Grant ID: 1757
Title of Proposal: Dog and Cat Assistance 2018
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $25,000.00
Check Payable To: PAWS LEE COUNTY INC
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: PAWS LEE COUNTY INC Website Address: pawsleecounty.org
Person Submitting Proposal: Theresa Ink Position: President
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Theresa Ink Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: 965 Pondella Road City: N FT MYERS
State: Florida Zip: 33903
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 239-652-6722 Fax: 239-652-6722
Cell: 239-994-2514    
 
Agency Details

Date of 501(c)(3) Incorporation: 09/30/2009
Dates of Last Fiscal Year: Begin: 01/01/17    End: 12/31/17
Organization Income in Last Fiscal Year: $401,887.00
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $388,267.00
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 3  Part Time: 2
Number of Active Volunteers: 27
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 100.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? Previous recipient
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2010,2012,2014,2016 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 0
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
1382010Suncoast Low Cost AssistanceFunded
2972012Surgery AssistanceFunded
13912014LARGE DOG SPAY/NEUTERFunded
164620162016 Large DogFunded
17572018Dog and Cat Assistance 2018Funded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Dr Madeleine DoranBoard Member239-470-0954Assoc Professor Retired
Gayle GosnellBoard Member239-768-9800Business Owner
Holly SchwartzBoard Member239-533-2221Retired
Jennifer GallowayBoard Member239-292-6528Ex Dir GC Humane Society
Karen FeldmanBoard Member239-590-7093PIO Fla Gulf Coast Univ
Theresa InkPresident239-652-6722Retired Accountant

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.
2541   cats and  1800    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. 
We have been in operation since December 1998 and have performed approximately 84,000 surgeries to date. Theresa Ink, our President and founder, started our first spay/neuter clinic in December 1998 in a shopping center in a very poor section of our county. In January 2013 we were able to purchase a 2500 sq ft building with 3/4 of an acre near our original location. So we are still located 10 minutes from two of the poorest neighborhoods in Lee County. All of our employees are dedicated to this mission of reducing pet overpopulation. Dr Mark Schmidt has worked for us full time for 5 years. Prior to working with us, he donated many hours to shelter medicine. For 25 years he owned a full service veterinary hospital in Iowa. We have three full time and two part time employees and most have been with us over 6 years and one has been with us over 10 years. Theresa Ink has a BSBA in Economics and a BSBA in Accounting and passed the CPA exam in 1984. She worked in the accounting field for almost 20 years in the private sector. This business background has enabled her to manage the business side of a spay/neuter clinic.
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? 
We currently spay or neuter about 3750 dogs or cats per year. While most of our clients pay something, we still have clients that have very little to help with the payment. In some situations it is because they have too many dogs or cats and are only "fixing" some but not all of the pets. After 19 years of running a low cost spay neuter clinic we are certain that the biggest contributors to pet overpopulation in our area are those with the least funds.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
LEE 
Total human population in target area: 680000 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 25 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 206061 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 170000 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 113334 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 5413 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 5296 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1496 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1121 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
I've always struggled with the meaning of this question. The area that we have always focused on is a low income community of trailers on 1/4 acre parcels with a large number of dogs. So I would say that there are more large dogs and stray cats than in a higher end neighborhoods with smaller lots. The area has more than 25% living below the poverty area based on statistics from Lee County Human Services.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 Low income neighborhoods or individuals, unsupported or unmonitored feral colonies and working poor who don't even look for low cost spay/neuter services.
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?
Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) provides spay/neuter services in part of our target area but they are 35 to 45 minutes from our clinic. We are located in North Ft Myers and they are in the southern part of Lee County. Gulf Coast Humane Society also performs spay/neuter surgeries in Lee County. They are located in East Ft Myers and are closer to neighborhoods in central and east Ft. Myers and Lehigh Acres. Each of these organizations will refer clients to PAWS and we refer to these other organizations when it is easier and closer for the client. In addition, Gulf Coast Humane Society is closer to larger cat colonies and N Ft Myers is more rural and has a larger concentration of dogs.
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.
The targeted area for the community cats that I want to include in this grant is within 20 miles of the clinic and is roughly 300 square miles.
 
What is the criteria used for determining the target area(s) and/or eligibility for this program?
Low income neighborhoods or individuals on public assistance. In some situations it is individuals with a large number of cats in or around a household (not really a colony or feral)
 
Describe whether the targeted area is rural, suburban, or urban. Is it commercial, residential, agricultural, or a designated special land use?
Most of my target areas are rural and residential.
 
