared for 11,508 dogs, cats and critters – a 33% increase over the previous year.

• Our EAMTs™ answered 22,837 calls for help – 28% more than last year.

Clearly, the work of the Arizona Humane Society goes beyond adoptions, covering a broad spectrum of animal welfare concerns. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and generosity to this extraordinary organization. The Arizona Humane Society is here because of your support.

Together, we will continue to make a difference for the thousands of animals who rely on us each year. Please join us as we endeavor to be a leading animal welfare agency in the state of Arizona.

Sincerely,

Executive Director 4

Board of Directors Maureen Beyers, Chair Ed Troell, Chair-elect Susan Wissink, Chair Emeritus Daryl Weil, Chair Emeritus Rob Kort, Vice Chair, Legislative Action & Government Relations Paul Bjorklund, Vice Chair, Finance & Audit Bob Carr, Vice Chair, Development & Endowment Patty Withycombe, Vice Chair, Board Relations Robert Koons, Vice Chair, Strategic Planning Joette Schmidt, Vice Chair, Marketing Kelly Flood, Secretary

Board members at large Mark Briggs Janet Cussler Craig Doyle Melinda Morrison Gulick Mike Lenderink Cindy Martin Kimberlee Reimann Padilla Linda Parkis Mary Frances Ray Anthony Salcito Dave Shennan Nancy Welch Jeff Williamson

Angels on Board Without our board members we could not do what we do. They offer us clarity in the fog, a shoulder to lean on when we struggle with some of the difficult decisions we must make and a pat on the back as we make a deep impact in the lives of animals. Our board plays an important role for our organization, generating bright ideas and tirelessly supporting our lofty goals for future projects.

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“We envision a world in which all people regard companion animals as lifelong, valued family members.�

our mission To improve the lives of animals, alleviate their suffering and elevate their status in society.

We safeguard, rescue, shelter, heal, adopt and advocate for animals in need while inspiring community action and compassion on their behalf.

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We are proud to say » Second Chance Animal HospitalTM cared for 11,508 animals a 33%

increase over last year

» Emergency Animal Medical TechniciansTM (EAMTsTM) answered

22,837 calls to rescue sick or injured animals and to investigate animal cruelty, 28% more than last year » Our Alternative Placement department gave second chances to »

8,931 animals by placing them in foster and forever homes We adopted out 12,916 dogs, cats and critters - 544 more than last year

forever homes This year, both of our shelters saw a steady increase in adoptions of dogs, cats and critters who are now in forever homes.

» Euthanasia decreased by 1,221 animals - a decline for the second consecutive year » We partnered with Westcor to open Petique, a high-end retail and adoptions location at Biltmore Fashion Park » We reintroduced our Humane Education program, offering day camps aimed at children ages seven to 14

Dogs & Puppies

Cats & Kittens

Critters

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1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 The collection and publication of data in this report is sponsored by Maddie’s Fund®

open arms This year, we took in lost, scared, abandoned, sick and injured animals by the tens of thousands. We accept all animals with open

arms,

regardless of their breed, age, gender or medical condition. » » » » » »

13,302 dogs 18,549 cats 1,359 others (critters and wildlife) 323 Project Reach Out pets 224 New Hope pets 92 medical transfers (MCACC) 9

first response Arizona Humane Society Emergency

Animal Medical

TechniciansTM rush to the aid of sick and injured animals who are often the victims of animal cruelty, which is against the law in Arizona and punishable as a felony in some cases. Our EAMTs respond to calls for dogs who wandered onto freeways or cats who climbed too high in the trees, but they also see a lot

what is an eamt ?

TM

Our Emergency Animal Medical Technicians

TM

(“pet paramedics”)

are the designated responders for animals in distress in Arizona.

They provide triage on scene and stabilize animals to be transported to our Second Chance Animal HospitalTM for treatment. EAMTs

worse. Hoarding cases in which there are as many as a hundred animals in one house. Dogs with collars so tight, they become embedded in the dogs’ necks.

Animals abused to the point of broken legs or fractured skulls, left for dead because their owners refuse to get them medical treatment. Sometimes the call comes too late to save the animal in distress, which is heartbreaking to say the least. But our EAMTs do everything in their power to get to these animals, to give them the medical care they so desperately need and to safely transport them back to our Second

Chance Animal HospitalTM where they

can receive the full spectrum of treatment their conditions require.

also provide technical rescue assistance to animals caught in life-threatening situations and play a key role in the investigation of suspected cases of animal cruelty and neglect, which frequently require their expert testimony during trial. We have yet to lose a case in which we were involved.

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Most Common Rescue Calls 1. Injured dog or cat 2. Sick dog or cat 3. Rescue of animal in danger (traffic, roof, tree, etc.)

