It's concerning that there seems to be no information since 2007 about the number of animals that are euthanized. I completed training, and the staff are evasive about giving out this information as well. For someone who would like to make a educated decision on where to spend my volunteer time, and do that with this information, I feel like they are not being transparent. The answers are, oh, some Monday's I don't do any, other Monday's I might do 3-4. But they aren't sure how many they did last year. I am sure they know that information. They tax returns show exact numbers for how many dogs they place, so I bet they know how many dogs they put to sleep! Why can't people be transparent. I suspect it is because there euthanasia rate, last time they disclosed, was over 70 percent! Not many volunteers are going to feel good about that.
Review from Guidestar
I have served as a volunteer at the Capital Area Humane Society in numerous capacities for roughly 250 hours over the past twelve months. My experience has been uniformly positive.
My fellow volunteers and staff have been mature, disciplined, communicative and well-informed almost without exception. Every person at the shelter is empowered to share information for the benefit of the animals. The new training program, which begins in September, represents a substantial time commitment and minor financial commitment for new volunteers. Although this will reduce the total number of new volunteers going forward, I believe that the Humane Society will be best served by people who are willing to make such a commitment and who can take full advantage of the extensive training that will be required. Opportunities for advancement as a volunteer seem to be limited only by each person's desire to learn, practice and participate.
The facilities, including the veterinary clinic and other areas not visible to the public, are are hygienic and properly maintained. Many customers remark that they are impressed with the rooms where the adoptable animals are housed - the temperature is pleasant year-round, bedding is freshly washed, newspapers are regularly changed, and excrement is cleaned up promptly. The housing for non-adoptable animals, the grooming and training facilities, and even the interiors of the humane agents' vans are no different.
Of the Humane Society's many programs beyond its basic shelter operations, I am most familiar with the Department of Cruelty Investigations, which investigates all reports of animal abuse, abandonment and neglect in Franklin County without any support from outside funding. The humane agents' professionalism and their ability to manage time and resources never ceases to amaze me.
I have heard two concerns expressed from time to time: the rate of feline euthanasia and the issue of executive compensation. However, I have not heard any suggestions for improvement based on widely-accepted best practices or examples from comparable organizations. It's easy to say that a group can spend its money more efficiently, especially when lives are at stake. I'm sure that the decision-makers at CAHS would be happy to hear specific constructive criticism, because in my experience they do value feedback and transparency.
I intend to continue volunteering at CAHS indefinitely, and I am confident that any funds I donate will be put to good use.
Review from Guidestar
I have adopted from this organization and spent time here as a volunteer. They conduct cruelty investigations for our county and shelter over 10,000 animals each year. This is a professional organization - focused on providing great care and services for pets in our community. I've witnessed staff go to extraordinary lengths to help pets. Their greatest challenge is funding - if you check their 990 and the budget for our local animal control facility - you'll find their budget is half that of the county run shelter and they generally handle a similar number of animals. They do good work - I'd encourage people to visit the facility and talk to staff & volunteers - ask for a tour if you want to see behind the scenes. I am proud to support their work!
Review from Guidestar
I find it interesting that the names and salary of the five highest staff members isnt listed in the 2008 tax form. It has been in the past. I know of at least 2 staff members making well over the fifty thousand that they ask them to list. I wonder could it be they dont want people to know the high end salary they pay with their hand out for more money?
Review from Guidestar