Grant ID: 1739
Title of Proposal: Targeted Spay/Neuter to Decrease Shelter Intakes
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $25,000.00
Check Payable To: Animal Shelter Foundation
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Animal Shelter Foundation Website Address: animalshelterfoundation.org
Person Submitting Proposal: Lauren Perlman Position: Vice President
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Michael Davino Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: PO Box 13858 City: Tallahassee
State: Florida Zip: 32317
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 850-894-6738 Fax:
Cell: 850-766-3750    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation: 06/22/2007
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 10/01/15    End: 09/30/16
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $149,481.00
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $111,373.00
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 0  Part Time: 0
Number of Active Volunteers: 22
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 120.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? We have been a prior grant recipient.
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2010, 2015 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 0
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
2342011Pit and Kit SnipDenied
14842015Targeted Spay/Neuter to Decrease Shelter Intakes Funded
17392017Targeted Spay/Neuter to Decrease Shelter IntakesFunded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Cara FowlerBoard Member850-321-3665Director of Finance
Claudia MachadoBoard Member787-525-9199Non-Profit Director
Erika LeckingtonBoard Member850-891-2950Shelter Director
Jackie CheletteBoard Member850-671-2944Petsitter
Jeff NielsonBoard Member850-459-8859Retired
Jon EdwardsBoard Member850-559-4191Chief Creative Officer
Joyce PhippsBoard Member850-893-3076Retired
Kate MacFallBoard Member850-508-1001HSUS FL Director
Lauren PerlmanVice President850-766-3750Retired
Marcia FennBoard Member850-891-2999Retired
Michael DavinoPresident321-412-4588Financial Advisor
Paula ShirleyTreasurer850-445-3573Semi-Retired Budget/Finance
Sam LambBoard Member850-545-8144Retired
Susan LudderBoard Member850-599-9336Petsitter
Tim DeanSecretary850-264-6065Financial Advisor

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
0  cats and 0  dogs were admitted.
0   cats and  0   dogs were adopted.
0   cats and  0    dogs were euthanized.
264   cats and  225    dogs were sterilized.
  
Briefly describe your animal programs:
 
If your program performs adoptions, are all animals sterilized before adoption? 
Yes
If not all, what percentage of animals are not currently sterilized before adoption? 
If not all, how are animals selected for sterilization before adoption? 
If not all, describe your sterilization policies and procedures for assuring sterilization after adoption:
 
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. 
Our foundation has been distributing free vouchers for dogs and cats for those in need since 2007. Our spay/neuter program receives the majority of our funding. Our programs are designed to keep animals from entering the municipal shelter (Tallahassee Animal Services) through spay/neuter, pet retention/intake prevention programs. We directly support Tallahassee Animal Services.
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? 
Our current budget for our spay/neuter voucher program for FY 16/17 is $27,150. Additional resources will allow us to add the harder to reach population, do more surgeries and further our progress in keeping animals from entering the shelter. ASF will fund additional components of this program to assist with transportation needs and also continue to fund a portion of the vouchers. We are adding another low-cost clinic to our program to keep costs down and continue to work with other organizations to maximize these efforts. This program, along with others, is truly making a difference in reducing shelter intakes - the numbers show us this! We would like to see this trend continue.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
South of I-10, West of Monroe St., Leon Co. 
Total human population in target area: 96,000 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 30 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 29091 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 24000 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 16000 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1196 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1375 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 400 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 194 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
The estimate of cats in the target area is probably lower considering the poverty level.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 While we are making progress in the target areas, there is still work to be done as shown by the intake numbers from these areas. Two years ago, it was estimated over 4,100 animals came from the target area. Last year, it was reduced to just over 2,500, however 69% of these were unaltered. We are now entering those “more difficult” areas where obstacles exist that are preventing spay/neuter of animals. Individuals without transportation, with work schedules not permitting bringing an animal to a vet, groups of free-roaming cats, etc. are those we still see in the target area. We believe with this grant and this program expansion, we can continue to reduce shelter intakes from this target area.
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?
ASF provides free vouchers to Tallahassee Animal Services and City and County Animal Control and Animal Services that are given to families in need or those that may otherwise be relinquished to the shelter. Be The Solution offers low-cost vouchers to residents in these areas. Additional resources will allow us to also focus on groups of cats and dogs identified by animal control (free-roaming cats, homes with large numbers of unaltered animals, etc.) and those in the higher intake zones. Having these resources available will allow ASF to add a transportation component for those in need, will allow several groups to spend time in the neighborhood and work with animal control where there are large populations of unaltered animals in one place.
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.
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area :  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  
 
For TNR program, describe the ability to maintain lifelong care for remaining cats, commitment level of volunteers/organizations, etc.
 
Do current city/county ordinances address TNR or free-roaming cats?


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:
 
Describe any effort to lessen the negative impact on local wildlife.
 
Describe efforts that will be made to mitigate current or potential nuisance issues.
 
Will the cats be ear-tipped?
Will the cats be microchipped?
 