Most Common cruelty investigations 1. Abandonment 2. Welfare check 3. No water

maggie may today Animal cruelty comes in all forms - just ask Maggie May. This twoyear-old longhair Chihuahua had her feet and snout duct taped. She also had a plastic bag taped over

second Chance Our Second Chance Animal HospitalTM is the largest shelter-

her head and was tossed into an empty lot. The temperature hit the mid-90s the day our EAMTs found

based trauma center in the Southwest dedicated to helping sick and injured

Maggie and her body temperature

animals who have no one else to help them. The medical staff is comprised

reached 107 degrees. Had our

of experienced veterinarians and veterinary technicians and, thanks to the

EAMTs not been called to the

generosity of our donors, the hospital houses necessary medical equipment

scene, she would have suffered

for life-saving surgery, as well as medications, veterinary supplies and other

until her final moments. Today,

equipment to provide a high level of care for our special patients. This year,

she’s enjoying the care and love

Second Chance cared for 11,508 animals.

she deserves in her forever home.

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“We envision a world in whic people their responsibi Spay, Neuter &embrace Wellness the welfare ofaffordable animals.”

Because of the overwhelming number of homeless pets in our community, we are committed to providing

spay and

neuter services to all pet owners to help lead the effort in the pet

overpopulation crisis. We also spay and neuter every adoptable animal before they are put up for adoption in our shelters. Additionally, we offer vaccinations, heartworm testing/medication, microchipping and flea/tick prevention because we believe these services should be affordable and accessible for everyone.

Our clinics provide spay, neuter and wellness services for companion animals in our shelters, as well as owned animals who come to us through the Marge

Wright Low-Cost Clinic at Sunnyslope and the Margaret McAllister Brock Low-Cost Clinic at the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion. For pet owners who cannot access these clinics, our Mobile Clinic travels throughout the Valley to provide low-cost, high quality spay and neuter services. » » » 12

19,334 total spay/neuter surgeries 8,615 spay/neuter surgeries at our public clinics 10,637 owned animals who received wellness services

ch all ility for

Peaceful departures

The reality of operating an open intake facility unfortunately means

that some animals arrive too late for hope of recovery. Often, these animals are brought in by our EAMTsTM who responded to an

emergency call from a worried neighbor, family member or a Good Samaritan. Because many pet owners cannot afford veterinary office euthanasia charges, we also make this service available for people whose pets are suffering due to illness or age. Although euthanasia is always a last resort, it is often the only option to reduce further suffering and alleviate pain for the animal.

rescue partners By working with other local rescue

For the second year in a row, we saw a remarkable

decrease in euthanasia, from 23,148 to 21,927, while we saw an increase in the number of ill or aged family pets brought in for owner-requested euthanasia. » » »

10,621 due to severe medical conditions 7,235 due to extreme behavior issues 4,071 owner-requested

groups, we can save more lives.

Rochelle, a two-year old Boxer, came to our shelter with a severe skin condition. Given our limited resources, we decided to work with Boxer Luv Rescue, a breed-specific rescue group that frequently works with medical providers specializing in Boxer care. Thanks to our working relationship with

For those that wish to memorialize their pets forever, our Pet Columbarium provides a beautiful and peaceful resting place in the

Leo J. Czaplicki Memorial Garden at South Mountain.

Boxer Luv, Rochelle is a happy, affectionate dog who loves to play fetch, go for walks and take car rides with her new family.

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critters count Cats and dogs aren’t the only adoptable four-legged, furry friends at AHS. We have smaller adoptable animals whom we like to call “critters” - rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, gerbils, hamsters, rats and

happy endings

an occasional chinchilla. They all

We commit to finding a forever home for every healthy, adoptable animal who

enjoy supervised time outside of

comes through our shelter. Our adoption counselors carefully screen potential

their cages and, like cats and dogs,

adopters to try to ensure loving, comfortable, permanent living situations with

have lovable, unique personalities

owners who appreciate and cherish animals as much as we do.

that endear them to us. Best of

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all, critters make great first pets

»

for children, helping them to learn

»

responsible pet ownership.

»

5,077 animals adopted from our Sunnyslope shelter 5,924 animals adopted from our Campus for Compassion shelter 1,915 animals adopted from offsite locations and events

alternative placement

unique programs

Our alternative placement team makes sure that every animal gets a

All of our alternative placement programs

second chance through means other than traditional adoption. We find

are unique, but they share one common

foster homes for animals who are recovering from illness or injury until

goal - to provide a safe place for animals

they are healthy and adoptable. We also offer many programs to help those in our community when situations arise that leave them temporarily unable to care for their pets. And we help reunite lost pets with their very worried and anxious owners through our alternative placement team.

