Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society took over animal welfare operations for Hamilton County from the SPCA on Aug. 1 (the SPCA didn't renew their contract with the county), which includes overseeing the main shelter at 3949 Colerain Ave. in Northside.
And, according to a press release, things seem to be going well: "In its first month, (the Northside Shelter) had a record-setting live release rate for the location. Dogs had a live release rate of 99% (232 intakes, 3 medical euthanasia, 0 died in care) and cats had a live release rate of 97% (237 intakes, 5 medical euthanasia, 0 died in care)."
Cincinnati Animal CARE also noted that the live release rate for guinea pigs was 100% — with two intakes and zero medical euthanasias or deaths in care.
“It’s clear that our no-kill mission can be accomplished in Hamilton County,” said Meaghan Colville, Director of Lifesaving Operations at the shelter. “It takes a community to do it and we’re not afraid to ask for help. We’ve seen an outpouring of support from rescue partners, new foster families, and most importantly, a community energized about new management at this location. We welcome the community being a part of the solution.”
To celebrate, Cincinnati Animal CARE is discounting adoption fees during Labor Day Weekend (Friday, Sept. 4-Monday, Sept. 7); dogs adoptions will cost $50 and puppy adoptions (under 6 months old) will cost $175, with a license, for Hamilton County residents.
"The staff has embraced a new way of doing business and are already seeing immediate results with the animals,” said Carolyn Evans, executive director, who also founded the city's My Furry Valentine mega adoption event. “We’re just getting started.”
According to their Commitment to Animals statement, Cincinnati Animal CARE operates "with the belief that an animal shelter is no place to live."
"Every animal in our care will receive immediate, individual attention and consideration. Each animal is placed on a live outcome plan upon arrival and our staff are compassionate and trained in best practices to ensure the exceptional care of every animal. 'The Five Freedoms' (freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain or injury; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress) are just the minimum. We will always act with a sense of urgency when lives are on the line."
Their no-kill mission means, to them, "When we euthanize an animal, it is because we have exhausted ALL other options for a live outcome and have determined that the animal is suffering too greatly, without good prognosis, from an illness or injury or they are a true public safety risk."
View adoptable dogs at cincinnatianimalcare.org/adopt/available-dogs and adoptable cats at cincinnatianimalcare.org/adopt/available-cats.
The Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society shelter is located at 3949 Colerain Ave., Northside.