Henderson Animal Care and Control Celebrates Record-High Save Rate

Henderson Animal Care and Control Celebrates Record-High Save Rate
The City of Henderson’s Animal Care and Control Facility achieved a significant accomplishment. By attaining a save rate of 91.5 percent, the facility may rightfully claim recognition as a “no-kill” shelter for 2018. (Per national shelter standards, the term “no-kill’ signals a shelter’s success in keeping its average live-exit rate during the last year above 90 percent.) 

Of the 4,297 animals brought to the shelter in 2018, 823 were returned to their owners and 2,180 were adopted into “forever” homes. No animals were euthanized due to lack of space at the shelter.

Henderson Animal Care and Control Celebrates Record-High Save Rate

Henderson Animal Care and Control Celebrates Record-High Save Rate

Factors that led to an increase in shelter adoptions include adoption events and other adoption incentives, traditional media coverage, social media, and collateral distribution.

The Animal Care and Control Facility, which is an open-admission shelter for Henderson residents (no animal is turned away), also saw a decrease in shelter intake, which is attributed to Henderson’s increased returns to owners through microchipping and licensing, to providing education, behavior resources and rescue information to owners as alternatives to surrendering their pets; offering new adoptees classes through the Henderson Parks and Recreation Department; and continued enforcement of the city’s mandatory spay/neuter law.

Shelter staff, Animal Control officers and volunteers participated in the 2018 Spring Into Adoptions and Clear the Shelters events as well as four PetSmart weekend events, all of which helped boost the adoption rates. Most importantly, people who care about the animals at the City of Henderson Animal Care and Control Facility increased the facility’s visibility via the shelter’s social media sites and word of mouth.

The facility’s more than 80 regular volunteers contributed to its success in 2018. They logged approximately 7,100 hours each year in support of the shelter, and assist in nearly every area of operations, including greeting customers and facilitating adoptions, and providing exercise, grooming and socialization to cats, dogs and rabbits. Their daily work with the animals improved behaviors and adoptability.

“The City of Henderson Animal Care and Control staff realize that our no-kill status in 2018 is a huge accomplishment,” said Danielle Harney, Acting Animal Control administrator. “This historic record builds on Henderson’s continued efforts to make our city more humane for pets, and we thank the community for saving the lives of our shelter pets.”

“Our shelter is staffed by professionals and volunteers who are working hard, who have compassion, and who will act with integrity to maintain a low-kill status. We know that by educating the community and working with the community and animal rescue groups, we can provide the best possible outcome for animals in the City of Henderson.”

To adopt a pet from the Henderson shelter, the public need only fill out an adoption application and pay a fee based on species: $90 for dogs, $80 for cats and $35 for rabbits. Adoption fees include routine vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, microchip ID and registration, and a rabies tag or Henderson license, depending on where the new owner lives.

For more information about pet adoptions call 702-267-4970 or visit cityofhenderson.com. Follow City of Henderson Animal Care and Control on Facebook and Instagram.

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