[ MEASURING SUCCESS ]
Reducing Shelter Intake
When Speak for Animals began in 2003, we discovered that the Judson Community in the 29611 zip code had large numbers of stray dogs and cats, as well as a high amount of neglect of animals. We later found out that it was the largest intake zip code at our county open admission shelter.
We began our Spay-Mania Outreach program offering free spay/neuter to residents of 29611, going door to door to meet them and offering transportation. We are happy to announce that due to our efforts, the 29611 zip code is no longer the highest intake zip code! Currently, the two highest intake zip codes are: 29303 in Spartanburg County and 29601 in Greenville County
In 2017, we launched Spay-Mania programs for both of these zip codes, as well as continuing to offer free spay/neuter for the 29611 zip code. We will monitor the effects of our efforts.
Happy Client & Referrals
It is important for us to build strong relationships within the community; be it with low-income spay/neuter clients in target zip code neighbors, our Fix-a-Pit or other program clients, etc.. We believe that treating all people with respect is the best way to further our mission. Education is key and happy clients bring us more happy spay/neuter clients!
Building Strong Relationships with Our Community Partners
Judson YMCA Community Center
We have worked with the Judson YMCA Community Center staff and board for 10 years, meeting there each month to speak with neighbors about our programs. We love working with their dedicated staff, and board of directors, who also believe in the importance of our mission to make their community better for people and animals.
Long-term Relationships with Partner Veterinarians
Simply put – without our partner veterinarians, we could not do our work. We strive to maintain and build positive relationships with our veterinary clinics to show them the thanks and respect we have for them every day! We are always looking for more veterinary clinics to help us serve the community in all areas of the Upstate.
Meaningful Outreach
Our reputation is the most important asset at Speak for Animals. When we speak to someone, we approach the situation with integrity. We do not misrepresent what we do or over promise. We can most often say yes to a request, but not in all cases.
If we can’t help, we try to help them find the resources they need or recommend that surrendering the animals to a shelter or rescue group may be their best option.
We also want to be able to help educate folks on how to best care for their animals. We talk about food, water and shelter and how the animals can thrive through being walked and loved. We may even compassionately recommend that people surrender their animals if they cannot physically or economically take care of their animal companions. We will refer them to our rescue contacts, if we have one able to take in their animals.
The bottom line for us it to make our community better for animals and the people who love them. Not only does that affect the individual animal and person, it makes neighborhoods healthier and reduces the burden on our animal shelters.
