Grant ID: 1789
Title of Proposal: Avoid a Pet-ternity Suit - Spay/Neuter Your Pet
Agency Type: Non-Profit
Total Funding Requested: $25,000.00
Check Payable To: Panhandle Animal Welfare Society
Application Information
Demographics
Name of Applicant Agency: Paanhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Website Address: www.paws-shelter.org
Person Submitting Proposal: Manda Moore Position: Community Development Director
Person Submitting Proposal Email Address: [email protected]
Agency Head: Dee Thompson Agency Head Email: [email protected]
Organization Business Address: 752 Lovejoy Road City: Fort Walton Beach
State: Florida Zip: 32548
Phone (xxx-xxx-xxxx): 850-374-1962 Fax: 850-243-8031
Cell: 850-374-1962    
 
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: $1,828,455.00
Organization Expenses in Last Fiscal Year: $1,746,583.00
Number of Paid Employees: Full Time: 28  Part Time: 2
Number of Active Volunteers: 199
Total Volunteer Hours per Week: 256.00
How did you learn of the 2009  Florida Animal Friend grant competition? FACA
Year(s) of previous Florida Animal Friend grants (if applicable):
Previous Florida Animal Friend Applications: Years Funded: 2007,2008,2016 Year(s) denied/incomplete: 2012
Auto-Generated (Previous Applications):
Grant #Proposal YearProposal TitleStatus
572009Save a Mutt.. Sew it Shut...spay/ neuter programDenied
1572010Nip/TuckDenied (not completed)
1972011Director of Animal ServicesDenied (not completed)
14792015Avoid a Pet-ternity suit - Spay/Neuter Your PetFunded
16282007 Funded
17892018Avoid a Pet-ternity Suit - Spay/Neuter Your PetFunded
Describe your Organization:
Services Provided Organization Structure:











List your current board of directors:

NameTitlePhoneOccupation
Bonnie StinePresident850-200-7405Retired Educator
Kathleen WindomMember850-217-2516Restaurant Owner
Mark RubinMember850-974-2399Attorney
Michelle CurrySecretary850-699-0877Government Contractor
Pete BidzosMember850-420-4140Retired
Richard (Woofy) RahillyVice President850-585-3124On-Air Personality/Program Director
Robin PowersMember973-222-7903Retired Educator/Administrator
Susie ParkerTreasurer850-396-5062Accountant
Trevor CarrMember850-803-4543Retail Store Owner

Applicant Qualifications
For your organization, in the last complete fiscal year:
3368  cats and 2841  dogs were admitted.
477   cats and  899   dogs were adopted.
1531   cats and  589    dogs were euthanized.
893   cats and  1314    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 W.F. Thorne Clinic is now in its 23rd year and is open from 9 am to 1 pm five days a week and has sterilized over 71,500 animals since 1995. This clinic is the only low-cost animal clinic in the area and is utilized by not only residents but animal rescues as well and offers a sliding scale for payment to lower income families. Combined with the new One By One initiative to go No-kill by 2020, the supporting programs to support this initiative and our clinic staff, we expect to drive our numbers of surrender, stray and confiscated animals to below 3000 in the next two years. We have support from Veterinarians, Supervisory Staff, Animal Control Officers and the program will be spearheaded by the Community Development Coordinator with over 12 years working with sustainable programs in nonprofits.
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? 
Even with our low-cost clinic being open to the public and performing surgeries at a reduced cost, the targeted area that would be covered under grant funding presently could not afford our program prices, not the travel expense to the clinic to have the surgery performed. Our current funding for the spay/neuter program is either the pet owner pays for their pet or we use monetary donations to help some animals however the funding from this grant would allow us to greatly expand our geographical reach for surgeries.

