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mailing inserts, a television public service announcement, significant web presence, a door-to-
<br />door canvass, off-site licensing clinics, and the availability of e-licensing.
<br />10.Shelter Animal Care: Introduce programs to reduce kennel stress. Since the task force’s work,
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<br />several efforts have been introduced, including increased daily walks in the neighborhood for
<br />dogs (the increase in volunteers has made this possible), regular socialization outside of cages
<br />for cats, the regular use of kongs and other dog toys/treats for kennel enrichment.
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<br />Additional Recommendations:
<br />Revitalizing LCARA: This includes revised shelter hours, transparency, policies and
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<br />procedures, image, LCARA name change, utilize the term “Save Adoptable and Treatable
<br />Animals, animal accounting, ordinance review, website, post positions, and LCARA
<br />commitment. Since the task force report, shelter hours expanded to include the lunch
<br />hour and until 6:00 pm. Increased transparency includes the availability of information
<br />to the public on the web site, including disposition reports for all impounded animals,
<br />quarterly statistics on shelter operations, and the production of a monthly staff report to
<br />the LCAS Advisory Committee including budget, statistics, license sales, volunteer time,
<br />and other information about shelter operations. LCAS has written a complete policy and
<br />procedure manual for staff reference. LCAS has developed a communications plan, and
<br />is focused on communicating new programs and efforts to the public. The name was
<br />changed to Lane County Animal Services, and the Board and staff regularly communicate
<br />the new policy of saving adoptable and treatable animals within our available resources.
<br />The County completed a thorough ordinance review and revision. The website has been
<br />redesigned and is regularly updated and enhanced—it is the most visited page on the
<br />County website. LCAS regularly posts vacant positions, including extra help positions,
<br />and has revised job descriptions and other program materials to reflect the County’s
<br />commitment to saving adoptable and treatable animals.
<br />Animal Care and Behavior: This includes flexible holding times, efforts to return
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<br />animals to their owners, maintaining proper nutrition programs, flea/worming/vaccine
<br />program, temperament/behavior testing, creative approaches, promoting pet
<br />retention/rehabilitation, limiting euthanasia requests, and facilitating education
<br />programs. Since the task force report, euthanasia because of lack of space has been
<br />eliminated and there are no maximum holding times. Animal welfare officers and other
<br />staff have a focus on returning animals to owners. LCAS policies and procedures have
<br />been written and implemented regarding animal nutrition and animal care to include
<br />flea treatment, worming, and vaccinations. A part time behavior and training
<br />coordinator performs animal assessments and works with staff on behavior plans. Staff
<br />and volunteers are encouraged to bring new ideas to the shelter, and many are
<br />integrated into LCAS operations. The website is being used to assist with pet retention
<br />in the community, and every adopter now receives follow-up contact after the adoption
<br />to get feedback on customer service and to help solve any emerging problems with the
<br />animal. Any owner requesting euthanasia for their pet is counseled about alternatives,
<br />and is asked to bring documentation from a veterinarian or behavior specialist about the
<br />need for euthanasia. The number of these euthanasias has decreased significantly in
<br />the last two years. Ideas for educational programs continue to be generated, and
<br />implementation is dependent on available resources.
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<br />Lane County, the City of Eugene and local non-profit animal welfare organizations have worked
<br />individually and collaboratively to effectively respond to recommendations provided in these reports.
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