Grant ID: 1785
Title of Proposal: 2018 Low Cost Spay/Neuter Grant
Agency Type: Municipal
Total Funding Requested: $25,000.00
Check Payable To: Putnam County Board of County Commissioners
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Putnam County Animal Control Website Address: www.putpets.com
Person Submitting Proposal: Lisa Suarez Position: Enforcement Division Manager
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Kevin Powell Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: 2509 Crill Avue, Suite 300 City: Palatka
State: Florida Zip: 32178
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 386-326-7166 Fax: 386-329-1919
Cell: 386-937-0244    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation:
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 10/01/16    End: 09/30/17
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $454,061.00
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $454,061.00
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 8  Part Time: 0
Number of Active Volunteers: 1
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 10.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? We have received grant funding in the past from the Animal Friend Organization.
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2011, 2013, 2015 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 2017
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
2202011Putnam County No-Cost Spay Neuter ProgramFunded
3492013Putnam County 2013 No-Cost Spay/Neuter ProgramFunded
14762015Spay & NeuterFunded
170620172017 Low Cost Spay/Neuter GrantDenied
178520182018 Low Cost Spay/Neuter GrantFunded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:


Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
770  cats and 860  dogs were admitted.
759   cats and  853   dogs were adopted.
11   cats and  7    dogs were euthanized.
759   cats and  853    dogs were sterilized.
  
Briefly describe your animal programs:
 
If your program performs adoptions, are all animals sterilized before adoption? 
No
If not all, what percentage of animals are not currently sterilized before adoption? 
10%
If not all, how are animals selected for sterilization before adoption? 
If the animal is not old enough to be sterilized prior to adoption.
If not all, describe your sterilization policies and procedures for assuring sterilization after adoption:
We use a voucher system. When a person adopts an animal a voucher is given to that person to take to a local vet.  
Give additional background information on your organization's programs as they relate to this application and the qualifications of the personnel who will be in charge of this program. Show that you have the ability to carry out this program. 
We have 1 animal control supervisor, 3 animal control officers, 3 shelter attendants, 1 staff assistant on staff. We intend to use the low-income spay/neuter program to help certain applicants that meet the income requirements for low-cost spay/neuter.
If you currently have a program for sterilization of cats and/or dogs, describe your current level of funding and productivity and why additional resources are needed? 
Putnam County has the highest percentage of persons living below the poverty level of the State. As such, citizens are not able to spay/neuter their animals creating for unwanted animals in the county. At this time we have UF vet doctor and students helping the county by visiting shelter to provide assistance when they can as well as provide free spay and neuters when possible. Doc Tony and Jen Deane with Pit Sisters also help the county pay for vet bills.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
Putnam County 
Total human population in target area: 72304 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 27% 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 21911 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 18076 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 12051 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 770 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 860 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 11 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 7 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
We do not believe that target area animal population is significantly different from above.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 Putnam County is the poorest County in the State of Florida. The residents don't feel they have the necessary funds to have their animals spayed/neutered.
What kinds of spay/neuter services are currently available in the target area and in what ways are these resources currently insufficient to meet community needs?
Currently we have three (3) veterinarians in our county. When we have a grant such as the one we are applying for, we can help reduce unwanted pregnancies in animals.
Florida Animal Friend is highly supportive of proposals that are focused on animal populations that are identified as substantial sources of dog or cat overpopulation rather than being diluted over too broad of a geographic area or diverse animal populations. Describe the specific target animal population of the spay/neuter project proposed for this grant:

  
 
TNR Managed Colony Feral Cat Program/Community Cats (Free-Roaming and/or Owned) Program
Define the precise boundaries of the colony or targeted area, including estimate of square miles.
N/A
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
N/A
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
N/A
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area : 0  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 0
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  0
 
For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
N/A
 
Do current city/county ordinances address TNR or free-roaming cats?
No

Please explain what is allowed:

(NOTE: FAF will not fund any program this is inconsistent with local ordinances.)
 
For TNR program, list any groups or government agencies who support this TNR effort:
N/A
 
Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
N/A
 
Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
N/A
 
Will the cats be ear-tipped? No
Will the cats be microchipped? No
 
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how this program will operate to achieve its goals.
N/A
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
To decrease the number of intakes of stray and unwanted cats and dogs.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
This program will increase the baseline sterilization surgeries by adding 500 more sterilized animals. This would not be possible due to low income status of the owners.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Participants will need to show proof of residency within Putnam County. They must also show proof of income such as their most recent tax return or proof of assistance such as social security, Medicaid, etc. Additionally every animal sterilized must be up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccination cost would have to be paid by the dog or cat owners.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
We will use our local newspaper and radio station within the county. We will use our website, social media and Facebook page. We will also use county's website such as DMV to promote license plate. Also post flyers at local participating veterinarian offices.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
Our flyers and social posting will be offered in English and Spanish. We will use public access channel on cable to help resolve barriers.
Does this project involve the transportation of animals by someone other than the client? If so, describe the vehicles, methods for confinement, personnel training, liability releases used to assure the safety of the animals and handlers.
Not at this time.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
We attempt to work with all of our veterinaries. Dr. Shelton has a letter attached to this application.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices
Practice NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneLead Practice
Animal Health Clinic354 Hwy 17, SouthEast PalatkaFlorida32131386-328-0327
ANIMAL Medical Clinic3301 Crill AvePalatkaFlorida32177386-328-4613
Interlachen Veterinary Clinic165 S COunty Rd 315InterlachenFlorida32148386-684-4407

Fee Range
What is the fee range to be paid for spay and neuter and what is the distribution to be paid by the client vs. the grant program? Keep in mind that Florida Animal Friend grant funds may only be used for costs directly associated with sterilization surgery (including anesthesia and pain control) and not for other items such as vaccines, testing, licensing, and capital purchases.
Amount Paid by Client Amount Paid by Project Total Amount
Range for Male Cats
Range for Female Cats
Range for Male Dogs
Range for Female Dogs
Please check each item below to indicate additional services offered at the time of surgery, whether the client is required to pay for them, and if so what the fee is. For example, if an examination is required for surgery but is not charged to the client it would be marked: Required  Yes, Fee to client No
Required, Optional, or Not Offered Fee to Client?
Examination   
Rabies Vaccination if Due   
Other Vaccination if Due   
Pain Medication   
Parasite Medication   
HW Testing   
Feline Leuk/FIV
County License   
Ear tipping   
Microchip
Other   

None of the anticipated grant funds can be used for any of the above services, except for pain medication.
If necessary, please explain the procedures and fees described above: 
The vaccinations and license are required by ordinance every year. They will have to provide proof of this being done prior to obtaining the voucher.  
Is this a voucher program? Yes
 
If so, how will you assure compliance with the program?
Each pet owner will have to make an appointment with one of the participating veterinarians.

 
For your voucher program, how have you determined the capacity of the veterinarians listed above to handle the projected capacity?
We have discussed the program with them when we had the previous grant. They will schedule them during their normal operating hours.  
 
Will you have the ability to report the number of vouchers issued and the percentage that result in S/N surgeries?
yes

 
Community Collaboration
To assure the success of your program, are there any local groups (such as rescue groups, animal control agencies, TNR groups, local businesses, local media, social service agencies,etc.) other than your organization and your cooperating veterinarians who are committed to assist?
 
 
Please list them and detail their level of involvement with the proposed effort.
NameLevel of Involvement
Pit SistersWill provide assistance in educating public about the benefits of having their animals spayed/neutered. Pit Sisters is a very active rescue that provides assistance to our shelter on a regular basis.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 Our goal is to reduce the number of animals that come into our shelter of stray and/or unwanted pets. This grant will help reduce the numbers of animals that need to be euthanized and help us reach our ultimate goal of becoming a no kill facility.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 200    Dogs:  300 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $25,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $50.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
Vaccinations and micro-chipping will be the responsibility of the pet owner.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
None at this time, but are searching for other grant opportunities.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
100
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 08/01/18/     Projected end date: 08/01/19
 
Unexpended funds
Any unexpended funds must be refunded to Florida Animal Friend within 30 days of the end of the project.

Requests for extensions
Requests for time extensions are discouraged and not often granted. If it is imperative to request an extension, such request must be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the end of the project. It is FAF’s policy to seldom grant more than a 30-60 day extension.

Failure to submit reports and requests within the required time period will impact your agency’s future grant applications.
 
Future Funding to Sustain Public Spay/Neuter
*Explain how the organization plans to fund this program in the future. Having sustainable plans including other grants, local donations and other services generating revenue enhances the chances of receiving this grant.
We intend to continually look for grants to assist with spay/neutering for our low income community. We are discussing options with the Commissioners to use money that we bring in to Animal Control as a way to help fund this program.
Promotion of Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter License Plate
*Applicants selected for funding are expected to publicize their grant in support of their spay/neuter program and promote the sale of the Animal Friend license plate via press releases, newsletters, website links, social media, etc. Please describe your plan to promote the Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter License Plate. Grantees are required to submit documentation of promotional endeavors with their final report.
We will promote the Animal Friend license plate program by including it on flyers, advertisements on our website and Facebook page as well as local newspaper, public access television and local radio stations. We will also reach out to some of the local rescues and have them advertise as well.