As Director of an open admission municipal shelter we have been challenged on many levels - the “no-kill revolution”, the ability to treat pets that come into our care medically compromised, the compassion fatigue suffered by our staff, the increase in bite cases either by impoundment or owner surrender - to name a few. The biggest challenge I believe we have faced is due to the “no-kill revolution” which is a very misunderstood and misused term. This is where Fetch and More has made the greatest impact on our shelter operation with regards to behaviorally compromised dogs. Under their expert guidance we have been able to increase our live release rate from 87% in 2019 to 97% in 2020. Live release rate (as opposed to the no-kill term) means all dogs that left the shelter as adopted, owner reclaimed, or sent to an approved rescue. This is a huge accomplishment especially knowing that we have no choice as to what dog enters our shelter and why. Under the expert guidance and training provided by Fetch and More, we plan on continuing to responsibly save lives.
Yankow, Deborah