What you may not know is that we also work with local animal welfare agencies to meet the specific needs of these homeless animals, whether we are transferring dogs to breed-specific rescue organizations that can better place them with the right families or releasing wild animals to organizations that specialize in wildlife rescue. » » » » »

2,221 animals transferred to partner rescue organizations 378 animals released to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control 67 animals released to wildlife rescue organizations 32 animals released to finder 899 animals returned to owner

until they are either ready to be returned to their owners or placed for adoption. » Foster Program - temporary placement in a foster home, outside of the kennel/hospital environment due to medical or behavioral concerns » SAFE - temporary placement of adoptable animals unable to adjust to the kennel environment in a foster home until they are adopted » Project Safehouse - foster care for up to 30 days for the pet(s) of an individual entering a domestic violence shelter » Project Active Duty - foster care for the pet(s) of military personnel being deployed for active duty for the duration of their deployment » Project Assist - foster care for the pet(s) of individuals who are hospitalized or in an emergency situation » Project Reach Out - allows us to accept dogs from other animal welfare agencies that are running out of kennel space » New Hope Program - allows us to select and transport animals from MCACC for adoption at our shelters when kennel space permits » Agnes Program - medical care for the pet(s) of patients being treated for HIV/AIDS » Next of Kin Assistance - cares for the pet(s) of violent crime victims while their loved ones grieve and until they decide where to home the animal(s) » Disaster Relief - cares for displaced animals after a fire, flood or auto accident for up to seven days to allow the owner to recover and get things in order » Adoption Partners - pre-approved animal welfare organizations that will take animals we are unable to place for adoption in hopes of a second chance 15

helping hands a legacy of service Pets on Parade, Arizona’s longest running locally produced television show, recently celebrated 50 years. Marge Wright hosted Pets on Parade for most of those 50 years and continues to make regular appearances on the weekly show. No volunteer has logged as many years as Marge and we just can’t get enough

one thing in common: compassion

accomplishments are not possible without them. We are grateful for their unwavering support and cherish the time they devote to the organization and the animals in our care. » » » »

“ which and p wh

1,328 total volunteers (672 foster volunteers) 335,174 total volunteer hours (274,560 foster hours) Volunteer time equivalent to 161 full-time employees 4,667 animals cared for in foster care

Top 4 volunteer areas

compassionate attitude. She is truly

1. Foster care 2. Dog adoptions & socialization 3. Retail 4. Cat adoptions & socialization

wonderful supporter of AHS.

for animals. Our thoughtful

and dedicated volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization and our

of her sweet, enthusiastic and

an ambassador for animals and a

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Our volunteers come from all different walks of life, but they all have

community outreach Equally important to our mission of improving the lives of animals is reaching out to our community. Through shelter tours, public information booths and speaking engagements with civic organizations, schools and other community groups we share the humane message about responsible pet ownership and the importance of treating all living beings with compassion and respect.

Humane education Children in our community can experience an engaging afternoon at the Campus for Compassion as they learn the importance of responsibility through our Humane Ed-venture Camp, a blend of character and humane education.

Each themed camp provides children with the opportunity to become acquainted with the shelter animals, promote a Shelter Buddy and learn about animal care firsthand from our veterinarians and animal care professionals. Our Humane Education program, staffed by our amazing volunteers, also offers

“We envision a world in h all people respect, value protect the animals with hom we share this earth.�

other activities throughout the year that are designed to engage school-age children.

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Newman’s new hope A Good Samaritan found Newman, a four-year-old Labrador retriever, after he’d been hit by a car and rushed him to the Arizona Humane Society where our Second Chance Animal HospitalTM veterinarians

Retail

cared for him. After spending

Between our Pet Emporium, our Thrift Stores and now Petique at Biltmore

time in foster care, Newman had

Fashion Park, we offer many options to help you shop with true purpose.

the good fortune of being one of

Every purchase from our retail stores supports our organization’s programs

the first animals adopted from

and services.

our Petique location. He found a

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wonderful forever family who loves

»

the way he welcomes them home

»

each day.

»

$110,262 raised from Pet Emporium sales $213,724 raised from Thrift Store sales $25,464 raised from retail sales online and onsite at events

Events We have two signature events each year, Compassion with Fashion and Pet Telethon, along with a host of smaller, diverse events that benefit our organization.

Compassion with Fashion is a lighthearted, fun, crowdpleasing perennial favorite. Nearly 1,000 of the Valley’s most influential and prominent citizens gather to enjoy a luncheon, silent auction, raffle, fabulous costume fashion show and adoptable pets at one of Phoenix’s

guys & dogs

most glamorous and visible venues.

Each year our signature event, Compassion with Fashion, features

Our largest fundraiser of the year is also our most exciting as we air live on

notable Arizonans and their pets

ABC Channel 15 in an effort to raise funds and awareness for homeless

in a unique costume fashion show.

animals. The Pet

The theme for this year’s event was

Telethon is an annual summer event that encourages

participants to make a positive impact in our community.

