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Grant ID:
1738
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North of Manatee River S/N Effort |
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Non-Profit |
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$23,400.00 |
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Animal Network, Inc. |
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Application Information |
Demographics
Agency Details
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05/24/2004
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Begin:
01/01/16
End:
12/31/16
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$88,056.00
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$42,755.00
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Full Time:
0
Part Time:
0
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20
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80.00
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Previously received an FAF grant
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| Years Funded: 2009 Year(s) denied/incomplete:
2012
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| Grant # | Proposal Year | Proposal Title | Status |
| 88 | 2009 | Animal Network Community Spay/Neuter Fund | Funded |
| 260 | 2011 | Animal Network Community Spay/Neuter Program | Denied |
| 314 | 2012 | Animal Network Community Spay/Neuter Fund | Denied |
| 1426 | 2014 | Targeted Spay/Neuter in Manatee County | Denied |
| 1738 | 2017 | North of Manatee River S/N Effort | Funded |
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Describe your Organization:
Applicant Qualifications
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For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
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4
cats and
2
dogs were admitted.
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4
cats and 2
dogs were adopted. |
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0
cats and 0
dogs were euthanized. |
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4
cats and 2
dogs were sterilized. |
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Briefly describe your animal programs:
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If your program performs adoptions, are all animals sterilized before adoption?
Yes
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If not all, what percentage of animals are not currently sterilized before adoption?
n/a
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If not all, how are animals selected for sterilization before adoption?
n/a
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If not all, describe your sterilization policies and procedures for assuring sterilization
after adoption:
n/a
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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.
Animal Network has assisted in funding community spays/neuters and TNR's from grants and our organizational budget for many years. We occasionally write a grant request to augment funding needed in our community when areas need to be targeted for these services. Recently, these have included an FAF grant for $20,550, Petsmart Charities grant for $25,000, and grants from local foundations for various amounts. This request will be administered by Sue Kolze, President and Wendy Crawford, Treasurer, using two local high volume, low cost s/n clinics-- Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC – using surgery services only) and Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC – using surgery services only), Sarasota. TNR will be organized by Lindalee Anderson of All Kitty Korner, Palmetto (trapping services only), who has trapped north of the Manatee River for ten years. All dog spay and neuter surgeries will be carried out by HSMC and ARC and Animal Network will pay for these services from this grant.
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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?
Manatee County has various spay/neuter funding and programs in place, however most of these programs operate south of the Manatee River. Animal Network uses annual grants to support spay/neuter efforts and is requesting this grant to ensure that services are being made available in the areas "north of the river" that have had regular small spay and neuter programs. Most of these TNR efforts are running out of money, so the momentum experienced in the feral cat management area are in jeopardy of backtracking if the effort is not continued. There is a significant need to target feral cat colonies and to work in concert on sterilizing small dogs with the HSMC who recently received a Petsmart Charities grant for sterilization of large dogs. Along with cat TNR, this request is also to provide funding for smaller dogs for the north Manatee County area.
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Target Population |
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
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Manatee County zip codes 34219, 34221, and 34222 |
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Total human population in target area:
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68,731 |
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Percent of residents living below poverty in target area:
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13% |
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Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3):
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20828 |
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Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0):
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17183 |
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Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0):
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11456 |
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Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year
(if known) |
310 |
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Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year
(if known) |
618 |
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Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year
(if known) |
28 |
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Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year
(if known) |
80 |
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Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly
different than above.
This area of Manatee County is accurately described in the data above according to Census.gov. Animal Network is dedicated to the entire county, but strives to ensure that the areas of most need are provided spay neuter services first. These areas are targeted based on economic levels manifested by the housing types—concentrations of trailer parks, low-cost housing, duplexes, and transient population concentrations. Based on this data and data describing the efforts of S/N organizations, Animal Network is requesting funding to reach out to areas north of the Manatee River to ensure continued coverage. The target area contains significant numbers of managed colonies and if Manatee County Animal Services receives calls requiring field responses for a cat, they are generally picked up, spayed or neutered, and returned to their territory. They are never impounded, therefore are not “admitted”, creating an artificially low admission number for the targeted area. |
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Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat
overpopulation in the target area:
The reasons are varied and complex, but include pets allowed to roam outdoors, lack of education on overpopulation of pets, abandonment due to owner deaths, and the transient nature of many employment opportunities to name some of them. Additionally, a significant number of the dogs are contributed by careless owners and backyard breeders. Others include the resistance to sterilization as an unnatural state. |
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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?
