It takes a good amount of human collaboration to successfully reduce an animal shelter’s euthanasia rate – just ask Granville Animal Services Manager Matt Katz. But that hard work paid off in 2020, and resulted in 1,927 animals’ lives being saved.
Last year, 2,050 animals came through the animal shelter, Katz said in his January update to the Granville County Board of Commissioners. The 1,927 animals saved translates to a low 6 percent euthanasia rate, which Katz described as “historic.”
“We are thankful and ecstatic for all the support we received in 2020, and are proud to have achieved such a major accomplishment,” he told commissioners.
From shelter staff and volunteers, rescue groups, veterinarians who donate medical care and partnerships with spay/neuter programs, Katz said the team effort paid off in the constant battle to find homes for animals who come to the shelter.
For instance, shelter staff partner with foster families to help kittens become socialized and acclimated to living in a home. This program alone, Katz said, saved the lives of 243 kittens. Shelter volunteers who do everything from walking dogs to socializing kittens provide an invaluable service to support the work of the staff, he added. The growing network of animal rescue groups forming partnerships with the local shelter means that animals may have a better chance at adoption. Of all the animals that came through the shelter last year, Katz said 1,170 – 57 percent – left through animal rescue groups.
“We are so proud our staff and volunteers for their hard work in making this happen,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Hinman, who also serves as liaison for the Animal Advisory Committee. “We thank them for their compassion for all the animals cared for at the shelter, and appreciate the support of the community in helping them reach this goal,” she said.
The animal shelter moved to its new location in 2020, and Katz said the extra kennel space and healthier environment are definite positives. Public support for animal control policies, increases in funding from the county and public support all contribute to the success the shelter has had in reducing the euthanasia rate. Healthier, more socialized animals translates into more adoptable animals.
When donations come in from the community, the shelter can free more funds to spay or neuter animals, which addresses the problem of overpopulation.