Increasing Save Rate at Municipal Animal Shelter through Community Partnerships

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (ASD) is among the largest municipal run shelters in the country with an average intake of 30,000 a year. Over the last 6 years, ASD has embodied the changes in animal welfare practices, becoming a model facility leading in innovating programming for No Kill government run open admission shelters. Through expanded programming, improved data capturing and operating efficiencies, and strategic partnerships with animal welfare advocates, ASD has increased its budget, maintained a save rate of 90% for 3 consecutive years, and opened a 70,000 square foot facility focused on adoptions and pet wellness. In October 2010, ASD joined forces with the American Society for the Protection against Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as part of the organization’s 5 year Community Partnership in Miami-Dade County. This collaboration allowed ASD the possibility of applying for funding focused on new and expanded programming targeting specific community needs in order to test effectiveness and measure impact. This strategic partnering allowed ASD the flexibility to build effective evidence-based programming that could be later funded sustainably through County funds. At the time, ASD’s annual intake was over 38,000 pets with a save rate of 40%; by the department’s graduation from the program in 2016 the annual intake was lowered to 30,000 and a save rate of over 90%. In that time, as the Department demonstrated its ability to implement changes and become a leader amongst high-volume municipal shelters, local elected leaders stepped in to complement their work with passage of additional funding for live release/no kill initiatives, and the construction of a new facility focused around adoptions and responsible pet ownership. The partnership with the ASPCA embodies the best aspects of public private partnerships by leveraging each entities strong suit in hopes of achieving the greater good for the community. In Miami-Dade County, the pairing assisted in drilling down data and gaining insight from animal welfare experts around the country as to key fundamental issues in the ASD service area, and effective programming. It improved public opinion and confidence in County government services, and helped expand them in many circumstances by offering funding to pilot these initiatives. With over $900,000 dollars in grant funds over a 5 year period from the ASPCA, ASD has secured sustainable funding for all its live release programs and expanded them. The two continue collaborating on animal cruelty and forensics initiatives, as well as partnering on opening a wellness clinic offering free services for pets owned by local low-income residents.