Estimated number of cats in the target colony area : 300  
Estimated number that are currently sterilized: 25
Projected reduction after utilizing the grant:  75
 
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? Yes
Will the cats be microchipped? Yes
 
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how this program will operate to achieve its goals.
A few of these cats may be feral but most are close to a residence and the feeders consider them their personal cats. In some cases they started with a cat or 2 and now they have close to 10. They will still be ear tipped because they go in and out. We will encourage micro chipping but not require that they be chipped. We will chip for $10 (when we usually charge $25)if that will make the difference between chipping or not chipping.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
225 spay/neuter surgeries for large breed dogs and 75 spay/neuter surgeries for community cats for low income households.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
The funds provided by this program would subsidize 300 surgeries for those pet owners who cannot afford to cover the cost of their pet's sterilization, even through a low-cost program such as ours. This will result in our ability to provide more public services to reduce the overpopulation in the target areas that we already serve.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
Any pet owner who has a large dog or a community cat and is on public assistance will be eligible for this program. Additionally, if a client can demonstrate a financial hardship or need, we will determine if they are eligible.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
Facebook and Craig's List have been an excellent way to reach our target audience, as well as word of mouth. Neighborhood newsletters and our Lee County governmet website offer additional avenues for "getting the word out". Theresa Ink has made it a goal for 2018 to make more public appearances and really ask the public to help us find those individuals that may not know of our clinic.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
We have always provided transportation when necessary. We explain the medical reasons for spay/neuter, and it frequently will help with the cultural hurdles. We have not found illiteracy to be a problem. Through sustained and caring services, we have established a good reputation in this area. Residents of varied ethnicities have come to trust us and our mission. This trust is reinforced daily by our food pantry distributions to altered pets. If they come for food and have unaltered pets we will alter within a few days at what ever cost they can afford. We have found some of our "best" clients thru the food pantry.
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.
We sometimes transport animals for the client in our personal vehicles. We normally seek the assistance of the pet's owner in the handling of problem animals. We always require a signed consent from the pet's owner before transporting. Each of our staff has received training to ensure the safety of the animals and handlers.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
Dr Mark Schmidt, is our full time veterinarian and he has been with us for five years. We also have six part time veterinarians available to us on an as needed basis. Dr. Ethan Mosley works for an emergency referral veterinarian service and he works with us every other week. He is a graduate of Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kathy Vatthyam is also a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and she is also working with us on a part time basis. She has prior experience in shelter medicine with a large sanctuary/shelter in North Fort Myers.
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: 
If our clients pay for additional services, it is usually FVRCP which is $15 so that was the amount chosen to go in the "Amount Paid by Client" box. Of course this is an estimate 25 male cats @ $19 = $ 475 ** 75 female cats @ $27 = $ 2,025 ** 100 male dogs @ $100 = $10,000 ** 125 female dogs @$100 = $12,500 $25,000  
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
Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS)As with LCDAS, they refer clients to us when it is easier for the client to get to our facility. We frequently take in animals from our clients who can no longer care for them and after spay/neuter surgery we move them to GCHS for adoption. We also work together when one of our organizations needs assistance with finding an additional veterinarian or technician. We frequently just discuss ways to attract clients that need our help but aren't reaching out to us. Our directors communicate weekly if not daily about a situation with an a pet or family that needs assistance. I always say that Lee County is the poster child for community collaboration.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) We share referrals to find the most convenient location for clients. They have handouts in their lobby which list PAWS as an option for spay/neuter assistance. The animal control officers keep our business cards in their trucks and refer clients to us on a weekly basis.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 We have many clients who do not have the $100 for our low-cost sterilization. They come to us with $10 or $20 and sometimes even $50. With this grant we will be able to assist 300 clients obtain the surgery for their dog or cat. We will perform 225 dog surgeries and 75 cat surgeries with the grant funds.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 75    Dogs:  225 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $25,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $84.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
All expenses are included in the grant. If they request a microchip, heartworm test, Leuk/AIDS test or vaccines then the client will pay extra. We will recommend these procedures/products but they are not required.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
For this particular program we are not applying for other grants or have any targeted fundraising efforts.
 
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: 07/31/19
 
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 have always been able to provide some surgeries at almost no cost (probably 50 per year). These are paid for by the operating funds that we receive from paying clients. We just can't provide the number of free or subsidized surgeries from operating revenue that we can from grant funds. We have received funds in the past from PetSmart, Maddies Fund, and DJ&T in the past. During 2018, we are applying with the community foundations in our area and smaller organizations such as local Kiwanis clubs. Our director has made it a goal this year to do more speaking engagements to educate the public about our mission and request more private donations.
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.
PAWS Lee County has always promoted the purchase of Florida Animal Friend Spay/Neuter License plates through Facebook and our PAWS web site. We have reported how the success of the license plate program is crucial to dealing with the unwanted, homeless dog and cat overpopulation problem in our communities. We point out the Florida Animal Friend brochures to our clients that are in our front lobby. We always mention the program when we speak at organizations in our community.