For paying clients, there are dozens of veterinarians who practice within the county, many within easy reach of the targeted areas. Significant portions of the targeted population of un-sterilized cats and dogs are owned by those who do not have funds and transportation to a vet’s office. Identifying a specific location available for low cost S/N and ensuring that funding is provided, goes a long way toward incentivizing owners to take their animals to the low-cost spay/neuter facilities available. Additionally, feral, community, and other free-roaming cats will be trapped by Animal Network partners and transported for surgery. These will be trap/neuter/return populations, ensuring that the colonies are returned to their home territories. |
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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:
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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.
Animal Network plans on targeting the zip code areas of 34219, 34221, and 34222, an area of approximately 200 square miles, significant amounts of which are agriculture in nature.
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What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
S/N efforts are not available county wide. Current grants support south of the Manatee River. Our proposal is for north of the river, continuing the small programs in this section of the county. The lack of disposable income is a critical criteria. Previously funded programs make this area perfect for continuation of successful population control programs, and AN is asking for funding to continue the TNR process. County TNR funding north of the river will be exhausted soon.
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Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
Zip code areas 34219, 34221, and 34222 are lightly urban to mostly suburban with small rental housing areas, trailer courts, and motel-type transient housing, with a significant concentration of small businesses. Additionally, there are large areas of agricultural land use, skirting the small communities that line the river’s edge.
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Estimated number of cats in the target colony area
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17000
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Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 8500
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Projected reduction after utilizing the grant: 295
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For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
Animal Network, along with associated organizations, will continue communications with key owners and caregivers of cat populations within many areas of the county. As a spay/neuter program is developed and executed, relationships are developed to ensure support is continued in the targeted area. This includes return support as new cats appear within colonies, or if new pets are acquired.
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Do current city/county ordinances address TNR or free-roaming cats?
Yes
Please explain what is allowed:
County resolution R-11-127 (passed October 11, 2011) indicates the will of the commission for Manatee County to become a no-kill location. Within that resolution is the requirement to execute TNR programs for community cats of all types. Using requested Florida Animal Friends funds, Animal Network will work toward slowing the constant expansion of the pet and free-roaming cat population.
(NOTE: FAF will not fund any program this is inconsistent with local ordinances.) |
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For TNR program, list any groups or government agencies who support this TNR effort:
Numerous organizations within Manatee County support the concept of TNR including Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS), Humane Society of Manatee County (surgery services only), Animal Rescue Coalition (surgery services only), and the Manatee County Commissioners.
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Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
Un-owned cats are creatures of nature, hunting for food and in the process potentially damaging the ecosystem. Both birds and small mammals are targets, and in areas that are targeted for TNR, the population growth rates will be considerably less as cats are fixed, ensuring that bird and small animal deaths will also diminish. Additionally, sterilized cats tend to roam less, creating less damage to the local wildlife.
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Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
Nuisance issues are in the eyes of the beholder, but the noise and damage to the animals caused by cats fighting is troubling to almost everyone within hearing distance. Territorial spraying is also problematic. Both of these issues can be mitigated significantly by spaying and neutering free-roaming cats. Additionally, fewer fertile females ensure fewer kittens appearing in neighborhood back yards.
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Will the cats be ear-tipped?
Yes
Will the cats be microchipped?
No
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Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection
committee understand how this program will operate to achieve its goals.
AN will rely upon their network of volunteers to execute the program, including at least two groups specializing in low-cost surgical sterilizations. Trapping expeditions and transportation will be coordinated. Pre-event communication will be developed around spay/neuter days, ensuring owned and free-roaming cats are provided sterilization opportunities. Communication through many outlets will make the population aware of availability of low-cost S/N for small dogs.
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Objectives |
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific
and quantifiable)?
Animal Network plans to use these funds to execute spay/neuter programs in the three closest neighborhoods north of the Manatee River in zip codes 34219, 34221, and 34222. Since significant spay/neuter programs have already occurred in 34205 and others south of the river, branching out into another area is called for. Housing areas will be chosen and those with significant pet cat and free-roaming populations will be targeted with notification flyers and other forms of communication. Sterilization events will be executed using Humane Society of Manatee County and Animal Rescue Coalition surgery units until all 295 cat slots in the program are used. We are also asking for significant number of S/N slots for small dogs (under 40 pounds) to ensure that these same neighborhoods are given the opportunity to diminish the small dog population. This effort will be targeted at low-income dog owners, who might want to have their pet sterilized, but who can’t afford it. We are requesting funds enough to cover 135 small dog S/N surgeries. |
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How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the
existing baseline?
The baseline in Manatee County is determined by the funding level available to all organizations. If funds are provided to Animal Network, this brings one more organization into the circle of those working on this problem each year, so this request represents 295 cat spay/neuter opportunities above the current baseline as well as 135 small dog sterilizations. |
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Methods |
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program?
