Grant ID: 1803
Title of Proposal: Making Spay/Neuter Accessible for the pets of Income Qualifying Residents in Miami-Dade County
Agency Type: Municipal
Total Funding Requested: $25,000.00
Check Payable To: Miami-Dade County Animal Services
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Miami-Dade County Animal Services Website Address: 3599 NW 79 Ave
Person Submitting Proposal: Lilian Bohorquez Position: Grants Coordinator
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Alex Muñoz Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: 3599 NW 79 Ave City: Doral
State: FL Zip: 33122
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 786-266-3810 Fax:
Cell:    
 
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: $21,166.00
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $21,067.00
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 204  Part Time: 1
Number of Active Volunteers: 612
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 430.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? Previously awarded grantee. Initially received a FACA electronic notification.
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2014, 2016 Year(s) denied/incomplete: N/A
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
442009Dade County Spay/Neuter ProjectFunded
2812011Cat Spay/Neuter ProgramDenied
3712013Community Cat SterilizationDenied
14372014Income Qualified Spay/NeuterFunded
14872015Free Spay/Neuter for Income Qualified Residents Denied
16112007 Denied
16852016Income Qualified Spay/NeuterFunded
18032018Making Spay/Neuter Accessible for the pets of Income Qualifying Residents in Miami-Dade County Funded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
15657  cats and 13409  dogs were admitted.
3196   cats and  6445   dogs were adopted.
1893   cats and  824    dogs were euthanized.
13366   cats and  10430    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? 
Animals meeting the minimum weight requirement and health qualifications are sterilized prior to release from the shelter. If the animal is too young or is ill or injured a deposit is collected in accordance with state law. Sterilization is performed as soon as medically recommended.
If not all, describe your sterilization policies and procedures for assuring sterilization after adoption:
Animals deemed to be a surgical risk by a licensed veterinarian are released to the adopter or rescue with a sterilization agreement consenting to have the animal sterilized within 30 days. A refundable $50.00 sterilization deposit is collected as well. The enforcement division follows up to ensure compliance is achieved within the desired timeframe.  
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. 
For over 10 years, ASD has been providing a subsidized spay/neuter program, with fixed surgery fees regardless of gender, weight, or complications to the pets of all residents in Miami-Dade County. ASD covers the bulk of the cost which leaves only a $20 owner copay for cats and a $40 owner copay for dogs. While this is generally affordable, it does present a hardship for recipients of government assistance. Chief of Veterinary Services, Dr. Maria Serrano oversees all shelter surgical programs. Dr. Serrano holds more than 9 years’ experience in the management of high-quality high- volume sterilization programs. A support staff of 6 shelter Veterinarians and 18 Veterinary technicians provides the required support to ensure success of the program. ASD’s marketing team is charged with promoting the program throughout the County and in demographically targeted areas. In addition, ASD’s Customer Service staff identify potential program participants from the Shelter and from our Homestead-based Clinic’s daily run of customers.
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? 
In order to provide a subsidized or reduced rate for S/N, ASD absorbs 40 to 70% of the cost of each surgery, estimated at $49.33, adding this to its operational costs. Collecting a $20 or $40 copay from owners allows ASD to offer the reduced price, by making S/N affordable to most residents and offsetting a portion of surgery costs. However, to make S/N completely free in these communities, is outside of the ASD’s means without additional resources contributing to that affect. ASD was able to provide this as a free service to owned pets of low-income Miami-Dade County residents through a FAF grant in 2014, and 2016