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how this program will operate to achieve its goals.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
The target area for the grant was chosen to decrease the number of intakes at Animal Services. Last year, approximately 2,571 intakes at Animal Services were from this area. By targeting spay/neuter efforts we hope to reduce intakes from that area by 20% (514). This target area represents 52% of the total intakes.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
There were just under 500 ASF funded surgeries last year. With this grant and the new initiatives we are putting forth for this area, our goal is to increase surgeries to 700 and to focus more of the ASF funded vouchers in the target area as well.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
One of two criteria will have to be met: (1) Eligibility will be geographic, based on the heat density map, where residents must live in Leon County, south of the interstate (I-10) and west of Monroe Street or (2) Identified by Animal Control in an area where transportation along with a voucher will make it possible for the spay/neuter to occur – where otherwise it would not.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
County Animal Control has already begun holding animal friendly education events in community centers in the targeted areas. ASF and other groups participate in these events. We plan to extend these to the City Community centers and work a grassroots effort in these neighborhoods to become more familiar to the residents in these communities. Our goal is to continue towards a Pets for Life model. Additionally, we plan on using Billboards/Yard Signs/Flyers (funded by Be the Solution) to get the word out, as well as our website, mailings and social media. We also plan to continue networking with other organizations to get the word out.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
We are excited to add a transportation component as part of this initiative. The South Georgia Spay/Neuter Clinic has agreed to provide transport from our community centers. We have already begun to address some of the hurdles through the events held in the communities and through Animal Control efforts. We plan to start going door to door in these areas next month with several different volunteer groups and Animal Control to become more familiar to the residents and continue to build relationships. We plan to continue Community Center events as well. We know this is challenging and we are approaching this with an open mind, providing services where we can.
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.
The South Georgia Spay/Neuter Clinic (SGC) has a transport van that will be used when necessary, as well as Animal Services vans to be used as needed. The SGC van is a state of the art van equipped for transport of animals. The van is insured and the drivers are also covered. Animals are required to be in a kennel and strapped in for transport. The Animal Services vans are those used by Animal Control.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
We plan to use the low-cost vets that are already part of our Animal Birth Control program and offer discounted rates. We are also adding an additional low cost clinic in S. Georgia to maximize our funding. We have discounted rate agreements with our veterinarians that have been in place since 2008-2009.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices
Practice NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneLead Practice
Animal Aid Foundation Spay/Neuter Clinic2270 Boone BlvdTallahasseeFlorida32303850-386-4148
At Home Veterinary CarePO Box 14101TallahasseeFlorida32317850-274-5710
Bradfordville Animal Hospital6714 Thomasville RdTallahasseeFlorida32312850-893-3047
Lake Jackson Animal Hospital3512 N. Monroe StTallahasseeFlorida32303850-562-0202
Lakewood Animal Hospital4882 Portal DriveTallahasseeFlorida32303850-562-5116
North Florida Animal Hospital2701 N. Monroe St.TallahasseeFl32303850-385-5141
Oakwood Animal Hospital2528 W. Tharpe St.TallahasseeFlorida32303850-386-1138
Shepherd Spring Animal Hospital4815 Coastal HighwayCrawfordvilleFlorida32327850-926-1475
South Georgia Spay/Neuter Clinic425 Covington AveThomasvilleGeorgia31792229-236-7297
Timberlane Animal Hospital426 Timberlane RdTallahasseeFlorida32312850-893-3112

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: 
We agree to incur the expense of rabies vaccinations, pain medications and fluids (if needed).  
Is this a voucher program? Yes
 
If so, how will you assure compliance with the program?
We have a process in place to check compliance under our current program that will continue to be followed. We review invoices, keep in contact with our vets and receive the completed vouchers. This allows us to see the results, redemption rates and follow up with clients.

 
For your voucher program, how have you determined the capacity of the veterinarians listed above to handle the projected capacity?
We have over 10 clinics that are currently in our program. They are able to complete many more surgeries than what we have financial means to cover so this should not be an issue.  
 
Will you have the ability to report the number of vouchers issued and the percentage that result in S/N surgeries?
Yes! We have a database where we currently track every voucher given out, dates, vets used, cost, animal info, client info, etc. This allows us to follow up on those not yet redeemed and calculate redemption rates as well.

 
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
Be The SolutionBe the Solution has agreed to write a grant to our foundation to cover the cost of a part-time person to coordinate the transport portion of this program. Additionally, Be the Solution will fund marketing materials such as Billboards, Yard-Signs and Flyers.
Leon County Animal ControlLeon County Animal Control has agreed to coordinate events and oversee the loading and unloading of animals for transport at the County Community Centers. They will also coordinate and participate in outreach in the communities, following the Pets for Life Model. They will also identify areas/individuals in need of transport that would otherwise not be able to alter their animals.
Tallahassee Animal ServicesTallahassee Animal Control has agreed to coordinate events and oversee the loading and unloading of animals for transport at the City Community Centers. They will also coordinate and participate in outreach in the communities, following the Pets for Life Model. They will also identify areas/individuals in need of transport that would otherwise not be able to alter their animals.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 ASF works closely with Tallahassee Animal Services, Leon County Animal Control and Be The Solution. We all will work together to ensure this program is a success. We are excited to add the S. GA clinic to this program with the transport component. This will be something we plan to continue beyond the grant timeline.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 200    Dogs:  225 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $25,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $59.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
ASF will cover the costs for rabies vaccines, pain meds and fluids. ASF will cover any travel costs associated with transport, as needed.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
ASF fundraises each year with the goal of spaying and neutering 400 animals. To step up the efforts in the target area, ASF will allocate 275 of the 400 ASF funded vouchers to that area. The budgeted amount for this program is the largest portion of our budget for any program. The additional grant money will almost double our efforts. Additionally, Be The Solution will write a grant to us to cover the costs of a part-time person to manage the transport portion of this program.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
33%
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 08/15/17/     Projected end date: 07/31/18
 
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.
ASF is committed to continue increasing fundraising and grant efforts to focus on free spay/neuter in the Tallahassee area. Our program has been extremely successful and producing results as shelter intakes are lowering. Our strategy is to continue to look for low-cost partners to maximize the number of surgeries we can perform with our funds and to continue the grant and fundraising efforts to continue to use the data to determine where funding for these surgeries are needed most.
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 Florida Animal Friend license plate through our website, social media, Billboards, newsletter, flyers and the vouchers themselves. Animal Services will also provide information in their lobby advertising the license plate.