Siskiyou Humane Society Inc

Programs: Siskiyou humane society2014 accomplishmentsstats:shs accepted 603 animals in 2014. Owners surrendered 227 pets. The public dropped off 173 strays and 19 wildlife. Animal control seized and/or captured 72 strays. 179 pets were adopted at the shelter and 173 dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and rabbits were transferred out for adoption to partner agencies. 126 stray or seized animals were reunited with their owners. Each adopted animal was altered, microchipped, and administered age appropriate vaccinations. 19 wildlife were released or transferred to licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Shs spayed and neutered over 232 animals. Provided funding for public assistance for spaying, neutering and senior pets for over 103 animals. Ohs/transfer for adoption:our collaboration with oregon humane society was established in 2007. This year we transferred 173 dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, rabbits and rare birds for adoption through the ohs second chance program. In addition shs provides time and space at our facility for the agencies to transfer animals from one vehicle to the other. This is a very strict procedure requiring trained staff which shs provides. The ohs second chance program helps shelters throughout the region. Over 3,000 animals are accepted by ohs each year from other shelters throughout the west coast. We are thankful for this program makes it possible to take in and help more animals within siskiyou county. Boles fireon sept. 15, 2014 a rapidly moving fire broke out in the city of weed, destroying over 150 homes and threatening hundreds of others. Shortly after the fire was contained and in the days that followed, staff from the siskiyou humane society joined siskiyou county animal control in searching the burned areas. With the help of law enforcement and fire personnel, we located and captured at-large pets, transported injured animals to local veterinary hospitals and did welfare checks on pets left behind when people were forced to evacuate. Office personnel took hundreds of calls and served as an information center for lost and found pets. We also served as a drop-off location for donations of pet food and supplies and a distribution center for fire victims needing them. Behavior departmentour behavior department continued to offer free behavior counseling for pet owners struggling with pet behavior issues. We provided training and management information to pet owners to encourage solutions of problematic behaviors and retention of pets in the home. We also offered socialization and dog-dog play opportunities where new puppy owners could bring their pups and young dogs to the shelter for supervised play sessions and education about appropriate dog-dog interactions. Outdoor cattery renovationthanks to a grant from patricia l. Kimball endowment fund, our existing outdoor cattery was entirely rebuilt and substantially improved. The old cattery was completely removed down to the concrete. Additional concrete was poured to expand the space. New walls, roof and custom shelves were installed. Smaller wire mesh replace the previous rusted chain-link fencing. A sliding glass door was installed that leads directly to our indoor cattery allowing easier access for staff and adopters to view the cats. The outside entrance door was relocated so that snow fall from the roof would not block usage and access. A custom built litter area was created so that litter boxes were unseen yet easily accessible for use and cleaning. Removable clear vinyl panels were built for winter weather, previously the cats were unable to use the outdoor cattery due to harsh weather. The new cattery is bigger, easier to clean and completely weatherized so that cats can enjoy fresh air year round while being protected from the elements. Even though we are currently using this area it is not completely finished, in 2015 we plan to have a mural painted, add additional cat furniture and then have a grand opening celebration. Dog exercise yard improvementsall of the three outdoor dog exercise yards received a new layer of bark chip donated by local tree trimmers to keep the dust and mud down. A barrier railing was added in the main parking lot along the fence line of the front training yard to improve safety by keeping passersby from approaching the fence during sensitive dog-dog interactions or while working with shy/fearful dogs. A shade screen cloth/visual barrier was put up on the fence of the first kennels exercise yard to discourage visiting from dogs being taken to the veterinary hospital next door. Community outreach and educationshs provided shelter tours, humane education and community service opportunities to local area youth, including information on dog bite safety, kindness to animals and basic animal care. Shelter staff also provided mentoring to high school seniors working on required senior projects.