No adoptable, impounded dogs were killed in 2011 in my community of Fargo (N.D.), West Fargo (N.D.) and Moorhead (Minn.), according to the pound statistics. There is a pound located in each of these three cities.
Out of the 1,073 impounded dogs last year, 62 percent were reclaimed by their owners, 36 percent were taken in by rescue groups and 2 percent (23 dogs) were labeled “unadoptable” by the pounds and therefore euthanized.
To word this another way, Fargo had a 100 percent live release rate for adoptable dogs – a number unheard of in most areas. (For the rest of this post, you can assume I am referring to Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead when I say Fargo.)
Why the success?
Well, these are just a few of my thoughts – strictly opinions here. I’d love to hear your thoughts, no matter where you live.
Fargo has no government-controlled shelter system
Many communities blame their killing stats on a lack of government funding. You don’t need a government-controlled shelter. You need dedicated community members.
Fargo has at least five established rescue/shelter organizations. These groups receive no government funding. They depend on volunteers, fundraising, donations and grants – not tax dollars. Many of the dogs and cats in these groups live in foster homes. Adopt-A-Pet and 4 Luv of Dog Rescue depend entirely on foster homes. The humane society has an actual shelter, as does the new CATS Cradle. Natural Pet Center has rescued cats for adoption at its store.
Fargo is a dog friendly community
All kinds of resources are available here for training, exercising and socializing our dogs. If the goal is to keep as many dogs out of the pounds as possible, these opportunities matter very much.
Dog training
Fargo has at least two affordable obedience training facilities that offer group classes in basic obedience and beyond. A big shout out to Red River North Dog Obedience club where Ace and I have trained for years. Classes there are around $55 total for seven weeks. Red River North is a nonprofit organization and makes a big difference for the dogs.
Fargo also has several professional trainers who do house visits, and Pawsitive Vybe offers individual and group training on anything from interaction to tricks.
Dog boarding, pet sitting and dog daycare
There are at least seven boarding kennels and dog daycares in Fargo. These facilities are very affordable. Ace can stay at Sheyenne River Kennels for just $21 per night. A day of daycare at Chasing Tails is just $15. We also have at least six established pet sitters such as myself (Run That Mutt). If you need to head out of town, you have many options for your pets.
Dog exercise
For exercise, we have my dog running service through Run That Mutt and a few others who offer dog walking. Fargo has three public, off-leash dog parks and on-leash dogs are welcome at dozens of little parks scattered throughout the city. There are plenty of spots to take your dog swimming in the summer if you choose. The area is rural enough that many of us get away with allowing our dogs off leash, especially out in the country or in quiet parks.
Fargo has a low-cost spay/neuter clinic
Minn-Kota PAAWS makes a huge difference not only to our community but to the region. The mission of PAAWS is to spay and neuter barn, feral, stray and companion animals. You can’t just hound people to get their pets fixed. Most people would prefer to spay/neuter their animals, but they might not have the money to do so or the transportation to get there. My mutt Ace was neutered at PAAWS before I adopted him.
Microchip clinics
The F-M Humane Society offers microchip clinics several times per year where people can show up and have their pets microchipped on site for just $30 per pet. I’ve been meaning to get my cat Scout microchipped, and this is definitely something I should take advantage of.
Affordable pet supplies
4 Luv of Dog Rescue offers the Kibble Kitchen that distributes dog food on an as-needed basis to those who apply. Anyone who needs some extra help paying for dog food can apply here.
Jazzy & Mumbos Thrift Store in West Fargo accepts donations for pet owners in need such as kennels, bowls, leashes and unopened pet food. It also accepts items for the humans such as gently used clothing or furniture.
Safe Paws program
Safe Paws assists those who need help with their pets in order to leave an abusive situation. Sometimes people are afraid to leave a physically abusive spouse because there is nowhere for their pets to go. Safe Paws offers a network of temporary foster homes for these pets. The program is a collaboration between the F-M Humane Society, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center, YWCA of Cass Clay and a local veterinary clinic. More info here.
What are some other reasons Fargo (or any other community) is so successful getting impounded dogs into homes? Let me know in the comments!
Now, on a heavier note:
Fargo can do better.
Twenty-three dogs were euthanized in our local pounds in 2011.
These dogs were labeled “unadoptable” for various reasons by the pound workers. Some had been hit by cars and were too injured to help, according to the humane society. The humane society did not make these decisions; it simply reported the statistics from the pounds. A few were labeled as too aggressive around humans and were killed.
What is considered too aggressive? How are these dogs evaluated?
These are questions I would like to ask the city pound workers, and I’m guessing this evaluation system could be greatly improved. The rescues themselves depend on these evaluations from the pounds, and from what I have seen these evaluations are not always accurate.
If the kill rate for “adoptable” dogs is literally zero, then it’s safe to say we have the resources available to help at least a few of these less adoptable dogs.
What about the cats?
The cat situation here is very sad. In 2010, 44 percent of the impounded cats were killed. Just over half made it out of the pounds alive. So when you look at dogs and cats combined, we are looking at saving around 75 percent. That’s not good. Ninety percent would be good.
I am really excited about the new CATS Cradle shelter, as well as the existing cat rescues and shelters all working together to come up with a plan to save more cats. There is a lot of potential, and I know the 2012 numbers will be dramatically different than past numbers.
There is a lot of work to be done for our cats. I have some concerns and ideas myself, but I would really love to hear your ideas. Please share them in the comments.
No Kill Conference
You may be interested in attending the No Kill Advocacy Center’s No Kill Conference Aug. 10-11 in Washington, D.C. I expect this conference to fill up within the next few weeks, so if you are interested you should sign up soon. And let me know if you are going! (I haven’t made my decision yet!)
No-kill communities
Everyone has her own idea of what “no kill” actually means. Unfortunately that’s what turns people off from the phrase. To me, “no kill” means killing no healthy, adoptable dogs or cats. Euthanizing an animal that is suffering is different than killing a healthy animal due to a “lack of resources.”
I do not believe in finding sanctuaries for dangerously aggressive dogs to live out their lives. I do not believe in hospice care for sick or injured dogs that are suffering.
I want to point out this list of recognized no-kill communities in the United States. Many people believe it is not realistic or possible for a community to become 100 percent no kill. Well, there are at least 26 communities that have done it so far. Duluth, Minn., is one community that became no kill in 2010. The city of Duluth found a home for every adoptable cat and dog in 2010. I believe Fargo will be on this list as well in coming years.
How do you define “no kill”? Based on your definition, is it possible?