Guys & Dogs. Dudley Merkel, a prominent Sedona realtor, and his

Many supporters take it upon themselves to create and organize events

Labradoodle, Larry, stole the show

that benefit our organization. Through these valuable partnerships, our

as Dorothy and Toto. This pair

followers assist us in raising awareness and funds without exhausting our

truly represents our organization

limited financial resources.

as Larry was one of our very own shelter animals until Dudley and his wife, Sue, adopted him three years ago. Dudley and Sue serve on the Sedona Humane Society board.

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GIVING Every single dollar makes a difference for the dogs, cats and critters in our care.

We are so very grateful for the generous, thoughtful support we receive through our many giving opportunities.

Gifts of Cash We celebrate and recognize benefactors’ support through giving societies such as the

Your gift to ahs Whether you choose to remember the Arizona Humane Society with

who support spay and neuter efforts with gifts of $1,000 to $5,000). Our cash donors also remember us monthly via an automatic debit, providing consistent funding for the thousands of animals in our care.

a monthly gift, through your estate

Many supporters choose to honor or memorialize loved ones, both human and furry, through

plans or by commemorating a

the purchase of a tribute letter or a brick in our Compassion Walkway. Others choose

building on one of our campuses,

our Columbarium as the final resting place for their beloved animals. Through our commemorative opportunities, donors have chosen to name “Doggie Dens” and “Cat Casitas,”

you can feel confident that your

dog play fields, rooms, buildings and even barns. These permanent tributes make a powerful

gift is thoughtfully and carefully

statement about the donors’ love of animals.

put to use. With 84 cents of every dollar received supporting our

Planned Giving The Legacy Circle recognizes those who include us in their estate plans. These members

programs and services, your gift

support our mission of compassion well into the future, while ensuring that their love of

directly impacts the rescue, healing and adoption of companion animals in Arizona.

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President’s Circle (annual gift of $25,000 - $99,999), the Leadership Circle (annual gift of $5,000 - $24,999), the Compassion Circle (annual gift of $2,500 - $4,999), Top Dog donors (annual gift of $1,000 - $2,499) and the Circle of Friends (donors

animals is remembered and lives forever. They remember AHS by naming us as a beneficiary in a will or living trust, naming us as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account, creating a charitable remainder trust and by giving cash or appreciated securities to establish a charitable gift annuity.

Sponsorships Many of our supporters sponsor shelter pets, as well as spay/neuter special events, like Spay Day. With gifts running the gamut from $295 (the average cost of preparing pets for adoption) to $9,000 (the cost of a spay/neuter week), there’s an opportunity for every giver.

Goods and In-Kind Generous benefactors purchase or collect food, toys, beds and other items from our Shelter Wish List. With nearly 45,000 animals coming through our doors each year, these gifts are critical.

Events Event sponsorship is a powerful way to gain valuable recognition for your organization through branding opportunities. Often donors choose to underwrite, which allows us to host amazing events without experiencing the large expense that often accompanies them.

Many of our participants donate gifts in-kind that add value to silent auction and raffle portions of our major annual events.

financials Income Public Support

$10,438,193

Service Revenues Special Events Other Total

$3,101,317 $612,905 $467,719 $14,620,134

72%

Expenses Programs & Services

$9,952,346

84%

21% 4% 3%

Fundraising Administration Total

$1,350,938 $608,295 $11,911,579

11% 5%

Administration 5%

Other 3% Special Events 4% Public Support 72%

Fundraising 11%

Programs & Services 84%

Service Revenues 21%

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“The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals.”

onward & upward As long as there are homeless animals in Arizona, our work is not done. These animals require shelter, healing and love. We strive to accomplish the following this year: » Educate the community on the issue of pet overpopulation and the importance of spay and neuter » Increase adoptions by building greater awareness of the wonderful pets we have available in our shelters » Develop a veterinary service program that allows pet owners to access low-cost veterinary care, lessening the need for owner surrenders due to lack of funds to care for their animal’s condition » Expand Humane Education to include regular classroom visits, partnerships with local educators and civic organizations and promote responsible pet ownership » Engage the community to become part of our brand by fostering long-term relationships with adopters, clinic users and donors » Strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new connections with local media outlets, civic organizations and city governments in an effort to build awareness of our organization and its many valuable programs and services » Build and strengthen our relationships with local animal welfare agencies to give pets the best opportunity at life 23

azhumane.org

SUNNYSLOPE

9226 N 13th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021 (602) 997-7585

NINA MASON PULLIAM CAMPUS FOR COMPASSION 1521 W Dobbins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041 (602) 997-7586

PETIQUE at BILTMORE FASHION PARK 2502 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (602) 957-3113