| Our No-Kill Resolution |
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No-Kill Resolution Adds Vision
In June 2006, when the HSO Board of Directors passed a resolution to become a No-Kill shelter, there
were a lot of questions and concerns. What exactly does No-Kill mean? How can it be accomplished?
Do we have the resources for that? Where will we find homes for all the animals?
Less than a year later, and while some concerns are still there, we quite successfully established that
this commitment can and actually has become a reality. Early on, statistics clearly demonstrated the
profound reduction in the percentage of animals that were euthanized and more importantly, that
only those animals which are terminally ill or dangerously unsocialized were humanely destroyed.
In our resolution to become a No-Kill shelter, our Board included language that specifically defines
our Shelter's No-Kill policy. Our Board of Directors and Shelter Manager have formally adopted the
following policy, which, since its inception has been strictly adhered to and with phenomenal success:
This new and exciting policy also requires that we evaluate each animal on an individual basis and
that we actively employ appropriate resources and assistance if and when an animal’s condition
warrants it. Euthanasia will no longer be used as a means of decreasing the shelter population
(making space) or as a convenience. Every avenue of rescue will be investigated and employed, and
every effort will be made to place the animal in a loving adoptive home. With our save rate for 2006
at 97% we are off to a fantastic start!
Furthermore, we fully expect that this MONUMENTAL resolution of the Board of Directors will have far
reaching implications, not only for the animals in our community, but perhaps for animals throughout
our state. Imagine organizations working together to decrease euthanasia rates, and to advocate for
and save animals! There is not another No-Kill facility in Central Oregon or Eastern Oregon. We
hope and expect the example of our successful No-Kill animal shelter to be instrumental in bringing
about a statewide change.
The Board of Directors did not enter into this resolution lightly. We know that there is a lot riding on
the success of our program, and we are determined, for the sake of the animals in our community as
well as illustrating to other shelters and rescues what can be accomplished, to make it both
successful, now and into the future.
The Humane Society of the Ochocos has added several services to support our commitment to the
community and their animals. We now have identification tags and micro chipping available (the later
for shelter animals only). We operate as a satellite dog licensing agency and offer on-going dog
manners courses to address training issues. We provide assistance with stray and/or feral
populations, and work actively with local law enforcement and community agencies as well as the
Crook County Court.
What YOU can do to help
In June 2006, when the HSO Board of Directors passed a resolution to become a No-Kill shelter, there
were a lot of questions and concerns. What exactly does No-Kill mean? How can it be accomplished?
Do we have the resources for that? Where will we find homes for all the animals?
Less than a year later, and while some concerns are still there, we quite successfully established that
this commitment can and actually has become a reality. Early on, statistics clearly demonstrated the
profound reduction in the percentage of animals that were euthanized and more importantly, that
only those animals which are terminally ill or dangerously unsocialized were humanely destroyed.
In our resolution to become a No-Kill shelter, our Board included language that specifically defines
our Shelter's No-Kill policy. Our Board of Directors and Shelter Manager have formally adopted the
following policy, which, since its inception has been strictly adhered to and with phenomenal success:
- All healthy animals will be made available for adoption.
- ALL Animals with treatable ailments will be treated, and when well, made available
for adoption. - ALL under-aged animals will be placed in appropriate foster care and made
available for adoption once they become of age. - ONLY those animals that are terminally ill will be humanely euthanized.
- ONLY those animals that present a danger to people, or other animals due to
temperament or lack of socialization will be humanely euthanized.
This new and exciting policy also requires that we evaluate each animal on an individual basis and
that we actively employ appropriate resources and assistance if and when an animal’s condition
warrants it. Euthanasia will no longer be used as a means of decreasing the shelter population
(making space) or as a convenience. Every avenue of rescue will be investigated and employed, and
every effort will be made to place the animal in a loving adoptive home. With our save rate for 2006
at 97% we are off to a fantastic start!
Furthermore, we fully expect that this MONUMENTAL resolution of the Board of Directors will have far
reaching implications, not only for the animals in our community, but perhaps for animals throughout
our state. Imagine organizations working together to decrease euthanasia rates, and to advocate for
and save animals! There is not another No-Kill facility in Central Oregon or Eastern Oregon. We
hope and expect the example of our successful No-Kill animal shelter to be instrumental in bringing
about a statewide change.
The Board of Directors did not enter into this resolution lightly. We know that there is a lot riding on
the success of our program, and we are determined, for the sake of the animals in our community as
well as illustrating to other shelters and rescues what can be accomplished, to make it both
successful, now and into the future.
The Humane Society of the Ochocos has added several services to support our commitment to the
community and their animals. We now have identification tags and micro chipping available (the later
for shelter animals only). We operate as a satellite dog licensing agency and offer on-going dog
manners courses to address training issues. We provide assistance with stray and/or feral
populations, and work actively with local law enforcement and community agencies as well as the
Crook County Court.
What YOU can do to help
- Be a responsible pet owner. Have your pet spayed or neutered. Kittens and puppies are cute
but each one represents one less available home for the hundreds of homeless adults we
receive annually, and they too may become homeless adults when grown.
- Keep identification on your pet at all times. In 2005 we received 932 strays, only 36% were
claimed and returned to their owners.
- Let your neighbors and friends know that you applaud their efforts and recognize their
responsible actions when they have their animals spayed or neutered, or have identification on
their pets.
- When it’s time to add another furry friend to your household, go to an animal shelter. Shelters
and animal rescues have many wonderful pets that are homeless and longing for the love you
have to offer.
- Not ready for another pet? Tell your friends about the nifty animals at the shelter and available
online. Or, you may want to consider volunteering or becoming a foster care provider.
- Join our volunteer team. Whether you have one or several hours a week to help, your time
and effort can benefit a homeless animal.
- Become active in managing feral cat populations. With a little effort these populations can be
controlled. Trap, Neuter, Release, Feed and enjoy!
- Become a foster owner. Rewarding and fun, fostering can fit into just about any lifestyle.
Fostering time commitment varies and may only require one to eight weeks. The best part is
that you can help save lives while enjoying the antics of kittens and puppies!
- Become a member of the Humane Society of the Ochocos. While you may not have time to
participate as a volunteer or foster, you can still make a difference for homeless animals by
supporting the shelter.
- Become an advocate for all animals. Spread the word. Let others know that there ARE other
alternatives to euthanasia.