A Model for Reducing Euthanasia in an Open Intake Animal Shelter

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The Wake County Animal Center has decreased its euthanasia rate from 50.8% in FY’12 to 35.6% in FY’14 (as of March 31, 2014). From FY’12 to FY’14, many improvements have been made that have led to a 14% decrease in euthanasia in less than two years. The Animal Center instituted just-in-time inventory control which led to decreased waste and an increase in fiscal accountability. This led to identified funding for animal enrichment and care. Improvements were made to the treatment of upper respiratory infection (URI) in dogs, which consisted of improved protocols, hiring a Chief Veterinarian and a focused effort on fostering these dogs. In FY’12, 715 canines were euthanized for URI. In FY’14, as of March 31, 2014, only one dog has been euthanized for URI. Hiring of a high volume/high quality spay/neuter surgeon who also performed additional specialty surgeries also led to an increased live release rate. We have been placing more animals with our transfer partners through the expansion of our Rescue Program and dedicated Rescue Coordinator. In addition to the above changes, programs such as Playing for Life! were instituted and facility upgrades were made that improved the quality of care for the animals at the Wake County Animal Center. All of these focused efforts were directed to decreasing our euthanasia rate.