Target Population
Geographical target area (name of city, county, zip codes, geographical Information service (GIS), etc.):
 Okaloosa county 
Total human population in target area: 202970 
Percent of residents living below poverty in target area: 10.7% 
Estimated number of pet cats in target area (human population divided by 3.3): 61507 
Estimated number of pet dogs in target area (human population divided by 4.0): 50743 
Estimated number of feral cats in target area (human population divided by 6.0): 33829 
Number of cats admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 3368 
Number of dogs admitted to animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 2841 
Number of cats euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 1531 
Number of dogs euthanized in animal control shelters in the target area last year (if known) 589 
Please explain if you believe your target area animal population is significantly different than above.
Paws targets the highest area of over population of animals, lowest income levels and the most remote areas of the county.
Please explain what you believe are the most substantial sources of dog and cat overpopulation in the target area:
 Lack of income, lack of education on why spay/neutering animals is important all combined with limited access to an affordable spay/neuter clinic in the areas greatly contribute to the overpopulating of the county especially our targeted areas.
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?
The W.F Thorne Clinic at PAWS is the only low-cost clinic in the county. We perform over 2,000 surgeries yearly however our funds are limited as well and makes it difficult to offer less than our already reduced rates to those that are so below the poverty line.
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?
 
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.
 
Objectives
What do you hope to accomplish with these funds (objectives should be specific and quantifiable)?
This funding will allow PAWS to have the capability to offer lowest cost or no cost spay/neuter services to the animals residing in the low-income areas of Okaloosa County. These areas produce close to 50% of the unwanted litters for both canines and felines picked up or surrendered to Animal Services. Our goal ultimately is to reduce intake and euthanasia rates by giving this much needed access to spay/neuter services thus driving the number of unwanted litters down drastically. Our clinic has proven that we can reduce the number of animals being left at the shelter. In 1995 PAWS intake was 13,000 animals annually with the county population at 93,000 residents, the clinic opened in 1996, in 2017 the shelter intake was 6,209 with a population of over 200,000 residents. It’s been a steady decline throughout the years as awareness is growing.
How does this program increase the number of sterilization surgeries above the existing baseline?
This program will provide sterilization surgeries to those that could not afford it previously thus increasing the residents we will be able to serve.
Methods
What criteria will you use to determine eligibility for your program? 
PAWS Chameleon Software allows data to be pulled to show locations, neighborhoods and cities that produce the majority of the litters of canines and felines, these low-income areas will be our targeted areas.
How will you advertise the program? Explain how the advertising will reach the target audience.
Newspapers, social media, public service announcements through radio will be utilized in multiple languages to inform residents about this service. Flyers will be hung at local stores within our targeted areas. Animal Control Officers and local law enforcement will contact those needing the service the most will patrolling and through daily calls. We will also speak with local community centers and churches to get this program known.
How will you address barriers to full use of the program such as transportation, illiteracy, and cultural hurdles? 
Animal Control Officers will do all the transporting if needed. One on one consultation will be arranged to anyone that does not comprehend how the program will work. All information regarding the program will be available in multiple languages.
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.
 PAWS Certified Animal Control Officers will be picking up and transporting the animals when needed. They will use our fully equipped Animal Control vans, where the animals will be able to ride in safety and comfort accompanied by experienced Animal Transportation Specialist. Surgery and Liability forms will be signed by owners prior to animal medical care.
Veterinary Services
 

What arrangements have you made with veterinarians to perform the surgeries? 
PAWS has a Veterinarian on staff and have made arrangements with a local Veterinarian to perform the additional surgeries.
Are they:  
 

Veterinary Practices
Practice NameAddressCityStateZipPhoneLead Practice
Dr. Cheryl Beck3906 US 98 #23Santa Rosa BeachFlorida32459850-267-0340
Dr. Stephan Knappstein752 Lovejoy RoadFort Walton BeachFlorida32548850-243-1525
Santa Rosa Animal Hospital3906 US 98 #23Santa Rosa BeachFlorida32459850-267-0340
W. F Thorne Clinic752 Lovejoy RoadFort Walton BeachFlorida32548850-243-1525

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: 
 Rabies vaccinations are required by the State of Florida. On a case by case allowance fees may be waived dependent on need.  
Is this a voucher program? Yes
 
If so, how will you assure compliance with the program?
The vouchers would be given out by our Animal Control Officers, local law enforcement officers or staff members. The voucher is a two-part form, half is retained to PAWS office staff so the clinic receptionist may contact the voucher holder and set surgery date and time. Voucher holder will be required to have their half of the voucher and ID with them at time of surgery.
 