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
 Miami-Dade County 
Total human population in target area: 2,751,796 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 18.2% 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 833878 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 687949 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 458633 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 14,377 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 14,830 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1,352 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1,763 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
The target population coincides with ASD estimates using research to establish to find a correlation between poverty and owner surrender/stray intake. Overall, Miami-Dade County’s poverty rate was 18.3% which a good deal above the national average of 12.7%. However, several of the communities targeted by our efforts have rates well above the national average, examples of these communities are: Hialeah 26.2% Brownsville, 42.4 % Opa-Locka, 44.9% West Perrine, 32.1%, Goulds 35.3%, Homestead 28.6%. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 ASD researched owner surrenders and general intake against low-income areas and found a strong correlation between the two. To curtail this, ASD has many programs focused on these communities. In 2016, ASD opened a community S/N clinic with the City of Homestead, in order to better serve communities in the southernmost portion of the County, known as South Dade, with poverty rates near or above 30%. ASD’s FAF funded program helped us redouble efforts in areas that need it most, by allowing us to conduct focused, targeted, and strategic campaigns in specific communities. While making a new award available to all qualifying MDC residents, ASD would utilize the benefits of this award to capitalize our strategic efforts in South Dade.
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?
ASD offers spay/neuter services at a subsidized rate for all Miami-Dade County residents. S/N services are available through ASD’s main facility centrally located along major thoroughfares in the County. However, given the expansive nature of Miami-Dade County, the third largest Florida County in terms of terrain, ASD reaches communities in need through mobile S/N clinics, as well as a community clinic in South Dade. FAF funded programs help us redouble our efforts in areas that need it most allowing us to conduct focused, targeted, and strategic campaigns in communities with the most need.
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)?
Our objective is to provide a target 510 free s/n surgeries for the cats and dogs of qualifying low-income residents, at a rate of $49.33 p/ average surgery.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
ASD is not able to currently provide free s/n surgeries to the public, but rather a reduced fee subsidized by the ASD general funds budget. Overall, ASD performed 5,321 paid surgeries on the pets of the general public. It is estimated that an additional 510 free sterilization surgeries can be provided for income qualified pet owners through FAF grant funds.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Recipients of Food Stamps, Medicaid, Aid to Families with dependent Children (AFDC), Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Free or Reduced School Lunch are eligible.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
ASD will conduct a targeted marketing campaign focused on identified low-income communities. This will include creating flyers and information regarding the program, and distributing information through local community-based social service agencies, local government official’s offices, and door to door. ASD will issue press releases regarding the start of the program, and promote on a monthly basis through social media. Additionally, ASD will work with the City of Homestead in promoting this program in order to maximize our partnership in that community.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
Promotions are prepared in English, Spanish and Creole to ensure market saturation and radio interview opportunities in Spanish and English radio will be used to inform the community of the services. To overcome illiteracy issues we plan to create infographic flyers and posters that can create a visual example of what is being offered. Zinc neutering will also be offered which is better accepted in many cultures as an acceptable option for male dogs.
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.
 In the event an owner requires transportation for their pet it will not present an issue or hardship. The Department has drivers on staff available to assist with transportation. The vehicles are specialized animal transport units with A/C and heat. The cages are stainless steel and are easily disinfected between pets. Field personnel operate the same vehicles in the performance of their duties as animal control officers and are experienced in the handling, husbandry and transport of dogs and cats. The County is self-insured eliminating the liability issue, however a release form will be developed granting authority to transport pets on behalf of their owners.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
Our in-house veterinarians will perform the surgeries.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices

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 rabies vaccine will be administered at the time of surgery at no cost. Pet licenses are required by law, the fee for qualifying low income pet owners sterilizing their pets is $3.00  
Is this a voucher program? No
 
If so, how will you assure compliance with the program?

 
For your voucher program, how have you determined the capacity of the veterinarians listed above to handle the projected capacity?
 
 
Will you have the ability to report the number of vouchers issued and the percentage that result in S/N surgeries?

 
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
No records to display.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 Despite an annual intake of 27,000 to 30,000 animals, the Department maintained a save rate of greater than 90% in the last complete fiscal year, 2017. Accessibility to all Miami-Dade County owned and homeless pets as an integral component in maintaining and increasing the department’s success.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 50    Dogs:  460 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $25,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $49.33 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
A rabies vaccine will be provided to qualified pets at the time of surgery at no cost to the owner, the Department will absorb the expense at a rate of $5 per vaccine.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
The existing reduced fee spay/neuter program for owned pets is funded through donations to the Animal Services Trust Fund and through the owner co-pays for surgery. ASD operating funds will cover the cost of rabies vaccines administered to all owned pets receiving fee-waived s/n surgery.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
90.2
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 09/01/18/     Projected end date: 08/01/18
 
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.
 Providing S/N surgeries for owned pets is an integral part of our life-saving approach at ASD. ASD will continue to seek grant funds to reduce the barriers that may exist to responsible pet ownership. Donations to the Animal Services Trust Fund, and partnering with local municipalities help in offsetting costs and making services more readily available to the community in need.
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.
 ASD will promote the grant and the FAF S/N License Plate through a press release and media pitches. Social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter will be used with promotion to the target market. Topic will be included in radio and TV interview segments. Lobby posters/displays and flyers/and or palm cards will be distributed in the shelter and throughout the community, and during community adoption and pet wellness events throughout the County.