Operating animal shelters is not so easy. ADVERTISING Operating animal shelters is not so easy. Even my job as Hawaii Island Humane Society shelter veterinarian starts before each animal arrives. We design comprehensive protocols for maintaining animal health starting with
Operating animal shelters is not so easy.
Even my job as Hawaii Island Humane Society shelter veterinarian starts before each animal arrives. We design comprehensive protocols for maintaining animal health starting with sanitation and including vaccines and deworming. We assess each animal for illnesses and injuries and start them on medications as soon as possible. We work enthusiastically to give every animal a chance at adoption. We spay and neuter adopted and community owned pets to reduce pet overpopulation.
In order to keep current on best shelter practices and elevate animal welfare at HIHS, I am completing a shelter medicine master’s program through University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. My classmates include people across the nation and world. While HIHS has a Second Chance Fund to treat sick and injured animals, some mainland shelters still have to fundraise for each dog needing treatment for heartworm.
I admit I am not very business-minded, but I don’t understand how the HIHS contract could “incentivize” euthanasia. Perhaps it is claimed that we would euthanize a certain amount this year so we can get more money budgeted for next year? Seriously?
There is no philosophical separation between HIHS administration (board and executive director) and staff. In fact, I can’t even tell you whether I am administration or staff. We all believe in our mission. None of us benefit from euthanasia.
Shelter capacity for care is based on kennel space and employee hours. Once capacity is exceeded, animal welfare declines. Our budget is not limitless and restricts capacity for care.
And before anyone wonders how we could ever be at capacity for care with our alleged budgetary surplus, again, I am not very business-minded, but I think budgets specify how money can be spent. There is not just one big pot of money. HIHS is also a unique organization funded by taxpayer money and donations. While animal control money pays for sheltering stray animals and euthanasia, separate nonprofit funds support adoption.
We love adoptions! They reward our hard work. Working with our contracted rescue partners is so much fun. Aloha Ilio Rescue is a great example of how rescue organizations succeed with hard work and positive attitudes.
I am completely immersed in what HIHS does from when each animal comes into the shelter until it leaves. I support our efforts wholeheartedly. I even donate my hard earned money to HIHS.
Kristina Kanani Henricks, PhD, is a Hawaii Island Humane Society shelter veterinarian and resident of Kailua-Kona.
My Turn opinions are those of the writer and not West Hawaii Today.
