Animal Control Funding?

[adoptapitbull]

I'm curious to know what a typical animal control receives in terms of supplies, funding, and extras. The AC where I got two of my dogs from is in deplorable condition at best. I recently donated collars and leashes to a drive they were having, and heard them speak of raising enough money to purchase grooming supplies. My question is, doesn't the city/county provide those things usually? I know privately owned shelters are run on donations and the employees own cash, but I didn't think AC was supposed to be.

I'm asking because I'd like to deliver a care package for the dogs and the workers in the next few weeks. I don't want to buy things I know will be provided by the city (like food). What do you think AC would need? I was thinking some medical supplies (like antibacterial ointments and bandages), leashes and collars, and maybe some bleach and other cleaning supplies. I want to make sure everything goes to good use. Suggestions? Comments?

[RealPitBull]

I'm going to move this to the Rescue board because I think more people will see it.

[erpitrescue]

The way I understand it, if they are goverment funded, they only get a certain amount a year, and they must make due with what they have. Therefore, they tend to buy basics, and not have much in the way of "extras" like leashes and collars, nor do they always get the chance to replace things that are broken but still work semieffectively.
I would suggest just asking them what they need the most.

[adoptapitbull]

I know that they need heartworm tests, but they said they were about $40 each. So, my cash would not go very far. I don't want to ask too much because if they only mention expensive items and I show up there with a lot of little things, I'll feel like a jerk ;(

I think I'll just buy what I think would make sense. If anyone has any ideas, shoot em my way!

[RealPitBull]

You might ask if they could use any sort of bedding - old sheets and blankets, especially in the cold months, are often appreciated. Wouldn't cost you anything, either

[adoptapitbull]

Yeah, I've got plenty of those lying around! I've learned quick that buying nice things is not a good idea when you have Pits. My pretty comforter.....may it RIP!

I'm trying to think logically and buy things for the short term. The animals are only there 5-7 days before euthanasia. I'm tempted to buy a Burger King gift card and ask that they all have a hamburger! (Hey, it'd be one of their last meals!) The owner said she used to buy breakfast sandwiches for my OEW Bulldog because she thought she'd be going to Doggy Heaven. So far my list is to include:

No chew rolled bandage (I use it here and I really like it)
Antibiotic ointment
Anti-diarrheal liquid
Ear and eye care items
Styptic powder


What am I missing?

[valliesong]

One thing that can really help such a shelter is to form a volunteer group that can become 501c3 and seek grants and other donations that can be tax deductible. People are more likely to donate if a group is 501c3.

Honestly none of my local shelters HW test. I don't know where you live, but around here HW happens but is not as common as down south. Shelters around here need advantage and frontline, wormer, vaccines, albon, food, toys (especially tough ones like kongs and nylabones - they should be safe to disinfect), blankets, medicated shampoos, clippers and blades, brushes, office supplies, gas station gift cards for animal control vehicles, poop scoopers, and even arts and crafts items they can sell in the front office.

Often the most valuable thing you can do is volunteer, whether it be at the shelter or to do a fundraiser. This fall my boyfriend and I did a benefit show with local bands for One by One Cat Rescue on my birthday. I asked for people to attend and donate instead of giving me gifts. They got a reduced price on the ticket if they donated a cat care item.

[adoptapitbull]

I would so volunteer there, except that it is exactly 100 miles from my home. The kennels are bare. No blankets, beds, toys, just food and water bowls are all they've got. The shelter is actually an old chicken coop building right next to a farmhouse. Not sure who owns the house, but I doubt it's AC. They also are the only AC facility for 4 counties in FL, so the number of animals they receive actually makes you feel sick. There are only two paid employees and two volunteers (boss's sons). I feel so awful even thinking of the place because it's so sad. The animals literally have a week, that's it. I was able to see the employee cross Snorts' name off the euthanasia list, and he's a puppy! Gosh, it makes me tear up just thinking about it. I feel a connection with this place, like I HAVE to help. No two ways about it. I know everyone has their own places to help, but if anyone wants to help, even by sending a toy or a $5 gift card, here is their information:

dogtime.com/shelters/US-FL/6611-chipley-animal-control-of-west-florida

[valliesong]

Here is a list of supplies that my local shelter is asking for:

We are in need of many items to help the animals and the staff. Please take a look at the list and consider dropping off whatever you can. The most needed items are highlighted. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Wish List:

Dogs:

Dog food – wet and dry

Frontline/Advantage/Advantix

Large and X-large Kuranda beds

Soft dog treats

Puppy milk

Linens for dog bedding (towels, sheets, blankets)

Dog toys

Dog crates and carriers



Cats:

Kitty Litter

Dry kitten food

Metal kitty litter pans
Nursing bottles for kittens

Frontline/Advantage/Advantix

Dry cat food

Canned cat and kitten food

Cat toys

Cat treats

Disposable cat litter pans

Linens for cat cages (baby blankets, small towels)

Kitten milk

Cat carriers

Newspapers (to line cages)



Critters:

Food for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds

Wooden chew toy for scarlet macaw

Toys and treats

Critter dishes and water bottles

Critter bedding

Shredded paper (for bedding)



Farm Animals:

Horse blankets

Dewormer

Leads and halters

Round pen for the barn
Outside hay rack



Cleaning Supplies:

Paper Towels

Facial Tissue
Toilet Paper

55-gallon trash bags

Brooms

Dust pans and brushes

Liquid Hand Soap

Bottled bleach

Laundry detergent

Lysol spray

Dish detergent (Dawn is best)
Sponges and Miracle Erasers

Lint Rollers

Quart-Sized and Gallon-Sized Ziplock Bags



Misc.:

Shampoo for dogs and cats: oatmeal or hypo-allergenic dog shampoo, cat or kitten shampoo

Fly Strips

Heavy-duty garden hoses, extra long
Hose nozzles
Copy paper

Commercial Washer & Dryer (for pet's bedding)



Due to construction of the expanded cat room, we are losing some storage space. The ARL is in need of a 15-foot (or larger) steel container (POD-like) for storage. If anyone can donate one and arrange for delivery, we will appreciate it!