All cats from this area will be eligible if: (1) they are free-roaming and permission is gained to trap on private property;
(2) they are free-roaming and are managed by a colony caretaker who gives permission; or
(3) they are owned by a someone who resides within the targeted area who can pass an income means testing level. All dogs from this area will be deemed eligible if they are owned by a local resident from the targeted area, the dog weighs less than 40 pounds, and the resident can pass an income means test.
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How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target
audience.
Animal Network will develop a communication plan that will use handbills within the targeted communities announcing an opportunity to participate in the spay/neuter program, as well as distributing various flyers at common gathering points such as gas stations and grocery stores. We will also use information in the Bradenton Herald Newspaper and North River News to announce the program’s availability. |
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How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation,
illiteracy, and cultural hurdles?
Our supporting TNR trappers transport the cats in the traps and dog owners normally take their pets to the facility. ARC owns a transport van that will be used for both TNR cats and small dogs (if necessary) on scheduled spay days. Additionally, a new Animal Network program called Student Advocates for Animals will be used to inform school-aged members of families, who live within the targeted area, of the program’s availability. This educational effort will give Animal Network access directly to many homes, overcoming any possible language barrier and cultural issues.
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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.
Our TNR trappers transport the cats in the traps and in most cases, the dog owners will take their pets to the facility. ARC owns a transport van that will be used for both TNR cats and some small dogs for families who cannot transport their pets. Volunteers from Animal Network and our network partners are all seasoned supporters of TNR and will use this experience and additional training (as necessary) to ensure that all cats and volunteers maintain safety protocols at all times. Target area owners who meet the means-tested guidelines will more than likely self-transport both pet dogs and cats, but for concentrated efforts targeting community cats, partner and volunteer vans and trucks will be used. |
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Veterinary Services |
What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries?
Animal Network will execute this program by using two high-volume, local, low-cost spay/neuter facilities-- Humane Society of Manatee County and Animal Rescue Coalition. Upon completion of each surgery, Animal Network will be billed for the sterilization by these units.
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Veterinary Practices
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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.
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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
None of the anticipated grant funds can be used for any of the above services, except for pain medication.
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If necessary, please explain the procedures and fees described above:
Rabies vaccine is a Manatee County requirement, and a safety imperative and will be provided to each animal within this program. County license is also required and ear tipping is used to differentiate sterilized vs non-sterilized cats within each colony. AN will provide additional funds in support of this part of the effort.
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Is this a voucher program?
No
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If so, how will you assure compliance with the program?
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For your voucher program, how have you determined the capacity of the veterinarians listed above to handle the projected capacity?
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Will you have the ability to report the number of vouchers issued and the percentage that result in S/N surgeries?
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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?
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Please list them and detail their level of involvement with the proposed effort.
| All Kitty Korner, Palmetto | Trapping and transport of TNR cats |
| Animal Rescue Coalition (ARC) | Transportation, volunteers, publicity, social media |
| Humane Society of Manatee County | Volunteers, publicity, social media, and transport |
| Manatee County Animal Services | Publicity, social media |
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Other Information |
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee
understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
Within the last year, Animal Network was instrumental in creating an area-wide coalition of animal organizations with the intent of coordinating the actions of each organization toward the best possible outcome for the central Florida region. The Suncoast Animal Alliance members (Animal Network, Nate’s Honor Rescue, Humane Society of Manatee County, Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch, Bishop Animal Shelter/SPCA, Animal Rescue Coalition, Cat Depot of Sarasota, Manatee County Animal Services) have significant resources including volunteers, social media experts, and historical knowledge that can be brought to bear on this effort. Animal Network will collaborate with each of the alliance members (and others as necessary) to ensure the most favorable outcome possible of this program. This support could include trapping and safe handling methods or colony maintenance for the TNR effort. The small dog effort will be enhanced by requesting lessons learned from any of these organizations who have successfully overcome the local cultural barriers in spaying and neutering canine populations.
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Budget |
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats:
295
Dogs: 135
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Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000):
$23,400.00
Average cost/surgery projected:
$55.00
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Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
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Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
Animal Network will set aside sufficient donations to support a complete package for each animal, paying for items such as vaccines and eartipping. These funds will come from donations and regular Animal Network fund raising events.
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What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
80
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Timeline |
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All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding. |
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Projected start date:
09/01/17/
Projected end date:
08/31/18 |
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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. |
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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.
Animal Network will continue to execute significant fund raising events to ensure that this program can continue. In addition to those efforts, additional grants will be sought specifically for spay/neuter north of the river. Coordination with others who have access to various grants will also continue. |
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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.
Upon receipt of a Florida Animal Friends grant, Animal Network will place promotional material on its web site and Facebook page. It will request all executing partners follow suit. In addition, Animal Network will request others in the Suncoast Animal Alliance add FAF S/N license plate data to each of their social media pages. Additional area organizations such as Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) will be notified of the opportunity to recognize FAF efforts on their social media. |
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