Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man, himself, will not find peace. ~ Albert Schweitzer 2014 Annual Report
From the Executive Director Faithful Friends Animal Society was started in 2001 by local individuals who were outraged that the save rate in Delaware s shelters was only 10% - nine out of 10 dogs and cats entering a shelter didn t come out alive. Our main goal has been to protect animals and bring the national no-kill movement to Delaware. We work to end the routine killing of dogs and cats in the very shelters that are supposed to be a safety net for homeless and abandoned companion animals in our state. A no-kill shelter is one that saves all adoptable, treatable and trainable dogs and cats, resorting to euthanasia only when animals are suffering with untreatable medical conditions or when dogs are seriously aggressive with a poor prognosis for rehabilitation. What makes no kill possible is a multifaceted approach that includes: High volume spay/neuter Trap-neuter-return for population control of community cats Affordable veterinary services Ongoing adoption campaigns Programs that reduce pet relinquishment by making it possible for pets to remain with the people who love them Compassionate shelter directors. It is this same approach that, if applied to all shelters, will make an entire community or state No Kill, which is the ultimate goal. STATE OF DELAWARE: 2013 Data Shelter Outcomes for Animal Companions Save Rate for Shelter Animals: 82.5% Save Rate Goal: 90% or better* Euthanasia Rate: 16% of the 10,784 pets entering shelters - 20.6% of dogs were euthanized - 10.8% of cats were euthanized *National goal for communities to save all adoptable, medically treatable and trainable animals This year, in order to increase our programs to keep pets in families and reduce shelter relinquishments, we expanded our low-cost veterinary services to include wellness exams, basic sick exams, low-cost dentals, special procedures and more spay/neuter services. We continue our record of being a catalyst for advanced policy in Delaware. In partnership with the animal welfare reform lead legislator, Senator Blevins, and the entire General Assembly, we championed an effort to achieve policy changes since 2006 including: 2006 first rabies surcharge on pets to create a public fund so spay/neuter is available to low-income pet owners; 2010 animal shelter basic standards of care and transparency through mandatory data reporting; 2013 first State Office of Animal Welfare placed in the State Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health to consolidate all animal welfare services and to continue to advance policy and programs in our state. While our advocacy efforts continue, we are focused on building our partnership with the new state office leadership and a new Alliance with the no-kill shelters in New Castle County. In addition, thanks to our State Legislators and Governor Markell, we have an opportunity for state land in New Castle County. The land agreement was passed into law in July 2014. Thanks to the support of individuals, local businesses and foundations, we have grown tremendously and today we serve 10,000 pets and 15,000 people who care about them or need their healing qualities through comprehensive services. We do this in partnership with you, our supporters, who believe as we do, that a moral community is one that treats animals with kindness and respect, because every life is precious. Sincerely, Jane Pierantozzi, Executive Director
Fiscal Year 2014 Financial Summary (July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014) Revenue: $1,630,100 Revenue Stream Program Fees 8.5% Fundraisers 10.5% Grants 11% Individual Contributions 70% Expenditures: $1,635,400 Expenditure Allocation Fundraisers 10% Management and General 5% Program Services* 85% *Program Services Include: - Adoption - Low-cost Veterinary Services - Food and Supply Bank - Pet Therapy Programs - Pet Life Line - Sanctuary - Lifetime Care - Advocacy Our Mission To serve as the model for other animal welfare organizations by ending the neglect, abuse, abandonment and killing of pets; and providing and promoting compassionate animal-related welfare and social services.
Success! 2014 Fiscal Year Accomplishments Saved lives through a comprehensive adoption program, foster care network and rescue partnerships. Exemplary care was provided to 1,400 homeless cats and dogs with 894 adopted to loving homes. We maintained care for approximately 500 cats and dogs at any one time through shelter care, foster network and offsite adoption centers. Santuary or lifetime care and enrichment provided to those pets least likely to be adopted. Approximately 100 cats and 10 dogs are provided special care for life knowing they are unlikely to be adopted. Helped people care for and keep their pets by providing bimonthly low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics to over 1,000 pets. In addition, the free pet food/supplies bank served 6,800 pets and 2,800 pet owners in crisis (and those caring for stray or feral cats in cat colonies). Keeping Pets with Families Provided quality, low-cost veterinary services to our community, allowing families to keep their pets in loving homes and community cats healthy in their cat colonies. Our goal is to avoid preventable euthanasia or medical neglect due to financial constraints. Healing Touch Cared for pets who have special medical needs, require emergency medical care or procedures, or are awaiting diagnostic procedures. Emergency and long-term medical costs consume 1/3 of our budget. Support from the public is essential for us to continue to help pets in need. Supported local pet owners in need by providing guidance and counseling to 1,500 community members in an effort to keep pets in their homes, or find alternative placements to keep them safe through the Pet Life Line (operated by volunteers.) Shared the unconditional love of companion animals with the community. Our volunteers and therapy pets logged over 2,500 hours of service at local eldercare facilities, special needs programs, hospice care programs, schools and libraries. Our onsite program PET (Program for Education and Training) continued to provide onsite opportunities for special needs groups and individuals. Maintained over 300+ volunteers in shelter operations, offsite cat adoption centers, fundraising activities, and pet therapy services statewide. Held weekly orientations and training classes for new volunteers.
What is the use of living, if it not be to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone? - Winston Churchill 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 427-8514 www.faithfulfriends.us