For your voucher program, how have you determined the capacity of the veterinarians listed above to handle the projected capacity?
We have discussed with them their availability, time constraints, program scope and timeline of the program.  
 
Will you have the ability to report the number of vouchers issued and the percentage that result in S/N surgeries?
Yes with 100% transparency

 
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
99 Rock FMRadio Public Service announcements
Destin LogPrint Media- PSAs spotlighting program surgery days and Interview of pertinent staff at the beginning of the program
Dr. Cheryl Becksupporting veterinarian services on surgery days
Dr. Stephan KnappsteinLead veterinarian for surgery days
NWF Daily NewsLaunch of program article with interview of pertinent staff, follow up with photo opportunities of different clinic days throughout the timeline
Okaloosa County Sheriff's DepartmentEducate public about program when they encounter cases that fit our criteria. Notify PAWS when they see an animal that needs to be included in the program so pertinent staff may make contact.
United Way- Okaloosa CountyWe will leave flyers and meet with United Way to discuss the program and ask them to offer the program to families meeting our criteria within the county.

 
Other Information
Provide any additional information that will help the grant selection committee understand how the program will operate to achieve its goals.
 PAWS knows if you can provide as much assistance as possible to our rural, low income area residents to help them get their animals spay and neutered we will continue to see a reduction in the number of animals abandoned in this target area. We will provide transportation to and from the clinic for the animals if the owners cannot, we will provide low cost or free dependent on individual spay and neuter services throughout the area. We will have a concentrated media drive through social media, print and radio to educate our community of the availability of this program. This program will coincide with a larger initiative to become no-kill by the year 2020, Avoid a Pet-ternity Suit Program is an intricate part to achieving this goal. PAWS is very grateful for this opportunity.
Budget
Total number of sterilization surgeries projected:
Cats: 175    Dogs:  175 
Total budget requested (Budget should not exceed $25,000): $25,000.00 
Average cost/surgery projected: $72.00 
Describe any expenses that are not included in the grant and how they will be paid for (for example, vaccines, microchipping, ear notching, etc.):
Mandatory Rabies vaccination is an expense not covered by the grant, PAWS will be giving one year vaccines at a cost of $10.00 to the client unless they cannot afford this fee. PAWS can cover the cost when needed. Microchipping is another possible expense, although not required it is highly recommended, again this $15.00 fee can be covered by PAWS when necessary.
 
Describe any other funding sources for this program, i.e. other grants, targeted fundraising efforts, budget allocation, etc.
PAWS launched the I AM PAWS Sponsorship Program that has potential gross of $39,000 annually to partially fund all programs for the No-Kill initiative, One By One. Avoid a Pet-ternity Suit is one of these programs. PAWS also now sells t-shirts, launching an online store within two months to potentially double sales by 50%, reaching a potential of $10,000 annually.
 
What percent of the total cost of the program would this projected grant cover?
65%
Timeline
All projects must be completed within 12 months of receipt of funding.
Projected start date: 07/05/18/     Projected end date: 06/28/19
 
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.
 PAWS will use funding from I AM PAWS Sponsorship Program with a dedicated $10,000 to this program next fiscal year and monies raised from spay/neuter awareness t-shirts to help supplement the program further moving forward. Each t-shirt sold grosses a $15.00 profit.
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 will use social, print and radio to promote the sale of the Animal Friend License Plate and the grant with PSAs, website links, social media posts on all platforms and continue to work with the Florida Public Relations Association to further promote the grant program and license plate sales.